SECRETS Best of Awards 2024 - HomeTheaterHifi.com (2025)

Product of the Year

Linkwitz LX521.4MG Open Baffle Loudspeaker System

What I am left with is a loudspeaker system whose every aspect has been thoughtfully researched and designed to further the recreation of music. Notice I didn’t say reproduction. The LX 521.4MG genuinely sounds like no other loudspeaker out there and they come the closest that I have heard in my home to recreating a convincing musical event. As such, I don’t consider them outrageously priced for the results they provide. They are the enduring work of the late Sigfried Linkwitz and his desire to recreate music in the most faithful and natural way possible.

Carlo Lo Raso, Editor-In-Chief

Best Integrated Amplifier

Rotel MICHI X5 Series 2 Integrated Amplifier

If you’re after one of the biggest, most powerful integrated amplifiers that sounds wonderful and is put together with an almost fastidious level of quality and detail, the MICHI X5 S2 demands your consideration.

Carlo Lo Raso, Editor-In-Chief

Best Stereo Power Amplifier

Parasound Halo A21+ Stereo Power Amplifier

The Parasound Halo A21+ amplifier impressed Jim Clements with its powerful, musical, and accurate reproduction of music and movie soundtracks. This amplifier had way more power than he could ever need. The performance he heard was beyond reproach devoid of any untoward sounds throughout the review period. Despite some misgivings regarding the build quality, Jim found the performance of this amplifier to be all in for the high-end. The price of this amplifier model was raised slightly with the new update, but it is still well worth every penny you spend on it. Recommended for sure!

Jim Clements, Co-Editor

Best Audio Accessory

Clarus Aqua Mark II Cables and Concerto/Duet Power Conditioner

Clarus’ Concerto and Duet Power Conditioners with Aqua Mark II Cables are a $20,000 investment in an impact that is both heard and felt. I do not believe that my review system could have improved as much in performance by spending the entire budget on the primary audio components and using the standard cables and power straight from the wall. It was not a surprise that the Clarus/Concerto package performed well. What was a surprise was coming away from a four-month experience with the revelation that this would be a tremendous way to improve one’s system without having to go through the process of replacing one’s components. In other words, to me, the $20,000 it costs is a bargain. If you have a high-end system now and are thinking of ways to improve it, this is a highly recommended solution that might just work for you.

Craig Chase, Editorial Team

Best Budget Desktop Speakers

FiiO SP3 Active Desktop Speakers

For $299.00 I don’t know of any other product that will measure up to this well-built and well-appointed pair of desktop speakers. I was surprised at the variety of well-thought-out features that make these speakers special.

Mel Martin, Editorial Team

Best Bookshelf Loudspeakers

PMC twenty5 22i Bookshelf (Stand-mount) Speakers with Built-in Power Amplifiers Upgrade

PMC’s twenty5 22i bookshelf speakers are a knockout! Building on their “monitor” design, with low distortion, these speakers will sound as good in your home as they would in a music recording studio’s editing room. Their new optional two-channel power amplifier pack, which can be swapped in place of the analog crossovers in the field, provides an enticing upgrade path to active speaker bliss!

John E. Johnson Jr., Editor Emeritus

Best Floor Standing Loudspeaker

Diptyque Audio 140 Mark II Isodynamic Loudspeaker

The Diptyque 140 Mark IIs were designed to be an affordable loudspeaker that can deliver edge-of-the-art sound. The company has succeeded at every level one could ask for, especially for the asking price. While $17,000 is not inexpensive, the investment in a pair of these fabulous French music makers might just last a lifetime. Their sound stage, accuracy, and ability to transport the listener into the performance place them in that arena of an exceptional high-end transducer. If you value perfect pitch, the ability to bring instruments and vocals to life, and you want to experience a window into the performance, you will want to audition a pair of these speakers immediately.

Craig Chase, Editorial Team

Best Headphone Amplifier

T+A HA 200 Headphone Amp

I don’t typically like to talk in absolutes but the T+A’s Solitaire P Planar Headphones and HA 200 Amplifier blew my mind. They delivered more detail and better balance than any speaker I’ve ever heard. Their presentation is addictive, analytical, emotional, musical, precise, and next-level. They are expensive at $16,550 for the system. But compared to high-end speakers and electronics, they are a bargain. If you want to sit in a chair and let music flow through your mind and spirit, I can think of no better way.

