PRODUCT OF THE YEAR 2007






Awards are often a reason for misunderstandings, quarrels and sometimes even offence. Many times the distributors think, that if “I” didn’t get it, then why “he” got it. Our own hell on demand. But awards are a special way of laying emphasis on devices that are especially interesting, that stand out from the devices tested by SOMETHING, that makes us know, while sitting and listening to our discs, that this is a step forward, that the competition, even if offering interesting devices, is a step behind.

That is the reason why we try every year to present some devices to you, that we are sure they will prove themselves in many systems. None of them is a magic answer to all questions and an ideal solution – those are only products of human hands, and not divine, please remember that. However they present ideas, that, in many cases, will be that what we are looking for.
Like every year, also this year we honored the outstanding products with a special distinction. Let us remind which products received the Main Award in 2006 (all Product of the Year 2006 awards HERE):

Just like I wrote in the justification: “This is a dream system without price restraints. And there is nothing behind it, for a long, long way”. Because it was about giving you a hint, that you can compose a system, maybe not the most expensive one, but without constraints. We decided for something similar this year, with one exception: the Arcam Solo Movie 5.1, that is a complete system in itself. This time, the main system costs very, very much, and is also built around a player with a tube output stage, but the amplification went over to the solid state premises.


Wojciech Pacuła

MAIN PRIZE 2007


    Jadis
    JD1 Mk II/JS1 Mk III
    No. 33 January 2007


    This is the first player that put the crossbar for the digital sources so high. Of course there are other players on the market, in some aspects better devices, but Jadis proposes a holistic way of sounding, based on emotions and something that extends beyond the technique of reproduction. That is why it is for me a reference point.

    Original test HERE
    Distribution: Grobel Audio
    Contact: audio@grobel.com.pl




    KRELL
    EVO 222 + 402
    No. 43 November 2007


    Krell devices are sometimes accused of being cold and soulless. Please listen to this amplifier. With a good CD and precise loudspeakers. In this case the “soullessness” means much more, it means no intrusion in the signal, and cold means having a superb, open treble. Krell is also a master of bass. It is not about the control of it – this we assume as obvious, but absolute freedom from constraints, freeing us from thinking about this frequency range. This projects to other parts of the spectrum – the midrange is crystal clear and incredibly saturated. And the resolution is outstanding. This is one of the few solid state amplifiers sounding like the best of the tubes in that aspect.

    Original test HERE
    Distribution: Audio Klan
    Contact: aklan@audioklan.com.pl




    Harpia Acoustics
    DOBERMANN (new)
    No. 41 September 2007


    Those are loudspeakers, that set a crossbar in terms of precision and speed of sound that is difficult to match. Only some speakers of the 60000 - 70000zl price range can do something like that. For the whole year this was the reference point of the editorial staff.

    Original test HERE
    Distribution: Harpia Acoustics
    Contact: harpia@harpiaacoustics.com




    RCM AUDIO
    PRELUDE SENSOR IC
    No. 43 November 2007


    Inexpensive and marvelous. Two words and everything is clear. The Katowice based company succeeded in something incredibly difficult – it prepared a solid state, IC based preamplifier, that is incredibly precise and incredibly saturated. And this bass – all tube type preamplifiers can only dream of such control and timbre. The device was bought for the editorial staff.

    Original test HERE
    Distribution: RCM
    Contact: rcm@rcm.com.pl




    Luxman
    M-800A
    No. 43 November 2007


    Unexpected resurrection of one of the legends of hi-end, the Japanese company Luxman came in a good time – this is the time, when much happens in audio. This is a powerful, working in class A, power amplifier, that sounds like a combination of a solid state amplifier – precision, contour, resolution and a tube amplifier – saturation, timbre, depth. It can be done better, but it will cost three or four times more. Fantastically made it will please us many years with its presence. Also us – the tested unit was bought by us as a reference.

    Original test HERE
    Distribution: Sound City
    Contact: poczta@luxman.pl




    Nexton
    M-100
    No. 42 October 2007


    This is an absolute surprise – a Polish stand mount speaker made exclusively in our country, including the drivers, sound like a class speaker, without any prejudice related to the price or country of manufacture or the Stock Exchange rates. And the workmanship – superb!

