HiFiAudio.Guru 2020 Buyer’s Guide and Annual Clef Awards

By: HiFiAudio.Guru
December 1st, 2020

When we started HiFiAudio.Guru one of the ideas bandied about was to create a buyer’s guide since the focus of the site was to bring new Audiophiles into the market and in my mind was the thought, “well isn’t that what we are doing anyway”, I mean, we are only presenting systems that we think are great and well worth the value, and isn’t that why we have the price categories at the top of the page? Well, the truth is people like lists, and even though every review on HiFiAudio.Guru is a recommended system, people like to see it all on one page in an organized fashion, so here it is.

Beyond that, even though we vet all our products before reviewing them and only pair up recommended components, some components stand out far beyond the crowd, and to honor those components we have created the HiFiAudio.Guru Clef Awards which will be bestowed once a year along with our buyer’s guide. So without further ado…

The HiFiAudio.Guru 2020 Golden Clef Awards

Focal Chora 826, NAIM Uniti Atom, Cardas Clear Cables, SVS Subwoofers SB-2000 Pro Publisher's Choice System of the Year

Focal Chora 826, NAIM Uniti Atom, Cardas Clear Cables, SVS Subwoofers SB-2000 Pro Publisher’s Choice System of the Year

The system consisting of the Focal Chora 826 Loudspeaker, NAIM Uniti Atom All-In-One Wireless Music Player, Cardas Clear Cables, and dual SVS Subwoofers SB-2000 Pro Subwoofers was by far the best system I heard this year, with an expansive airy soundstage, great dynamics, and amazing transparency, it was like having the musicians in my listening room.

-Frank Iacone

ampsandsound Zion Monos Editor’s Choice Product of the Year

ampsandsound Zion Monos Editor’s Choice Product of the Year

In creating the HiFiAudio.Guru 2020 Golden Clef Awards it was my intent to not have categories and simply award those products that rose above the rest and were exceptional, on the other hand, it was not my intent to review a cost no object reference system during the first year of publication so such is life. The ampsandsound Zion Monos are one of those rare products whose musicality is such that you are willing to do whatever is necessary to accommodate them (like find a speaker that is happy with only 32 watts or get a hernia lifting the monsters), as well as being a product that I can safely say are an incredible bargain at $13,000 for the pair without irony. I could easily see myself, had I the resources, settling down with the Zion Monos and a pair of Soundlabs and never longing for anything else. Without question, the ampsandsound Zion Monos were both the best sounding and my favorite product I reviewed this year.

-Gary Alan Barker

Black Dragon Interconnects, Speaker Cables, & Power Cables

Black Dragon Interconnects, Speaker Cables, & Power Cables

Cables are probably the most underappreciated and least understood audio component. Black Dragon cables do what a high-end cable should do, enable the other components to perform at their best. They do this by having an extreme current capacity with a correspondingly high phase coherency, excellent noise rejection (shielding), and a minimum of induced distortion, meaning that what you have in the Black Dragon cable is a cable with increased dynamics and increased detail with a slightly warm neutral sound signature. While not exactly cheap, they do fall into the lower end of cable pricing (especially in the world of $30,000+ cables) and offer an incredible value for the money unrivaled by all but a few.

-Gary Alan Barker

Bluesound POWERNODE 2i Wireless Multi-Room Music Streaming Amplifier

Bluesound POWERNODE 2i Wireless Multi-Room Music Streaming Amplifier

The Bluesound POWERNODE 2i Wireless Multi-Room Music Streaming Amplifier embodies everything that this site is about, which is well-featured audiophile quality sound on a budget. In every aspect, the POWERNODE 2i exceeded my expectations and my demands. For the first time, I found a phone-based control app that worked flawlessly, every time, in the Bluesound Control App. As a source and as an amplifier the POWERNODE 2i is up for every challenge and when coupled with a high-efficiency audiophile speaker like the DALI OBERON 7 it can easily represent an end-game solution for a newly budding audiophile.

-Gary Alan Barker

Cardas Clear Cables

Cardas Clear Cables

Cardas’ Clear Cables are proof that the right cable can make all the difference in producing a world-class sound. Cardas is unparalleled in musicality, transparency, and soundstage.

