Headfonia Best of Year - 2025 Awards

I will, without reservation, give the Softears Volume S the Headfonia “Highly Recommended” award and urge anyone to audition them in a store or an audio meetup. Hopefully, more manufacturers embrace the JM-1 tuning and think of other ways to put a unique spin on the sound signature. If so, we have an exciting year ahead of us!"

Best Desktop Amp - Tubes

Feliks Audio Echo Vibe Review

Feliks Audio Echo Vibe bei Audio Essence kaufen >

"On top of the superb sonic qualities, the Echo Vibe is pleasant to look at and evokes the woody design language of Feliks Audio’s flagship, the mighty Envy. If the listener feels like it has outgrown the sound qualities of the Echo Vibe, there are plenty of rolling options for the input tubes, and some more adventurous DIYers might be inclined to swap the output capacitors.

Just don’t get yourselves killed, no sound is worth that. At least nothing I’ve heard yet!"

The HEDD D1 is the kind of headphone that lets you rediscover your library—and perhaps even your patience. If you’re tired of bright planars and overcooked tunings, the D1 might just be your endgame for realism."

The Étoile is getting my personal award for Best Product/Editor’s choice, because it was the biggest stand-out of the past twelve months for me personally. The Étoile has that wow-factor, with incredible performance across the board.

From bass, mids and treble to technicalities, everything is just beautiful and impressive. Top that off with stunning looks and a package worth its status and you have the Étoile. Jack Vang’s new brand certainly hit it out of the park with their very first product, and I am very much looking forward to find out what else he has up his sleeve. 

I happily give my personal award to Volk Audio and Jack Vang for their Étoile. Well deserved."

Best DAP - Editor´s Choice

Lotoo PAW Gold Touch 2 Review

Lotoo PAW Gold Touch 2 bei Audio Essence kaufen >

"Since reviewing the Lotoo PAW Gold Touch 2 back in March, it has risen to my very top spot as a Digital Audio Player.

Its snappy UI, extremely detailed and powerful sound, coupled with the raw power it delivers, makes the PGT2 my most cherished portable product.

Yes, it doesn’t stream, and yes, it is a big boy, but the sound it delivers with all my IEMs and Headphones is just gorgeous and has delivered endless hours of joy to me already. Best DAP of 2025, well deserved!"

Best Headphone - Editor´s Choice

HIFIMAN Arya Unveiled Review

HIFIMAN Arya Unveiled bei Audio Essence kaufen >

"The Arya Unveiled is a mighty fantastic headphone. It delivers a spacious sound with astonishing vocals. Especially considering the moderate price of 1,449 USD, the Arya Unveiled is a very competent and affordable package!"

Best IEMs - Editor´s Choice

FIR Audio Project K Review

FIR Audio Project K bei Audio Essence kaufen >

"I am a big fan of FIR Audio’s IEMs. The Project K, to me, is a complete package. Perfect build quality and a powerful, dense and emotionally grasping sound signature.

While 2,799 USD is by no means pocket-change, I am very thankful that FIR does not follow the latest trend of uber-expensive IEMs."

 

Best Headphone Amplifier - Editor´s Choice

LAiV Audio HP2A Review

LAiV Audio HP2A bei Audio Essence kaufen >

"The LAiV HP2A cought me off-guard when I first hooked it up at home. It delivers an exciting sound, with great low end control and drive, superbly rendered mids and a delicate top end.

On top, it handles every headphone I throw at it – including the Susvara – with ease. And then, there’s the fact that I can also use it as a pre-amplifier in my stereo system. It is magnificient!"

 

Best Tube Headphone Amplifier - Editor´s Choice

Auris Audio Lyre Review

Auris Audio Lyre bei Audio Essence kaufen >

"The Lyre is one of those magic tube amplifiers that won’t let you go once you’ve listened to it. It has that lush and organic sound, which only tube amps can deliver.

Since reviewing the Auris Audio Lyre, it has brought me a lot of joy to listen to my favorite albums, when I want something soothing. Excellent!"

Best Streaming DAC - Editor´s Choice

Eversolo DMP-A10 Review

Eversolo DMP-A10 bei Audio Essence kaufen >

"This is the third consecutive year in which Eversolo gets an end of the year award from me. And well deserved it is. The DMP-A10 is a mighty Streaming DAC with excellent software (including Room Correction) and superb sound!"