While Audiograde.uk may have launched in 2021, the team‘s reviewing experience goes back decades.
That’s why from day one we’ve cherry picked the hifi that represents genuine value for money, best in class sonics and offer user experiences that meet our real world needs.
Here are the stand out products that best meet that brief across all categories in 2021.
Categories
Best preamplifier
Best integrated amplifiers
Best digital streamer
Best turntable
Best floorstanding loudspeakers
Best standmount loudspeaker
Best bookshelf loudspeaker
Best wireless speaker
Best subwoofer
Best headphones
Best accessory
Best preamp
The Bespoke Audio Company Pre-amplifier
Put simply, The Bespoke Audio Company Pre-amplifier is one of the most refined and natural sounding preamps ever made. Entirely passive and with a focus on analogue internals of the finest quality, this gets back to why hifi doesn’t need to be complicated to sound utterly enthralling.
Best integrated amplifiers
ATC SIA2-100
The SIA2-100 demonstrates how ATC’s solidly built entry level (for the brand) amp benefits from pro audio origins to deliver a product that serves up music with natural honesty, across a host of digital and analogue inputs.
MOON 340i X
For flexibility and musicality, MOON’s 340i X shows why this brand has become so established in recent years. Its internal phono stage alone is worthy of high praise and beats many standalones hands down as part of a highly accomplished package.
Best digital streamer
Auralic Altair G1
With its Altair G1 it’s easy to see why Auralic has become a go-to brand for hi-res network audio players. Boasting a wealth of connections, slick screen and cutting edge controls, it’s the Auralic’s rich and insightful sound that really makes the G1 stand out from the digital crowd.
Best turntable
VPI Scout 21
This may not be the most expensive in VPI’s New Jersey turntable stable, but in many ways it’s the most accomplished. For the money, this is an outstanding package with no shortcomings to give you a sound that’s fast, fulsome and utterly glorious.
Best floorstanding loudspeakers
Dynaudio Emit 30
Despite being the cheapest floorstanding loudspeaker Dynaudio offers, the new Emit 30 can easily go toe to toe with rivals at twice the price. It delivers scale, depth and detail in spades and deserves applause for offering an affordable way for many into true hifi.
Acoustic Energy AE509
Sporting cutting edge carbon fibre drivers in a d’appolito line up, Acoustic Energy’s AE509 offer refinement and integration few can match, with an open sound that is effortlessly involving.
Best standmount loudspeaker
Q Acoustics 3030i
As a disruptive brand in the loudspeaker world, Q Acoustics continues to turn the notion that lower prices means compromised style on its head. But substance is where the 3030i really shines with rewarding and sophisticated sonics.
Best bookshelf loudspeaker
Dynaudio Emit 10
Another award winner from the Emit range, these have all the class-leading qualities of their bigger brothers, just by the glass instead of the bottle.
Best wireless speaker
KEF LS50 Wireless II
One of the most enjoyable all-in-one hifi music systems we’ve encountered, KEF’s LS50 Wireless II active speaker system offers a powerful performance from a compact package that’s user friendly with plenty of connectivity.
Best subwoofer
REL Acoustics T/5x
A thoroughbred sub from a thoroughbred brand. Loaded with tuning options and a quality finish, the REL is a winner for what it does best, integrating into a system with ease to enhance the sound while staying true to the music.
Best headphones
Grado GT220
What happens when a cartridge maker and on-ear headphone builder of tradition turns its hand to wireless earbuds? The result is the GT220 and a sound that marries decades of analogue knowhow with modern listening. One of the least ‘digital’ sounding earbuds on the market, regardless of price.
Best accessory
IsoAcoustics GAIA III
No matter what your hifi components cost, if they are not properly isolated then their performance could be compromised. Step forward IsoAcoustic’s dedicated isolating feet, which are superb add-ons for loudspeakers and non-suspended turntables to eek out their best.