Chris Eberle, Co-Editor

Best Wireless ANC Headphones

DALI IO-12 ANC Wireless Headphones

The DALI IO-12 ranks as one of the best wireless ANC headphones currently available. No “ifs,” “ands,” or “buts.” If you are searching for a set of top-quality wireless noise-canceling headphones, and you will only settle for the very best, then the DALI IO-12 is an easy recommendation to make.

Carlo Lo Raso, Editor-In-Chief

Best Headphones

STAX SR-X9000 Earspeakers

When you want, for all intents and purposes, that almost perfect personal listening experience. You go to STAX, and you ask for the SR–X9000 electrostatic earspeakers. Bundle them with an SRM-T8000 energizer and you will own an endgame headphone listening system for the ages. End of story.

Carlo Lo Raso, Editor-In-Chief

Best Turntable

VPI Dragon Turntable and VPI Shyla Phono Cartridge

The VPI Dragon is an excellent turntable. It’s expensive, but as I have said so many times, quality is always at a price, and being an audiophile is an expensive hobby (the word “reasonable” is not in our vocabulary). The VPI Shyla phono cartridge surprised me with its great sound.

John E. Johnson Jr., Editor Emeritus

Best Projector Over $3000

BenQ W5800 4K Laser Projector

The W5800 4K Laser Projector is the best BenQ display I’ve reviewed to date. It takes their winning DLP formula and uplevels it. The lens is as good as the very best I’ve seen anywhere. Color is accurate out of the box. It has the largest color gamut I’ve measured from any projector. And it does a superb job with HDR and SDR content alike. The Local and Global Contrast Enhancement options truly broaden the dynamic range with no downsides. The motorized lens makes setup and geometry super easy. And it’s quiet. Even on the brightest lamp mode, there’s no audible fan noise. I hesitate to call any display perfect, but I can’t find anything to complain about here. The BenQ W5800 4K Laser Projector is as good as the very best I’ve seen and better in some ways.

Chris Eberle, Co-Editor

Best Projector Under $3000

BenQ HT2060 LED Projector

The BenQ HT2060 LED Projector delivers accurate color, solid HDR, and low-lag gaming for just $999. It delivers a bright and sharp picture with accurate color right out of the box. It doesn’t need calibration and it has better contrast than any bulb-based compact DLP I’m aware of. You can watch all the latest formats because it accepts Ultra HD signals, and it works well for gaming with low input lag. It even supports 3D which is nearly impossible to find in flat panel TVs anymore. With built-in speakers, it can be a portable entertainment solution when paired with a streaming stick or box. If you’re looking for high performance at a low price, the BenQ HT2060 is a great choice. Users outfitting a budget theater or media room should definitely check it out.

Chris Eberle, Co-Editor

Best UST Projector

Hisense PX3-PRO Tri-Chroma Laser Projector

The Hisense PX3-PRO Tri-Chroma Laser Projector delivers a superb image with more contrast than the average DLP, sharp optics, and richly saturated color. It’s accurate without calibration and adjusts to an even higher standard. It switches seamlessly between video signal formats and supports all three kinds of HDR with no fuss. You can play music through its excellent speakers using Apple AirPlay and even swipe through your phone’s photos at the same time. If you have a game console, it can refresh at 240 Hz with low input lag. And it costs $3,499 which is less than many jumbo flat panels. It’s a complete entertainment device that can replace your TV and your stereo. Those looking for an all-in-one solution should definitely check it out.

Chris Eberle, Co-Editor

Best Surround Receiver

Denon AVR-X4800H AV Receiver

Denon has taken its vast knowledge and the experience amassed in over a century of product development and made the AVR-X4800H into an incredibly versatile tool. It has so many features that we only covered a small percentage of them here. It can serve as the hub of a full home entertainment center with the HEOS wireless room technology. It has Audyssey MultEQ XT-32 and can be upgraded to DIRAC Live. It will stream Bluetooth with ease or your favorite music streaming service with Wi-Fi. It offers four independent subwoofer channels to allow for fine-tuning the deepest bass. It even offers a moving magnet phono input for the old-school audiophile. As a stand-alone receiver, it is a bargain. It sounds wonderful and can drive speakers to high levels, even in a large room. Denon also has a wide range of retailers that offer their products. If all this technology appears to be a daunting task, your local retailer will likely help with installation. The Denon AVR-X4800H can grow with you as your needs grow.

