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Our High Gear Awards For 2022 is upon us once more and represents the gear that we reviewed and gave the best scores for this calendar yr.
That is our twelfth yr for our Awards in a single guise or one other so if you wish to return in time and take a look at what we thought have been the most effective from final yr you’ll be able to click on right here for our 2021 Awards.
As with the conclusion of each profitable yr on Headfonics, we wish to thank all of the readers who’ve visited our web site, learn what we needed to say, and loved our critiques. Your views and opinions matter to us and I do hope that you simply loved what we needed to provide for 2022.
With out you, the reader, we’d stop to matter so thanks as soon as once more from Mike, James, Louis, Aldous, Cheryl, Josh, and myself.
2022 Awards Course of
Our High Gear Awards relies on our scoring system all through the calendar yr so the gear with the best total rating in 2022 wins. From Jan 1st, these Award scores shall be deleted and the scores from Readers’ votes will take over in our Gear Rating part on the house web page from January 2023.
The place there’s a tie for the highest rating, then all gear with that rating are deemed winners, so some classes could have multiple winner.
As in earlier years, we all know our writers have their private favorites so as soon as once more now we have given them free rein to tell us what merchandise float their boat for 2021, whatever the rating, in our “Editor’s ” and Author’s Alternative” 2022 awards.
Notice, it is a 2-page evaluate with moveable gear and headphones on web page 1. Desktop amps, DACs, and built-in DAC/amps plus our personal private picks for the High Gear 2022 Awards are on Web page 2.
High Gear 2022 Awards – Greatest Open Headphones
The ZMF Headphones Caldera is an unbelievable high-end debut planar headphone. I used to be merely not anticipating this large emotionally fulfilling sound full with that trademark easy-to-listen-to tuning. It additionally seems to be the ‘biz’ with these White Oak wooden cup designs.
Execs
Emotional sound signature
Lovely Wooden grain
Comfy to put on
Cons
Bodily a giant headphone
Not a traditional reference tuning
The ZMF Headphones Caldera is an unbelievable high-end debut planar headphone. We have been merely not anticipating this large emotionally fulfilling sound full with that trademark easy-to-listen-to tuning. It additionally seems to be the ‘biz’ with these White Oak wooden cup designs.
It has baggage of energy, one of many deepest bass responses now we have heard this yr, and a very good expansive soundstage to let all of it run free with out a trace of congestion. Importantly, it’s technically very succesful with improved pace and readability over the sooner Atrium launch.
We might say you can simply let the hours tick away listening to the Caldera so it’s simply as nicely ZMF caught to their trademark type issue and headband system to help you do this.
There may be loads of new competitors on the market in 2022 with some high-end headphones which may be sooner, and others with a extra superior design or greater consolation ranges. Nonetheless, only a few tick all of the packing containers without delay fairly just like the Caldera.
High Gear 2022 Awards – Greatest Closed Headphones
The Meze Audio Liric has a likable however extra aggressive sound signature than what Meze Audio followers is likely to be used to coming from the Empyrean and Elite. It offers up a bit when it comes to decision and dynamic vary however in return, you get one thing way more speedy, enjoyable if you happen to like, and a completely appropriate high-end listening expertise for moveable audio followers.
Execs
Excessive vitality sound signature
Beautiful design
Very snug
Cons
Barely metallic treble
The Meze Audio Liric is a welcome addition to a rising closed-back planar headphone market in 2022. It brings wonderful design and luxury fundamentals from their TOTL headphones right into a smaller and extra compact measurement in addition to producing class-leading ranges of isolation.
Furthermore, it has a likable however extra aggressive sound signature than what Meze Audio followers is likely to be used to coming from the Empyrean and Elite.
It offers up a bit when it comes to decision and dynamic vary to its larger brothers however in return, you get one thing way more speedy, enjoyable if you happen to like, and a completely appropriate high-end listening expertise for moveable audio followers.
Don’t let that cease you from plugging it into a giant previous fats desktop tube amp. It sounds marvelous from the few we tried on this evaluate so far so it might probably simply as simply sit in the home as an fulfilling residence audio buy.
