HFA Awards
About the ranking order
Ever since I started HFA, people have been asking about a “Bestenliste”, a Ranking Order of best-performing products. The difficulty with such lists is that I feel that there are too many factors at play to be able to pronounce any product as best, let alone hand out points.
The audio hobby involves mixing and matching and a drive to find the component that makes the perfect fit for a given situation. Especially if it has a strong character, that component may work superbly synergistically in that context even if it may work less spectacularly in another system. Thus, the measure of success is relative and often subject to taste.
The HFA ranking order reflects how well-liked the components are relative to one another, based on my personal preferences and irrespective of the retail price. Thus, HFA Favorites and Highly Recommended items appear in all price classes.
Although I strive to be as objective as possible, the reality is that my personal taste and system synergy will always play a role. Therefore, the list should be considered as an inspirational guide, not as a definitive ranking. In my reviews, I will always add perspective. That’s why it is meaningful to also read the associated review(s) after consulting the list.
What’s included in the list?
Only products that have been listened to in the controlled HFA environment are included, and then, only those that I feel are worth mentioning. As it follows, the below is not a complete index of all the articles on HFA. As a rule of thumb, the most esoteric and the best-liked products are usually included while some of the lowest-end or least-liked products can be omitted.
With the exception of same-brand, same-function products which rank identically, the products in each category are ordered by my personal preference.
Please note that this list is frequently updated to always reflect the latest state of affairs as well as my most recent personal preferences. Awards are valid for at least 1 year, but over time, they can change. For instance, a product once Favorite may turn to Highly Recommended or even lose its award altogether if it is sufficiently overshadowed by the competition.
About the Awards
An honorable award for those exceptional products that had such a profound impact that they made a lasting impression.
The Best of the Best, the Cream of the Crop, the Dogs Bullocks. These are the products that, for me, define the state of the art.
The most-loved products in each price category that have been selected as part of the HFA Associated Equipment inventory to be used as references for all reviewing purposes. HFA Favorites are also Highly Recommended.
The most-loved products in each price category that are recommended for short-listing. Similar to HFA Favorites except that they are not part of the HFA Associated Equipment inventory.
Prices
Most of the quoted numbers below are retail prices in Euro, at the moment of review. Some products do not have European price lists, in these cases, another currency is shown. Classics can only be found second-hand and therefore do not have prices mentioned.
