HFA Awards
Loudspeakers
Wilson Audio Alexx V (from €160.000 per pair)
Marten Mingus Quintet (€48.500 per pair)
Magico S1 MkII (€23.000 per pair) (HFA Favorite)
Clarisys Audio Minuet Plus (€53.000 per pair) (Neodymium version) (Highly Recommended)
Clarisys Audio Minuet (€27.450 per pair) (Ferrite version)
Seawave Acoustic AM23 (€23.950 per pair)(Highly Recommended)
Seawave Acoustic Aletheia (€15.950 per pair)(Highly Recommended)
Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4 (€35.000 per pair) (Highly Recommended)
Apogee Scintilla
Martin Logan ESL 15A (€30.000 per pair) (Highly Recommended)
Børresen 01 Silver Supreme Edition (€43.000 per pair)
Kroma Audio Carmen (€57.950 per pair)
Wilson Watt/Puppy system 8
Aequo Audio Stilla (€18.000 per pair) (Highly Recommended)
Martin Logan ESL 11A (€14.200 per pair) (Highly Recommended)
Diptyque DP 140 MkII (€14.000 per pair) Highly Recommended
Vivid Audio Giya G3 s2 (€17.495 per pair)
Wolf von Langa SON (€14.990 per pair) (Highly Recommended)
Apogee Duetta Signature
Martin Logan Ethos
Paradigm Persona B (€8.400 per pair)
Børresen Z1 Cryo (€12.000 per pair)
Apogee Centaur Major
Apogee Diva
Magnepan MG 3.6R
Analysis Audio Epsilon (€13.800 per pair)
Diptyque DP 107 (€6.050 euro per pair) (Highly Recommended)
Apogee Centaur
Franco Serblin Accordo (€8.880 per pair)
Xavian Premio Esclusivo (€4.400 per pair) (Highly Recommended)
Driade Premium Model 2S (from €5.000 per pair)
AvantGarde Uno G2
Qln Sonora (from €4.400 per pair)
Graham Audio LS5/9 (€4.200 per pair)
Graham Audio LS5/9f (€4.600 per pair)
Qln Prestige One (from €2.700 per pair)
Qln Prestige Three (from €9.500 per pair)
Meridian DSP5200SE (€14.190 per pair)
Wilson Sabrina (€22.490 per pair)
Wilson Benesch Precision P1.0 (€7.200 per pair)
Care Orchestra Celestial Deep Breath Evo (from €2.250 per pair)
Care Orchestra Spiritual Blue Evo (from €3.410 per pair)
Xavian Perla Esclusiva (€1.990 per pair) (HFA Favorite)
Pylon Audio Jasper 25 (from €5.500 per pair)
Wilson Benesch Precision P2.0 (€11.400 per pair)
Gustavson Audio LS-One (€3.750 per pair)
Dali Ikon 6
Piega ACE30
Active Monitor Loudspeakers
Genelec 8341A
Pre Amplifier
Aries Cerat Impera Reference (€22.000) (Magnificent Masterpiece)
CH Precision L1 (€31.000) (HFA Favorite)
Spectral 30SV (€24.500) (Highly Recommended)
Soulution 725 (€42.000)
Aries Cerat Incito S (€14.200) (Highly Recommended)
Zesto Leto 1.5 (€9.500) (Highly Recommended)
Jeff Rowland Corus + PSU (€30.695) (Highly Recommended)
Jeff Rowland Corus (€20.950) (Highly Recommended)
Vermeer TWO (€24.990) (in analog preamp mode) (Highly Recommended)
Audio Research Ref5 (€12.500)
COS D10 (€4.500) (Highly Recommended)
Denafrips Athena (€2.432) (Highly Recommended)
AudioGD Master 1 (€1.399) (HFA Favorite)
Classé Delta Pre (€11.000) (as analog preamp) (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) (Highly Recommended)
Zanden 3100 (€12.490)
Jeff Rowland Coherence II
Manley Neo-Classic 300B (€7.679)
Conrad Johnson CT5
Ayon Orbis
Jeff Rowland Synergy 2i
Jeff Rowland Synergy 2
Manley Jumbo Shrimp (€4.979)