High Gear 2022 Awards – Greatest Wi-fi Headphones
For journey audiophiles, the Focal Bathys represents a critical improve on client headphone decisions from the likes of Sony and Bose. It additionally provides a extra coherent and full of life tuning in comparison with extra heavyweight alternate options such because the Amrion wi-fi. Heck, even my little Panda falls into line compared.
Execs
Balanced tuning with good vocal presence
Fantastically designed
Good noise canceling efficiency
Cons
No LDAC
No passive wired mode
The Focal Bathys is an excellent-sounding debut ANC wi-fi headphone and positively, a substantial improve on all of the earlier wi-fi closed-backs now we have reviewed in 2022.
It has all of the styling and materials high quality you’d count on from a Focal-designed headphone with a balanced and fulfilling tuning that locations fashionable pop and rock to the fore.
For journey audiophiles, it represents a critical improve on client headphone decisions from the likes of Sony and Bose. It additionally provides a extra coherent and full of life tuning in comparison with extra heavyweight alternate options such because the Amiron Wi-fi. Heck, even the little Drop Panda falls into line compared.
It’s not picture-perfect although. A scarcity of LDAC functionality as a result of timing of approval is one such level. It is a very succesful driver that may deal with much more as exemplified by its wonderful USB-DAC efficiency.
High Gear 2022 Awards – Greatest Customized IEM
The JH Audio Sharona is a customized monitor designed for pleasurable listening. It delivers a superbly {smooth} and detailed efficiency with an amazing sense of house to suck you proper right into a non-fatiguing however partaking sound signature.
Execs
Big staging efficiency
Fantastically designed
Very snug becoming
Cons
Doesn’t isolate in addition to the older designs
A bit shy for treble fans
The JH Audio Sharona is a customized monitor designed for pleasurable listening. It delivers superbly {smooth} and detailed performances with an amazing sense of house to suck you proper right into a non-fatiguing however partaking sound signature.
Importantly, it’s fairly completely different from the present lineup such because the Layla, Contour XO, and Jolene. Not simply in its tuning which, for me, has one of many strongest midrange performances out of those in contrast displays. But in addition, within the design and construct which is each smaller and way more relaxed in its becoming.
Each the tuning and the shape issue are actually tailored to remain in your ear for ages with out inflicting any bodily or listening discomfort. That needs to be proper up any musician’s alley for concert events and efficiency periods that might go on for hours however don’t low cost the vocal-loving audiophile both. It has the chops for each audiences.
The FiR Audio Krypton 5 is one severely spectacular customized monitor with maybe essentially the most thrilling or ‘pushed’ tuning profiles I’ve heard this yr in an IEM.
That Kinetic bass drops bombs left proper and middle with out sounding fuzzy or overly bloomy. This isn’t a mushy enveloping pillowy low-end, it is agency, outlined, and breathtaking in its execution.
Execs
Excessive vitality bass efficiency
Wonderful isolation
Engaging design
Cons
Much less isolation than some opponents
Slight lack of presence in some vocals
The FiR Audio Krypton 5 is one severely spectacular customized monitor with maybe essentially the most thrilling or ‘pushed’ tuning profiles now we have heard in an IEM in 2022.
That Kinetic bass drops bombs left proper and middle with out sounding fuzzy or overly bloomy. This isn’t a mushy enveloping pillowy low-end, it’s agency, outlined, and breathtaking in its execution.
It’s not all in regards to the lows although. The harmonic stability is on level for my tastes, with nothing too sharp or warmed-up. Save for a little bit of darkness within the higher mids it is a very balanced tuning. Give it energy, give it good voltage and this CIEM will sound very energetic and full of life.
Is it a reference-tuned providing? Nope, however generally being among the best will not be about being ruthlessly analytical, generally it may be vastly emotional additionally.
JH Audio Website | FiR Audio Website
High Gear 2022 Awards – Greatest Common IEM
The Imaginative and prescient Ears Phönix is a dear however superbly designed high-end monitor constructed for blissful and stress-free listening. Its coherent timbre has an inviting and intoxicating mix of smooth-sounding mids and gorgeously wealthy vocals backed up by a punchy low-end efficiency when known as upon.
