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Finding fresh approaches to doing business isn't easy, especially in the current climate. But now it's becoming essential. Audio manufacturers, distributors, and dealers must figure out how to attract new customers while continuing to provide service for existing customers. Neither thing is easily accomplished in an era of change. But failure isn't an option. People with something to sell must connect with customers, and vice versa. Access is key.
Here's another Stereophile milestone, our second one this year. In August, we celebrated the magazine's 500th issue. This month, we celebrate a number that's smaller but almost as round: our 30th Annual Product of the Year Awards.
PotY finalists and winners form a Who's Who (or, rather, a What's What) of high-end audio over the last 30 years. The first year's overall winner, in 1992, was the Mark Levinson No.30 D/A processor (priced at an impressive $13,950), one of the first great-sounding DACs. The following year's winner was the Convergent Audio Technology SL-1 Signature preamplifier…
Amplification Component of the Year
Gryphon Essence monoblock power amplifier ($45,980/pair; reviewed by Jason Victor Serinus, December 2020, Vol.43 No.12 Review)
Finalists (in alphabetical order)
Audio Research Reference 6SE preamplifier ($17,000; reviewed by Jason Victor Serinus and John Atkinson, November 2020, Vol.43 No.11 & August 2021. Vol.44 No.8 review)
Doshi Audio Evo Monoblock amplifier ($41,995/pair; reviewed by Jason Victor Serinus, May 2021, Vol.44 No.5 Review)
Line Magnetic LM-845ia integrated amplifier ($4950; Reviewed by Alex Halberstadt…
Joint Analog Components of the Year
Clearaudio Concept Active Wood turntable ($3700 and up; reviewed by Ken Micallef, June 2021, Vol.44 No.6 Review)
Thorens TD 124 DD turntable ($11,499; reviewed by Ken Micallef, August 2021, Vol.44 No.8 Review)
Finalists (in alphabetical order)
Audio Research Reference Phono 3SE phono preamplifier ($17,000; reviewed by Michael Fremer, February 2021, Vol.44 No.2 Review)
OMA K3 turntable ($363,000 w/power supply and tonearm; reviewed by Michael Fremer, October 2021, Vol.44 No.10 Review)
Pro-Ject Phono Box RS2…
Joint Digital Components of the Year
Okto DAC8 Stereo streaming D/A processor (1203; reviewed by John Atkinson, February 2021, Vol.44 No.2 Review)
Grimm MU1 music streamer ($10,000 w/o internal storage; reviewed by John Atkinson, March 2021, Vol.44 No.3 Review)
Finalists (in alphabetical order)
Accuphase Dg-68 Digital Voicing Equalizer ($24,000; reviewed by Jason Victor Serinus, August & December 2021, Vol.44 Nos.8 & 12 Review)
Antipodes K50 server ($15,000; reviewed by Jason Victor Serinus, October 2021, Vol.44 No.10 Review)
ExaSound…
Headphone Product of the Year
Naim Uniti Atom HE headphone amplifier/streaming DAC ($3290; reviewed by Herb Reichert, September 2021, Vol.44 No.9 Review)
Finalists (in alphabetical order)
Ampsandsound Bigger Ben headphone amplifier ($4950; reviewed by Herb Reichert, April 2021, Vol.44 No.4 Review)
Benchmark HPA4 headphone amplifier ($2999; reviewed by Herb Reichert, February 2021, Vol.44 No.2 Review)
Focal Clear Mg headphones ($1500; reviewed by Herb Reichert, September 2021, Vol.44 No.9 Review)
RAAL-Requisite HSA-1B headphone amplifier ($4500; reviewed…
Accessory of the Year
AudioQuest Niagara 3000 ($3300; reviewed by Tom Gibbs and Fred Kaplan, January & August 2021, Vol.44 Nos.1 & 8 Review)
Finalists (in alphabetical order)
Degritter record-cleaning machine ($3300; reviewed by Michael Fremer, January 2021, Vol.44 No.1 Review)
Shunyata Everest 8000 power conditioner ($8000; reviewed by Brian Damkroger, May 2021, Vol.44 No.5 Review)
Stillpoints component stand SS ($1999–$2799; reviewed by Michael Fremer, November 2020, Vol.43 No.11 Review)
WallyReference Azimuth Gauge ($275; reviewed by Michael…
Loudspeaker of the Year
Magico A5 ($24,800/pair; reviewed by Jim Austin, July 2021, Vol.44 No.7 Review)
Finalists (in alphabetical order)
Dynaudio Confidence 30 ($21,000/pair; reviewed by Kal Rubinson, August 2021, Vol.44 No.8 Review)
KEF LS50 Meta ($1500/pair; reviewed by John Atkinson, November 2020, Vol.43 No.11 Review)
Klipsch Forte IV ($4500/pair; reviewed by Ken Micallef, September 2021, Vol.44 No.9 Review)
Wilson Audio Chronosonic XVX ($329,000/pair; reviewed by Michael Fremer, May 2021, Vol.44 No.5 Review)
Wilson Audio SabrinaX ($18,500/pair…
Budget Component of the Year
KEF LS50 Meta loudspeaker ($1500/pair, reviewed by John Atkinson, November 2020, Vol.43 No.11 Review)
Finalists (in alphabetical order)
Elac Alchemy DPA-2 power amplifier ($1495; reviewed by Jason Victor Serinus, June 2021, Vol.44 No.6 Review)
Elekit TU-8600RS stereo power amplifier ($1785; reviewed by Herb Reichert, May & August 2021. Vol.44 Nos.5 & 8 Review)
NAD C 298 stereo power amplifier ($1999; reviewed by Kal Rubinson, Vol.44 No.6 Review).
Okto DAC8 stereo streaming D/A processor (1203; reviewed by John…
Component of the Year
Magico A5 loudspeaker ($24,800/pair; reviewed by Jim Austin, July 2021, Vol.44 No.7 Review)
Finalists (in alphabetical order)
Degritter record-cleaning machine ($2990; reviewed by Michael Fremer, January 2021, Vol.44 No.1 Review)
Gryphon Essence mono power amplifier ($45,980/pair; reviewed by Jason Victor Serinus, December 2020, Vol.43 No.12 Review)
Okto DAC8 Stereo D/A processor (1203; reviewed by John Atkinson, Vol.44 No.2 Review)
OMA K3 turntable ($363,000 including power supply, tonearm; reviewed by Michael Fremer, October 2021…