An overview of the 2021-2022 Hi-fi system products that won the prestigious Eisa awards, in which the following products received the best product nominations: speakers, amplifiers, turntables and headphones.
The following are the award-winning Hi-fi systems for 2021-2022:
Floorstanding speakers Monitor Audio Silver 500 7G
The seventh generation of Monitor Audio's Silver Series introduces a wide range of acoustic innovations - all showcased in a stunning floor-standing flagship.Silver 500 7G". The C-CAM metal/ceramic tweeter features a new motor and housing for clearer sounds and more subtle treble. The RST II midrange and woofers are made from an improved ceramic-coated alloy for increased housing rigidity. Add a sleek crossover and an impressive cabinet with screw-in turntables, and you have a speaker with the finest details that create a massive and powerful musical experience.
System Audio's sleek active speaker isn't just slim, it's packed with technology to optimize your sound and tailor it to your needs. Pair it with the optional wireless Stereo Hub and you can choose between automatic and manual tuning to tailor the speaker to your space. System Audio offers a wide range of pick 'n' mix DSP connectivity options, including downloadable RAM Tweaks to reconfigure the sound balance. But what's most impressive is the excellent sound this wireless speaker delivers, with a focus on power, bass power and precise rhythm.
Based on the original LS50W design, using the same metamaterial absorption technology found in the LS50 Metamodel, these are more than just a pair of speakers. In fact, they’re a full wireless Hi-Fi system, capable of playing music from portable devices, local network storage and streaming services – all controlled by a cleverly designed app. Setup and configuration are simple, meaning you’ll be playing music in minutes, and the combination of KEF’s Uni-Q turntable and internal amplifier power delivers accurate and immersive sound that surpasses expectations for such small speakers. They can handle high-resolution music or be used via Bluetooth from your phone. The speakers look great on a shelf or on their dedicated stands, and of course, they deliver exceptional Hi-Fi without any boxes.
The original EISA award-winning LS50 was widely acclaimed, but KEF engineers have taken it to the next level with a number of detailed improvements, including the use of metamaterial absorption technology to further control unwanted turntable resonances. It may seem like a small internal upgrade, but the result is a superb compact speaker that can deliver powerful sound, rich bass and looks great. Now the speaker has become something truly special, and is best in class for its price. If you’re short on space, we recommend this excellent speaker, whose stunningly attractive appearance will further enhance its appeal.
Wilson Audio's Sabrina has long been known as a great compact high-end speaker, but for this X model, the company has made some major changes to further enhance its performance. The changes started with an attractive enclosure, now made from the inert X material the speaker was named after, and a selection of WilsonGloss colors.The tweeter is modeled after the company's flagship models for better detail and "liveliness." While the midrange is maintained as in the original Sabrina technology, the new subwoofer delivers clearer and faster bass. The result? Wider sound and bass that create a spacious sound with a freely "breathing" atmosphere, no matter what you play.
Compact, smart and capable of handling even the most demanding speakers to deliver room-filling sound, whether it’s coming from your phone, computer or streaming service, the EVO 150 is the system many have wanted or needed. It’s stylish and incredibly flexible, with balanced inputs and a surround sound stage, but what really sets it apart is that it’s easy to set up and operate for breathtaking performance. From the way the EVO 150 is installed to the brilliant control of the StreamMagic app, Cambridge Audio engineers have thought of everything, so this is a system that delivers best-in-class sound the whole family can enjoy.
Of the two integrated amps to choose from, Rotel's revived Michi may be more affordable, but it's definitely a sweet spot, combining confidence with speed or warmth with the ability to switch from turntable driver to cobweb. There's no shortage of power, but the Michi X3 delivers massive power easily, quickly, and with plenty of detail under the right control, making it even more rewarding. With its flexibility, quality, and style, you'll have an amp that will replace any super-integrated amp currently available, and surpass most of them.