-Frank Iacone

Cardas Iridium Cables

Cardas Iridium Cables

Since my introduction to high-end audio cables in the late ‘80s, one company has always risen above the rest to stand as my favorite cable and that is Cardas. The Iridium cable line maintains that standard even as an entry-level product at a budget price. Simply put, they do the least harm to the sound of a system of any cable I have heard.

-Gary Alan Barker

Core Power Cables Defiant Diamond speaker cables

Core Power Cables Defiant Diamond speaker cables

The Core Power Cables Diamond silver-over-copper cables are a terrific buy. Shielded power cables and speaker cables are important to get the most out of the system. The Diamond cables represent the finest in extracting inner detail and getting the most in retrieval.

-Frank Iacone

Core Power Cables Valiant Power Cords

Core Power Cables Valiant Power Cords

The Core Power Cables Diamond silver-over-copper cables are a terrific buy. Shielded power cables and speaker cables are important to get the most out of the system. The Diamond cables represent the finest in extracting inner detail and getting the most in retrieval.

-Frank Iacone

Core Power Technologies Deep=Core 1800 Power Conditioner

Core Power Technologies Deep=Core 1800 Power Conditioner

The Core Power Deep=Core 1800 makes sure all digital noise is removed from the system and creates a quiet and noise-free listening experience that reproduces everything the artist intended you to hear without any digital noise or dirty power.

If you really want a black background, the Deep=Core 1800 provides it by filtering out all noise. The Deep=Core 1800 represents a product that is a must-own addition that will remove any noise from either your digital streaming or phono stage if you decide to use a turntable. Deep=Core has an adjustable feature that allows the user to tune out hum and other noise from your system.

-Frank Iacone

DALI Speakers OBERON 7 Floor-standing Loudspeakers

DALI Speakers OBERON 7 Floor-standing Loudspeakers

The DALI Speakers OBERON 7 Floor-standing Loudspeakers are everything the name implies (Danish Audiophile Loudspeaker Industries), elegant, stylish, dynamic, tight, accurate, and musical. What was unexpected is their extreme efficiency and copious bottom end, which means that beyond being an amazing audiophile quality speaker, they are also perfect for home theater applications, especially since they prefer the wide stance of a home theater system. This along with their tiny footprint make them ideal for the modern upscale listener on a budget.

-Gary Alan Barker

Focal Chora 826 Loudspeaker

Focal Chora 826 Loudspeaker

The Focal Chora is another amazing product built by a world-class company that makes outstanding speakers. Beautifully constructed the three-way design on its own is a terrific floor-standing speaker that had excellent performance.

 The speaker has excellent bass down to 48hz which in smaller rooms would eliminate the need for a subwoofer. Adding subwoofers in larger rooms makes the Chora a full-range speaker with full range bass extension. The wood finish was beautiful to look at and the sound of the speakers was exceptional in overall performance. 

The midrange was spectacular with a wide soundstage that always had excellent staging with pinpoint and precise imaging which at times was spooky. I felt they disappeared and never called attention to anything other than the music. 

 The treble was fully extended and never had any bright or nasty sound that was noticeable. The neutral presentation was exciting and dynamic. Priced at $2000 pair and made in France, the Chora delivers exceptional musicality and nails the tone of instruments. I think finding another speaker in this price range built from the finest materials would be challenging. The Chora is a terrific speaker and one of the best values in HiFi today. 

-Frank Iacone

Grado Opus3 Maple Bodied Phono Cartridge

Grado Opus3 Maple Bodied Phono Cartridge

Ok, if not for the ampsandsound Zion Monos, the Grado Opus3 Maple Bodied Phono Cartridge would be my favorite product I reviewed this year. The performance of the Opus3 far outstrips the competition and the price is a steal. As most of you have probably noticed by this time, for me, analog is king and the Opus3 delivered simply the most enjoyable experience of the year.

-Gary Alan Barker

iFi Aurora Lifestyle System

iFi Aurora Lifestyle System

Since the beginning, over the years, Lifestyle Systems have been a mainstay of the upper echelons of audio. Occasionally, one model rises above the herd providing true audiophile performance, while at the same time being an asset to one’s décor, able to fulfill all of one’s music needs, and be easy and convenient to operate, the iFi Aurora Lifestyle System is one such rarity. It is the perfect transition point for the fledgling audiophile to step up from Personal Audio to Two-Channel Loudspeaker without compromising your upscale apartment living.