    Original test HERE
    Distribution: Nexton
    Contact: info@nexton.pl




    Arcam
    SOLO MOVIE 5.1
    No. 41 September 2007


    There is not much to tell here, because this is something for anybody annoyed by kilometers of cables and boxes in home theater – regardless if this is the first or a second system. Solo Movie is first of all a very good audio disc player (all formats – CD, DVD, DVD-Audio and SACD) and a superb amplifier. Warm, saturated sound with a real kick, this is an asset of traditional line amplifiers. And the vision – a dream; and an example what can be extracted from a classic DVD.

    Original test HERE
    Distribution: Audio Center
    Contact: audiocenter@audiocenter.pl




    CATEGORIES

    INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER

    BAT
    VK-300X Tube
    No. 36 April 2007


    Balanced Audio Technology does not propose any breakthrough technologies, it just refines that what it masters best. The combination of tubes in the preamplifier and transistors in the power stage is a classic setup. In the hands of BAT people it gets a special edge, underlined with perfect manufacturing, outstanding design and something extra that makes us know what we are paying for.

    Original test HERE
    Distribution: Voice
    Contact: office@voice.com.pl




    BLADELIUS
    Thor Mk II
    No. 40 August 2007


    Mike Bladelius is responsible for the explosion of the Scandinavian audio. He made designs for Primare, but did not forget about the company carrying his name. The amplifier Thor MkII is a minimalist, well thought construction with a cool looks and a warm heart (sound). Once heard and liked, it will clear the path of one’s development.

    Original test HERE
    Distribution: Arspo Audio
    Contact: arspo@arspoaudio.lodz.pl




    Cary
    CAD-300-SEI
    No. 37 April 2007


    I don’t know if it is better to write, that this is a fantastic integrated amplifier based on 300B tubes, or one of the best headphone amplifiers I heard. Both statements are true and equal. So whatever we choose, the second device we get for free. It is however worth to change the tubes to something better in time.

    Original test HERE
    Distribution: Audio System
    Contact: Contact@audiosystem.com.pl




    Cyrus
    8 vs2 + PSX-R
    No. 40 August 2007


    Cyrus is a British classic, who decided to jump forward and took gamble on modernity. SMD montage, unified enclosure, brilliant in its simplicity, and the possibility of almost unlimited upgrade. And the manufacturing done completely in the UK. But those are just ornaments to the sound. Saturated sound, full of passion, that is completely unfitting to the “shoebox” looks.

    Original test HERE
    Distribution: Intrada
    Contact: info@intrada.pl




    LUXMAN
    L-505f
    No. 40 August 2007


    Luxman means not only majestic products from the top, but also much cheaper, nicely made products like this integrated amplifier. Its sound is best described by this fragment of the test: “Now [we have] full, extremely coherent, rich sound, achieved through the feeling, that the sound is concentrated on itself is the next step in the Zen meditation.” So you have to listen for yourself.

    Original test HERE
    Distribution: Sound City
    Contact: poczta@luxman.pl




    Rotel
    RA-05
    No. 40 August 2007


    You cannot pass next to the new budget proposition of this manufacturer untouched. Since years Rotel supplies competent sounding, nice to listen to devices. This time “accurateness” was added, something that its competition could show off with, and with what Rotel did not fight. RA-05 is different, because we can expect the one and the other from it.

    Original test HERE
    Distribution: Audio Klan
    Contact: aklan@audioklan.com.pl




    Xindak
    XA6200
    No. 37 May 2007


    Chinese devices have a reputation of being cheap and well built. The model XA6200 is not cheap, but built superbly. This is a splendidly sounding, dynamic and precise device, that can take on the fight with the European competition on equal terms. Competition it leaves behind in terms of build quality.

