The best Hifi products of 2021

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Happy holidays! Thank you thank you for supporting me this year. Please share below the products that blew you away this year. My aha moment with the Meitner audio MA-1 DAC review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6TVgGCFnZmVi8k To find where to listen and buy the Aperture Swing speakers, you can reach out to Richard for North America (Non-Affiliated) Email: [e-mail] Non-affiliated link for SMSL A1: hifi-express.com/products/smsl-vmv-a1-high-resolution-class-a-power-amplifier

[@freelancer1499]

Just one request Thomas, when u review smaller speakers like the Aperture Swing, can u consider trying them out on the desktop? Because nowadays that is where a lot of us are listening at. Thanks!

[@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461]

🤗 WE CAN NOT THANK YOU ENOUGH FOR TAKING US ON YOUR AUDIOPHILE JOURNEY…FOR REAL 🧐 WE LOOK 👀 FORWARD TO CONTINUING THE JOURNEY WITH YOU THOMAS 😍😍😍

[@ThomasAndStereo]

More to come!

[@therevrockinrollin]

Great video sir! - I’m going to do a video on my fav DAC for vinyl lovers

[@HotSause]

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Your videos have kept me sane and made this year bearable. .Looking forward to many more to come.

[@user-od9iz9cv1w]

Thanks Thomas for another great video. All the best to you and your family for the holiday season. Thanks for all the information, entertainment and wisdom in 2021.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Same to you!

[@calaf_725]

I am here for the Buddha audiophile tree, specifically for the exotic audiophile cable fruits it produces. Do i pick them up fresh or wait until they burn in?

[@athathsonty2925]

Endlessly Waiting for Enlightenment Under The Audiophile Tree. Your Videos are A Great Help.

[@WarinPartita6]

Thanks​ for​ sharing​ your​ amazing​ insights, Thomas.​ Merry​ Christmas​ and​ a​ very​ happy​ New​ Year​ to​ you​/your​ family​ and​ your​ listener​s.​

[@Benvos]

This is the kind of top of 2021 video I want to see, because value and performance depends on many things, not just when it came out. For me it’s really useful to be reminded of older gear that is still a top performer among newer models. If something is better than anything that came out this year, people should promote it in lists like this.

[@TheLkdude]

I like your best of 2021 heater range!

[@sonomaconcho]

Thomas, thank you for all of your reviews and professionalism in this industry. I truly appreciate what you bring to the audio audience on KZbin each year. Hope you and your family have a safe and wonderful holiday celebration….

[@ThomasAndStereo]

My pleasure! Happy holidays.

[@jaimegarch]

This is the one time I didn't mind being clickbaited. Haha. Good video again. Advanced Merry Xmas to you and your family!

[@metatron-007]

Happy Xmas Thomas, we are all looking forward to 2022...

[@LookSee]

HiFi journey, more like an audio magical mystery tour (apology to Beatles.) Your attention to performance and opinion of gear regardless of price and including those of your illustrious friends, make this channel a delight. Happiy Holidays to you.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Wow, thanks! Happy holidays!

[@oldschoolaudioenthusiast]

Frank, I have to agree! I also love this channel! All the best to you both!

[@robk5745]

Well said

[@yuriwalter385]

Talking about winners, that's a nice shirt! ;) Happy holidays and greetings from Brazil!

[@sonnyhenriksen9398]

Merry Christmas Thomas! Love your knowledgeable, but at the same time down to earth reviews. Greetings from Denmark!

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Same to you!

[@vproven]

As always, excellent. Happy Holidays.

[@billfarrell4387]

Hi Thomas Recently purchased Carver amazing silver speakers, they have huge sound stage, they each have three 12” woofers and full height ribbon tweeters, they are vintage but sound great, these are paired with Carver criminson 275 and Carver C1preamp with sonic holographic circuit, also have a pair of ARS Aures. MI they also sound great with same set up. Thanks for all the great reviews and discussions. So cool to see everyone’s set-ups Have a Merry Christmas and Healthy New Year

[@sparkplug964]

The Willsenton R-800i and Buchardt S400 which surprised me what a great match they are. Very, very happy.

