For the past 40 years, EISA (Expert Imaging and Sound Association) has been presenting awards for innovative AV products. To win an EISA award, select products undergo a robust, rigorous, and exhaustive judging process in two stages. After testing and auditioning by EISA member magazines, each journalist submits a shortlist of what they think are the best products in each awards category. At EISA’s 2023-2024 General Meeting, the winning products are determined.
In this article, we list EISA winners in the Hi-Fi, Home Theater Audio, Home Theater Display and Video, and Car Electronics categories that we also previously covered, along with all the EISA 2023-2024 Award winners.
EISA Awards Hi-Fi Category
Best Standmount Speaker: MoFi Source Point 8
The MoFi SourcePoint 8 ($2,999/pair at Crutchfield) combines a retro looking industrial design with the latest coaxial driver technology from noted engineer, Andrew Jones. The SourcePoint 8 provides a great listening experience for small and medium-sized rooms.
Learn more: MoFi Electronics Unveils New SourcePoint 8 Speakers by Andrew Jones
Best Floorstanding Speakers: Bowers & Wilkins 703 S3
This is the third generation of Bowers & Wilkins’ 700 Series ($5,999/pair at Crutchfield). The speakers feature a slender tower with an exterior tweeter-on-top for placement (a first for the 700 series). This floor stander delivers impressive performance for both music and movie listening.
Learn more: Bowers & Wilkins Unveils New 700 Series 3 Loudspeakers
Best Premium Floorstanding Speakers: Perlistsen R7T
This is the step down from the Perlisten S7t ($9,990/pair at Audio Advice) but incorporates similar technologies. With a DPC (Directivity Patter Control) driver array the R7t fills the room with tight bass, full midrange, and fine high-frequency detail.
Learn more: Perlisten Audio R-Series THX Loudspeakers
Best High-end Loudspeakers: Wilson Audio Alexia V
The Alexia V ($67,500 to $79,500) exemplifies Wilson Audio’s approach to high-end loudspeaker design. It features a 3-way design with separate midrange and tweeter housing that are adjustable for optimized time alignment. Its customized drivers and bespoke cabinet materials combine to deliver impressive sound for any environment.
Learn more: Wilson Audio’s Alexia V Loudspeakers Will Not Make Your Accountant Happy
Best Wireless Bookshelf Loudspeakers: KEF LSX II
The KEF LSX speakers originally received an EISA award. The follow-up LSX II ($1,399, now on sale for $979.99/pair at Amazon) adds USB-C and HDMI ARC connectivity and a new wireless control app platform. The compact loudspeaker incorporates a rear-ported cabinet, features KEF’s Uni-Q array, and its tweeter, and bass/mid units are separately driven by Class D amp modules. A practical compact solution that provides flexible connectivity and great sound.
Learn more:
- KEF LSX II Wireless Loudspeaker Unveiled
- Review: KEF LSX II Wireless Loudspeakers
- Video: Are The KEF LSX II Better Than A Sonos System?
Best Headphones: Meze Audio 109 Pro
The 109 PRO ($799 at Amazon) features an open-back design with 50mm dynamic drivers that deliver a combination of expansive, detailed sound staging and tight, controlled bass. It also has an acoustically smart design with black walnut housings and a slender, lightweight frame, self-adjusting headband, and velour earpads.
Learn more:
- Meze Audio 109 Pro Open Back Headphones: From Romania With Love
- Meze Audio 109 PRO Open-Back Headphones are the Evolution of the 99 Classics
Best Streamer: iFi Audio Neo Stream
The iFi Audio Neo Stream ($1,299 at Amazon) is both a DAC and digital transport. Onboard conversion handles files to 768kHz PCM and DSD512, whether streamed from a home network, integrated service or connected hard drive. Digital outputs include optical to I²S. App control and filter selection are also provided. The system is designed to be an easy-to-use system add-on.
Learn more: iFi’s NEO Stream Is Streaming Platform Agnostic
Best DAC: Ferrum Audio Wandla
The Ferrum Audio WANDLA ($2,795 at headphones.com) is a DAC/preamplifier that can be used as part of a desktop headphone rig or connected to external amplification and loudspeakers. It features ESS Sabre DAC Chips, custom DSP, and both RCA and XLR analog outputs. It is also an excellent headphone amp.