    Original test HERE
    Distribution: Polpak Poland
    Contact: biuro@polpak.com.pl




    PREAMPLIFIER

    Pink Faun
    FETTLE
    No. 37 May 2007


    The newcomer from the Netherlands is a hardcore look at audio, because it uses the simplest ways with most expensive tools, like NOS capacitors, resistors and transistors. Fabulous as a gramophone preamplifier its battery powered double box setup puts emphasis on something called “musicality” by some people, and just splendid sound by others.

    Original test HERE
    Distribution: Pink Faun
    Contact: Info@PinkFaun.com




    POWER AMPLIFIER

    Accuphase
    A-45
    No. 35 March 2007


    Precision, kick, dynamics – this is a short characteristic of this amplifier. And the A-45 works in class A. Splendid, relatively inexpensive product that keeps the structure of the sound of the original without sacrificing the attack. One thing it requires ruthlessly is a good preamplifier.

    Original test HERE
    Distribution: Nautilus Hi-End
    Contact: nautilus@nautilus.net.pl




    Rogue Audio
    M-150
    No. 36 April 2007


    The Americans have fantasy – this is known. But they also have fight in their blood. Just like Rogue Audio. When everybody transferred production to China, or switched to using there prepared components, RA just tightened their belt, redesigned their products and proposed them in prices not achievable for the Chinese. And everything is “Made in USA”. M-150 is a big, solid power amplifier, that is not cheap. But one should look at what the Americans offer, as they know what they do. And they know music.

    Original test HERE
    Distribution: Arspo Audio
    Contact: arspo@arspoaudio.lodz.pl




    DIGITAL PLAYER

    Arcam
    FMJ CD36T
    No January 2007


    One of the “iron” manufacturers from the British Islands. Every product it proposes is at least successful, and some are outstanding. Like this one, most expensive in their portfolio, but still underpriced, CD player. Fleshy, controlled bass, vivid midrange and fluency make him a companion for long winter nights as well as for the hot summer nights. But you should provide it with a classy companionship, so that it will not be wasted.

    Original test HERE
    Distribution: Audio Center
    Contact: audiocenter@audiocenter.pl




    Denon
    DCD-CX3
    No. 38 June 2007


    A small thing, built like a Swiss watch. Designed as a part of a mini-system, this SACD player sounds like a classy audiophile beast. You should avoid bright systems, but with tube amplifiers it will show what it can. And this heavy, cast tray.

    Original test HERE
    Distribution: Horn Distribution
    Contact: horn@horn.pl




    E-Sound
    CD-E5
    East West Audio Edition
    No. 33 May 2007


    East West Audio is a Dutch distributor that carries, among others, Polish products. Ron, the man behind the company, is also a music lover and an audiophile. So he prepared a CD player, based on the player awarded by us last year, the Chinese CD-E5, his own version of it, with a completely reworked output stage. Analog, saturated sound, with a bit controversial bass. And the splendid built quality, with the power cabling supplied by the Polish company Audionova – both on the inside and outside.

    Original test HERE
    Distribution: East West Audio Shop
    Contact: info@eastwestaudioshop.nl




    LINN
    AKURATE CD
    No. 43 November 2007


    This is one of the few multiformat players, that sounds fine in every possible format. Warm, organic sound with good manners. Very nice switch from CD to broader spectrum.

    Original test HERE
    Distribution: LINN Polska
    Contact: info@linnpolska.pl




    Marantz
    CD5001
    No. 39 July 2007


    Inexpensive, even very inexpensive, nicely sounding player from the Japanese specialist. One could say – this is no surprise. But still – so many years in the field, changes of models, lines, and still Marantz can propose something, that the competition will try to discount next year. Many times without success.

    Original test HERE
    Distribution: Audio Klan
    Contact: aklan@audioklan.com.pl




    Nagra
    CD-P
    No. 43 November 2007


    The appearance of the first ever CD player in the company history exactly in the 25th anniversary of the format can seem to be madness or at least extravaganza. Unless… it is Nagra. Using the experience of the digital tape recorders and studio converters it proposes, buying lenses from Carl Zeiss, top drive from Philips and creating an proprietary preamplifier it proposed one of the more attractive trinkets in our branch – small and made with really Swiss precision will be a piece to be proud of by its owner. Also in forty years.

