EISA Hi-Fi Awards 2022-2023

EISA or Expert Imaging and Sound Association, is anassociation of 60 special interest magazines and websites from 29 countries. EISA started in 1982 when the editors-in-chief from five European photo magazines came together to select “The Camera of the Year” for the first time. They had no idea that out of this meeting EISA - the European Imaging and Sound Association - would emerge some years later. This historic moment took place in 1989 after another 10 photo magazines had joined the group in the meanwhile.

Every year, the EISA Awards celebrate those new products that combine the most advanced technology and desirable features with class-leading performance. The EISA Awards extend from the most affordable, high-value products to the most aspirational expressions of modern consumer electronics. Award categories change from year to year, reflecting the evolution of product design and connectivity, but every EISA Award winner remains the very best in its class. The sheer strength in depth of EISA’s members ensures the EISA Awards logo carries tremendous weight with all informed consumers.

EISA FLOORSTANDING LOUDSPEAKERS 2022-2023
Paradigm Founder 120H

The largest model in Paradigm’s Founder range features the same modern design cues, driver technologies and cabinet construction as its brethren, but while the other Founders are passive loudspeakers, the 120H is a hybrid design. An active bass section, with trio of 8.5in woofers and 1000W of amplification, dovetails with passive mid and tweeter units to form a perfectly integrated whole. Further setting this floorstander apart from the crowd is the inclusion of ARC Genesis, which brings room correction even to very traditional hi-fi setups. The result is a premium loudspeaker that can be optimised to your own room and system, and one with a powerful, controlled and engaging performance.

EISA WIRELESS FLOORSTANDING LOUDSPEAKERS 2022-2023
KEF LS60 Wireless

KEF’s slender LS60 Wireless feels revolutionary, and demonstrates to the world what the future of hi-fi could look like. Utilising a range of the brand’s in-house innovations, including the space-saving Uni-Core bass driver technology from the KC62 subwoofer, 12th-generation Uni-Q driver, and single-apparent-source design from its mighty Blade, this active floorstander offers incredible bass, tangible power and immaculate imaging. Furthermore, adapting the software platform from KEF’s LS50 Wireless II bookshelf model means the LS60 carries the same exhaustive set of streaming options, including AirPlay 2 and Roon, plus user-friendly app-based control. Put simply, there’s nothing comparable out there – all buyers need to do is pick a colour…

EISA WIRELESS ON-WALL LOUDSPEAKERS 2022-2023
System Audio legend 7.2 silverback

By integrating amplification, DSP and a wireless module based on the hi-res-capable WiSA platform, System Audio’s passive legend 7.2 loudspeaker is transformed into something unique in its ‘silverback’ guise. On-wall installation means this slim cabinet won’t clutter up an interior, while also giving an acoustical boost to its pair of 5in bass/mid drivers. Wired playback remains an option, but marry the speaker to System Audio’s optional Stereo Hub and it becomes easy to stream music via AirPlay, Bluetooth, Chromecast or Spotify Connect. This compact box also offers built-in room correction to improve sound performance, and a plethora of inputs for external sources – all without a loudspeaker cable in sight!

EISA ALL-IN-ONE LOUDSPEAKER 2022-2023
Sonus faber Omnia

You might fall for the Omnia’s striking looks and its illuminated touch controls, but you’ll stay for the signature Sonus faber sound and sweeping feature set. Courtesy of its multi-driver array, robust amplification and advanced signal processing, this all-in-one loudspeaker brings the width and space of a traditional stereo speaker setup to a one-box design, and proves equally talented when it comes to music replay or filling a living room with clear, powerful TV sound. The Omnia is also very well connected – streaming talents include Apple AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Roon, Tidal Connect and Spotify Connect while vinyl is more than welcome thanks to a dedicated phono input, and HDMI ARC means hooking up a TV is child’s play.

