EISA Awards

EISA Awards 2017 2018

Hi-Fi News Staff  |  Aug 14, 2017

The European Imaging and Sound Association celebrates the year's most desirable hi-fi hardware

For 35 years EISA has been selecting the most innovative, cutting-edge products for its prestigious EISA Awards. The Awards are debated and voted upon by groups of specialist judging panels covering the full spectrum of consumer electronics and photographic products, including Hi-Fi, Home Theatre, In-Car Electronics, Photo, Video and Mobile Devices. Key to the success and relevance of the annual EISA Awards lies in the evolution of its categories, always reflecting the changing trends and technologies of the consumer electronics world. Moreover, the Association itself continues to evolve, as 2017 was also the year that EISA announced its global expansion with a total of 5 new member magazines and websites from Australia and the USA.   

To win an EISA award all products undergo a comprehensive multi-step judging process. Products are intensively tested at the facilities of individual EISA member magazines and are also presented at the Association’s annual Convention in Antwerp in May. Products that pass this stage already rank among the best in the world. The final deliberations take place at EISA’s annual General Meeting in June where a democratic voting process establishes a consensus of excellence and determines the winning products. Unsurprisingly many of this year’s EISA Award-winning products in the Hi-Fi category, including those from Marantz, Pro-Ject, ELAC and Q Acoustics were premiered – as World Exclusives – within the pages of Hi-Fi News.

To find out more about EISA, visit www.eisa.eu


EISA WIRELESS LOUDSPEAKER 2017-2018 KEF LS50 Wireless

This is a versatile all-in-one active speaker solution that streams network music, is compatible with aptX Bluetooth and Tidal, and handles hi-res music up to 192kHz/24-bit via its USB input. Optical digital and line-level RCAs are there if you need them, too. The punchy built-in 230W amplification drives the speakers directly and the refined Uni-Q mid/bass driver has a centrally mounted tweeter that throws out wide stereo images with pinpoint precision. Retaining the talents of the EISA award-winning LS50 passive loudspeaker, especially for a world without wires, this new addition makes perfect sense.


EISA BEST VALUE LOUDSPEAKER 2017-2018 DALI SPEKTOR 6

Budget floorstanding speakers don’t get much better than this. The flagship of DALI’s SPEKTOR range serves up a seriously big sound thanks to its large, sturdily built cabinet – available in stylish black and walnut finishes – and a high quality driver complement. The soft dome tweeter is refined beyond its price class and the twin wood-fibre mid/bass units sound unexpectedly civilised, yet can really shake the room. This affordable box is far more fun than it has a right to be, and is surprisingly room-friendly too.


EISA BOOKSHELF LOUDSPEAKER 2017-2018 Dynaudio Contour 20

An exceptionally accomplished standmount loudspeaker, the Contour 20 sounds much bigger than it looks. The latest in a long line of Contour bookshelf designs – starting way back in the early ‘80s – this is the first to sport Dynaudio’s excellent Esotar2 tweeter. Allied to a single MSP diaphragm mid/bass and bolted to a thick aluminium front baffle plate, the result is a wonderfully lyrical yet accurate sound, with surprisingly deep bass. The radiused edges of the exquisitely finished cabinet complete a very pretty picture.


EISA FLOORSTANDING LOUDSPEAKER 2017-2018 Q Acoustics Concept 500

Mainstream speaker makers often struggle when they move upmarket, but not Q Acoustics. The Concept 500 is an audacious new floorstander employing highly optimised drivers and cabinet. This svelte new loudspeaker comes in a choice of white or black gloss, with contrasting real wood veneers. The special tweeter blends seamlessly with twin mid/bass drivers, which are set into the heavily braced, multilayered gel-lined cabinet. This loudspeaker sounds refined way beyond its price, with a neutral yet musical performance.


EISA HEADPHONES 2017-2018 Denon AH-D7200

When it comes to headphones, you can’t put a price on comfort. Thanks to its light walnut ear cups and sheepskin leather headband, this is one of the most pleasant to wear – and its sound is very easy on the ear, too. The Denon AH-D7200 sounds opulent and sumptuous, ideal for extended listening sessions with your favourite music. Its new FreeEdge-drivers – set in a closed-back cup with memory foam padding – give great lustre to the music, the sound never descending into harshness. This is a great return to form for Denon.

  EISA DAC/HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER 2017-2018 Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 Digital

This petite box shows that – in the world of digital audio – less can be more. Its long list of features includes full preamp functionality and the latest ESS Sabre DACs running in dual mono configuration. So it handles everything from DSD512 to 768kHz/32-bit PCM music media and will even recognise and decode MQA files. High quality passive components, an integrated headphone amplifier and a host of digital filter options complete the big picture. With an open and expressive nature, and supreme versatility, the Pre Box S2 Digital sounds bigger and bolder than it looks – making it great affordable hi-fi.