Jeff Rowland Capri s2 (€4.950)
Anthem STR (€3.999)
Denafrips Hestia (€1.236) (Highly Recommended)
NuPrime AMG-PRA (€1.595)
NuPrime AMG-HPA (used only as line stage) (€1.895)
Phono Preamp
CH Precision P1 (€31.000) (Highly Recommended) (Magnificent Masterpiece)
DS Audio DS W3 Equalizer + Optical Cartridge (€14.529)
Mola Mola Lupe (€7,990)
AVIDHIFI Pulsare II (€7.700) (Highly Recommended)
Pass XP-17 (€4.900) (Highly Recommended)
M2Tech Nash Rev.b (€1.799) (with standard PSU) (HFA Favorite)
Zesto Andros Deluxe (€8.900) (Highly Recommended)
atm audio Migjorn(€5.900 + tax)
Manunta EVO Phono 3 with Topping P50 linear PSU (~ €930) (HFA Favorite)
Lejonklou Entity 1.2 (€2.050) (HFA Favorite)
Lejonklou Entity 1.1 (€1.875) (Highly Recommended)
Manunta EVO Phono 3 (€800) (with standard PSU) (Highly Recommended)
AVIDHIFI Pulsus (€2.000)
Lejonklou Entity (€1.800)
Sw1x LPU 1 (Signature) (1500 UKP) (Highly Recommended)
Benz Lukaschek PP1 (Highly Recommended)
Line Magnetic LP-33 (€1.989)
AVIDHIFI Pellar (€990)
Schiit Mani (v.1)
Power Amplifier
Halcro Eclipse Stereo (€47.900 – €55.900 depending on finish) (Magnificent Masterpiece)
CH Precision A1.5 (€34.600) (HFA Favorite) (Magnificent Masterpiece)
Soulution 711 (€55.000) (Highly Recommended)
Zanden 8120 (€21.490)
Jeff Rowland 725 (€43.500)
Audio GD Master 2H (€4.089 per pair) (Highly Recommended)
Analog Domain M75P (€19.600) (Highly Recommended)
Bricasti M15 (€19.900)
Classé Delta Stereo Power (€14.000) (Highly Recommended)
Zesto Eros 300 (€25.500 per pair) (Highly Recommended)
CAT JL5 Black Path (€24.000)
Jeff Rowland Model 6
NuPrime Evolution STA (€4.995) (Highly Recommended)
NuPrime 2x AMG-STA in mono (€3.190) (Highly Recommended)
Ayre VX-5 Twenty (€11.700)
Manley Snapper (€9.670 per pair) (Highly Recommended)
Viva Verona XL SE
atm-audio EPM-50 (€20.390 per pair + tax)
Lejonklou Tundra stereo (€3.200) (Highly Recommended)
Lejonklou Tundra mono (€6.000)
NuPrime AMG-STA (€1.599) (Highly Recommended)
Naiu Laboratories Ella MK2 (€7.890)
Bryston 3B Cubed (€5.790) (Highly Recommended)
Bryston 4B Cubed (€6.990) (Highly Recommended)
Bryston 14B Cubed (€12.490)
Anthem STR (€5.999)
Pass Labs X250.5
Mola Mola Perca (€8.000)
Mola Mola Kaluga (€12.980)
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)
PrimaLuna DiaLogue Premium (€3.375)
Monrio mp11 (€3.960)
NuPrime Evolution One (€3.995 per pair)
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)
Analog Domain M75D (€21.750) (Highly Recommended)
Mark Levinson no. 5805 (€9.190) (Highly Recommended)
Melody Everest 211 (€14.950)
SAEQ Hyperion Ge (€7.000) (Highly Recommended) (Requires reasonably efficient speakers)
Grandinote Shinai (€11.400)
Aavik U580 (€29.995)
Western Electric 91E (€17.250)
Aavik U280 (€14.995)
Accuphase E-280 (€5.250) Highly Recommended)
Accuphase E-270 (€5.150) (HFA Favorite)
Accuphase E-260 (€5.150) (Highly Recommended)
Kora TB140 (€4.999) (Highly Recommended)
Chord Ultima Integrated (€10.490)
LM-845 Premium (€9.999)
Line Magnetic LM-805IA (€4.999)
Melody MDA2 (€5.850) (Highly Recommended)
Ayon Spirit III (€5.890) (Highly Recommended)