Craig Chase, Editorial Team

Best Subwoofer

SVS PB17-Ultra R|Evolution Subwoofer

You might want to consider adding some more silicone caulking to your windows and doors.

The PB17-Ultra R|Evolution is an absolute beast!

John E. Johnson Jr., Editor Emeritus

Best Surround Sound Speaker System

Aperion Verus 3 Concert Home Theater Speaker Package

Secrets’ video star Taps Das reviewed the Verus V8T 3-Way Dual 8″ Floorstanding speaker, V8C 3-way Dual 8″ Center Channel, Concert V8B 8″ Bookshelf speakers, and the Energy E7 7-Channel Power Amplifier. After spending a lot of quality time with them, he proclaimed that they rock and that if you want large, high-end sound, this is the speaker package for you. The towers play down to an honest 30 Hz and can get by without a subwoofer. And they cost around $8,700 for everything. Now that’s a win for sure!

Taps Das, Editorial Team

Best Wireless Audio Accessory

SVS SoundPath Tri-Band Wireless Audio Adapter

It is within 0.5 dBV from 10 Hz to 20 kHz, and it is a stereo product, so you can control two separate subwoofers independently if you like. Very handy to have!

John E. Johnson Jr., Editor Emeritus

Best Vinyl Reissue

Joe Henderson
Power to the People
CRAFT RECORDINGS – JAZZ DISPENSARY (TOP SHELF SERIES)

Power to the People flutters between and around a variety of styles, at times muscular, then reflective or pensive or outright narcotic (in the case of “Opus One-Point-Five,” with Hancock behind an acoustic piano locked into a deep meditation) during its 42-minute runtime. “Isotope” finds Henderson’s ensemble back in his Hard Bop glory that he debuted for Blue Note with Page One six years prior. The playing on Power is formidable. Kevin Gray cut the lacquers and mastered the work so that the record’s significance can be experienced freely and directly with detail to scrutinize and air to breathe. RTI’s pressing is essentially flawless. And the disc is gloriously flat. This is a win in 2024. An all-analog victory. At this point, I trust the Top Shelf series to deliver a high-end product on par with any of the other, perhaps more renowned, audiophile releases from the likes of Analogue Productions, MoFi, or whoever, but with more of an eye towards titles that are historically less well-known. I’ll take that all day.

Jason Crawford, Editorial Team

Best Vinyl New Release

Hilary Gardner – On the Trail with The Lonesome Pines, Anzic Records

Carlo Lo Raso, Editor-In-Chief

Integrated Amplifiers

PS Audio Stellar Strata MK2 Integrated Amplifier

For $3,499, the PS Audio Stellar Strata Integrated Amplifier is a very nice package. The Class D power amplifier has its advantages and disadvantages, but it will get the job done. The whole thing is very compact, and as such, looks great on a hi-fi stand. Its power amplifier doesn’t have the watts to blow the walls out, but that is not its purpose.

John E. Johnson Jr., Editor Emeritus

Multi-Channel Power Amplifiers

Starke Sound A3 Three-Channel Class A/B Power Amplifier

Starke Sound’s A3 Three-channel Power Amplifier is remarkable. It would make a great choice for a stereo system and home theater setup by using two channels for stereo music listening and all three channels for front left, front right, and center channels when watching movies. It contains distortion in a narrow range throughout its power output capability. Make sure your equipment rack can handle the weight.

John E. Johnson Jr., Editor Emeritus

Integrated Amplifiers

Advance Paris A12 Classic Integrated Amplifier

The Advance Paris A12 Classic Integrated Amplifier delivers high-end sound at a mid-fi price. It’s super flexible with connections for every source component imaginable. It’s also perfect for those who have a lot of gear. It will connect to anything, analog, digital, networked, you name it. CD players, streamers, turntables, and even cassette players (how many preamps come with a tape loop these days?), all connect. The sound is unmarred, as in, what you put in is what comes out, 100 percent. If you’re looking for a flexible integrated amplifier that will drive any speaker while presenting a rich balanced sound, and will connect to any source, the Advance Paris A12 Classic should be on your shortlist.