EISA HIGH-END STEREO SYSTEM 2022-2023
MOON Voice 22 & ACE

Adding to the Canadian company’s successful line of hi-fi components, the Voice 22 is MOON’s first foray into loudspeakers – and it’s superb. A finely crafted two-way bookshelf/standmount, it benefits from a resonance-controlled bass-reflex cabinet, striking a fine balance between crisp detail and a weighty, room-filling performance that surprises given the compact design. This sonic signature will suit a variety of amplifiers, but the Voice 22 is ideally partnered with the slim but powerful ACE all-in-one. This integrates the company’s versatile MiND 2 streaming platform, intuitive app control, and a host of physical inputs with a powerful amplifier, ensuring the MOON Voice 22/ACE system will be loved by every music aficionado in the house.

EISA BEST VALUE WIRELESS LOUDSPEAKERS 2022-2023
SVS Prime Wireless Pro Powered Speakers

Blending the advantages of active loudspeaker design with multiple streaming options at an affordable price point, SVS’s Prime Wireless Pro Powered Speakers are a brilliant addition to the American marque’s catalogue – and your listening room. The two-way enclosures, driven by built-in 2x100W amplification, are bookshelf-sized but produce a large, powerful, room-filling sound. A subwoofer output allows for optional upgrading; the EISA Award-winning SVS 3000 Micro being a logical option. Integration with the hi-res-capable DTS Play-Fi platform opens up a world of sources, and SVS hasn’t economised on physical inputs either, including digital optical, analogue line-level, and HDMI ARC. This is an all-round package that will delight music lovers.

EISA STREAMING AMPLIFIER 2022-2023
Roksan Attessa Streaming Amplifier

With a sleek design that’s both an homage to classic Roksan hardware and a refreshing take on a ‘just-add-speakers’ amp, you could be mistaken for thinking the Attessa Streaming Amplifier is all about form, not function. But this powerful Class AB amp is focused on fulfilling your musical needs, both via wired inputs – including an excellent MM phono stage – and the superb BluOS streaming platform. To these multiple digital and analogue inputs is added app-based control and multiroom functionality. Performance, too, is exemplary – the Attessa Streaming Amplifier has a grown-up sound that’ll have you listening for hours, driven by a power plant that just keeps on giving.

EISA SMART AMPLIFIER 2022-2023
Marantz Model 40n

Marantz’s rich history contains many landmark amplifiers, and the Model 40n ties perfectly into that heritage. Yes, it’s gorgeous to look at in either black or silver gold finish, but more appealing still is how it fuses the brand’s performance-first ethos with a dizzying range of features. Stream digital music via the HEOS platform, connect a turntable to the MM phono input, or lace up a TV through HDMI ARC – the Model 40n is equally at home playing your analogue or digital music collection as taking TV and movie entertainment to new heights. Anyone seeking a modern, do-it-all integrated amplifier with superb sound will find it here.

EISA BEST VALUE STEREO SYSTEM 2022-2023
Denon PMA-900HNE & DCD-900NE

Denon’s PMA-900HNE is a perfect choice for music lovers building an affordable system with wide functionality and powerful sound. The company’s proven Advanced High Current technology is on hand to capably drive partnering loudspeakers and – in a first for a Denon integrated amp – HEOS wireless streaming and app control join a connections roster that also includes Bluetooth and a headphone socket. Using the PMA-900HNE with a turntable or television is also possible too, the latter via its ability to learn the commands of a TV remote. Pick it up with Denon’s equally affordable DCD-900NE CD player and you have a brilliant two-box system that covers all the bases.

EISA STEREO SYSTEM 2022-2023
Rotel RA-6000 & DT-6000

Showcasing Rotel at its best, and launched to celebrate the Japanese brand’s sixtieth anniversary, the Diamond Series partners an integrated amplifier with CD player/DAC. The first of those, the RA-6000, incorporates technology from Rotel’s high-end Michi models, and offers a thrilling blend of power, authority and clarity. Meanwhile the matching DT-6000 doesn’t just bring refined CD playback – it’s named a DAC Transport for a reason, and features a superior 384kHz/32-bit conversion stage that can be used with other digital sources to great effect. Put together, Rotel’s Diamond Series duo becomes an insightful, dynamic music system that will excite and delight.