[@barrypatterson1154]

Hi Thomas, I always enjoy your honest videos. This year I was on a quest to replace my Martin Logan Montis speakers, which I truly like. I must have listened to at least 20 different speakers, some which sounded pretty good, some were ok and some were awful but nothing I wanted to buy. I listened to Focal,Sonus Faber, Wilson, Magico, B&W, Paradigm, PSB, Vandersteen along with many others. I wasn’t considering price, just the the perfect speaker for me. Then I Heard the Dynaudio Contour 60i and I knew I had found the one. I went back several times and listened to all types of music. I can’t tolerate bright speakers and so many of the speakers I heard were overly bright. The Contour 60i were extremely detailed with no hint of brightness, great midrange and very powerful tight bass. I just hoped they would sound this good in my home. To my delight they sounded even better.

[@billythestalker]

My best of 2021, stuff I actually had in home, Magnepan LRS and Schiit Aegir (not together though!).

[@robk5745]

I’ll be looking for a new high end standmount next year so I will wait for your aperture? Review. Very excited. Nice year end review Thomas, happy you did it a little different than everyone else.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Yeah, glad you noticed that.

[@MarkDavidMcCoskey]

I certainly won't say anything about "best," but after moving cross country, with what could only fit in the car (which means NO stereo (Forte III's)), I recently settled on the KLH Model 5's with the XTZ Edge A2-300. Right after arriving here, I went with a very simple iFi Zen DAC V2 with a pair of Sennheiser HD 560S headphones, therefore the iFi Zen DAC V2 became the default DAC/Pre (volume control) for the XTZ/KLH pairing. It works, it's cost effective, and is bringing me musical enjoyment, and that's what ultimately counts overall. Thanks, Thomas!! And Merry Christmas - Happy New Year!!

[@ThomasAndStereo]

You too. I don't remember if I tried to drive the Model with the XTZ edge and glad that combo worked.

[@soowat1190]

The McIntosh 275 is a milestone of the industry, it would be a great honor to own one of this. Thanks again for an entertaining video. Happy holidays to you and your family Thomas.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

You too! Thanks.

[@rubenpulles7382]

Cannabis is a great system upgrade indeed

[@ufarkingicehole]

Thomas..... whats your favorite pre or pre dac with Crown xls 2502? I have 1 in route to drive Polk lsim 705 or bass duty (open baffle 15/18 combo). Great video !! It seems we are in a great time for audio! Looking forward to more French Hifi adventures

[@ThomasAndStereo]

I remmeber it worked well with audio research and I think it was ok with the Freya. It is so long I don't remember.

[@frankfanucci9412]

Love how you present these products..keep truckin

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Thank you! Will do!

[@jackbaker9023]

Thomas, thank you for all the insight and knowledge you provide. It must be difficult to produce all the content you do, and yet maintain a life outside KZbin. I appreciate what you do. Thank you! 😊

[@mikechafe419]

Thomas....you are my favourite audio reviewer...and I have seen most of them (Jay and Sean aren’t awful.) Merry Christmas and Happy New Year my Québécoi friend.

[@williamfoster1034]

Great video. I also purchased not one but TWO pairs of the RP600Ms (piano black) based on your observations of the speakers. They are killer at almost any "reasonable" price. I also bought a Denon DL103R this year and am in love with it. I wish you'd steer away from the digital realm and do a little more analog. I do really like your honest assessments that are not filled with hyperbole like so many others on KZbin. Happy Holidays.

[@bintandream]

Thomas, I am in agreement with you about Apertura. I had a chance to hear the Edena and Enigma Mk2 and those were easily my personal "Product(s) of The Year for 2021". If you get a chance, listen to the Evolution series Apertura's, I think you'll be even more impressed. Most importantly for me, they are not that hard to drive and that's really hard to come by these days. Merry Christmas and happy holidays.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Nice, I have been offered to try some of their higher end models.