Learn more: Ferrum Audio Announces WANDLA DAC/Preamp
Best Value Streaming Amplifier: SVS Prime Wireless Pro Soundbase
The Pro SoundBase ($699 at svsound.com) combines smart features, built-in amplification, and ease of use – just add speakers to fill your room with great sound. Connectivity includes wireless Bluetooth and wired HDMI eARC. The also works with the DTS Play-Fi app.
Learn more: SVS Releases Prime Wireless Pro SoundBase Streaming Amplifier
Best Streaming Receiver: Yamaha R-N2000A
The R-N2000A ($3,999 at Amazon) incorporates premium construction and includes support for a full suite of Yamaha MusicCast streaming services – including Amazon Music HD, Apple Music (via AirPlay 2), Spotify, TIDAL, Qobuz, and more through a convenient app. A high-performance USB-DAC is included to get the most out of high-resolution audio sources, while an HDMI ARC connection allows the receiver to be used with most TVs. YPAO (Yamaha Parametric Room Acoustic Optimizer) is included that corrects for differences in room acoustics to optimize the listening environment.
Learn more: Yamaha’s 2000 Series Feels Authentically Old School Without Needing a Dragon
Best High-End Headphone Solution: dCS Lina System
The dCS Lina combines a network DAC, master clock, and analog headphone amplifier, designed to be stacked. Support is provided for streamed and wired digital sources up to 384kHz/DSD128. dCS’ RingDAC technology is included to bring music to life with clarity and detail. The amplifier has the energy and punch to work with even the most demanding of headphones. Interoperability between the three units is handled by ‘Power Link’ connectivity, and dCS’s Mosaic Control app offers music selection, upsampling/filter choice, and more.
Learn more: Are There Audiophiles Willing to Spend $29,000 on the dCS LINA?
Best High-End Headphones: Yamaha YH-5000SE
The modern design and build of the YH-5000SE ($4,999 at Crutchfield) ultralight over-ear headphones proved to be a real surprise in 2023. These extremely innovative headphones feature pressure-controlled open-back housings, and the choice of two premium ear pad materials. The YH-5000SE offer reference level dynamic performance combined with excellent resolution, detail, and clarity.
Learn more: Yamaha Unveils Flagship YH-5000SE Headphones
Best Powered Standmount Speakers: Klipsch The Sevens
The Sevens ($1,299/pair at Crutchfield) were inspired by Klipsch’s Heritage Series Loudspeakers and feature Tractrix horn-loaded tweeters and 165mm bass/mid units combined with custom DSP and internal amplification. The sound can be fine-tuned through Klipsch’s intuitive Connect app. Connectivity includes HDMI ARC, USB-B, Bluetooth, RCA (MM phono), and support for 24-bit/192kHz PCM digital playback.
Learn more: Klipsch’s Heritage Wireless Speaker Series Now Includes The Sevens and Nines
Best Loudspeaker Series: KEF R Series
Technologies developed for KEF’s higher-end loudspeakers, including the latest-generation Uni-Q driver with Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT), have been included in the updated R-series. The new R-series offers 7 new models ($1,400/each to $5,000/pair at Crutchfield) including bookshelf, floor standing, surround, and center channel models.
Learn more: KEF R Meta Series Loudspeakers Featuring MAT Technology Unveiled
Additional Winners:
EISA INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER
NAD C 3050 – $1,399 at Crutchfield
EISA COMPACT STREAMING AMPLIFIER
Bluesound POWERNODE EDGE – $649 at Amazon
EISA WIRELESS FLOORSTANDING LOUDSPEAKERS
Dynaudio Focus 50 ($11,000/pair)
EISA DIGITAL PLAYER
Volumio Rivo – $989 at Volumio.com
EISA HIGH-END CD PLAYER
Hegel Viking – $5,000 at ListenUp
EISA TURNTABLE
Thorens TD 204 – $1,099 at Amazon
EISA VINYL SYSTEM
Pro-Ject T2 W – $1,199
EISA HIGH-END INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER
Musical Fidelity Nu-Vista 800.2 – $10,999
EISA HIGH-END STREAMING AMPLIFIER
Hegel H600 – $12,500 at ListenUp
EISA WIRELESS ON-WALL LOUDSPEAKERS
System Audio Silverback 1 – €1,999/pair
EISA Awards Home Theater Audio Category
Best Buy for an AV Receiver: Onkyo TX-RZ50
The Onkyo TX-RZ50 ($1,178 at Amazon) A/V receiver is a great value. Dolby Atmos and DTS:X are included. Its nine channels of built-in amplification provide a dynamic, bass-rich presentation, while 11-channel processing provides for system expansion. Two-way Bluetooth and a DAB+ tuner (European version) combine with Apple AirPlay 2, Chromecast, and DTS Play-Fi multiroom to provide a flexible music listening experience. Onkyo’s Controller and Dirac apps provide everything you need to set up and use this receiver.