Execs
Coherent {smooth} tuning
Lovely design
Comfy to put on
Cons
Silicone suggestions onerous to make use of
Not a reference tuning
The Imaginative and prescient Ears Phönix is a dear however superbly designed high-end monitor constructed for blissful and stress-free listening. Its coherent timbre has an inviting and intoxicating mix of smooth-sounding mids and gorgeously wealthy vocals backed up by a punchy low-end efficiency when known as upon.
It feels splendidly balanced proper throughout the frequency vary and will nicely stand in because the yin to the rumbling high-energy yang of the EXT.
Actually, these are the 2 finest displays at present on provide in 2022 from Imaginative and prescient Ears. And the most effective half is that the Phönix won’t be a restricted version fairly in the identical method because the fabled ERLKöNIG.
The Noble Audio Viking Ragnar might be the corporate’s most high-fidelity in-ear monitor so far. It is usually distinctive from the competitors in its spatial grandeur however no much less of a technical performer with spectacular ranges of exact imaging and element.
Execs
Very good decision
Intricate design
Wonderful passive isolation
The Noble Audio Viking Ragnar might be the corporate’s most high-fidelity in-ear monitor in 2022. It is usually distinctive from the competitors in its spatial grandeur however no much less of a technical performer with spectacular ranges of exact imaging and element.
It is a purist’s selection, it’s not a riotous or aggressive tuning nevertheless it has quite a lot of flexibility with each intimate and expansive audio recordings. Nothing is missed, each minute element is there. The one minor critique is the studied matching course of with each tip and supply. Now we have nailed on preferences and never each choice was splendid however some have been spectacular.
It’s an impeccable-looking and really distinctive in-ear monitor design additionally but nonetheless has that unmistakable Noble Audio vibe. All that might be for nothing if it didn’t have the ‘audible chops’ that it most definitely has.
Vision Ears | Noble Audio Website
High Gear 2022 Awards – Greatest DAP
The HiBy RS8 is likely one of the most full DAPs launched so far. It has essentially the most superior working system, a novel structure developed from the RS6, and fairly clearly packs in my DAC of selection, R-2R.
Not simply R-2R for the sake of it however desktop decoding ranges of R-2R and a degree of audible high quality that competes with the gold normal, the P6 Professional from Luxurious and Precision.
Execs
Pure and expansive R2R Sound
Android 12
Wonderful Turbo Mode
Cons
Very heavy
Not a lot distinction within the amplifier operational modes
Darwin IEM presets too nuanced
The HiBy RS8 is likely one of the most full DAPs launched in 2022. It has essentially the most superior working system, a novel structure developed from the RS6, and fairly clearly packs in our DAC of selection, R-2R.
Not simply R-2R for the sake of it however desktop decoding ranges of R-2R and a degree of audible high quality that competes with the gold normal, the P6 Pro from Luxurious and Precision.
Now we have been ready for an Android R-2R DAP that basically delivers and the RS8 does that after which some. That pure and coherent sound is beguiling to hearken to for hours and hours.
What must be improved sounds churlish however we’d be remiss with out the cons in addition to the professionals. It’s huge and heavy for one factor and personally, Class A and Class AB aren’t distinct sufficient main us to simply hold it in Class A out of pure audiophile snobbery. Extra daring Darwin presets from the producers wouldn’t go amiss both.
In any other case, the RS8 could nicely have set the usual for what is feasible with this ‘new previous’ expertise.
High Gear 2022 Awards – Greatest Cable
The Impact Audio Chiron nearly looks like a direct response to the Centurion’s bombastic and excessive distinction pleasure with a extra relaxed and really {smooth} sounding efficiency when paired with our examined displays. If mids are your fourte, full with creamy vocals and loads of house for them to breathe then it is the right complimentary cable to the flagship’s exuberance.
Execs
Clean holographic Efficiency
Intricate Construct High quality
ConX
Cons
Is perhaps heavy for some
The 2022 Chiron nearly looks like a direct response to the 2021 Centurion’s bombastic and high-contrast pleasure with a extra relaxed and really smooth-sounding efficiency when paired with our examined displays.