NAD began developing its legendary amplifiers and has been researching and perfecting this technology for almost half a century. It all comes down to the great-looking C 298 power amplifier, designed for use everywhere from mainstream hi-fi and home cinema systems to hidden-away conventional installations. It features single-ended balanced inputs for flexibility and a switchable signal sensor for remote control, while the energy-efficient Purifi Eigentakt amplification technology means you can use almost any speaker without any problems. The sound is impressive and upgradeable - switch it into bridge mode and you have a 600W+ monoblock!
Bluesound’s first multi-room wireless system was a game changer, and its BluOS platform was designed to deliver high-resolution music, and it’s been refined and improved ever since. This latest version of the NODE music player is an easy way to connect your multi-room device to the system using Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Apple AirPlay 2, aptX HD Bluetooth and USB-A, so you can access audio content from streaming services, internet radio and your own music library. The new NODE now also features HDMI ARC for playing audio from TVs and gaming systems – all controlled via the intuitive BluOS Controller app or popular voice assistants.
Cambridge Audio has been making DACs since 1994. The latest addition to the DacMagic line-up, the 200M, is a testament to this. It lives up to its illustrious predecessors, combining a solid build, ease of use and performance, and a wide range of file format compatibility up to 768kHz/24bit and DSD512 (e.g. via USB input). Not only is it an easy-to-use, great “desktop audio” device that delivers great sound on headphones, it’s also a real eye-catcher in a main audio system, delivering expressive, detailed and sophisticated sound.
Created to celebrate the company's 30th anniversary, this highly-revamped version of Pro-Ject's entry-level turntable features a host of improvements, not least of which is a new solid alloy/carbon fibre cartridge. The platter has a lower oscillation amplitude and is non-magnetic, both the arm and motor suspension have been improved, and the new Pick it Pro cartridge comes pre-installed for almost instant setup and use. The description "the ultimate expression of the Debut concept" rings true and appealing - this is an absolute knockout and the new entry-level champion.
It may have been discontinued over half a century ago, but the Thorens TD 124 has retained its legendary status and is still highly sought after. While the latest version may look like the original, the “DD” in the model number means it’s now a direct turntable design with a new and highly adjustable cartridge, while retaining its retro look, especially when fitted with the SPU 124 cartridge. There’s even a pop-up adapter for turntables, but whatever you play, the TD 124 DD will delight you with its speed, rhythm and sheer weight. It may look old-fashioned, but the sound is truly innovative.
The latest design of Ortofon’s long-lasting 2M moving magnet cartridge pays tribute to Beethoven on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of his birth, featuring a portrait of the composer on the body. It is suitable for soft, sophisticated melody, and is particularly suited to classical, jazz and acoustic music. Refined and perfectly composed, it uses a version of the stylus and console provided in the company’s Cadenza Black moving coil cartridge. All this, together with the new suspension, contributes to a sound characterized by solidity, excellent stereo focus and depth, as well as smooth, rich reproduction of strings and other acoustic instruments.
Other models in the SVS 3000 series use a single large subwoofer in a sealed or portable enclosure. The US subwoofer specialist has introduced its smallest woofer drive (8-inch aluminum cone) and has installed two of them in a new rugged enclosure that measures less than 30 cm in all directions. The 3000 Micro is therefore designed for use in space-constrained home theaters and living rooms, while still delivering the performance that fans of the brand have come to expect. The built-in 800W Sledge DSP amplifier tightly controls the performance, so this helper can combine control and subtlety with brute force when needed. Sold at an affordable price, it is a real winner in its category.
Sometimes it’s hard to connect the equipment in front of you with the sound you hear. Take the excellent KEF KC62 subwoofer as an example – it’s small, just 25cm in diameter, and the drivers are just 16.5cm in diameter. But this seemingly magical speaker delivers big, fast and precisely controlled bass all the way down to the subterranean depths. The KC62 is so small you can hide it almost anywhere, but its performance is down to its clever design – similar drivers use Uni-Core power, each powered by a 500W amplifier and controlled by digital signal processing. Want to make it even more fun? Try using two of them!