EISA BEST VALUE TURNTABLE 2017-2018 Pro-Ject Essential III Flexi-Range

A great step on to the vinyl ladder, Pro-Ject’s Flexi-Range has six different models that cater for every aspiring vinyl junkie. From the super value Essential III to the fully loaded Record Master – with electronic speed control, built-in phono stage, analogue-to-digital converter and USB output – there’s something for everyone. Even an aptX Bluetooth model is available. Each deck comes with an Ortofon OM10 cartridge, for better sound than its predecessor. With red, black or white gloss options, it has style to match its fine sound.


EISA HIGH-END TURNTABLE 2017-2018 ELAC Miracord 90

To celebrate its ninetieth anniversary, ELAC has released a beautiful new turntable. This artfully reimagined record player fuses traditional values with contemporary design. Its substantial MDF chassis comes in a choice of lavish finishes, providing a solid foundation for the heavy, belt-driven platter. Electronic speed control gives stable running and variable pitch, while the carbon-fibre tonearm includes a cartridge specially developed with Audio-Technica, making sweet analogue music. It’s a great comeback from one of the legends of vinyl.


EISA INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER 2017-2018 Hegel Röst

Don’t let its slimline proportions fool you, for here’s a vibrant-sounding amp that connects to a wide range of sources. Hegel’s patented SoundEngine circuitry provides a glass-clear window on the music, but also packs an 80W punch that’s enough to drive most loudspeakers. It has a fine sounding DAC built-in, complete with excellent AirPlay, USB and DLNA functionality – so you can play music directly off your home network. Sleek ergonomics make it a pleasure to use, IP control gives home automation control and it’s easy on the eye, too.


EISA BEST VALUE AMPLIFIER 2017-2018 NAD C 338

NAD is famous for powerhouse amplifiers that punch way above their weight – but the C 338 brings a whole new dimension to the marque. It is the world’s first stereo integrated amp with inbuilt Chromecast compatibility, streaming most major music services from the tap of an app. Despite its slim size, the amp’s Class D power stage packs 50W per channel and offers almost every input you’ll ever need – from Bluetooth, optical/coaxial digital, MM phono and line-level analogue. Factor in the headphone stage, and nothing else matches its performance at the price.


EISA HIGH-END STEREO SYSTEM 2017-2018 Marantz SA-10 & PM-10

Marantz’s flagship disc player and integrated amplifier combination sees the manufacturer reaching new heights of innovation and sound. The SA-10 plays SACD, CD and digital files to an extremely high standard thanks to the Marantz Musical Mastering digital processing suite, which uses custom hardware and software to carry out genuine 1-bit conversion. The new PM-10 is the company’s first high-end Class D amplifier, featuring state-of-the-art Ncore power modules for a hugely powerful, low distortion sound. Together they make a formidable combination.


EISA HI-FI INNOVATION 2017-2018 Devialet Gold Phantom

The ‘Gold’ is a major evolution of the revolutionary Phantom speaker from Devialet. Packed with unique technology, including an astonishing 4500W of integrated ADH (Analogue/Digital Hybrid) amplification and SAM bass management, the side-firing bass domes deliver a massively extended low frequency impact while the new titanium tweeter offers sweet-sounding highs. Connectivity includes AirPlay, Bluetooth and Spotify Connect with wired Ethernet and optical digital inputs too. Never has so much hi-fi innovation been packed into so compact and elegant an enclosure.


EISA MULTIROOM NETWORK PLAYER 2017-2018 Yamaha WXC-50

Despite its diminutive dimensions, this new wireless streaming preamplifier is a hi-fi Swiss Army knife that performs a wide range of roles. It works as a standalone streamer or a DAC/preamp, and has full multiroom functionality via Yamaha’s smart MusicCast networking system. This technology streams sound all around the house, controlled by an easy-to-use app on your mobile device. The WXC-50 supports everything from double-speed DSD to hi-res FLAC files, next to all popular music streaming services. It’s an affordable way into multiroom music.


EISA PORTABLE DAC/HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER 2017-2018 RHA Dacamp L1

This young company has hit the ground running with its first portable DAC and headphone amp. Supplied with all the cables needed to connect digitally to your mobile device, it sports an optical digital input alongside USB. Audiophiles will love its balanced headphone output alongside the regular 3.5mm jack socket, and its ten-hour battery life. High quality ESS DAC chips serve up a detailed and vivid sound, and its rugged aluminium casing is one of the most stylish around. For music on the move, it’s a terrific choice.