Loudspeakers
Martin Logan Renaissance ESL 15A (€30.000 per pair) (HFA Favorite)
Aequo Audio Stilla (€18.000 per pair) (Highly Recommended)
Magico S1 MkII (€23.000) (HFA Favorite)
Kroma Audio Carmen (€57.950 per pair) (Highly Recommended)
Marten Mingus Quintet (€48.500 per pair)
Apogee Scintilla
Wilson Watt/Puppy system 8
Martin Logan Impression ESL 11A (€14.200 per pair) (Highly Recommended)
Vivid Audio Giya G3
Martin Logan Ethos
Paradigm Persona B (€8.400 per pair)
Apogee Duetta Signature
Apogee Centaur
Apogee Diva
AvantGarde Uno G2
Magnepan MG 3.6R
Analysis Audio Epsilon
Xavian Premio Esclusivo (€4.400 per pair) (Highly Recommended)
Franco Serblin Accordo (€8.88 per pair)
Wilson Benesch Precision P1.0 (€7.200 per pair)
Wilson Benesch Precision P2.0 (€11.400 per pair)
Xavian Perla Esclusiva (€1.990 per pair) (HFA Favorite)
Graham Audio LS5/9 (€4.200 per pair)
Graham Audio LS5/9f (€4.600 per pair)
Meridian DSP5200SE
Wilson Sabrina (€22.490 per pair)
Qln Sonora (from €4.400 per pair)
Gustavson Audio LS-One (€3.750 per pair)
Dali Ikon 6
Pre Amplifier
CH Precision L1 (€31.000)
AudioGD Master 1 (€1.399) (HFA Favorite)
Zesto Leto 1.5 (€9.500) (Highly Recommended)
Jeff Rowland Corus + PSU (€30.695) (Highly Recommended)
Jeff Rowland Corus (€20.950) (Highly Recommended)
Jeff Rowland Synergy 2i + BPS1 and external switched charger
Lejonklou Sagatun stereo (€3.300) (Highly Recommended)
Lejonklou Sagatun mono (€6.600)
Ayon Stealth (€6.995) (HFA Favorite)
Zanden 3100 (€12.490)
Jeff Rowland Coherence II
Conrad Johnson CT5
Ayon Orbis
Jeff Rowland Synergy 2i
Jeff Rowland Synergy 2
Jeff Rowland Capri s2 (€4.950)
Anthem STR (€3.999)
Phono Preamp
CH Precision P1 (€31.000) (HFA Favorite) (Magnificent Masterpiece)
Pass XP-17 (€4.900) (Highly Recommended)
Zesto Andros Deluxe (€8.900) (Highly Recommended)
Sw1x LPU 1 (Signature) (1500 UKP) (HFA Favorite)
Benz Lukaschek PP1 (Highly Recommended)
Lejonklou Entity (€1.800)
Line Magnetic LP-33 (€1.989)
Schiit Mani (v.1)
Power Amplifier
CH Precision A1.5 (€34.600) (HFA Favorite) (Magnificent Masterpiece)
Soulution 711 (€55.000) (Highly Recommended)
Audio GD Master 2H (€4.089 per pair) (Highly Recommended)
Analog Domain M75P (€19.600) (Highly Recommended)
Bryston 3B Cubed (€5.790) (Highly Recommended)
Bryston 4B Cubed (€6.990) (Highly Recommended)
Bryston 14B Cubed (€12.490)
Jeff Rowland 725 (€43.500)
Ayre VX-5 Twenty (€11.700)
Zanden 8120 (€21.490)
Bricasti M15 (€19.900)
Zesto Eros 300 (€25.500 per pair) (Highly Recommended)
Jeff Rowland Model 6
atm-audio EPM-50 (20.390 per pair + tax)
Viva Verona XL SE
Anthem STR (€5.999)
Lejonklou Tundra stereo (€3.200) (Highly Recommended)
Lejonklou Tundra mono (€6.000)
Naiu Laboratories Ella MK2 (€7.890)
Pass Labs X250.5
Audio Physic Strada Mono
atm-audio EPM-700 (from €5.838 per pair)
Electrocompaniet AW600 Nemo (€16.598)
Electrocompaniet AW180 (€8.998)
McIntosh MA6900
NuPrime ST-10M (€3.190)
NuPrime ST-10 (€1.595) (HFA Favorite)
NuPrime Evolution One (€3.995 euro per pair)
PrimaLuna DiaLogue Premium (€3.375)
Jeff Rowland 125 (€3.900)
Jeff Rowland 201
Jeff Rowland 525 (€5.700)
Xindak XA6950 II (€1689)
Integrated Amplifier