Part Dolby Atmos/DTS:X soundbar, part full-featured HEOS multi-room speaker, the Denon Home Sound Bar 550 delivers powerful sound quality for movies and music, and the ability to expand into a multi-channel home theater system with optional wireless surround and subwoofer.Control via the remote is simple and intuitive, but the HEOS app experience is even smoother when it comes to streaming music, subscription services, internet radio or your own network. With Amazon Alexa functionality via the built-in microphones, you don’t even have to lift a finger. Proximity touch controls, HDMI pass-through with Dolby Vision pass-through, and a great design and build round out this smart package.
The JBL Bar 5.0 Multibeam packs a ton of tech talent into its compact chassis. The living room-friendly, single-box system doesn’t have an additional subwoofer – instead, the soundbar’s five active drivers are joined by four passive radiators for a tangible, well-integrated bass response. For a cinematic sound experience, Virtual Dolby Atmos DSP works with JBL’s automatic multi-beam calibration to create sound with width, height and excellent effects placement. Deep dialogue comes through from a dedicated center channel, while music playback (via Chromecast’s built-in Bluetooth or the Bar 5.0 Multibeam’s HDMI and optical audio inputs) is perfectly balanced.
To create the Reserve Series, Polk Audio leveraged its premium Legend speaker technology, including eye-catching Pinnacle tweeters and Turbine Cone drivers, and introduced its first-ever wall/cabinet-mountable height modules. A special offering from the system builders, the line features nine options, including a slim center channel and three different stands, matched by timbre for a variety of tuning and selection options. The sound is reflected in a favorably neutral tone, excellent detail reproduction and smooth balanced bass response, enhanced by Polk's Power Port 2.0 ventilation technology - all of which only heighten the senses of home theater fans. The understated design of the Reserve Series helps the speakers blend into any space, and its performance ensures that you will listen to the sound while enjoying it.
Whether you choose SVS's pricier SB-1000 Pro in its standard ash black finish or its premium gloss white or black finish, the end result is the same—performance with surprising speed, punch, and depth, emanating from a cabinet that houses the subwoofer's more powerful, forward-firing 12-inch drive. Inside, a 325-watt-rated DSP amplifier delivers the kind of powerful, punchy sound a listener would expect. In a surprising overhaul of SVS' entry-level model, the company's Bluetooth control and EQ app, which was retained from the flagship 16 Ultra series, is ready to fine-tune the soundstage in your space. Looking for a great, affordable bass booster? Check it out here.
Other models in the SVS 3000 series use a single large subwoofer in a sealed or portable enclosure. The US subwoofer specialist has introduced its smallest woofer drive (8-inch aluminum cone) and installed two of them in a new rugged enclosure that measures less than 30 cm in all directions. The 3000 Micro is therefore designed for use in space-constrained home theaters and living rooms, while delivering the performance that fans of the brand have come to expect. The built-in 800W Sledge DSP amplifier tightly controls the process, so this helper can combine control and subtlety with brute force when needed. Sold at an affordable price, it is a real winner in its category.
Yamaha's seven-channel network AV receiver will add a stunning new design philosophy to your home theater system, with seven-to-one HDMI outputs for advanced gaming consoles and future 8K video sources. Yamaha has also taken care of the performance of the unit, while implementing a host of smart features, including the ability to use MusicCast multi-room speakers as wireless surround sound effects. Built with advanced high-speed amplification and proprietary Cinema DSP, the RX-V6A creates spacious, detailed and immersive sound fields with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X sources, while applying full "smoothing" to stereo and multi-channel material. It's a great, future-oriented addition to the brand's AVR fleet.
The Reavon UBR-X200 offers a versatile approach to home theater entertainment, playing Ultra HD Blu-ray, DVD, CD, SACD and DVD Audio discs, as well as high-resolution music files from USB or network devices. Externally, the player makes the strongest impression with the quality and style of the full-width steel-clad cabinet construction, while inside, an eight-channel Burr-Brown DAC and MediaTek SoC (System On a Chip) offer a feature package, including balanced stereo sound via XLR and Dolby Vision HDR from 4K discs. On-screen menus give you full control over setup and customization, and the remote control makes the device perfect for use in the movie theater. This is a great choice for fans of physical media channels.