Aavik U180 (€8.995)
Kinki Studio EX M-1 (€2295)
Ayon Scorpio (€3.895)
Line Magnetic LM-845IA (€3.999)
Line Magnetic LM-150IA (€4.999)
Fezz Lybra (from €3.750)
Melody Action Ultra (€1.649)
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 + €13.990)
Accuphase DP-430 (Highly Recommended)
Ayon CD-10 II (from €4.125) (Highly Recommended)
Bryston BCD-3 (€4.250) (Highly Recommended)
Accuphase DP410
Accuphase DP400
Esoteric X03 SE
Marantz CD94
Meridian 508.24
Ayre CX7 (€3.890)
Meridian 506.24
Marantz CD11LE
Audio Aero Prestige Signature
Philips CD880
Sony CDP-XA50ES
Rega Jupiter
Rega Planet
Vincent S3
Emotiva ERC2
CD Transport
Aqua La Diva M2 €8.600) + StillPoints Ultra SS V2 (€900 per 3) (Highly Recommended)
Ayon CD-T II Signature (originally €5.995)(€7.995 from Jan 2022) (Highly Recommended)
Aqua La Diva M2 (€8.600) (Highly Recommended)
Jay’s Audio CDT3-Mk3 (€5.498)
Aqua La Diva (€7.890)
Mark Levinson 37
Mark Levinson 390S
Ayon CD-T
Sonic Frontiers Transport 3
PS Audio Directstream Memory Player (€7.495)
Jay’s Audio CDT2-Mk2 (€2.495) (Highly Recommended)
Marantz CD94
Proceed PDT-3
Philips CD880
CEC TL1x transport
DAC
CH Precision C1.2 (from €32.850) (HFA Favorite) (Magnificent Masterpiece)
CH Precision C1 (from €28.300) (Highly Recommended)
Playback Designs MPD-6 (€17.990) (Highly Recommended)
Vermeer TWO (€24.990) (Highly Recommended)
Aries Cerat Heléne (€13.500) (Highly Recommended)
Aqua Formula xHD Rev. 2 (€13.670) (HFA Favorite)
Concert Fidelity DAC-040 (~€11.000) (Highly Recommended)
Mola-Mola Tambaqui (€10.000) (Highly Recommended)
Denafrips Terminator Plus (€7.000) (Highly Recommended)
APL DSD-AR (€6.990) (Highly Recommended)
Classé Delta Pre (in DAC+Preamp mode) (€11.000) (Highly Recommended)
Wadia 521
Bricasti M21 (€18.900)
Bricasti M1 Classic (€9.900) (Highly Recommended)
Classé Delta Pre (€11.000) (used only as DAC) (Highly Recommended)
Meridian Ultra DAC (€19.950)
Aqua La Scala mkII (€6.860) (Highly Recommended)
Denafrips Venus II (€3.308)
Denafrips Pontus II (€1.951) (Highly Recommended)
Wadia 27ix GNSC
Wadia 27
Jeff Rowland Aeris DAC + PSU (€24.300) (Highly Recommended)
Jeff Rowland Aeris DAC (€13.800) (Highly Recommended)
Meridian 818 (€9.950) (Highly Recommended)
Weiss DAC502 DSP DAC and Network Renderer (€10.000)
Weiss DAC501 DSP DAC and Network Renderer (€8.900)
COS D10 (€4.500) (DAC+analog preamp used direct to a power amp) (Highly Recommended)
Lampizator Amber 4 (€4.590)
Jay’s Audio DAC2-Mk3 (€3.398)
Ayon Stealth (€6.995) (Highly Recommended)
Lector Digicode S-192 (€3.990)
Aqua La Voce
Jay’s Audio DAC-2 Signature (€2.995) (Highly Recommended)
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)
Denafrips Ares 12th-1 (€1090) (Highly Recommended)
Matrix Element-X (€2.995)
Audio Synthesis DAX Decade
Denafrips Ares II (€915)
Wadia 121
Sw1x DAC 1 (1.050 UKP)
Matrix X-Sabre Pro (€1.700)
Mark Levinson No.36
Music Server
XACT S1 €12.000 (Highly Recommended)
Antipodes G4 Oladra (USD 29.000) (HFA Favorite)
Antipodes G3 Oladra (€27.495/USD25.000) (Highly Recommended)
Melco N5-H50 (€8.999) (Highly Recommended)