If mids are your fourte, full with creamy vocals and loads of house for them to breathe then it’s the right complimentary cable to the flagship’s exuberance.
And it seems to be so very completely different from nearly each Impact Audio design on the market proper now. That chocolaty-toned textured end, smokey completed titanium barrels, and distinctive chin cinch mount make it in all probability considered one of our favourite designs so far from the corporate.
Clearly, it’s not an affordable cable and maybe one that’s much less appropriate if in case you have a equally priced monitor and in search of a easy improve to your inventory cable. Just like the Centurion, it is a cable to get if in case you have a number of high-end displays and in search of one thing extremely resolving with a really natural-sounding efficiency.
The PLUSSOUND Hybrid+ teases out a big-sounding, vivid, and fascinating high quality to beefy dynamic driver setups and pushes onerous on the mid-bass punch with woofer BA configurations. It is a strong mix-up of the most effective qualities from its sibling cables, the Copper+ and the Silver+
Execs
Dynamic sound signature
Aesthetics and ending are complementary
Prime quality Equipment
Cons
A bit stiff for dealing with
With all 3 cables in PLUSSOUND’s ‘+’ collection lined now we have to confess out of the three, now we have a bias in direction of the Hybrid+ when it comes to how nicely it performs with our examined monitor lineup.
It teases out a big-sounding, vivid, and fascinating high quality to beefy dynamic driver setups and pushes onerous on the mid-bass punch with woofer BA configurations.
The mix of each metallic parts is extra refined than earlier blended alloy creations in PLUSSOUND’s line-up so it’s not all in regards to the affect both. Electrostatic and smaller BA tweeters sound very balanced, pure, and clear with this cable pairing.
If you happen to can’t resolve between the relaxed heat of the Copper+ or the clear reference tone of the Silver+ then this is a superb and fascinating mix-up of each of their qualities.
Effect Audio Website | PLUSSOUND Website
High Gear 2022 Awards – Greatest True Wi-fi System
The 1MORE EVO TWS has change into considered one of my favourite TWS fashions at this value vary and you can even throw in some higher-tier fashions into that backside checklist. The LDAC makes a distinction right here along with the hybrid twin driver setup that caters to sound high quality over all else.
Execs
Light-weight & Comfy
LDAC sound high quality
Steady connection
Cons
A bit onerous to take away the drivers from the cradle
Lack of tip decisions
The 1MORE EVO TWS has change into considered one of our favourite TWS fashions at this value vary and you can even throw in some higher-tier fashions into that backside checklist. The LDAC makes a distinction right here along with the hybrid twin driver setup that caters to sound high quality over all else.
After all, they don’t seem to be monitoring instruments and have a coloured sound signature and if you happen to choose sterile and analytical you then won’t like these a lot. We like them due to the enjoyable sound signature that does nicely once you wish to push some boundaries and simply have some enjoyable.
You can nonetheless make use of the Sound ID function and make them sound nearer to your private choice. So together with that versatility degree, an honest app set, options, and sound high quality, we’d most definitely take into account this TWS in the event that they fall inside your funds in 2022.
High Gear 2022 Awards – Greatest Transportable DAC/Amp
The Chord Electronics Mojo 2 inventory sound feels extra correct and energetic in comparison with the V1. The brand new UHD DSP suite is seamless when it comes to having no affect on dynamic vary and an absence of quantity attenuation.
Execs
Rewarding DSP System
Improved dynamic vary over the unique
Addition of USB-C output
Cons
Nonetheless retains older Micro-USB for charging
On paper, you won’t assume the Mojo 2 has sufficient of an evolution given it’s been nearly 6 years for the reason that original first got here out. Yup, a USB-C was clearly wanted and it’s got one now with extra complexity within the management system however in any other case, it seems to be nearly the identical as earlier than.
Nonetheless, dig deeper, particularly with the brand new menu system and people UHD DSP controls and you will discover a way more mature and customizable Mojo on provide in 2022.
