It’s the end of the year again! And that means we’re be back our best of list. Geoffrey is the first to share his TOP-5 with you! And it’s not all expensive stuff. On the contrary!
Elac Debut 3.0 B6.3
The first item on the list only just made the list at the last minute. The review is just online but this one had to be included. Because the Elac Debut 3.0 B6.3 is a fantastic speaker, and not just for the money. The way this modest Elac reproduces music is nothing short of amazing. They may look like modest, rectangular cabinets, only available in one colour, the sound these budget-friendly speakers produce is unseen or rather unheard of in this price range.
I just bought my new reference speakers, see below, but I had to have these as well. A revelation!
Canton Reference 9
What’s in a name. I was looking for a new reference speaker for some time now. Eventually and rather unexpected i choose a Canton loudspeaker. Their new Reference series, and more specifically the Reference 9, is a amazingly neutral and complete monitor. Ideal for testing. Transparent, fast but also with a lot of oomph in the bottom. The fact that they also look great and are relatively affordable only made the decision easier. I can’t wait to use them in my tests in the years to come!
Atoll CD100 Evolution
Third on the list is the Atoll CD100 Evolution. A CD player with a retro d/a converter on board that presented our silver discs with flair and gusto. Very user-friendly, easy to integrate into a set and always a source of pleasure. What is also striking is how well the CD100 works as a CD transport. It becomes even better when you connect a more expensive, separate dac to it. The price is attainable and the build quality excellent. Recommended!
Aqua La Scala MKII Optologic d/a converter
Our fourth laureate is the Aqua La Scala MKII Optologic d/a converter. An expensive, separate dac with no special features but a dac that trumps our beloved Sonnet Morpheus. It has been here for a while now and every single time I am amazed by the sheer quality it delivers. I’d better email the importer because I think he’s forgotten it’s here. Or maybe i’ll keep it around just a bit longer. Naughty, I know!
SPEC RSA-M99 integrated amplifier
Last on the list, and for me perhaps the most unexpected one. At the beginning of the year, I tested the Spec RSA-M99 integrated amplifier. A Japanese Class D amplifier that has a different take on things then most of the competition. And for me it pays. It is the first Class D amplifier that I really like and one that outperforms my own Moon 600i V2 in a number of areas. That’s saying a lot. This Spec integrated amplifier keeps all your speakers under complete control and combines this with oodles of details. An addictive combination!
My honourable mention goes to the Dali Oberon 5, which I heard in our multitest at the beginning of the year. A very musical little floorstander. You don’t really need more speakers then the Oberon 5 to fully enjoy your music!