[@josephchamberlain3681]

Rel and svs subs for me. Added subs to two of my systems and can't be happier for having done so.

[@freelancer1499]

Merry Christmas Thomas! Wishing you and family a glorious 2022 :D My best buy this year has to be the Dali Epicon 2. It blew a hole in my wallet but it will be here to stay!

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Thanks! You too!

[@ToolsAndI]

I just bought a Primaluna Premium Integrated and I was lucky enough the seller invited me to sit down for a listening session at his stereo room. He was running two Benchmark amplifiers to power a pair of Norh Marble 9 backed by two SVS 16 subs. I don't remember the brand or model of his DAC but the system is one of the best sounding systems I've heard regardless of price. It is worth noting he had paid very special attention to room acoustics and cables including his house's power grid.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Thanks for sharing!

[@MWorsa]

Your best video yet, hilarious, I’ve often said a bud of high-grade will make your system sound better or when friends bring over music you’ve never heard on your system. Happy New Year sir!

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@latheofheaven]

Also, still really luv'n that SMSL DO200! 👍 Mr. Thomas, you have to review it!

[@elmarberger4490]

Happy holidays to you, too and thanks for the interesting videos! Keep up the good work 😀

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Same to you

[@razkaku7851]

Happy Holiday Thomas~ Lucky me, make some good relationships with local dealers during these two years, and have plenty of chances to try fancy fancy gears. The best gear I try and bought this year (Not in order): Amplifier - Mola Mola Kaluga DAC - Aries Cerat kassandra II, Tambaqui, Aune S8 (Main Dac for ATC19 w/ Trinity Golden Reference Pre) Pre - Hegel P30 (Pair with Primaluna HP w/KT120) Streamer - Aurelic Aries G2.1 (Pair with Aune), Limetree Bridge (Funny one) Clock - Cronus (Bought) Speaker: Gershman Avant Garde (Pair with P30 & Primaluna HP)

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Nice, I noticed I reviewed some of the gear in the list, hope it lived up to your expectation.

[@sonnyhenriksen9398]

I Don't know if it blew me away, but after many years of different solid state amps and vintage receivers, I finally got a tube amp. The Yaqin MC 13S. And.....I think it's gonna be tubes from now on. Also, I swallowed my "audiophile pride", and added a Bellari EQ 570 to my setup. With a couple of subtle adjustments, it really lifted my setup.

[@williamfoster1034]

I've had the MC13 for a number of years. I own three Yaqin amps. They are amazing products for the price. The MS300 is INSANE with high efficiency speakers. The MC13 is a phenomenal piece at the price. I suggest when the time comes to put in some JJs in the preamp section and Gold Lions in the power stage. That takes it from a great sounding amp to a fu@king amazing sounding amp for literally $300. I left solid state land 15 years ago and will never look back.

[@sparkplug964]

Once I heard my first tube amp I never went back.

[@JC-lk3oy]

Dude, don't listen to anyone who tells you not to use an EQ. Yeah they can add a bit of noise, but it can make a system much more versatile.

[@latheofheaven]

*OMG!!!* EQ??! *NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!* 😁

[@erics.4113]

EEEEEK YOU!!!!!! How DARE you add salt to the chefs master preparation lol .. The folks that would chide you for adding an EQ are crawling around their floor listening for bass response and endlessly moving their speakers around.... to EQ their setup! Whether you do it spatially or tonally or both. The end result is what matters. And the chef can only prepare the meal, can't eat it for you (or tell you how to eat it and in what order)

[@f.inglez7113]

I like the Tshirt!! Greetings from Brazil Thomas. Happy holidays!!

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Same to you!

