Best Hi-Fi Products of 2022: Award Winners and Value Picks

Introduction

In 2022, the hi-fi landscape offered a remarkable range of components that delivered exceptional performance at various price points. From floorstanding speakers that fill a room with effortless sound to compact bookshelf models that rival much larger designs, the year brought plenty of options for enthusiasts. We spent countless hours listening to a wide array of gear, and a few products stood out for their ability to connect us to the music. This roundup highlights the award winners and the best value picks that earned our attention.

Best Integrated Amplifier: Vincent SV-237 MKII

The Vincent SV-237 MKII earned our top honor in the integrated amplifier category for 2022. It impressed with its ability to deliver an engaging and refined sound that worked well across a variety of speakers. Its combination of performance and build quality made it a memorable component throughout the year.

We found it particularly adept at presenting music with a natural tonal balance and a sense of drive that kept us listening. For those building a system around a single chassis, the SV-237 MKII is a compelling option.

Best Floorstanding Speaker: Arendal 1723 THX

The Arendal 1723 THX took the top spot for floorstanding speakers. These are substantial speakers that benefit from some breathing room, yet they also perform well in small to medium-sized rooms without being overly placement-sensitive. Their high sensitivity, around 91 dB, means they can be driven by lower-powered amplifiers, including single-ended tube designs. The cabinets use HDF rather than standard MDF, contributing to a solid, high-quality build. For the level of performance and construction, they represent excellent value.

Best Bookshelf Speaker: CSS Audio 1TDX

For bookshelf speakers, the CSS Audio 1TDX stood out as our favorite. It is available as a DIY kit or as a finished speaker for around $2,500. The kit uses high-quality crossovers and drivers typically found in much more expensive designs, and the cabinetry can be assembled with basic tools. The crossover is designed like a puzzle, making it accessible even for those new to DIY. It is a fun project that allows for tweaking and personalization, and the resulting sound quality is exceptional for the price.

We were impressed by the potential of this speaker, and many listeners who compared it to pricier models found it highly competitive. If you enjoy building and customizing your gear, the 1TDX offers a rewarding path to high-end sound.

Best Power Amplifier: Denafrips Thallo

The Denafrips Thallo was our amplifier of the year. Although we first encountered it in late 2021, it has remained a reference in our system because of its outstanding value. It is a solid-state amplifier that exhibits a smooth, slightly sweet character reminiscent of a 300B tube amp, while maintaining neutrality and control. It paired beautifully with the KLH Model Five, bringing out the best in those speakers. Compared to more expensive amplifiers, it holds its own with a distinctive musicality that keeps us coming back.

Best DAC: Audio Note DAC 0.1x

In the digital-to-analog converter category, the Audio Note DAC 0.1x won our top award. This tube DAC prioritizes musical flow and coherence over hyper-detailed analysis. It has a purity and sparkle that draws you into the music, making it easy to forget about the equipment and just enjoy the performance. While it may not extract every micro-detail like some more expensive DACs, its engaging presentation and emotional connection are what set it apart.

We found ourselves returning to this DAC time and again, even with other high-end converters on hand. It is a compelling choice for listeners who value musicality above all else.

Best Value Integrated Amplifier: Willsenton R300

The Willsenton R300 is a 300B tube integrated amplifier that offers a warm, sweet sound for a fraction of what you might expect to pay. It is not designed for hard-to-drive speakers, but with sensitive speakers, it delivers a captivating midrange and a smooth top end. It has been a part of our listening setup for over a year, and its build and sound quality make it an exceptional value in the tube amplifier market.

Best Value Floorstanding Speaker: Polk R700

The Polk R700 is a large floorstanding speaker that delivers impressive bass and dynamic output. For its price, it is an incredible performer, moving air with ease and providing a satisfying full-range experience. It has become a reference in its price class, and for those who want a big tower speaker without spending a fortune, it is a must-audition.

Best Value Tower Speaker: KLH Kendall

The KLH Kendall is a slim tower speaker that surprised us with its bass capability and high-frequency finesse. In its price range, we have not encountered another tower that matches its combination of simplicity and sound quality. It remains a reference in our system, and for budget-conscious listeners who want a floorstander that looks understated but performs well beyond expectations, it is an outstanding choice.

It may not have taken the overall floorstanding award, but that is only because the Arendal 1723 THX exists. On its own merits, the Kendall is a remarkable achievement for the money.

Other Notable Products

Beyond the category winners, several other components impressed us throughout the year. The GR Research X-LS Encore is another DIY kit that offers tremendous value and a slightly different sonic signature that some listeners may prefer. The Polk R200 is an excellent budget bookshelf speaker that continues to serve as a reference in its class. The ELAC Uni-Fi Reference, with its dual concentric driver, delivers superb imaging and coherence for both music and home theater. The KLH Model Five, our previous speaker of the year, remains a perfect match for the Denafrips Thallo. The Denafrips Terminator Plus is a more expensive DAC that extracts greater detail, while the Denafrips Apollo amplifier offers a warmer, more bass-heavy presentation. The Luxman M900u is a high-end amplifier that we compared directly with the Thallo, and while it is a superb unit, the Thallo held its own in many respects. Finally, the Sonus Faber Electa Amator III and TAD ME1 are both above $10,000 and push the boundaries of musicality in different ways. The TAD ME1 is technically accurate and musically pleasing, while the Electa Amator III has an emotional tonality that is hard to quantify but deeply engaging.

Buying Advice

When selecting hi-fi components, it is important to consider your room, your existing equipment, and your listening preferences. Floorstanding speakers like the Arendal 1723 THX or Polk R700 can fill larger spaces with ease, but they require adequate room to breathe. Bookshelf speakers such as the CSS Audio 1TDX or Polk R200 are better suited to smaller rooms or desktop systems. Amplifiers should be matched to your speakers’ sensitivity; low-power tube amps like the Willsenton R300 work best with high-sensitivity designs. DACs like the Audio Note DAC 0.1x offer a musical presentation, while others may prioritize detail. Ultimately, the best choice is the one that makes you want to keep listening.

Conclusion

2022 was a strong year for hi-fi, with exceptional products across every category and price point. Whether you are looking for an award-winning integrated amplifier, a DIY speaker kit, or a value-oriented tower speaker, there are excellent options available. We hope this roundup helps you narrow down your choices and find the component that brings you closer to your music.