Learn more: Onkyo TX-RZ50 9.2-Channel THX Certified AV Receiver Unveiled
Best AV Receiver: Primare SPA25
Inside its minimalist exterior design, the Primare SPA25 incorporates a nine-channel design based on energy-efficient Hypex Class D amplification. In addition, this receiver supports front speaker bi-amping. Other features include the company’s well-regarded, hi-res Prisma streaming platform, and a high-quality USB DAC input. Whether used in 9 or 2-channel operation the Primare SPA25 delivers a great deal of power from a smaller chassis.
Learn more: Primare’s SPA25 Prisma Cinema Amp Supports Dirac Live, Dolby Atmos & DTS X
Best Premium AV Receiver: Denon AVC-A1H
The AVR-A1H ($6,499 at Denon.com) is a beast with 15 discrete assignable amplifiers that output 150 watts per channel. To ensure stability, Denon has incorporated a 25 lb transformer and beefed-up capacitors. The receiver also provides four sub-outputs (both balanced and unbalanced). The subwoofers can be configured for directional bass, such as left/right (stereo) bass and front/back. The number of amplified and add-on channels, and subwoofer outputs, give users the option to set up a main and 2nd room (or even a 3rd room) system, use the speaker bi-amp connection flexibility, or set up the ultimate Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, or Auro 3D Audio configuration (support for up to a 9.4.6 channel setup).
Learn more: Denon’s Flagship AVR-A1H 15.4-Channel A/V Receiver
Best Buy for a Soundbar: JBL BAR 300
JBL’s Bar 300 ($399 at Amazon) is affordable while providing a great TV sound boost. Inside its slim enclosure, there are six drivers and onboard amplification which complement MultiBeam processing and Dolby Atmos decoding. JBL’s remote and new app controller, make it easy to adjust EQ settings, run its auto-calibration routine, and stream music.
Learn more: JBL’s 5 New Soundbars Support Harman PureVoice
Best Premium Soundbar: Bang & Olufsen Beosound Theatre
The Beosound Theatre ($8,490 at bang-olufsen.com) combines 12 speaker drivers, including two custom-made long-stroke 6.5” woofers with 800 watts of amplification power. Speech clarity is managed by the custom-made center channel, where the tweeter is mounted directly in front of the midrange. This ensures a better sound distribution for everyone listening. Connectivity options include four HDMI ports and wired/wireless PowerLink for adding additional B&O speakers, while a companion app provides acess to several streaming music services.
Learn more: Bang & Olufsen Unveils The Beosound Theatre Soundbar: A New Vision For Sound
Best Soundbar System: Yamaha True X Series
The Yamaha True X Series is a family of Dolby Atmos soundbars and wireless surround speakers that provide a flexible way to transform your home with an immersive audio experience for TV and movie viewing. This family includes the X50A ($699 at Amazon) and 40A ($499 at Amazon) soundbars, Sub 100A ($249 at Amazon), and Speaker 1A ($149 at Amazon).
Learn more: Yamaha Announces True X Series Soundbars and Wireless Speakers
Best Subwoofer: Perlisten D212S
Perlisten’s D212s ($7,995) is an impressive subwoofer with two custom-designed 300 mm drivers arranged in a push-pull configuration and powered by a 2.4kW amp stage that takes things down to below 20Hz. The subwoofer can deliver hard-hitting LF effects as well as more subtle bass details when needed. Perlisten’s app controller enables in-depth tuning to suit the listening environment, complete with parametric EQ.