[@mpp9964]

Thanks for an absolutely great year of insights Thomas. Keep the quality videos coming. Looking forward to 2022.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

More to come! Thanks, I also just uploaded a new video today. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bITSlomvnZKAo68

[@thepetesfishingnz232]

I enjoyed this video. Thank you for posting.

[@tothemax324]

I became less involved or interested in gear this year, almost detached. My best Hifi product 2021 was moving the lump of electronics out and off to the side, speakers happier with that purchase. Merry Christmas Thomas

[@ThomasAndStereo]

That should help with imaging. Merry Christmas.

[@MrPkimura]

Happy Holidays, Thomas. I paired the Gaia (Denafrips Reclocker) with the Doge 7 which had surprisingly good synergy

[@oldschoolaudioenthusiast]

Hi Thomas, I dig your reviewing style and the channel man! This year I chose to "retire" a 27 year old McIntosh power amp which had served me extremely well and replaced it with a Schiit Audio Vidar Class AB power amp. I'm very pleased with it's sound and it's overall performance, especially when one considers the price - $699 USD. The lack of a speaker relay adds another "feature," - a small "popping" sound when powering down. After 40+ years in this hobby I've learned that nothing is perfect at any price. Everything presents a compromise in one way or another. I also acquired a pair of Emotiva B1+ bookshelf speakers for my "beer" budget / high resolution system. They sound amazing considering their low cost taking into account the use of their AMT / ribbon tweeter. A bargain. Finally after a lot of research a simple budget CD player from Cambridge Audio was added as well - AXC35. It does a nice job and is quite transparent for the $. All in all, a major overhaul for someone who doesn't purchase new equipment very often! Keep up the great channel! I try to watch every video.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Nice, thanks for sharing, really appreciate it.

[@JG259-io4yd]

Good review, appreciate how you qualify that your ratings are for your taste and also consider for the price. Happy New Year!

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Thanks, you too!

[@RJ_Chicago]

Happy Holidays Thomas! Thanks for your fantastic videos! Please keep it up in 2022 and beyond! Notable top 3 gear I have auditioned and our bought this year (not in any order): 1. Denafrips Terminator Plus DAC + Gaia DDC. 2. PrimaLuna Dialogue Premium HP integrated amp tube rolled with Tung Sol KT150s. 3. Doge Audio Clarity 8 preamp.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Thanks, you too! I just got the Pontus in for review myself.

[@jeffkim1271]

Purchased a Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE DAC for my dad’s 60th birthday present recently. We got to listen to it together and had a “wow” moment for ourselves. Would love to see your thoughts on this DAC! Review please!

[@commane21]

I hope my sons turn out to be as generous and thoughtful as you!

[@carl1159]

Thank you for another great video Thomas, and Happy Holidays! My audio "Wow!" moment of 2021 - Ghent Audio Belden 1303E CAT6A Ethernet(JSSG360) Cable. I know, an Ethernet cable?! I have auditioned several and all I will say is Ghent Xu makes an incredibly good sounding Ethernet cable. Best wishes!

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Happy holidays and thanks for sharing, very interesting and one day I would give it a try.

[@jonathanreich6360]

I was extremely lucky and got what I think is my endgame speakers, Spatial Audio Labs X5s open baffle speakers, almost new in a nearby city for a pretty good discount from new price. Love these speakers even without any real set up in an office that any speaker would have no business sounding good in because all of the stuff behind them and in the way. I just added a Rogers 65V-2 integrated tube amplifier which is my first real foray into tubes. Also got a great deal on that through Roger's own e-bay site. Sounds pretty good. I heard another X5 owner's speakers who had the Carver Crimson 275 and also the Pass Labs J2 so I think I have an idea of how they can sound and I'm thinking this is comparable. I have to thank you and others who introduced me to tubes. I have been a bit scared to take that jump but with these HE speakers, it sure is worth it.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Nice

[@psyphonyxaudio]

Great video .. Thank you! Happy Holidays!!