-Gary Alan Barker

LSA (Living Sounds Audio) LSA-10 Signature Monitors

LSA (Living Sounds Audio) LSA-10 Signature Monitors

The mini monitor is the cornerstone of high-end audiophile sound and the LSA LSA-10 Signature Monitors are a shining example of that breed. Able to reproduce an impressive soundstage, with extreme audio fidelity, and enough accurate bass to fulfill most requirements at a budget that rings in at about half of what its competitors are offering, the LSA-10 is a true marvel.

-Gary Alan Barker

LSA (Living Sounds Audio) LSA 20 Signature Tower Speakers

LSA (Living Sounds Audio) LSA 20 Signature Tower Speakers

LSA 20 Signature with its 7 drivers makes listening to music enjoyable. The bass is exemplary and removes the need for a subwoofer in large rooms. The beautifully designed cabinets make them easy to look at and not overly imposing. The midrange is exceptional and in the treble region, instruments were always enjoyable without any noticeable nastiness in the upper regions.  Horns and instrumentation were all first-rate and instruments had exceptional tonality.

The soundstage on the system was exceptional with excellent imaging and the air and space between performers were exceptional. Vocal performances were beautifully reproduced and always enjoyable.

-Frank Iacone

Magnepan LRS Planar Magnetic Speakers

Magnepan LRS Planar Magnetic Speakers

There was a reason I chose Maganapan for my first review for this magazine. Planar speakers whether they be electrostatic or planar magnetic will always be my go-to choice for two-channel music listening. Their superior soundstage, imaging, musicality, and sonic accuracy, puts them in a category all by themselves and the Magnepan LRS Planar Magnetic Speakers totally lived up to that challenge and at a price that totally compensated for the expense of the equipment necessary to back them up.

-Gary Alan Barker

NAD C 658 BluOS Streaming DAC

NAD C 658 BluOS Streaming DAC

The NAD C 658 is one of the finest Streaming DACs I have heard and BluOS makes all so easy.

-Frank Iacone

Schiit  Bifrost 2  Multibit DAC

Schiit  Bifrost 2  Multibit DAC

Simply put, the Schiit Bifrost 2 is the most musical DAC ever produced by the mind of Mike Moffat and that is a lot to say about it as he stands as pretty much the father of high-end audiophile digital and has created a slew of world-class DACs and digital products.

-Gary Alan Barker

Schiit  Ragnarok 2 DAC/ Preamp/ Headphone Amplifier/Loudspeaker Amplifier

Schiit  Ragnarok 2 DAC/ Preamp/ Headphone Amplifier/Loudspeaker Amplifier

The bare-bones Schiit Ragnarok 2 is one of the best solid-state headphone amps out there, and as an integrated amp, it is a rare value and hits all the marks with ease. Fully loaded, it is unrivaled in what it offers for the money and can represent the heart of a world-class audio system at an extreme budget.

-Gary Alan Barker

Schiit Saga+ Tube Hybrid Preamplifier

Schiit Saga+ Tube Hybrid Preamplifier

Schiit is known in the personal audio world as the master of providing performance per dollar, offering a USA designed and built product, using a large percentage of locally sourced components at a price equal to cobbled together Asian mass-market products. As an entry into the two-channel loudspeaker world, the Schiit Saga+ exemplifies this commitment to quality on a budget. Musical beyond any expectation, the Saga+ sells for less than I would have expected to pay for it 40 years ago.

-Gary Alan Barker

Schiit SYS

Schiit SYS

What can I say, I bought the piece outright, and it proved to be everything I hoped for. To say that I bought a similar device 40 years ago at 10 times the price, used, that was not as well manufactured, says it all.

-Gary Alan Barker

VPI Player Turntable

VPI Player Turntable

While not a new product, it was a recently upgraded product with a new and far superior cartridge and in subtle ways was a greatly improved product over the one I reviewed a couple of years ago, and I loved that one at the time. By far the VPI Player Turntable was the best sounding source I used this year albeit it was enhanced by the addition of the Grado Opus 3 for the review of that cartridge, that doesn’t detract from the overall performance of the table, but simply adds to it by noting that the weakest link is still the cartridge. In fact, I can see the Player keeping up with even higher-end cartridges making a clear upgrade path. While there are better phono stages available at prices in excess of the entire turntable, the VPI Player is ideal for the world of modern sound systems where vinyl is not the first consideration and represents a gateway drug into the magical world of analog for any true audiophile.