Grimm Audio MU1 (€9.980 ex storage) (HFA Favorite)
Grimm Audio MU2 (€17.990 ex storage) (Highly Recommended)
Antipodes K41 (€9.995 ex storage) + G4 K22 (USD 9.000 ex VAT, ex storage) (Highly Recommended)
Antipodes K50 (€15.995 ex storage) (Highly Recommended)
Antipodes G4 K22 (USD 9.000 ex VAT, ex storage) (Highly Recommended)
Antipodes G3 K22 (€8.995 ex storage) (Highly Recommended)
Antipodes K41 (€9.995 ex storage)
Antipodes CX + EX (€6.895+ €4.650) (Highly Recommended)
Pink Faun 2.16x (€12.999)
AudioAanZee Reference Flow MKII (€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 EX Music Server (€4.650) (Highly Recommended)
Antipodes DS Base Music Server (from €1.995)
Network Renderer / Streaming Endpoint (without DAC)
Playback Designs MPS-X (€13.990) (Highly Recommended)
Aqua LinQ Network Interface (from €5.680) (HFA Favorite)
Auralic Aries G1 (€2.999) (Highly Recommended)
Lumin T3 (used with USB output) (€5.699) (Highly Recommended)
Bryston BDP-3 Digital Media Player (€4.290) (Highly Recommended)
Bricasti M5 network player (€2.495) (Highly Recommended)
Antipodes EX Music Server (€4.650) (Highly Recommended)
EC Design BBB
Meridian MS200
Network Renderer / Streaming Endpoint (with DAC)
CH Precision C1.2 (from €28.300) (HFA Favorite) (Magnificent Masterpiece)
CH Precision C1 (from €28.300) (Highly Recommended)
Vermeer TWO (€24.990) (Highly Recommended)
Classé Delta Pre (€11.000) (used as Endpoint+DAC+Preamp) (Highly Recommended)
Ayon S10-II Signature (€8.600) (Highly Recommended)
Weiss DAC502 DSP DAC and Network Renderer (€10.000)
Weiss DAC501 DSP DAC and Network Renderer (€8.900)
Meridian Ultra DAC (€19.950)
Meridian 818 DAC/Pre/Network Player (€9.950) (Highly Recommended)
Lumin T3 (used with analog XLR output) (€5.699) (Highly Recommended)
Meridian MS600
Bryston BDA-3.14 Renderer+DAC (€4.840) (Highly Recommended)
Grandinote Volta Network Player (€8.700)
Linn Klimax DS/1 network player
PS Audio PWD MkII
Lejonklou Källa (€5.900)
Linn Klimax DS Network Player
USB Interface
Manunta Evo DDC 3 (HFA Favorite)
M2Tech HiFace Evo
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
Network Switch/Filtering
Silent Angel Bonn NX (€3.499) + Genesis GX Clock (€3.299) (HFA Favorite)
Network Acoustics tempus (~€3.900)
Ansuz D3 PowerSwitch (€5.795)
Silent Angel Bonn NX (€3.499)
Ansuz X-TC3 PowerSwitch (€2.295)
Silent Angel Bonn N8 Pro (€1.199)
Network Tweaks/Filtering
Network Acoustics MUON (from €1.500)
Turntables
Bergmann Magne Air-Bearing turntable (€6.500)
AVIDHIFI Sequel SP (€8.800) (Highly Recommended)
Origin Live Calypso mk4 with Multi-Layer Platter, Illustrious Tonearm and Silver Hybrid cable (€6.037) (Highly Recommended)
Holbo Airbearing Turntable (€6.500)
Thorens TD 1601 with TP 160 arm (€3.999) (HFA Favorite)
Thorens TD 1600 with TP 160 arm (€3.499) (Highly Recommended)
Thorens TD 1601 with TP 92 arm (€2.999) (HFA Favorite)
Avid Diva II SP (€4.100) (Highly Recommended)
Thorens TD 125 mkII
Denon DP-3000NE (€2.499)
AVIDHIFI Ingenium (€1.400) (Recommended)
Thorens TD 160 Super
Thorens TD 160 mkII / TD-145 mkII
Yamaha PX-2
Pioneer PL-L1000