[@yogoeasystudio]

Happy holidays.

[@WarinPartita6]

Im​ still​ using​ Hegel​ h390​ and​ Jadis​ i50,​ alternating between​ the​ two​ type​s​ of​ amp.​

[@Greg.Siucrazyforaudio2016]

Happy New Year Thomas Thank You for your valuable information in the audiophile community and reviews, we all enjoyed so much Seeing so many hifi components that you introduced , all the best to you and your family members cheers 😀🙂 be happy for everyone in the community 😀 enjoy what you owned and liked about your hifi system, work hard play hard 😄.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Thanks and happy new year.

[@paulbailey4871]

Hi Thomas, I am curious which DAC(s), pre-amp(s) and speaker(s) you paired with the Willsenton R-800i ? I have Tekton DIs I use for home theater/music and going to have a separate 2 channel setup for the DIs. Appreciate any comments! Thanks and happy New Year!

[@PP-nh1lv]

Thomas, at one time you had a smaller DAC that I think was white in colour. If you can recall which unit that was could you possibly share? Thank you and merry Christmas!

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Exasound E28?

[@TEST-rt1ui]

Hello Thomas, this year I purchased the Dynaudio Heritage Special. Usually Dynaudio is more or less boring for me, but these speakers are very good for my taste. Enjoy your vacation.

[@jlo8775]

Good stuff 👍 Personally I mostly prefer older (semi-vintage) gear that was top of the line back in the day.

[@dougg1075]

I’ve noticed that speakers who peak peoples interest have “ ring” tweeters. I love them. Wilson used to use them and I wonder if it was the looks . My LSA Signature’s have them and they are the most HiFi sounding speakers I have. Shout out to Focals inverted dome tweet. I have them as well and they are excellent. Anyways Merry Christmas

[@AlexandreNogueira68]

I liked the shirt of Brazil. Congratulations on the channel.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Cool, thanks

[@faustogomes3723]

Great shirt (I'm Brazilian) but more importantly, tank you for another informative video.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Thanks for watching!

[@dhaneshvarma]

Any plan to review the Buchardt S400 Mark2? Eagerly awaiting review for Apertura speakers as well.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

No actually.

[@lokerola]

Three new devices blew me away in 2021: Rogue Audio ST100 amp, Schiit Freya+ tube amp, and Revel Concerta2 M16 speakers. Holy audio heaven!

[@ferdi9554]

Definitely the A1 was my best product of the year. I really enjoy listening music with this little amp!

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Yup one of the person I mentioned was you!

[@ferdi9554]

@@ThomasAndStereo typically for music I use it more often than my class A/B it just sounds so good!

[@blejzerosamigos6115]

Great video Thomas thanks, don't cry about that meitner dac. You need to get Lampizator Golden Gate or something from Lampizator.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Thanks for the tips!

[@jwinstonh1926]

The A1 is very very good…depending on how it’s set up, which is not difficult. With a good preamps it will express itself. There is just a hint of roll off on the high frequency, which improves significantly with a tube pre amp.

[@dougg1075]

I will say in all honesty that super high grade MJ ( preferably drops) is the best upgrade you can ever do to your listening experience. Good stuff Thomas

[@jackfalco5351]

???

[@estenray6685]

Thomas first thanks for this years worth of excellent, informative and entertaining videos! You always make them fun! A technique many UTUBEr’s could learn from your excellent example! My best wishes to you and your family for a happy and joyous holiday season and may your New year be bigger and brighter than the last!

[@ThomasAndStereo]

You too, happy holidays and thanks for the comment.

[@jeremyr722]

Best gear for me this year was my Sumiko Moonstone. It’s a drastic upgrade from my Ortofon 2M red. I was expecting the sound improvements to be minor. They aren’t. I’m looking forward to upgrading again in a year or so.

[@philipciantar4824]

I am learning a lot with you Thomas. Thanks.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

My pleasure!