    Original test HERE
    Distribution: Intrada
    Contact: info@intrada.pl




    D/A CONVERTER

    Casea
    CEPHEUS
    No. 37 May 2007


    This Czech converter is an example for the fact, that solid engineering supported by the sense of music make a whole. And this for really not much money. And when we equip a multiformat player with a special module, we can enjoy high resolution sound until 192kHz and 24bits! Bravo!

    Original test HERE
    Distribution: Casea
    Contact: polski@casea.eu




    Manley
    WAVE
    No. 36 April 2007


    Eva Manley is a never resting spirit and at the same time the ideal manager. She can inspire her engineers like no other. Hence the ideas for products like the wave – a D/A converter with an integrated tube preamplifier. Without a trace of technical sound, always with a body and souls, putting emotions on the first place, this device confirms that the Compact Disc format still can achieve much. And that we get the heat of the tubes with that? Now – this is just a present from Eva…

    Original test HERE
    Distribution: Moje Audio
    Contact: biuro@mojeaudio.pl




    STAND MOUNT SPEAKERS

    A.D.A.M.
    HM2
    No. 35 March 2007


    Tweeters are a separate sphere of loudspeaker art. In the A.D.A.M. loudspeakers we find one of the most interesting variations on the theme, the speaker A.R.T. (Accelerated Ribbon Technology). It is responsible for sweet, open treble without a trace of compression. The Eton speaker partnering it is also behaving very well, it provides dynamics and kick. Really worth a sin, even if we do not like exotic beauties.

    Original test HERE
    Distribution: Audio Tech
    Contact: sale@audiotechpro.pl




    AUDIOWAVE
    141 SE
    No. 41 September 2007


    Audiovawe is a company that proposes loudspeakers with unusual, wooden enclosures for years now. Wood brings warmth to mind. Despite this, it was put together with the “cold” shine of metal diaphragms. And bingo – precise, resolved sound without a trace of chill, but with deep, for the size of the speaker, bass and rich harmonics. A baroque writer could say – burning ice…

    Original test HERE
    Distribution: Audiowave
    Contact : 601 285 230




    B&W Bowers&Wilkins
    686
    No. 42 October 2007


    Bowers is now probably the most important player among the loudspeaker manufacturers in home audio. Like it showed in the top models with the diamond tweeters, it can return to the roots (1st order cross-over) and make an advantage of it. But the biggest challenge are the cheapest loudspeakers. Here the British are also in the first line. A loudspeaker, actually designed as a surround for home theater, the model 686 shows, that if one wants it then it is possible – big sound from a small speaker and this with a range of amplifiers. And for desert a very good visual design.

    Original test HERE
    Distribution: Audio Klan
    Contact: aklan@audioklan.com.pl




    FLOOR STANDING LOUDSPEAKERS

    ACUHORN
    ROSSO SUPERIORE 175
    No. 37 May 2007


    Those are no run-of-the-mill loudspeakers. This is not an ordinary product. Splendidly made, with care for every, even the smallest detail, it will be a decoration for every interior. Unusual wide band drivers and a fantastically matched tube allow for getting a fresh, free from internal friction, sound. This is a speaker, that – if it is “our” sound – can stay with us forever.

    Original test HERE
    Distribution: Acuhorn
    Contact: info@acuhorn.pl




    Audio Academy
    PHOEBE II
    No. 35 March 2007


    Polish companies are especially active when it comes to manufacture of loudspeakers. And they do it well. But creating a good and cheap speaker is always a challenge. Audio Academy is very experienced in that field, so it is no surprise, that the Phoebe II are very good speakers. The sound well with many amplifiers, with a nice tonal balance, nice finish – what more do you need?

    Original test HERE
    Distribution: Audio Academy
    Contact: audio@audioacademy.com.pl




    Celestion
    F28
    No. 38 June 2007


    Celestion is one of the oldest, still active companies manufacturing loudspeakers. Since many years the company concentrates on lower price ranges. Combing experience and production capabilities, the series F competes with Chinese “no name” products in terms of price, while being much better. F28 is a superb speaker – inexpensive, precise, with short bass and detailed treble.