Technics SL7
Technics SL10
Technics SL1200 MkII / SL1210
Tonearms
As a result of the varying circumstances under which I have listened to the various tonearms, the ranking order for this category is to be regarded as a very loose guide only. A different turntable/cartridge/phono stage can make all the difference.
Audio Origami PU-7 (only reviewed as part of other products) (Highly Recommended)
Origin Live Illustrious (only reviewed as part of other products)
AVIDHIFI ALTUS
AVIDHIFI NEXUS
SME 309
Michell Tecnoarm
Rega RB-330/AVIDHIFI TA-3 (only reviewed as part of other products)
Rega RB-220/AVIDHIFI TA-1 (only reviewed as part of other products)
Record Cleaning Machines
Degritter (€2.650) (HFA Favorite)
Clearaudio Matrix Silent
Stylus Cleaning Methods
LAST Stylus Cleaner (€29) (HFA Favorite)
Quality Service Vinyl Cleaner (Tonar) and a hard brush (Highly Recommended)
DS Audio ST-50 (€69)
Onzow ZeroDust (€55)
Dynavox NRG30 (€9)
Winyl One-Touch Polymer Stylus Tip Cleaning System (€25)
Phono Cartridges
Acoustical Systems Palladian (€8.980)
DS Audio DS W3 Equalizer + Optical Cartridge (€14.529)
AVIDHIFI BORON (€5.250)
Acoustical Systems Aiwon (€6.980)
Aidas Gala Gold LE (€5.000)
Aidas Rainbow (€3.100)
ZYX Bloom3 Silver Plate (€1040) (HFA Favorite)
Aidas Panzerholz (€1.575)
Thorens TAS1600 (€1.199) (HFA Favorite)
Goldring Ethos SE (€1.599)
Thorens TAS1500 (€849) (HFA Favorite)
Goldring Ethos (€1.098)
Audio Technica AT-OC9XML (Highly Recommended)
Benz ACE L
Audio Technica AT33Sa (€799)
Dynavector 10X5 mkII (€700)
Audio Technica ATN150mlx (€399) (Highly Recommended)
Dynavector 10X5 mkII (€945)
Denon DL-304
Audio Technica AT-OC9XSL
Denon DL-103R (€429)
Denon DL-103 with Audio Technica AT-HS10 headshell (€329 + €33)
Denon DL-103 with DLA-A110 Limited 110th Anniversary Edition headshell (€600)
Shure M97xE (€119)
Headphones
RAAL Requisite CA-1a (from €2.000) (Highly Recommended)
HifiMan Arya Stealth (Quick Impression as part of other review) (Highly Recommended)
Sennheiser HD-650 (Quick Impression as part of other review) (Highly Recommended)
Audeze LCD-1 (Quick Impression as part of other review)
Sony 7520 (Quick Impression as part of other review)
Sennheiser HD-238i (Quick Impression as part of other review)
Audio Technica ATH-M70X (Quick Impression as part of other review)
Interlinks
Stealth Indra Cinch V10 1,0m (€7.000)
Stealth Indra XLR Rev 08 1,5m (€11.900)
Jorma Unity XLR/RCA (€3.150 for a 1-meter pair)
Jena Labs Valkyrie XLR (€4.100)
Jena Labs Valkyrie Aurora XLR (€2.708)
AudioQuest Fire cinch (from €2.499) (Highly Recommended)
CH Precision Balanced Link XLR (from €2.050) (HFA Favorite)
Driade Flow Link Reference 808 RCA and XLR (from €750) (HFA Favorite)
Final Touch Audio Ganymede XLR (from €1850) (Highly Recommended)
Mad Scientist Black Magic Gold balanced analog interlink (From $1.299 for a 1-meter pair) (Highly Recommended)
Signal Projects Apollon (from €3.700)
Cardas Clear XLR (from €2.222)
Wires 4 Music Osiris Signature XLR (from €2.900)
FoilFlex XLR (from 530 USD +tax) (Highly Recommended)
FoilFlex cinch (from 450 USD +tax) (Highly Recommended)