-Gary Alan Barker

The HiFiAudio.Guru 2020 Buyer’s Guide

System PriceSystem ManufacturersComponents Component Price
$1,399.00iFiAurora Lifestyle System $1,399.00

Reviewer Comments

In keeping with the tradition of lifestyle systems dating back to the very first phonographs, the iFi Aurora is both beautiful and functional. The sound is quite amazing given its size and the fact that it is a one-box solution. It offers a neutral tonal balance with a large expansive soundstage which can present a very three-dimensional image making it ideal for private listening or background music at a party. That being said, it’s not a boom-box and it’s not a rip-your-head-off 15” woofer loudspeaker system, it is an audiophile lifestyle system that will play most music well, fit into most decors, and provide years of entertainment from all of your music sources, that can stand toe to toe with any system in its price range.

-Gary Alan Barker

System PriceSystem ManufacturersComponents Component Price
$3,198.00BluesoundPOWERNODE 2i Wireless Multi-Room Music Streaming Amplifier$899.00
DALI SpeakersOBERON 7 Floor-standing Loudspeakers$1,499.00
CardasIridium Speaker Cables fitted with Banana connectors – 3M$500.00
CardasIridium Power Cables – 2M$300.00

Reviewer Comments

The Bluesound POWERNODE 2i Wireless Multi-Room Music Streaming Amplifier more than exceeded my expectations, though as always a lot of the credit goes to the DALI OBERON 7 Loudspeakers, it never wanted for power, the dynamics were excellent, the sound was musical, there was no thinness to the upper mids which is a common issue with Class D amps, and it was really a one-stop-shop as far as source goes.

As to the DALI OBERON 7s, the word that comes to mind is tight. The bass was copious with excellent extension without ever sounding boomy. I was a bit surprised that with their tiny footprint, that they wanted to be so far apart, but that is probably an aspect of them being theater speakers, which you want to place much farther apart than a two-channel system. They definitely exhibit that Scandinavian sound, accurate, tight, and well-controlled.

-Gary Alan Barker

System PriceSystem ManufacturersComponents Component Price
$3,389.00SchiitRagnarok 2 DAC/ Preamp/ Headphone Amplifier/Loudspeaker Amplifier$1,799.00
Black DragonBlack Dragon USB cable – 6′$140.00
Black DragonV1 Speaker cables – 8′$500.00
Black DragonV1 Power cable$300.00
MagnepanLRS Planar Magnetic Speakers (priced pair)$650.00

Reviewer Comments

Note: This system is priced with the fully loaded version of the Schiit Ragnarok 2 which includes a DAC, which though not on a level with the Bifrost 2 is less than half the price making this system an incredible value offering world-class audiophile sound at a budget price. Ironically, I had originally intended to run this system with Blue Dragon cables which would have reduced the cost of the system further, though I do think the system benefits from the warmth of the Black Dragon, to quote the review, “To say that the sound was surprisingly good is a bit of a misnomer, it would be more correct to say that it was “as expected” amazingly good.”

-Gary Alan Barker

System PriceSystem ManufacturersComponentsComponent Price
$4,280.00NaimUniti Star All-In-One Audio Player$3,290.00
FocalChora 806 Bookshelf Speakers (priced pair)$990.00

Reviewer Comments

Naim and Focal didn’t just marry superior amps with superior speakers. This is a lifestyle play, a technology decision, and the Uniti line was likely at the core of it. In front of me are the love children of two diverse brands willing to share their proprietary secrets for the greater good of audio technology not just for next year but for decades to come. This is about promising authentic hi-fi audio in the context of IoT. It’s about offering generations of wi-fi listeners hi-fi sound within their context in their space. The Naim Uniti Star is the ideal bridge between wi-fi and hi-fi. The Focal Chora 806 is a compact bookshelf speaker that can light up your home with BIG and BEAUTIFUL hi-fi sound. Naim and Focal have unified reference level sound with lifestyle. As a musician and engineer who dreams of a larger audience hearing my songs the way I hear them in the studio. That’s everything to me.