Chris Eberle, Co-Editor

Power Amplifiers

Rotel RB-1582 MkII Stereo Amplifier

Isaac Adams put this amplifier through its paces in his 2024 review. In the end, Isaac concluded that this amplifier was worthy of a Thumbs Up Award, “Given the top-quality components included in Rotel RB-1582 MkII, you get a taste of the build quality of elite audiophile amplifiers at a more down-to-earth price. If you have a 2-channel system that needs more power or a home theater system that needs more “oomph” for its main channels and your tastes favor ease and refinement over maximum detail, this $1,999 amplifier should be on your list to evaluate.” The Rotel RB-1582 MkII is a powerful 2-channel amplifier with a soft, refined sound and excellent low-frequency control and dynamics.

Isaac Adams, Editorial Team

Streamers

PS Audio AirLens Streamer

“I really love this little streamer”, said Jim Clements in summing up his review of the PS Audio AirLens streamer. It was the first streamer Jim had tried that managed to sound equal to a high-end CD player when streaming off his NAS. The sound he got from the PS Audio AirLens was almost a surprise it was so good. The sound was “organic”, tending to the performance level of an analog source. He also repeatedly mentioned how the AirLens was true to the rhythm and pace of the source materials. His two-channel system sounded as much like a surround system as it ever has. The AirLens is reasonably priced and simple to set up and use. It was also very reliable throughout an extended review period. Jim wound up purchasing the review unit and he is as happy as a clam!

Jim Clements, Co-Editor

Sub/Sat Speaker System

YG Acoustics Tor Stand-mount Speakers with Descent Subwoofer

“The Tor speakers seem to check every box on the list of attributes that high-fidelity standmount speakers should have”, said Yongki Go in his conclusion where he summarized the excellent performance of this compact speaker system. He went on, “Skillfully designed and meticulously fabricated using advanced technologies and materials, the speakers look elegant with their first-rate build quality and excel in many aspects of their sonic performance. The Tor speakers adeptly deliver excellent sonic balance, great dynamics, outstanding transparency, and awesome imaging capability.” Yongki did not identify any significant shortcomings in their performance, adding that the Tor satellites need bass reinforcement, and the included Descent subwoofer was an ideal match, providing full-range sound in a relatively compact package. “Overall, the Tor speakers and the Descent subwoofer form a potent combination that delivers excellent overall sonic performance . . . Their elegant look, excellent build quality, and outstanding sonic performance easily win [Yongki’s] hearty recommendation.”

Yongki Go, Editorial Team

Floor Standing Speakers

DALI OPTICON 8 MK2 Loudspeaker

I didn’t know what to expect when these speakers arrived, but I’ve been won over by their sound. Both bass and the high frequencies were standouts with their reach and purity. The precision of the image created in my listening room was stable and realistic.

Mel Martin, Editorial Team

Headphone Amplifiers

EarMen Colibri Battery Powered Premium Balanced DAC/Headphone amp/Preamp

At the current MSRP of $199.00, I think the EarMen Colibri is a steal. The build and components are flagship level and the sound and power it delivers are second to none. The Colibri gives me what I need to liberate myself from my desktop components: the freedom to enjoy high-fidelity music anywhere.

Lory Hawley, Editorial Team

Headphones

Dan Clark Audio Stealth Headphones

Chris Groppi was the lucky one who got to review the Dan Clark Audio Stealth Headphones. Dan Clark’s offerings always sound great at trade shows, and Chris found they sounded great at home, too! Chris said he, “loved the Dan Clark Audio Stealth headphones” He feels they are the best he has personally heard in extended listening. They ticked all the boxes of perfection for him: open, clean, clear, detailed, and fast with no sonic character or overemphasis. They don’t have a “whiz-bang sound” that wows the listener but are perfect for a “long-term relationship” with a closed-back headphone that does everything in a state-of-the-art way. “The Dan Clark Audio Stealths should be at the top of your list.”

Chris Groppi, Editorial Team

Soundbars

Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus

For those attuned to the crappy built-in speakers that come with most flat panel TVs, the Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus & AMBEO Subwoofer is a godsend and will almost convince you that it’s a dedicated home theater. If you listen to a lot of news or podcasts, it becomes a luxury listening device. It’s also great for small spaces where traditional speakers and electronics just won’t fit. With truly well-implemented 3D effects and virtualization, it brings some unique and wonderful capabilities to the table.