EISA HEADPHONE SYSTEM 2022-2023
EarMen CH-Amp, Tradutto & Staccato

By offering a ‘stack’ of four discrete units in finely crafted aluminium housings and each dedicated to their particular role, EarMen has created a brilliant standalone solution for headphone lovers to stream. The Staccato is a slimline streamer controlled by a user-friendly smartphone app, which sends hi-res audio to the fully balanced Tradutto DAC. The CH-Amp preamp/headphone amp continues the fully balanced ethos, and has the capability to power even the most demanding of head gear. Each EarMen component can be used separately, but it’s when they’re put together and powered by the triple-output power supply unit bundled with the CH-Amp that you get a high-performance system that really shines.

EISA VINYL SYSTEM 2022-2023
Pro-Ject X2 B & Phono Box S3 B

Vinyl enthusiasts keen to step up from an entry-level turntable need look no further than Pro-Ject’s X2 B. This new balanced upgrade of the company’s tried-and-trusted X2, kitted out with the excellent Ortofon Quintet Red MC cartridge on a damped carbon-aluminium tonearm, offers an astute and gorgeous sound. Its 2kg acrylic platter and rigid massive plinth, available in four lavish finishes, deliver consistent and resonance-free playback. Pro-Ject’s Phono Box S3 B phono stage is then the ideal partner for the X2 B – this versatile little box retains the advantages of a balanced connection all the way from cartridge to amplifier, and sounds superb.

EISA TURNTABLE 2022-2023
Thorens TD 1500

A turntable descended from vinyl royalty, Thorens’ TD 1500 takes the classic suspended sub-chassis principle – and design style – of its TD 150 forebear and reimagines it for the modern era. Via its factory-fitted tonearm and supplied Ortofon 2M Bronze cartridge, this deck unearths commanding, weighty bass, delicious attack and a lush midband from LP grooves. Setup and operation is a breeze too, the TD 1500 benefiting from full adjustment of suspension level and tonearm height, and slick electronic speed control. However, while build, looks and price are irresistible, it’s the TD 1500’s sound quality that will turn the most heads. This is a peerless blend of ‘old’ and ‘new’.Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

EISA BEST VALUE TURNTABLE 2022-2023
Argon Audio TT-4

Although a relatively young brand, Argon Audio has become one of the largest turntable manufacturers in Scandinavia, and its flagship but still affordable TT-4 shows why. This deck is all about pitch-perfect, accurate music replay, aided by a 1.5kg platter, heavyweight MDF plinth and vibration-damping feet – even the 8.9in carbon-fibre tonearm features an ATS (Anisotropic Torsion Stabiliser) system to minimise resonances. Ease of use is aided by the TT-4’s integrated, high-quality RIAA phono preamp, electronic speed control and prefitted Ortofon 2M Red cartridge. And with its timeless combination of wood veneer, black and white chassis options, this overperforming turntable is a bit of a looker too…

EISA DAC 2022-2023
Musical Fidelity M6x DAC

Hailing from the DAC pioneer, Musical Fidelity’s M6x DAC is a worthy successor to the Digilog model that started it all – in 1988. There’s a lot going on behind its unassuming but finely crafted aluminium chassis, including a bespoke clock solution and pair of the latest ESS DAC chips operating as a dual mono design, supporting hi-res material to 768kHz/32-bit and DSD512. Put into action, it delivers amazing insight, imaging and detail, with eight filters available to fine-tune its sound to your taste. Inputs, including USB-B and AES/EBU, will cover just about every digital source. And the M6x DAC isn’t just an excellent addition to a speaker-based separates system – there’s a fine headphone amplifier built-in too…

EISA LOUDSPEAKER SERIES 2022-2023
Perlisten S Series

Perlisten has raced out of the blocks with its S Series debut, a high-end range comprising five models. Key to its impeccable sound quality is the bespoke Directivity Pattern Control (DPC) array, a nest of beryllium tweeter and carbon-ply midrange domes that’s precision engineered for controlled dispersion and pin-point imaging. A feature on all the speakers, from the range-topping S7t floorstander through monitor, centre channel, standmount and height/surround options, Perlisten’s DPC brings exceptional levels of detail and nuance to movies and music, and is underpinned by rock-solid lows from custom bass drivers. Lush looks and outstanding build quality make this series even more of a winner.

