This year brought an incredible lineup of audio innovations that left us inspired. These are not ranked by quality, but rather a collection of 10 standout products that captured our attention for their design, sound, and advancements. Here’s what made an impression on us in 2024:
The Rega NAIA quickly became a standout for us this year. As many of you know, Rega is a staple in our turntable bar, and their signature sound has set the standard for musicality and rhythm. The NAIA takes this to a new level, delivering the same emotional connection we love but with added precision and refinement.
It’s the kind of turntable that feels both familiar and exciting—a natural evolution of what Rega does best. For us, it’s not just a technical accomplishment; it’s a reminder of why we love analog playback.
The Wilson Audio’s WATT/Puppy made an incredible return this year to celebrate the brand’s 50th anniversary, and it was a joy to experience. For years, we’ve worked with previous generations of the WATT/Puppy, so hearing the modern iteration was both nostalgic and refreshing.
This version brings all the clarity and efficiency we expect from its lineage while updating the sound to align with Wilson’s current identity. It’s a perfect balance of legacy and innovation, proving why this model remains iconic in high-end audio.
The dCS Varese feels like a bold statement from a brand already known for innovation. With dCS, the expectations are always high, and the Varese doesn’t just meet them—it reshapes them.
This DAC represents more than just playback; it’s about the future of digital music. dCS’s commitment to constant software updates ensures the Varese will only improve over time, making it a dynamic addition to any system. It’s forward-thinking in the best way, leaving us excited for what’s next in both playback and recording technologies.
The Momentum C2 perfectly captures what makes the Momentum series so special. Its clarity, dynamic range, and tangible musicality make it a standout for both analog and digital playback.
What struck us is how easily it integrates into different setups, delivering precision and warmth without compromise. For those looking to elevate their system, the C2 is a seamless choice that integrates into virtually every amplification configuration.
The Hana SL MKII left a strong impression on us this year, especially after having the chance to demo the very first unit, serial #001, at our shop. Hearing the team explain the design improvements made it clear that this wasn’t just a minor update—it’s a leap forward.
What stood out most is how they’ve narrowed the quality gap between this model and their higher-tier offerings. The result is a cartridge that delivers an elevated sense of detail and musicality while staying true to the Hana philosophy of accessible high performance.
When we first set up the Bluesound Node Icon, we couldn’t stop playing music through it. Bluesound has always been a solid choice for streaming, but the Icon takes things further with some key upgrades that caught our attention.
The new front display isn’t just for looks—it makes navigation effortless, while the refined DAC elevates the sound quality significantly. In typical Bluesound fashion, it’s easy to use, supports all major streaming services, and fits seamlessly into any system.
The Sphinx Magnum upgrade immediately made an impression on us. We’ve always appreciated the Sphinx for its balance of affordability and performance, but the Magnum version takes it to another level.
With upgrades to the power supply, phono stage, and tube circuit, plus the addition of JJ gold pin tubes, it feels like an entirely new amp while staying true to its roots. For us, the Magnum upgrade was so impressive that we decided to stock it exclusively—it’s that much of a step up.
The Clearaudio Concept Signature feels like a natural evolution of the original Concept. Clearaudio not only addressed the limitations of the earlier model but crafted something that feels complete in every way.
The speed precision and dynamic range of the Concept Signature stand out immediately. It’s built for durability and musical expression, making it an excellent match for cartridges like the Hana SL MKII. For us, it’s the perfect combination of engineering and artistry.
The Wharfedale Dovedale is a true celebration of the brand’s 90-year legacy. Wharfedale set out to create a speaker that embodies their timeless sound philosophy, delivering warmth, musicality, and an immersive stage.
What stood out most to us was their uncanny ability to place you in the music. Whether it feels like the front row of a concert or standing in the middle of the performance itself, the Dovedales blur that line effortlessly. They’re a remarkable choice for anyone looking to connect deeply with their favorite recordings.
The Dynaudio Contour Legacy arrived late in the year but still earned its place on this list. Its minimalist design and compact size might suggest subtlety, but the sound tells a different story.
We were struck by the precision and clarity, reminiscent of high-end studio monitors, but with a richness and warmth tailored for HiFi listening. It’s an ideal balance of technical accuracy and musicality, making it a standout addition to any system.