Fairly other than a inventory sound that feels extra correct and energetic in comparison with the V1, the Mojo 2’s DSP suite is seamless when it comes to having no affect on dynamic vary and an absence of quantity attenuation. You’ll be able to hear the modifications it makes immediately and also you tweak it proper throughout the frequency vary to fit your tastes.
For many who have the V1, we encourage you to demo the brand new Mojo 2 and see simply how nicely the brand new sound and DSP match your displays or headphones of selection. For many who don’t then it’s a no brainer, nonetheless one of many best-sounding moveable amp/DACs on this value class in 2022.
The FiiO Q7 SRP is on level for me. That is an providing drenched in worth if you happen to want a transportable amp and DAC with large energy and a great deal of I/O choices in a comparatively compact and attractively made type issue.
Execs
Energetic tuning
Excessive output energy
Wonderful Bluetooth vary
Cons
Big for a transportable amp
Above 1Ω output impedance
Barely softer sounding in comparison with the M17
The FiiO Q7 is a largely devoted copy of that sturdy and thrilling sound of the flagship M17 DAP for a a lot lower cost.
For many who felt the M17 was out of their funds and didn’t wish to be tied to at least one spot within the room with the K9 Pro ESS then the Q7 is definitely the subsequent smartest thing in FiiO’s burgeoning lineup.
The one key distinction is likely to be that swap to the only DAC implementation as a substitute of the M17’s twin which softens up the efficiency ever so barely. Apart from that, it’s a banging tuning with loads of headroom for each IEM and headphones alike.
Sure, it’s huge, it’s extra transportable than moveable, and we actually have a tough time placing it in the identical utilization state of affairs as a Chord Electronics Mojo 2 for instance. Nonetheless, it has nearly all the things you can need for an inexpensive heavy hitting transportable compact desktop amplifier.
The SRP is on level for me in 2022. That is an providing drenched in worth if you happen to want one thing with large energy and a great deal of I/O choices in a comparatively compact and attractively made type issue.
Chord Electronics Website | FiiO Website
High Gear 2022 Awards – Greatest DAC/Amp Dongle
The Cayin RU6 provides a distinct “analog” strategy on the earth of extremely built-in delta-sigma chipset packages and DSP filters. One which preserves a tube-like musical high quality however with a lot finer quantity management and packed inside a good type issue.
Execs
Clean analog sound
Viewable LCD display
Engaging design
Cons
A bit mushy on sub-bass ranges
The Cayin RU6 provides a distinct “analog” strategy on the earth of extremely built-in delta-sigma chipset packages and DSP filters. One which preserves a tube-like musical high quality however with a lot finer quantity management and packed inside a good type issue.
I’ve by no means imagined an R-2R dongle may come alive not to mention provide oversampling options and step quantity options on USB-powered units. It offers the system quite a lot of flexibility and fashionable technicalities but nonetheless delivers a distinctly pure sound with quite a lot of character.
Maybe among the up-and-coming dongle DACs will exceed the iFi Audio GO bar’s efficiency however right this moment it appears to face as much as its declare of being essentially the most highly effective dongle DAC round that employs the addictive iFi Audio options like Xbass and XSpace in a tool that’s tremendous moveable.
Execs
Highly effective Outputs
Function wealthy
Versatile with pairings
Cons
Chunky in comparison with different dongles
Lack of multi-media controls
Maybe among the up-and-coming dongle DACs will exceed the iFi Audio GO bar’s efficiency however in 2022 it appears to face as much as its declare of being essentially the most highly effective dongle DAC round that employs the addictive iFi Audio options like Xbass and XSpace plus selectable DAC filters in a tool that’s tremendous moveable.
The standout factors are all pores and skin deep and heard however not seen. Tonality, shade, physique, uncooked energy plus among the best imaging capabilities we have been in a position to extract from all of the dongle DACs that crossed our arms make the iFi Audio GO bar in all probability among the best dongles now we have reviewed in 2022.
Cayin Website | ifi Audio Website
Click on on web page 2 under for our desktop and private selection awards of the Headfonics staff for 2022.