Origin Live Silver Hybrid cinch (from 535 UKP)
Vermouth Audio Reference XLR (from €1.358)
Transparent Ultra XL cinch
Vermouth Audio Reference cinch (from €760)
Ensemble DynaFlux SFS cinch
Wires 4 Music Horus XLR (from €550)
Vermouth Black Pearl MkII (450 USD +tax)
Siltech Paris cinch
AudioQuest Water cinch (from €579) (Highly Recommended)
Cardas Hexlink Golden 5C XLR
Transparent Reference
Straight Wire Crescendo II
Mad Scientist HAC Plus (from 599 USD +tax) (Highly Recommended)
Mad Scientist FCG+ cinch (from 899 USD +tax)
ANTI-CABLES ANTI-IC’s
LessLoss Anchorwave XLR
Signal Projects Lynx (from €950)
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) (Highly Recommended)
Vermouth Reference Phono cinch-cinch (from 422 USD +tax)
Vermouth Reference Phono DIN-cinch (from 394 USD +tax)
Loudspeaker Cables
Jorma Design Unity (€5.750 for 2,5m pair) (HFA Favorite)
Mad Scientist Black Magic Ultra speaker cable ($4.810 for a 2.5-meter pair) (Highly Recommended)
Mad Scientist Black Magic 4-Core ($2.990 for a 2,5-meter pair) (Highly Recommended)
Driade Flow Reference 808 (from €1.500 for 2m pair) (HFA Favorite)
Jorma Design Trinity (€2.235 for 2,5m pair) (Highly Recommended)
Mad Scientist Black Magic 2-Core ($1.590 for 2,5-meter pair)
Jorma Design no.3 (€1.590 for 2m pair) (Highly Recommended)
Driade Flow 405 (€800 for 3m pair) (Highly Recommended)
FoilFlex (from 900 USD +tax for 1m pair) (Highly Recommended)
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) (Highly Recommended)
Jorma RCA-RCA
Jorma BNC-BNC with RCA adapters
Mad Scientist Audio FCGD+ (from 399 USD +tax) (Highly Recommended)
Mad Scientist Audio Heretical (from 129 USD +tax) (Highly Recommended)
Mogami 3080 Neglex (HFA Favorite)
Silent Angel Bastei Coax
Belden RG59 (€10 per meter) (HFA Favorite)
USB Cables
Jorma USB Reference (from €3.120)
Final Touch Audio Sinope (from €1.292 + tax) (Highly Recommended)
Mad Scientist Black Magic Gold (From $1.299) (Highly Recommended)
Mad Scientist Black Magic ULTRA (from 799 USD +tax) (Highly Recommended)
Final Touch Audio Callisto (from €747) (Highly Recommended)
Vermouth Reference (400 USD +tax) (HFA Favorite)
Pink Faun Digital Interlink (€907)
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
Final Touch Audio Metis (from €717 euro + tax) (HFA Favorite)
Jorma Ethernet (from €1.700)
Network Acoustics muon Pro Streaming cable (from ~€1.167)
Pink Faun Digital Interlink LAN (€907)
Mad Scientist Black Magic Ethernet (from 399 USD + tax) (Highly Recommended)
ValueLine OEM CAT6 cables
Power Cables
Ansuz Mainz D2 (€8.800 euro for 1 meter)
GigaWatt PowerSync ULTRA (from €1.125 for 1,5 meters) (HFA Favorite)
GigaWatt LC-2 EVO (from €550 for 1,5 meters) (HFA Favorite)
Fusion Audio Romance PC2 (€1.100)
Fusion Audio Enchanter (€1.400)
Mad Scientist Black Magic Ultra (From $999 for a 1-meter cable) (Highly Recommended)
Final Touch Audio Elara (from €750 for 1 meter) (Highly Recommended)
Vermouth Audio Reference (€1.300) (HFA Favorite)
Cardas Clear Beyond
Oyaide Tunami
Mamba Audio Powerblast (€3.125)