    Original test HERE
    Distribution: KEF Poland
    Contact: grzegorz.wyka@gpaeu.com




    ERYK S. CONCEPT
    KETSUS
    No. 44 December 2007


    The wide band speaker concept is not new. The model KETSUS brings a modification of it – two wide band speakers are supported in the lower and higher registers by other, classic speakers. This results in a smooth, fluent, slightly “soft” sound with enormous dynamics. And for many people the brilliant visual design and perfect manufacturing quality will be most important. Fully Polish, completely thought through and absolutely finished.

    Original test HERE
    Distribution: Eryk S. Concept
    Contact: eryk@eryksc.com




    KEF
    REFERENCE 203/2
    No. 44 December 2007


    This is the last word from KEF in terms of loudspeaker manufacture – in terms of manufacture as well as in terms of sound. Beautiful design, with natural veneers, varnishes and cast parts, and most of all the newest generation of the Uni-Q system, designed for the costing 100000 Euro Muon. At the moment, “Reference” means for the company perfect measurement results and sound. But remembering, that KEF manufactured the best version, of the licensed speakers LS3/5a BBC, one should not be surprised.

    Original test HERE
    Distribution: KEF Poland
    Contact: grzegorz.wyka@gpaeu.com




    MAGNEPAN
    MG1.6/QR
    No. 43, November 2007


    This planar transducters can create fantastic, big sound without any ounce of sharp moments. It is very rare situation that loudspeakers can create such big volumen. In this price - never.

    Original test HERE
    Distribution: Neel Audio
    Contact: info@nell-audio.pl




    Pro-Tonsil
    SIESTA
    No. 39 July 2007


    Those that predicted Tonsil a quick death probably don’t know what to think. A hint – the rumors of death were much exaggerated. Under the brand Pro-Tonsil we get a wave of perfectly made, nicely sounding, inexpensive products, the manufacturer accustomed us to. Among them the Siesta – a dynamic, clear speaker, with well drawn bass.

    Original test HERE
    Distribution: Pro-Tonsil
    Contact: info@protonsil.pl




    HEADPHONES

    ZEN
    AURVANA
    No. 38 June 2007


    This was not expected – a specialist of sound cards for computers created headphones, that outclassed known competition. Nicely done – and just nicely looking – sound just like twice as expensive models from other manufacturers. And it seems to be just the first step…

    Original test HERE
    Distribution: Creative




    ANALOG

    Denon
    DL-103
    No. 34 December 2007


    A classic. Cheap but with mature and refined sound. Just a classic.

    Original test HERE
    Distribution: Horn
    Contact: horn@horn.pl




    Primare
    R20
    No. 39 July 2007


    Primare is best known for its amplifiers and CD players. The introduction of a gramophone preamplifier seemed to be just and enhancement to its offerings, and the R20 just an addition. But it is not like that. Because Primare prepared the preamplifier as if it would be doing that for years, and as if it was a vinyl specialist. Nicely looking and nicely playing product.

    Original test HERE
    Distribution: Voice
    Contact: office@voice.com.pl




    AudioNemesis
    PH-1
    No. 34 December 2007


    The Italian company Audionemesis prepared another pearl after the DC-1. This is just an MM preamplifier, but with ultra-low noise and a saturated, smooth, involving sound. With a good MC HO cartridge we get an outstanding musical spectacle.

    Original test HERE
    Distribution: Voxal
    Contact: voxal@voxal.pl




    Transrotor
    Fat Bob S
    No. 38 June 2007


    Transrotor was one of the “big absent” in the Polish vinyl market. Fortunately this is now the past. As it turns out, even for – for hi-end – not much money we can get a superb, made with attention to every detail product. The sound of the Fat Bob is full, warm, simply analog.