[@ahleksi]

Thomas once again a very insightful review into Class D amp especially the Purifi ETA400 module. Based on your experience with this latest tube buffer, I assume it will be top of your list. But I were on slight budget, would you recommend the Purifi with Neurochrome that you have reviewed previously vs EVAL1 Eigentakt which I understood one cannot upgrade the buffer stage.

[@seul8trmea648]

I have piooner A88 , with Piooner M22 power amplifier, which is 38 years old, serviced 2 years ago. Compared it with Yamaha AS2200, and amplifier costing $40K,+ it's on par. Dual mono with twin 600va transformers, with 200.000 microfarads. The amount off features and buttons you get on the A88X, you could dream off that you will or no manufacturers know don't provide. Cutting huge costs too make every penny profits.

[@icloudy2551]

Hey Thomas- great videos and commentary! btw--have you ever tried the hsu research hb1 mk2s? Budget horn speaker that sounds great with good electronics

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Thanks, no I have not.

[@mochipepper]

Thanks for the video. You mentioned in another video that RCA interconnect makes a huge different with VMV A1. What RCA cable do you recommend ?

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Anything that is properly shielded. I myself use transparent cables but they cost more than the VMV A1.

[@billbones1000]

Hope you get a nice break Thomas! My best gear choice is easy, spatial audio open baffle speakers, still blowing me away after 5 years of ownership!

[@musicjewell9329]

That's next I want try open baffle I'm just loving my sonus faber

[@billbones1000]

@@musicjewell9329 open baffles are very different! Most people really love them as long as you don't need a very exaggerated low frequency.

[@commane21]

I got the X5’s this year.

[@RahzAlGhul]

Hey Thomas have you made a tier list guide? Would love to see your best recommendations. Not sure what the best under $3k is or $2k is for you for a pair so far

[@407arcade]

Thanks to give us your opinion about all good HIFI Product 2021, i am a new subscriber, Alain from Montréal

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Nice, thanks for subscribing.

[@407arcade]

@@ThomasAndStereo my friend talk about you the guys with special speaker, hi dont remember how it name, it liquid or linear not shure, have a nice day i like your channel

[@sylvio1980]

HeyThomas ! Great content as usual ! In regards to Apartura speakers - I understand you chose not to go into too much details, but I was wondering if you could answer that question for me. Are they good for less than perfect recordings ? I listen to a lot music on KZbin - would that be a good match ? Thanks thanks !!

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Yup, they are more forgiving than focal. I listen to KZbin music with them.

[@sylvio1980]

@@ThomasAndStereo Thanks for response. When you said the midrange is great, I thought to myself - like Harbeth P3Esr with better bass response and better dynamics and also great for low level listening ? If that’s a yes, I’m ordering a pair now !

[@ThomasAndStereo]

@@sylvio1980 I did not get a chance to AB test it, all I can remember is the Swing mids is linear, I don't know if it is the same level as the Harbeth. Bass and dynamics should be better. I really think you should listen to it first and it takes time to break in. The first 100 hours, you will find it boring.

[@decoryder]

Great list, thank you Thomas! My best gear this year: Polk R200's, Dynaudio Evoke 20/50, Topping D70s, SMSL D300 and the NAD C268.

[@lextr3110]

do you prefer the d70s vs d300.. looking into dacs in these range.. maybe the draco or mojo 2.. not sure

[@decoryder]

@@lextr3110 At this point, I prefer the VMV D1SE, which I like better than both, the D70s or the D300.

[@sandmanoseven]

Thomas it would be great if you could do a review of the outlaw audio 2200 mono block. The cost is only about $300/amp. The cost to preform ratio is great, but I cannot seem to find any KZbinr that will review the product. Thanks for what you do.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Thanks, if they reach out to me, I will definitely consider it.

[@sandmanoseven]

@@ThomasAndStereo It looks like I’ll be sending over an email to outlaw audio. In an attempt to facilitate a review/demo for you and your community.