Learn more: PerListen Audio THX Dominus Home Theater Speakers Launch in USA
Additional Winners:
EISA HOME THEATRE POWER AMPLIFIER
Musical Fidelity M6x 250.7 – $4,399 at Amazon
EISA SOUNDBAR
Loewe klang bar3 mr – €999 at Amazon.de
EISA Awards Home Theater Display and Video Category
Best Giant TV: TCL 98C735
This is the largest set in the TCL XL Collection ($4,998 at Amazon). Core features include a 98-inch diagonal screen, Google TV OS smart platform supported by QLED display technology for an extended wide color gamut, and 4K UHD resolution.
Learn more: TCL XL QLED TV Collection Unveiled
Best Premium OLED TV: Samsung 77S95C
The Samsung 77-inch 77S95C ($4,497 at Amazon) is a QD-OLED TV that combines OLED and Quantum Dot technology. As a result, this set delivers exceptional HDR brightness and color. In addition, this TV is extremely thin, which is made possible by Samsung’s decision to provide the One Connect Box.
This means that instead of connecting everything to the TV, external sources are plugged into the One Connect Box, which then uses a single thin connection to the TV. This results in only two cables needed to connect to the TV, the output connection from the one-connect box, and a power cord for the display panel.
Learn more: Samsung’s 2023 4K QD-OLED TVs Offer Some Very Unique Features
Best Mini-LED TV: Hisense 65U8KQ
Hisense’s 65U8KQ ($1,048 at Amazon) rests at the top of its K series ULED TV line-up. This set incorporates Mini LED and Quantum Dot technologies with a 120Hz 4K UHD LCD display panel. With 1008 dimming, this set displays enhanced contrast with deep blacks and bright whites, complemented by accurate color. This TV also supports Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, HDR10+ Adaptive, as well as Filmmaker Mode for better movie playback. For sound, a Dolby Atmos 2.1.2 speaker system is included.
Learn more: Hisense Announces Pricing and Availability for U8K Series ULED TVs
Best Buy for a Mini-LED TV: Hisense 65U7KQ
The Hisense 65U7KQ ($728 at Amazon) is a step down from the previously awarded U8K. It also provides Mini LED technology and Quantum Dot with a 120Hz 4K UHD LCD display panel. With 384 dimming zones, its black levels and contrast are not quite as good as the U8K, but still provide excellent performance for many viewers. Dynamic Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, and HDR10+ Adaptive HDR formats are supported, with the TV’s color temperature and brightness sensors measuring the room and adjusting images accordingly.
Learn more: Hisense Premium ULED Mini LED TV Lineup Unveiled
Best Portable Projector: XGIMI Mogo 2 Pro & Best Buy: XGIMI Horizon Ultra
The Xgimi Mogo 2 Pro ($599 at Amazon) is a Full HD (1080p) DLP projector. As a compact portable compact projector, it offers both brightness and intelligent operation. It can project images up to 120 inches, with a D65 color temperature and 90% of the DCI-P3 gamut. Connectivity includes HDMI and USB, and Android TV 11.0 is built-in which provides thousands of apps, Google Assistant, and Chromecast.
XGIMI also won the Best Buy Projector EISA Award for the XGIMI HORIZON Ultra, which is due out August 31, 2023.
Learn more: XGIMI’s MoGo 2 Pro Compact Video Projector Takes Cinema Outdoors
Additional Winners:
EISA HOME THEATRE PROJECTOR
BenQ W4000i / HT4550i – $2,999 at ProjectorScreen.com
EISA HOME THEATRE DISC PLAYER
Magnetar UDP800 – $1,599 at Magnetar-audio.us.store
EISA BEST BUY OLED TV
Philips 55OLED808
EISA FAMILY TV
Philips 55PUS8808
EISA HOME THEATRE MINI LED TV
TCL 65C845
EISA GAMING TV
TCL 55C745
EISA Awards In-Car Electronics Category
Best In-Car Premium Audio System: Maserati GranTurismo with Sonus faber High Premium Audio System
Maserati continues its collaboration with loudspeaker brand Sonus faber by implementing a sound system of the highest quality in its elegant GranTurismo sports car. This system features a Class D, dual-DSP amplifier which delivers a total of 1.195kW to a 19-speaker system featuring exclusive silk dome tweeter and cellulose cone mid and bass drivers. ‘Reference’ and ‘Ex3ma’ sound modes, plus a 3D audio option, can be selected from a dedicated Sonus faber app within the car’s infotainment system.