Goldmund Telos 590 Nextgen (€27.250) (Highly Recommended)
Mark Levinson no. 5805 (€9.190) (Highly Recommended)
Analog Domain M75D (€21.750) (Highly Recommended)
Accuphase E-260 (€5.150) (Highly Recommended)
Ayon Spirit III (€5.890) (HFA Favorite)
Kinki Studio EX M-1 (€2295)
Ayon Scorpio (€3.895)
Line Magnetic LM-805IA (€4.999)
LM-845 Premium (€9.999)
Line Magnetic LM-845IA (€3.999)
Line Magnetic LM-150IA (€4.999)
Fezz Lybra (from €3.750)
Astin Trew AT2-2100 (€2.100)
CD Player
Mark Levinson No.390s
Wadia S7i
Wadia 781i
Wadia 861
Wadia 581
Linn Sondek CD12
dCS P8 SACD Player
Meridian 808.3 Signature Reference
Lector CDP-707 + PSU-707 (€2.990 + €13990)
Ayon CD-10 II (from €4.125) (HFA Favorite)
Bryston BCD-3 (€4.250) (Highly Recommended)
Accuphase DP410
Accuphase DP400
Esoteric X03 SE
Marantz CD94
Meridian 508.24
Sony CDP-XA50ES
Audio Aero Prestige Signature
Ayre CX7 (€3.890)
Meridian 506.24
Rega Jupiter
Rega Planet
Marantz CD11LE
Philips CD880
Vincent S3
Emotiva ERC2
CD Transport
Ayon CD-T II Signature (€5.995) (Highly Recommended)
Mark Levinson 37
Ayon CD-T
Sonic Frontiers Transport 3
PS Audio Directstream Memory Player (€7.495)
Jay’s Audio CDT2-Mk2 (€2.495) (HFA Favorite)
Marantz CD94
Proceed PDT-3
Philips CD880
CEC TL1x transport
DAC
CH Precision C1 (from €28.300) (HFA Favorite) (Magnificent Masterpiece)
Aqua Formula xHD (€13.670) (HFA Favorite)
APL DSD-AR (€6.990) (Highly Recommended)
Wadia 521
Bricasti M21 (€18.900)
Bricasti M1 Classic (€9.900) (Highly Recommended)
Meridian Ultra DAC (€19.950)
Meridian 818 (9.950) (Highly Recommended)
Aqua La Scala mkII (€6.860) (Highly Recommended)
Wadia 27ix GNSC
Wadia 27
Jeff Rowland Aeris DAC + PSU (€24.300) (Highly Recommended)
Jeff Rowland Aeris DAC (€13.800) (Highly Recommended)
Weiss DAC502 DSP DAC and Network Renderer (€10.000)
Weiss DAC501 DSP DAC and Network Renderer (identical to DAC502 but smaller) (€8.900)
Ayon Stealth (€6.995) (HFA Favorite)
Lector Digicode S-192 (€3.990)
Jay’s Audio DAC-2 Signature (€2.995) (Highly recommended when combined with the CDT2-Mk2 transport)
Wadia 25
Wadia 26
Esoteric D-07
PS Audio Directstream DAC (€7.595)
PS Audio NWD (Nu Wave DAC) (€1.199)
Mark Levinson No. 360s
Mark Levinson No. 360
Wadia 121 with Teradak external power supply
dCS Elgar
Denafrips Venus (2.898 USD +tax) (Highly Recommended)
Exogal Comet (€2.590)
EC Designs Mosaic T DAC
Bryston BDA-3 (€4.150) (Highly Recommended)
Ayre QB-9
SW1X DAC 2 (2.500 UKP)
Matrix Element-X (€2.995)
Audio Synthesis DAX Decade
Wadia 121
Sw1x DAC 1 (1.050 UKP)
Matrix X-Sabre Pro (€1.700)
Mark Levinson No.36
Music Server
Antipodes K50 (€15.995) (Highly Recommended)
Antipodes CX + EX Music Server and Renderer (€6.895+ €4.650) (HFA Favorite)
Pink Faun 2.16x (€12.999)
Antipodes EX Music Server (€4.650) (Highly Recommended)
AudioAanZee Reference Flow MKII Music Server (€4.995) (Highly Recommended)
Melco N1ZH/2 Music Server (€4.999) (Highly Recommended)
Aurender S10 Music Server
Melco N1A/2 Music Server (€2.499)
Aurender N10 Music Server (€9.000)
Antipodes DS Base Music Server (from €1.995)
Network Renderer / Streaming Endpoint (without DAC)
Aqua LinQ Network Interface (from €5.680) (HFA Favorite)