Taps Das, Editorial Team

Subwoofers

Beauties and the Beasts: A Tale of Five Subwoofers

Craig Chase, Editorial Team

Surround Speaker System

NHT MS Tower and MS Center Speaker

In his review of this three-channel ensemble, Yongki Go recognized how NHT continues to produce great-value speakers quietly, almost under the radar. The NHT is another compact system that, “convincingly deliver[ed] balanced sonic performance for music and home theater applications.” He also felt that the built-in up-firing height speakers offer an affordable entry for building up solid Dolby Atmos/DTS:X surround setups. He goes on in his comments to state, “These speakers are reasonably priced and overall, they are well built and look modernly appealing in their simplicity. These MS speakers should be on the short audition list for people who desire a versatile good-sounding compact surround speaker system at the price that does not break the bank.”

Yongki Go, Editorial Team

Turntable

Cyrus Audio TTP Turntable

Cyrus Audio has been turning heads lately with an amazing line-up of electronics that run the gamut from analog, digital, and vinyl. Their TTP turntable is a solid, well-constructed turntable that is brimming with innovative design elements. The table manages to weigh in at 53 pounds despite not looking like a bizarre erector set. Gene Hopstetter tested this turntable and concluded, “The Cyrus Audio TTP Turntable delivers engaging music from a rock-solid platform and black background. Expensive but worth it in the long run.” He based this on the table’s sound quality, excellent speed stability, easy operation, and fetching good looks.

Gene Hopstetter, Editorial Team

Phono Preamp

Austin Audio Works Black Swan Phono Preamplifier

The Austin Audio Works Black Swan Phono Preamplifier really wowed Gene Hopstetter. Designed and hand-built by Barry Thornton, the Black Swan is targeted to reduce noise as much as practicable. In practice, Gene found, “[the] Black Swan gave me the best analog playback I have ever had in my system. It presented me with an amazing fidelity of timbre and transparency, and an all-encompassing soundstaging. I realized I could not live without it and bought the review sample. This thing made literally every single album I listened to sound better. And I mean EVERY one. Amazing.” What is left to say?

Gene Hopstetter, Editorial Team

Video Accessories

Spears And Munsil Ultra HD Benchmark 2023

Spears and Munsil’s $59.94 Ultra HD Benchmark is an inexpensive display calibration tool. With test patterns and detailed instructions, it has everything you need and is the next best thing to a pro calibration. You can pop in its three discs of test patterns and demonstration material, follow the well-written instructions, and achieve 80-90% of what you’ll get from a pro calibration. That may seem like an extraordinary statement but honestly, today’s TV and projectors are so good, they barely need tweaking for a great picture. If you care at all about getting the most from your new display purchase, I highly recommend picking up a copy of the Spears and Munsil Ultra HD Benchmark. It’s a relatively inexpensive addition to your video library that will help everything you watch look better.

Chris Eberle, Co-Editor

Little Things

Record Doctor X Record Cleaning System

I find absolutely no reason not to strongly recommend the Record Doctor X cleaner for someone who is looking to step up from a completely manual record cleaning experience, but may not be ready to go the ultrasonic route. It is a sturdy and compact unit that is well-built and offers powerful dual-sided vacuum suction that isn’t offensively loud. At almost $600.00 it is a powerful, efficient, and effective solution to clean a large number of records in fairly short order. All I would like to see is a microfiber cleaning brush to replace the goat hair brush and maybe include a simple dust cover in the package instead of offering one as an extra cost option. Otherwise, the Record Doctor X is a superb way to keep your vinyl collection clean and sounding at its best. Highly recommended!

Carlo Lo Raso, Editor-In-Chief

Little Things

Edifier R1700BT Speakers

Indiana Lang, Editorial Team

Little Things

Arylic B50SE Desktop Amplifier

While being $50 cheaper than the regular B50, it has a use in any room you throw it into. For $89 it’s tough to beat feature-wise as it has everything you need and then some. If you don’t need HDMI or phono preamp, this unit will save you $50 over the B50. The sound is great, not perfect but still very high up there. It’s a great amp for just getting into HiFi or setting up a new system for very little cash.

Indiana Lang, Editorial Team