Way Cables Substance Plus (from €1.725)
Taiko Audio Nagado (€799)
LessLoss DFPC Original
Echole Obsession
NBS Monitor 0
NBS Dragon/Fly III
NBS Dragon/Fly
Taiko Audio Okedo (€399)
Mad Scientist Nitro Nano (from 549 USD +tax) (HFA Favorite)
Belden 19364 with Bals schuko and Oyaide 004 connectors (€10 p/m)
GigaWatt PowerSync PLUS (from €360 for 1,5 meters)
Acoustic System International Liveline
Black Rhodium Stream (from 450 UKP)
Kemp Powercord Reference
Shunyata Black Mamba
Furutech Alpha 3 with FI25 & FI-E35 connectors
GigaWatt PowerSync (from €240 for 1,5 meters)
Furutech FP-TCS31 power cable and FI-28/FI-38 connectors
Harmonic Technology Pro ACII
Lapp 191CY 5G1
Isotek Premium Powercord
Power Outlets
Power Distributors
Mainz8 D-TC (€20.000)
Ansuz Mainz8 D2 (€8.000)
Pawalle TP-80 (just used as an enclosure with all connectors and wiring replaced, not recommended in standard form) (HFA Favorite)
GigaWatt PF-2 EVO (€1.250)
GigaWatt PF-1 EVO (€660)
GigaWatt PF-1e (€330)
Popp/Eurolite 8-fold Power Distributor
Power Conditioning
GigaWatt PC-4 EVO+Power Conditioner
Vibex Reference Powerfilter Copper
Fadel Art PC-800
Mains Circuit Breakers
Siemens Sitor Cylindric Fuse Cartridge with standard silver-plated fuse (HFA Favorite)
GigaWatt G-C16A (Highly Recommended)
Doepke DFS2 Audio Grade Differential Switch
Equipment Racks
HRS EXR Audio Stand (€7.779 for 3 levels) (HFA Favorite)
Artesania Exoteryc Audiorack (€5.075 for 3 levels) (HFA Favorite)
AG Lifter Apollo (19.200 USD for 3 levels)
Artesania Organic Line Modular Rack 3-level (€7.800)
Finite Elemente Spider
Finite Elemente Pagode Signature (single aluminum upright beams)
SolidTech Rack Of Silence
SolidTech Radius
SolidSteel S5-2
Equipment Platforms
Artesania Aire Floor Platform (€3395) (HFA Favorite)
Finite Elemente Pagode Master Reference Platform (Highly Recommended)
AG Lifter Apollo Power Amp Stand (6.200 USD)
AG Lifter Crescendo H.P.C. Power Amp Stand (4.950 USD)
AG Lifter Crescendo Power Amp Stand (3.700 USD)
Artesania Organic Line Modular Floor Platform (€2.600)
Artesania Digital Server Platform (€1.500)
Artesania Krion Platform (€2.470)
Artesania Exoteryc upgrades
Artesania Carbon Fiber Linear Arm upgrade (€1.384) (HFA Favorite)
Artesania ISDIWB Beech Wood Component Isolation Discs (€220 for 4) (Highly Recommended)
Equipment Shelves
Artesania KSH2 Krion shelf (€458) (HFA Favorite)
Equipment Feet
Ansuz Darkz T2 Supreme (€1200 per piece) (HFA Favorite)
Ansuz Darkz T2 (€800 per piece) (HFA Favorite)
Stillpoints Ultra SS V2 (€1080 for 3) (HFA Favorite)
Ansuz Darkz S2T
Ansuz Darkz C2T
Stillpoints Ultra SS (€750)
Stillpoints Ultra Mini (€399)
Stillpoints Ultra 5 (€2100)
Stillpoints Ultra Base (€195)
Finite Elemente Cerapuc (from €280 for 3) (HFA Favorite)
Artesania ISBAIEBW Standalone Isolation Bases (€458 for 4) (HFA Favorite)
Finite Elemente Ceraball Universal (from €135 for 3) (HFA Favorite)
Mad Scientist BlackPod Nanotech (from $299 +tax)
Mad Scientist BlackPod Ceramic ($179 for a set of 3)
Harmonix RF-909X Spike Base
Harmonix TU-210ZX Tuning Feet
Mad Scientist BlackPod Ceramic Mini