Bryston BDP-3 Digital Media Player (4.290) (Highly Recommended)
Bricasti M5 network player (€2.495) (Highly Recommended)
EC Design BBB
Meridian MS200
Network Renderer / Streaming Endpoint (with DAC)
CH Precision C1 (from €28.300) (HFA Favorite) (Magnificent Masterpiece)
Ayon S10-II Signature (€8.600) (Highly Recommended)
Weiss DAC502 DSP DAC and Network Renderer (€10.000)
Weiss DAC501 DSP DAC and Network Renderer (identical to DAC502 but smaller) (€8.900)
Meridian Ultra DAC (€19.950)
Meridian 818 DAC/Pre/Network Player (9.950) (Highly Recommended)
Meridian MS600
Bryston BDA-3.14 Renderer+DAC (€4.840) (Highly Recommended)
Linn Klimax DS/1 network player
PS Audio PWD MkII
Linn Klimax DS Network Player
USB/Network Interface
M2Tech HiFace Evo (HFA Favorite)
EC Designs BBB (Highly Recommended)
KingRex UD384 USB Audio Interface + U Power
KingRex UC192 USB Audio Interface
M2Tech HiFace USB-SPDIF converter
Trends UD10.1 USB Audio Interface
Trends UD10.1 Lite USB Audio Interface
Turntables
Origin Live Calypso mk4 with Multi-Layer Platter, Illustrious Tonearm and Silver Hybrid cable (€6.037) (HFA Favorite)
Holbo Airbearing Turntable (€6.500)
Thorens TD1601 (€2.999) (HFA Favorite)
Thorens TD125 mkII
Thorens TD160 Super
Thorens TD160 mkII / TD-145 mkII
Yamaha PX-2
Pioneer PL-L1000
Technics SL7
Technics SL10
Cartridges/Stylii
ViRA Aidas Rainbow (€3.100) (HFA Favorite)
ViRa Aidas Gala Gold LE (€5.000)
ViRa Aidas Panzerholz (€1.575)
Denon DL-304
Benz ACE L
Audio Technica ATN150mlx (€399) (HFA Favorite)
Shure M97xE (€119)
Interlinks
CH Precision Balanced Link XLR (from €2.050) (HFA Favorite)
FoilFlex XLR (from 530 USD +tax) (HFA Favorite)
FoilFlex cinch (from 450 USD +tax) (HFA Favorite)
Cardas Clear XLR (from €2.222)
Final Touch Audio Ganymede XLR (from €1850) (HFA Favorite)
Origin Live Silver Hybrid cinch (from 535 UKP)
AudioQuest Water cinch (from €579) (HFA Favorite)
Siltech Paris cinch
Mad Scientist HAC Plus (from 599 USD +tax) (Highly Recommended)
Mad Scientist FCG+ cinch (from 899 USD +tax) (HFA Favorite)
Vermouth Audio Reference XLR (from €1.358)
Transparent Ultra XL cinch
Vermouth Audio Reference cinch (from €760)
Vermouth Black Pearl MkII (450 USD +tax)
Cardas Hexlink Golden 5C XLR
Transparent Reference
Straight Wire Crescendo II
ANTI-CABLES ANTI-IC’s
LessLoss Anchorwave XLR
Cardas Golden Reference XLR
Cardas Golden Cross XLR
Analysis Plus Solo Crystal Oval XLR
MIT Shotgun S2 XLR
Nordost Red Dawn XLR
Harmonic Technology Truthlink
Analysis Plus Silver Oval XLR
Harmonic Technology Pro Silway
Cardas Quadlink 5C XLR
Vermouth Rhapsody (270 USD +tax)
Ricable Supreme Signal RCA and XLR
Kimber pbj
Kimber Tonik
Elijah Audio Katoen XLR (250 USD +tax)
Black Rhodium Concerto XLR (from 525 UKP)
Tonearm Cables
Origin Live Silver Hybrid (€667) (HFA Favorite)
Loudspeaker Cables
Jorma Design Trinity (€2.235 for 2,5m pair) (HFA Favorite)
Jorma no.3 (€1.590 for 2m pair) (Highly Recommended)
Driade Flow 405 (€800 for 3m pair) (HFA Favorite)
FoilFlex (from 900 USD +tax for 1m pair) (HFA Favorite)
Nordost Red Dawn
AudioQuest Castle Rock (€1.490 for 2m pair)
Transparent Reference
ANTI-CABLES Speaker Cable