[@garyalph]

I recently auditioned and then bought the “Gershman Studio 2” stand mount speakers. Non fatiguing with no need for a sub. The bass digs real deep. Hand made here in Canada ! Was wondering if you ever reviewed or will in the future.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Maybe in the future.

[@sleepyf1]

You compared the Apertura speakers to $10k stand mount Sonus Faber Lumina. AFAIK the Luminas are priced much lower than that. Can you confirm which Sonus Fabers you were referring to?

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Yes my mistake, he told me it was a $10k cdn Sonus Faber bookshelf but I don't remember the name. I guess just look for a recent Sonus Faber around that price?

[@sleepyf1]

@@ThomasAndStereo Thanks for the reply. I wasn't trying to correct you, merely trying to ascertain whether you preferred the Apertura to the Sonus Faber Electa Amator III's I just bought 😀 which retails for $10k USD, or 11.7k CND. The only other Sonus Faber I can think of around that price are the Olympica Nova I's at 9.1k CND. I just hope it was the later. 😀

[@aceofspades6667]

Spatial audio M4 sapphire were my wow moment for 2021. I will be picking up a pair of m3 sapphires next spring. Will be looking for a nice class a amp to pair with them.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Very nice!

[@commane21]

I got the X5’s this year as well.

[@thomastsiopoulos8597]

Hi Thomas, nice year end review. Your review of the Decware amp was interesting and generally share your enthusiasm for their products as I own the se34I.4 amp. I have it paired with Tekton Enzo speakers and Sokris r2r dac - I generally stream via Tidal or from an Inuous zen server. My question for you is that I recently purchased the SMSL VMV A1 amp and I am looking to pair it with a reasonably priced pre amp. I was thinking about the Schiit Freys + but was wondering if you have any other possible options. Thanks TT

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Freya is a possibility, I did made a video on the Topping Pre90.

[@thomastsiopoulos8597]

@@ThomasAndStereo thank you…. From what you said in your video I think the Topping is likely to makes more sense as I think it will match to my taste better…. Let’s see…

[@pinoyxbox]

My best purchase of 2021 was the Denafrips Ares II and Singxer SA-1 headphone amp. I’m only using SMSL DA-9 and still dont know what speaker amp to upgrade to but I’m thinking of the Cambridge CXA81.

[@stephenjacobi1653]

Buying new would be great, but really good equipment is expensive. I bought vintage, Kenwood L05 monoblocks, and borrowed a friend’s Carver pre-amp. I would like to buy a new (reasonably priced) pre-amp, maybe even a tube pre-amp. Any suggestions. Love your reviews. Merry Christmas to you, stay safe.

[@musicjewell9329]

Schitt Freya+

[@vtkz]

My pers. Gear of the Year. I dont listen to many Stuff but what i tested / owned was 99% very 👌 I OWN(ED) (i was very happy with all of them) - Neumann KH120 - Unity Audio Super Rock (Current Setup) - CraneSong Solaris DAC (Current Setup) - Beyerdynamic DT1990 PRO (Current Headphones) - Abacus cbox 4 (sold) - Mytek Brooklyn DAC (sold) - SOtM sdp-1000EX DAC (sold) - Meze 12 Classics V2 (Current Headphones) I HEARD - CraneSong Solaris DAC - ATC SCM100 - ATC SCM40A - ATC SCM25 - Adam S3V DISAPPOINTMENT - Neumann KH750 / Room Correction (lacking technically, not easy to setup in my case)

[@KeenAesthetic1]

I liked your Meitner review as I'd never heard of Emm Labs and its background - I guess its not a buzz brand so didn't get eyeballs probably like the rarely reviewed Synthesis (I'm looking for that a100 review) Also I guess you resisted the LM for the R800i ...

[@mannyf1288]

Hi Thomas. Why no reviews on the new Doge 10 mk3? They added all the improvements you asked for and I can't find one review.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

I just got it and it will take a few months of testing before reviewing it.