Learn more: Sonus faber & Maserati’s New GranTurismo Stereo System is Electrifying
Additional Winners:
EISA IN-CAR HEAD UNIT
Alpine HDS-990 Status – $1,399.95 at Crutchfield
EISA IN-CAR AMPLIFIER
Ground Zero GZUA 6SQ
EISA IN-CAR DSP AMPLIFIER
Mosconi Gladen One 8|10 DSP
EISA IN-CAR SOUND PROCESSOR
ESX QE812SP
EISA IN-CAR DSP SOFTWARE
Audison bit Drive
EISA IN-CAR SPEAKER SYSTEM
Ground Zero GZPC 165.3SQ-ACT
EISA IN-CAR SUBWOOFER
Morel Ultimo PowerSlim PS12D
EISA IN-CAR INTEGRATION
Audiotec Fischer Helix Compose Platform
EISA MOTORCYCLE AUDIO COMPONENT
Rockford Fosgate HD9813RG-STAGE3 – $1,859.99 at Crutchfield
More EISA Award Winners
Mobile Devices EISA Winners 2023-2024:
EISA PREMIUM WIRELESS HEADPHONES
T+A Solitaire T
EISA BEST BUY WIRELESS HEADPHONES
Philips Fidelio L4
EISA IN-EAR HEADPHONES
Philips Fidelio T2
EISA MOBILE DAC
iFi Audio GO pod – $399 at Headphones.com
EISA BEST BUY PORTABLE SPEAKER
Pure Woodland – £139 at Pure-audio.com
EISA MULTIMEDIA SMARTPHONE
Sony Xperia 1 V – $1,398 at Amazon
EISA BEST BUY SMARTPHONE
HONOR 90 – $539 at Amazon
EISA CONSUMER SMARTPHONE
OPPO Reno10 Pro – $999 at Amazon
EISA SMARTWATCH
HONOR Watch GS 3 – $252.49 at Amazon
EISA PREMIUM SMARTWATCH
Huawei Watch Ultimate $798 at Amazon
EISA PREMIUM PORTABLE SPEAKER
Bang & Olufsen Beosound A5 – $1,099 at Amazon
Photography EISA Winners 2023-2024
EISA CAMERA OF THE YEAR
Nikon Z 8 – $3,999 at Amazon
EISA ADVANCED FULL-FRAME CAMERA
Sony Alpha 7R V – $3,898 at Amazon
EISA FULL-FRAME CAMERA
Canon EOS R6 Mark II – $2,499 at Amazon
EISA CONTENT CREATOR CAMERA
Sony ZV-E1 – $2,198 at Amazon
EISA APS-C CAMERA
Fujifilm X-H2 – $1,999 at Amazon
EISA BEST BUY CAMERA
Canon EOS R8 – $1,499 at Amazon
EISA VIDEO CAMERA
Panasonic Lumix S5IIX – $1,997 at Amazon
EISA LENS OF THE YEAR
Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G – $1,098 at Amazon
EISA WIDEANGLE ZOOM LENS
TAMRON 20-40mm F/2.8 Di III VXD – $699 at Amazon
EISA STANDARD PRIME LENS
Sony FE 50mm F1.4 GM – $1,298 at Amazon
EISA PORTRAIT LENS
Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S – $2,796 at Amazon
EISA TELEPHOTO LENS
Canon RF 135mm F1.8L IS USM – $2,299 at Amazon
EISA SUPER-TELEPHOTO LENS
Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S – $2,696 at Amazon
EISA TELEPHOTO ZOOM LENS
TAMRON 50-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD – $1,299 at Amazon
EISA SUPER-TELEPHOTO ZOOM LENS
SIGMA 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS | Sports – $1,999 at Amazon
EISA MACRO LENS
OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 90mm F3.5 Macro IS Pro – $1,299 at Amazon
For more information: eisa.eu/awards/
Related reading: eCoustics Editors’ Choice Awards