    Original test HERE
    Distribution: Nautilus Hi-End
    Contact: nautilus@nautilus.net.pl




    MUSIC

    MAIN PRIZE



    • FIRST IMPRESSION MUSIC
      THIS IS K2 HD SOUND!
      PEPE ROMERO FLAMENCO


      Review HERE
      Publisher: various/First Impression Music, FIM K2 HD 078
      Details: sampler K2 HD
      Date of issue: 01.10.2007
      Format: K2 HD CD





    PRIZE



    • DEPECHE MODE ON VINYL -
      LIMITED EDITION


      Speak&Spell
      Abroken Frame
      Construction Time Again
      Some Great Reward
      Black Celebration
      Music For The Masses
      Violator
      Songs of Faith and Devotion

      Review HERE
      Date of issue: 03-04.2007
      Format: 180 g LP



    • Milt Jackson Sextet
      Invitation


      Review HERE
      Publisher: Riverside/Mobile Fidelity, UDSACD 2031
      Details: Original Master Recording; Special Limited edition 1828/2500
      Date of issue: 1.09.07
      Format: SACDst/CD



    • LARS DANIELSSON & LESZEK MOŻDŻER
      PASODOBLE


      Review HERE
      Publisher: ACT, ACT 9458-2
      Date of issue: 30.04.2007
      Format: CD



    • THE BASSFACE SWING TRIO
      PLAYS GERSHWIN


      Review HERE
      Publisher: Stockfisch, SFR 357.8045.1
      Date of issue: 16.03.2007
      Format: Direct-To-Disc 180 g LP + SACD/CD



    • EDMUNDO ROSS AND HIS ORCHESTRA
      ROS ON BRODWAY


      Review HERE
      Publisher: Decca (SKL 4004)/First Impression Music, LIM XR24 017
      Date of issue (oryginalnie/remaster): 1958/2007
      Format: XRCD24
      Seria: Lasting Impression Music/Decca Limited Edition



    • ALBÉNIZ-FRÜHBECK DE BURGOS
      SUITE ESPAŃOLA


      Review HERE
      Publisher: Decca Music Group Limited (SXL 6355)/First Impression Music, FIM XR24 068
      Date of issue (oryginalne/remaster): 1969/2006
      Format: XRCD24



    • FIVE SONGBIRDS. A REFERENCE COLLECTION OF FEMALE VOCALISTS

      Review HERE
      Publisher: First Impression Music, FIM048 VD
      Date of issue (oryginalne/remaster): różne/2005
      Format: HDCD24
      Details: “Vinyl CD”



    • SOUND SYSTEM – za całokształt

      Review HERE



    • HEINRICH IGNAZ FRANZ BIBER
      THE ROSARY SONATAS


      Review HERE
      Publisher: Harmonia Mundi USA, HMU 907321.22
      Date of issue: 12.10.2004
      Format: 2 x CD



    • FREEMAN-ATTWOOD / PIENAAR
      LA TROMPETTE RETROUVÉE


      Review HERE
      Publisher: LINN Records CKD 294
      Date of issue: 12.02.2007
      Format: SACDmch/SACDst/HDCD



    • THE BEATLES
      LOVE


      Review HERE
      Publisher: Apple/Parlphone/EMI 3 80789 2
      Date of issue: 20.11.2006
      Format: DVD-Audio/CD (PCM stereo, PCM 5.1 24/96, DTS 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1)



    • DIETRICH BUXTEHUDE
      COMPLETE ORGAN WORKS/Sämtliche Orgelwerke


      Review HERE
      Publisher: MDG, MDG 314 1438-2
      Date of issue: 5.02.2007
      Format: 7 x CD



    • J. S. BACH
      ALIO MODO
      Passacaglia & other keyboard works transcribe for violins


      Review HERE
      Date of issue: 2005
      Publisher: Harmonia Mundi USA, HMU 907395
      Format: CD



    • BERT KAEMPFERT
      BERT KAEMPFERT FROM THE ORIGINAL MASTERTAPES – FOUR HITS ON 45


      Review HERE
      Date of issue: 2004
      Publisher: image hifi, image hifi LP007
      Format: 180 g, 45 rpm LP









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