[@boostedmaniac]

You talking about the latest mc275 makes think if I should upgrade my older mc275.

[@lorddarphyve]

Picked up a Burson Audio Soloist 3XP amp and Burson Audio Composer 3XP DAC. An excellent pairing. Breathe new life into all my headphones.

[@frostycanada6404]

Hello Thomas, I don’t know if it’s the best product of 2021 but the Davis Acoustics Olympia speakers I bought are pretty darn good to me. I’m very impressed with Davis Acoustics speaker line-up, and accessible price points. Funny, but I bought your demo pair of Bouchardt S300 from a vey nice CanuckAudio seller. Your S300 are back home in the Montreal area. 😉🙂 Brian

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Man I miss those S300.

[@frostycanada6404]

@@ThomasAndStereo They are a fantastic speaker and still in perfect condition (9/10). 👍

[@seul8trmea648]

S300 are rubbish trash dustbin junk, but I love those deeeeeep cabinets off s300, . The deeper the cabinets the Great the bass Vs Olympia. Olympia is more neutral, precision, fine resolution, accurate, while the s300 is dead soft mellow laid-back, dark lack off presentation, less information. I've audition the Olympia is similar too Focal speakers and B@w CN series. Monitor audio gold.

[@frostycanada6404]

@@seul8trmea648 Your comment is somewhat disingenuous. This is your opinion and hopefully your actual experience with the speaker. Since I actually bought a pair of S300 my actual experience is that they are smooth and extremely well behaved which I appreciate very much. I don’t find them lacking at all. Brian

[@seul8trmea648]

@@frostycanada6404 already audition the rubbish s300. They sound dead dull dark smoky, lost. The Davis is similar like Focal, monitor audio, Kef, b@w, .

[@backrack01]

What's the difference between class a and biased class a of thr smsl? I know there are amplifiers out there where it's bias class A to 15watts before going into A/B.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Best to ask an engineer on this

[@stevenbeau6268]

Another very nice video. Merry Christmas to ya…s

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Same to you

[@jackbarnard1781]

It's not always about msrp. It's what your looking for in gear. Especially speakers. I'm into low distortion & black backgrounds. Yup that's the ticket 😆 lol

[@anjovandijk9797]

Hi Thomas any chance soon for your final review of the Apertura swing

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Soon soon.

[@guillermodeleon5073]

I love the A1, for me is a WOW

[@dominicboucher5759]

Hi Thomas, very interesting video (as always)! I need your advice… I own Focal Chorus 726 floor speakers (fed by Naim Uniti Atom) which is sounding great, but I’m looking for a tube amplifier to get a more holographic soundstage, more richness, emotions and presence in the midrange (I’m listening a lot of jazz, vocal and acoustic music), maybe a bit more dynamics in the lows, but without scarifying too much treble range. Some folks who have a lot more knowledge than me told to not add an integrated amp to the Atom to get best results, so looking for a tube power amp. So, considering your experience and considering the sound signature of my Focal speakers and using the Atom as a preamp, what tube amp could give me the kind of sound that I’m after (under or around the 2 K $CAD range if possible)? I saw your previous video comparing the Willsenton R8, Doge 10 and Cayin CS-55A, quite interesting (but all integrated amps)… Thanks a lot in advance!

[@ThomasAndStereo]

I don't know of any tube amp at that price. Most tube I test these days are integrated, sorry.

[@dominicboucher5759]

@@ThomasAndStereo Ok, thanks a lot taking time to reply.

[@seul8trmea648]

Lmfao , tube amplifier will, won't do that, tube will make it sound like dead dull dark macintosh sound. You need neutral amplifier or v_Curve amplifier for that.

[@nancright1352]

My wish for new year: Please some pre amp reviews. just tired of integrated stuff.

[@scottyo64]

Happy Holidays Thomas!

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Same to you!