EISA STREAMER 2022-2023
Primare NP5 Prisma MK2

Primare’s NP5 Prisma MK2 makes it easy to introduce streaming capabilities to any outboard DAC or other component with a digital input/DAC. This well-priced device is based on the multiroom audio platform the Swedish brand utilises in even its most expensive hi-fi components, meaning there’s slick control via the dedicated Prisma app, playback from local USB and networked storage, and streaming over Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, Chromecast and Roon. Also a fine upgrade for legacy Primare gear thanks to its RS232 control port, the NP5 Prisma MK2 supports DoP with Roon and MQA passthrough, various output sample rates, and hi-res files to 192kHz/24-bit and DSD128. This streamer may be compact, but sure is mighty when it comes to possibilities.

EISA HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER 2022-2023
Ferrum Audio OOR

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the differeFollowing the EISA Award-winning Hypsos programmable power supply unit, Ferrum has focused its expertise on designing a purely analogue headphone amplifier. The OOR (Dutch for ‘ear’) offers a deep and wide response, and enough power to drive even the most challenging of high-end headphones – whatever model you use, balanced or unbalanced, appears to have been given a shot of extra power. This superior performance is complemented by a compact, desktop-friendly design that emphasises ease of use, and is a cosmetic match for Ferrum’s Hypsos PSU, which can of course be employed by way of upgrade. Balanced and single-ended inputs and headphone outs cater to every listening scenario.nce.

EISA HIGH-END HEADPHONES 2022-2023
Meze Audio Elite

Meze’s Elite leverages the breathtaking design of its earlier Empyrean headphone and betters it with new low-distortion drivers, once again provided by Ukraine’s Rinaro Isodynamics. These lightweight, ultra-thin, dual-coil drivers – an evolution of planar magnetic technology – ensure the open-back Elite captivates with its detailed bass performance and lifelike soundstaging, and unlike many other flagships this headphone is also easy to drive, making your choice of amplifier more straightforward. Completing a remarkable high-end package is the Meze’s superb build quality (including rugged aluminium carry case) and focus on listening comfort. Once you put this headphone on, you’ll never want to take it off…

EISA WIRELESS HEADPHONES 2022-2023
Sony WH-1000XM5

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the differenceA headphone you’ll always want to take with you, the WH-1000XM5 finds Sony fine-tuning its flagship wireless active noise cancelling design to great effect. A new-look, lightweight chassis features comfortable, cushioned earcups that keep unwanted sounds out without applying too much pressure. Inside, 30mm drivers have been designed with noise-cancelling in mind and deliver a refined sound with remarkable detail in the mid and higher ranges – codec-wise you can choose from LDAC, AAC and SBC. Four microphones ensure crisp voice calls, with another quartet deployed for recognition and reduction of external noise, so this headphone triumphs in the busiest of environments. Sony’s smartphone app leverages a wide range of functions, turning the WH-1000XM5 into the ultimate daily workhorse..

EISA MOBILE SPEAKER 2022-2023
JBL Flip 6

The sixth generation of JBL’s Flip offers numerous refinements under the hood, making it a brilliant upgrade of one of the most popular Bluetooth loudspeakers ever. Similarly styled to the Flip 5, but with improved build quality including silicone rubber supports, it features two drive units – a racetrack bass/mid and new tweeter – plus dual passive radiators for deep bass. Claimed onboard power is a healthy 30W, its rechargeable 4800mAh battery providing up to 12 hours of music replay. The Bluetooth specification has been uprated to v5.1, and water/dust protection meets the IP67 standard. Add full control of the Flip 6’s sound parameters via JBL’s dedicated app, and what more could you ask for from an affordable, portable Bluetooth speaker?