(Combined Award with Mobile Devices)
 

And the rest of the awards... ​HOME THEATRE AUDIO 
  • EISA HOME THEATRE SPEAKER SYSTEM 2017-2018
    Focal Sib Evo
  • EISA HOME THEATRE RECEIVER 2017-2018
    Yamaha RX-V483
  • EISA SOUNDBAR 2017-2018
    LG SJ9
  • EISA TV AUDIO UPGRADE 2017-2018
    Sonos PLAYBASE
  • EISA HOME THEATRE HIGH-END 2017-2018
    DALI PHANTOM S Series
  • EISA HOME THEATRE SOLUTION 2017-2018
    Denon HEOS AVR
  • EISA HOME THEATRE SUBWOOFER 2017-2018
    SVS PB16-Ultra   
  • EISA UNIVERSAL ULTRA HD BLU-RAY PLAYER 2017-2018 (Combined Award with Home Theatre Video)
    OPPO UDP-203
  • EISA BEST BUY ULTRA HD BLU-RAY PLAYER 2017-2018 (Combined Award with Home Theatre Video)
    Panasonic DMP-UB300/UB400 Series
HOME THEATRE VIDEO
  • EISA HOME THEATRE TV 2017-2018
    Sony KD-65ZD9
  • EISA LCD TV 2017-2018
    LG 55SJ850V
  • EISA SMART TV 2017-2018
    Samsung QE55Q7F
  • EISA OLED TV 2017-2018
    LG OLED65E7
  • EISA BEST BUY TV 2017-2018
    TCL U55C7006
  • EISA BEST BUY OLED TV 2017-2018
    Philips 55POS9002
  • EISA HOME THEATRE PROJECTOR 2017-2018
    Epson EH-TW9300W
PHOTOGRAPHY
  • EISA CONSUMER DSLR CAMERA 2017-2018
    Canon EOS 77D
  • EISA PROSUMER DSLR CAMERA 2017-2018
    Nikon D7500
  • EISA PROFESSIONAL DSLR CAMERA 2017-2018
    Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
  • EISA CONSUMER COMPACT SYSTEM CAMERA 2017-2018
    Fujifilm X-T20
  • EISA PROSUMER COMPACT SYSTEM CAMERA 2017-2018
    Sony α6500
  • EISA CAMERA 2017-2018
    Sony α9
  • EISA COMPACT CAMERA 2017-2018
    Sony RX100 V
  • EISA SUPERZOOM CAMERA 2017-2018
    Sony RX10 III
  • EISA PHOTO & VIDEO CAMERA 2017-2018
    Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5
  • EISA INSTANT CAMERA 2017-2018
    Fujifilm Instax SQUARE SQ10
  • EISA DSLR LENS 2017-2018
    SIGMA 135mm F1.8 DG HSM | Art
  • EISA DSLR ZOOM LENS 2017-2018
    Tamron SP 150-600mm F5-6.3 Di VC USD G2
  • EISA PROFESSIONAL DSLR LENS 2017-2018
    Canon EF 16-35mm F2.8L III USM
  • EISA COMPACT SYSTEM CAMERA LENS 2017-2018
    Sony FE 100mm F2.8 STF GM OSS
  • EISA PROFESSIONAL COMPACT SYSTEM CAMERA LENS 2017-2018
    Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS
  • EISA COMPACT SYSTEM CAMERA ZOOM LENS 2017-2018
    Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-100mm F4.0 IS PRO
  • EISA PHOTO INNOVATION 2017-2018
    Tamron 18-400mm F3.5-6.3 Di II VC HLD
  • EISA PHOTO DISPLAY 2017-2018
    EIZO ColorEdge CG2730
  • EISA SMARTPHONE CAMERA 2017-2018 (Combined Award with Mobile Devices)
    Huawei P10
MOBILE DEVICES EXPERT GROUP
  • EISA BEST SMARTPHONE 2017-2018
    Samsung Galaxy S8/S8+
  • EISA CONSUMER SMARTPHONE 2017-2018
    Honor 8 Pro
  • EISA BEST BUY SMARTPHONE 2017-2018
    NOA Element H10le
  • EISA MOBILE HEADPHONES 2017-2018
    JBL Everest Elite 750NC
  • EISA MOBILE SPEAKER 2017-2018
    JBL Boombox
  • EISA WIRELESS IN-EAR HEADPHONES 2017-2018
    Sennheiser MOMENTUM In-Ear Wireless
  • EISA WEARABLE DEVICE 2017-2018
    Huawei Watch 2
  • EISA MOBILE AUDIO PLAYER 2017-2018
    FiiO X5 3rd gen
IN-CAR ELECTRONICS
  • EISA IN-CAR HEAD-UNIT 2017-2018
    KENWOOD DMX7017DABS
  • EISA IN-CAR HD PLAYER 2017-2018
    Clarion NX807E
  • EISA IN-CAR SMART UPGRADE 2017-2018
    Mosconi GLADEN RC-CAN
  • EISA IN-CAR SUBWOOFER 2017-2018
    GLADEN PRO 10
  • EISA IN-CAR ACTIVE SUBWOOFER 2017-2018
    Pioneer TS-WX70DA
  • EISA IN-CAR PROCESSOR 2017-2018
    Helix DSP.2
  • EISA IN-CAR AMPLIFIER 2017-2018
    Mosconi GLADEN PRO 5|30
  • EISA IN-CAR INTEGRATION 2017-2018
    Hertz H8 DSP
  • EISA IN-CAR SPEAKER SYSTEM 2017-2018
    Vibe Audio CVEN62C-V4

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