Mad Scientist BlackPod ($139 for a set of 3)
Tweaks
Shakti Electromagnetic Stabilizer aka Shakti Stone
Ansuz Sparkz
Ansuz Sortz
Harmonix RFA-78i Room Tuning Discs
Mad Scientist Audio BlackDiscus
Mad Scientist Audio CanOpeners
Akiko Audio GEM1 Gold
Akiko E-Tuning Gold
Mad Scientist Audio Power Purifier
Akiko Tuning Stick
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)
Vicoustic VicTotem (HFA Favorite)
SMT Diffuser (HFA Favorite)
ArtNovion Douro W (HFA Favorite)
R.T.F.S. Carreau (€89.90 per unit) (Highly Recommended)
R.T.F.S. Stripe (€79.90 per segment) (HFA Favorite)
R.T.F.S. Ceiling Vane (€425 per unit) (Highly Recommended)
GiK 244 Broadband Bass Trap (approx €95 per unit)
T.Akustik Spektrum D20 QRD Diffusor
Acoustic Module Tube Basstrap Premium
Hofa QRD Diffusor
About the HFA ranking order
Since I started HFA, people have been asking about a “Bestenliste”. Made familiar by the German magazine “Audio”, the Bestenliste is 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 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 synergistically in that context even if it works 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 an inspirational guide, not a definitive ranking. In my reviews, I will always add perspective. That’s why I recommend also reading 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 only those that I feel are worth mentioning. As it follows, the below is not a complete index of all the articles on HFA.
Please note that this list is frequently updated to reflect the latest state of affairs and my most recent personal preferences. As I hear more products and gain new insights, the order of the products may change over time. Awards are valid for at least one year but may change after that. For instance, a product may change from “Favorite” to “Highly Recommended” if it is no longer a part of the HFA inventory or lose its award if the competition sufficiently overshadows it.
Prices
The quoted numbers below are retail prices in Euro at the moment of review. Some products do not have European price lists; another currency is shown in these cases. Where tax is not included in the retail price, this is mentioned. Classics can only be found second-hand and, therefore do not have the prices mentioned. 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.
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.
Highly Recommended Products that have also been made part of the HFA Associated Equipment inventory and be used as references for all reviewing purposes.
The most-loved products in each price category and highly recommended for short-listing. Similar to HFA Favorites, except that they are not part of the HFA Associated Equipment inventory.
See Also
See the Associated Equipment page for a complete overview of all the current HFA Reference equipment and accessories frequently used to perform reviews.
For an in-depth overview of how the HFA systems developed over the years, see the HFA Audio Setup History section.
For snapshot summaries of the HFA Systems in a particular timeframe, see HFA Audio Setup Snapshots.