ASI Liveline
Echole Passion
Cardas Quadlink 5C
Ricable Supreme Speaker Cable
Kimber 8TC
van den Hul Skyline Hybrid
Symo LS4X
Digital Cables
Jorma AES/EBU (from €1200) (HFA Favorite)
Mad Scientist Audio Heretical Digital Cable (from 129 USD +tax) (Highly Recommended)
Mogami 3080 Neglex (HFA Favorite)
Belden RG59 (€10 per meter) (HFA Favorite)
USB Cables
Final Touch Audio Callisto (from 850 CHF, approx €747) (HFA Favorite)
Vermouth Reference (400 USD +tax) (HFA Favorite)
Pink Faun Digital Interlink (€907) (HFA Favorite)
CAD USB 1 (540 UKP for 1m)
Curious Cables (from 340 USD +tax) (Highly Recommended)
Curious Cables Evolved (from 550 USD +tax)
KingRex Unanimous uArt
Way Cables Champagne Plus USB Cable (€933)
Mad Scientist Black Magic (399 USD +tax)
Mad Scientist Heretical USB (from 199 USD +tax)
AudioQuest Diamond (€799 for 1,5m)
Elijah Audio Quad Braid MKII (from €140)
Ethernet Cables
Pink Faun Digital Interlink LAN (€907) (HFA Favorite)
ValueLine OEM CAT6 cables
Power Cables
NBS Dragon/Fly
Belden 19364 with Bals schuko and Oyaide 004 connectors (€10 p/m) (HFA Favorite)
Vermouth Audio Reference (€1.300) (HFA Favorite)
Final Touch Audio Elara (€650)
Fusion Audio Romance PC2 (€1.100)
Fusion Audio Enchanter (€1.400)
Mad Scientist Nitro Nano (from 549 USD +tax) (HFA Favorite)
Mamba Audio Powerblast (€3.125)
Taiko Audio Nagado (€799)
LessLoss DFPC Original
Echole Obsession
Taiko Audio Okedo (€399)
NBS Monitor 0
Oyaide Tunami
Cardas Clear Beyond
Way Cables Substance Plus (from €1.725)
Acoustic System International Liveline
Black Rhodium Stream (from 450 UKP)
Kemp Powercord Reference
Shunyata Black Mamba
Furutech Alpha 3 with FI25 & FI-E35 connectors
Furutech FP-TCS31 power cable and FI-28/FI-38 connectors
Harmonic Technology Pro ACII
Lapp 191CY 5G1
Isotek Premium Powercord
Equipment Support
Artesania Exoteryc Audiorack (€5075) (HFA Favorite)
Artesania Carbon Fiber Linear Arm upgrade (€1.384) (HFA Favorite)
Artesania Aire Floor Platform (€3395) (HFA Favorite)
Artesania Organic Line Modular Rack 3-level (€7.800) (HFA Favorite)
Artesania Organic Line Modular Floor Platform (€2.600) (HFA Favorite)
Artesania Krion Platform (€2.470)
Artesania Digital Server Platform (€1.500)
Artesania ISBAIEBW Standalone Isolation Bases (€458 for 4) (HFA Favorite)
Artesania ISDIWB Beech Wood Component Isolation Discs (€220 for 4) (Highly Recommended)
Finite Elemente Cerapuc (from €280 for 3) (HFA Favorite)
Artesania ISDIWB Beech Wood Isolation Discs (€220 for 4) (Highly Recommended)
Finite Elemente Ceraball Universal (from €135 for 3) (HFA Favorite)
Stillpoints Ultra SS (€750)
Stillpoints Ultra Mini (€399)
Stillpoints Ultra 5 (€2100)
Stillpoints Ultra Base (€195)
Mad Scientist BlackPod Nanotech (from 299 USD +tax)
Room Treatment
R.T.F.S. SiRRAH (€249.90 per unit) (HFA Favorite)
R.T.F.S. Big Block B (€284.90 per 100cm unit) (HFA Favorite)
GiK 244 Broadband Bass Trap (approx €95 per unit)
Pricing information should be correct for the moment of review. However, prices can always change and typos or mistakes can be made. Therefore, please consider the info in these overviews as a starter guide, not as definitive information.