EISA MOBILE DAC 2022-2023
iFi Audio xDSD Gryphon

The portable DAC market is highly competitive, but the xDSD Gryphon stands out from the crowd thanks to its insightful sound, comprehensive feature set and extensive connectivity. A successor to the EISA Award-winning xDSD DAC, it features iFi Audio’s new OLED screen to keep you informed about input choice, bitrates and more, plus revised, user-friendly controls. Inside, the latest Qualcomm QCC5100 Bluetooth chip supports just about every audiophile codec out there, while hi-res enthusiasts can play their collections via USB or S/PDIF connection. Add in impressively long battery life, an attractive well-built housing, and support for single-ended and balanced headphones, and the xDSD Gryphon is a leader in its class.

EISA POWER AMPLIFIER 2022-2023
Primare A35.8

Designed for both the home theatre audio and hi-fi worlds, Primare’s multichannel 35 Series amplifier deploys eight bridgeable channels of potent, dynamic Hypex Ncore amplification, and then lets the user decide what to do with them. For a home cinema, the A35.8 can spread its output across a surround array, or be used to bi-amp the front LCR speakers; in a two-channel system, bridged pairs bring phenomenal power and grip, and all eight amps can be put to work on loudspeakers with a split crossover. This is a flexible, innovative and imperious-sounding amplifier, in a stylish, understated chassis typical of the brand.

More HOME THEATR EISA Awards 2022-2023

EISA SUBWOOFER 2022-2023

PERLISTEN D215s

A flagship subwoofer engineered to deliver a reference-grade performance in a large cinema space – and certified THX Dominus – Perlisten’s D215s sounds as purposeful and powerful as it looks. Featuring two custom-made 15in bass drivers in a force-cancelling configuration, propelled by a 3000W amplifier stage, it’s arguably no surprise this sub drops deep and slams hard. What’s perhaps more remarkable is the control and accuracy it brings to movie soundmixes and music material, traits that prove the quality of Perlisten’s cabinet design and application of advanced DSP. App-based parametric EQ and operation, comprehensive connections and a smart colour touchscreen display are further reasons to adore this premium bass-maker.

EISA HOME THEATER AV RECEIVER 2022-2023

DENON AVR-X1700H

An entry-level seven-channel AV receiver with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding, Denon’s AVR-X1700H earns best-in-class status by virtue of its forward-thinking connectivity, foolproof usability and – of course – sound performance. This affordable receiver approaches multichannel mixes with relish, sounding energetic and dynamic, while its trio of HDMI 2.1 inputs, with support for advanced video formats from next-gen consoles, makes it a welcome addition to a gaming setup. Add in HEOS multiroom integration, Bluetooth/network streaming (including playback of hi-res files) and compatibility with voice assistants, and the AVR-X1700H becomes the very definition of value for money.

EISA HOME THEATER AMPLIFIER 2022-2023

TRINNOV AMPLITUDE 16

As modern movie sound formats demand more loudspeakers, system builders need more amplification. Trinnov’s Amplitude16 answers the call, wrapping 16 channels (rated at 200W/8ohm) in a rack-sized, all-metal chassis that’s a smart cosmetic match for its multichannel Altitude16 processor. The unit’s two eight-channel modules, designed in collaboration with Class D specialist ICEPower and fed by independent power supplies, deliver an astonishingly dynamic performance. In practice, the Amplitude16 blends controlled, deep bass with effortless speed and purity of tone – it’s a high-end powerhouse that will get the best from any loudspeaker system, and marks a thrilling addition to the Trinnov fleet.Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

EISA HOME THEATER PROCESSOR 2022-2023

ANTHEM AVM 90

In this flagship home theatre processor, Anthem has blended state-of-the-art connectivity and in-depth calibration with an articulate, immersive and tonally balanced performance. Featuring a 19-channel output – including four independent LFE outs – available on balanced XLRs for partnering with the brand’s MCA power amplifiers, the AVM 90 is ready for dedicated cinema rooms with expansive speaker arrays. It’s also ready for modern sources, courtesy of HDMI 2.1 inputs/outputs supporting 4K/120Hz video and dynamic HDR. Use Anthem’s ARC Genesis room correction platform to fine-tune your system and prepare to be bowled over by a performance showcasing pristine detail, accurate effects localisation and seamless bass integration.

Read the Full Home Theater Awards here on the official ESIA website.