-David Kellogg

System PriceSystem ManufacturersComponentsComponent Price
$4,388.00SchiitRagnarok 2 DAC/ Preamp/ Headphone Amplifier/ Loudspeaker Amplifier$1,499.00
toSchiitBifrost 2  Multibit DAC$699.00
$5,687.00SchiitVidar Intelligent Stereo/Mono Loudspeaker Amplifier$699.00
toBlack DragonBlack Dragon USB cable – 6′$140.00
$6,686.00Black DragonBlack Dragon Interconnects (pair Single-ended – RCA) – 3′$300.00
depending on numberBlack DragonBlack Dragon Interconnects (pair Balanced – XLR) – 3′$300.00
 of VidarBlack DragonV1 Speaker cables – 8’$500.00
amps usedBlack DragonV1 Power cable$300.00
 (0 to 2)MagnepanLRS Planar Magnetic Speakers (priced pair)$650.00

Reviewer Comments

As previously noted, this system is priced with the “bare bones” version of the Schiit Ragnarok 2 as it includes the Bifrost 2 Multibit DAC, which in my experience is the most musical DAC Mike Moffat has ever produced. The system represents a logical progression that can be achieved starting with a very reasonable initial investment that still provides epic sound quality and later ramped up as budget and space allow to the logical end-point of System 5 (2 Vidars in mono) with its additional 6dB of dynamic range represented by the 400W into 8Ω per channel of the extra Vidar, which should be sufficient for the most discriminating of hard rockers.

Needless to say, this system, or I should say these systems completely fulfilled my expectations and stand as highly recommended on my part.

-Gary Alan Barker

System PriceSystem ManufacturersComponentsComponent Price
$4,832.00SchiitSaga+ Tube Hybrid Preamplifier$399.00
SchiitBifrost 2 Multibit DAC$699.00
SchiitVidar Intelligent Stereo/Mono Loudspeaker Amplifier$699.00
Black DragonBlack Dragon USB cable – 6′$140.00
Black DragonBlack Dragon Interconnects (pair Single-ended – RCA) – 3′$300.00
Black DragonV1 Speaker cables – 8’$500.00
Black DragonV1 Power cable$300.00
MagnepanLRS Planar Magnetic Speakers (priced pair)$650.00

Reviewer Comments

The Magnepan LRS Planar Magnetic Speakers with the Schiit Bifrost 2 Multibit DAC, Schiit Saga+ Tube Hybrid Preamplifier, Schiit Vidar Intelligent Stereo/Mono Loudspeaker Amplifier, and Black Dragon cables represent an end-point solution that would easily satisfy a budget-constrained audiophile. Musical, with amazing imaging and soundstage, as well as, pitch-perfect timbre and tonality it is well worth the investment.

-Gary Alan Barker

System PriceSystem ManufacturersComponentsComponent Price
$5,497.18FocalChora 826$2,000.00
BluesoundNODE 2i$549.00
Kimber KableBase Series Timbre Interconnect – 1.5M$192.00
Kimber KableBase Series 4VS Speaker Cable – 3.5M$211.20
OutlawRR2160 Retro Receiver$849.00
SVS SubwoofersSB-2000 Pro$799.00
SVS SubwoofersSoundPath RCA Audio Interconnect Cable$39.99

Reviewer Comments

If you’re looking to build your first dedicated audio system, this system as composed will give you transparency, soundstage, and bass that is exceptional and allow for you to upgrade as your needs change. It is also for listeners looking to downsize or get off the merry-go-round, who want to listen to rewarding transparent music that can create a magical listening experience. This system is a fantastic journey into the world of HiFi and makes listening to music a rewarding experience,  Big thumbs up and recommended for anyone who wants an affordable system that offers exceptional musicality. Under $5550 and a fantastic system. The total package is a worthy system that achieves all I look for in any HiFi system regardless of price.

-Frank Iacone

$5,548.00LSA (Living Sounds Audio)LSA 20 Signature Tower Speakers$3,995.00
Package price ofCore Power TechnologiesDeep=Core 1800 Power Conditioner$1,295.00
system fromCore Power CablesDefiant Diamond speaker cables$999.00
UnderwoodCore Power CablesValiant Power Cords$999.00
 HiFi plusBluesoundNODE 2i$549.00
NODE 2iOutlawRR2160 Retro Receiver$849.00

Reviewer Comments

Impressively, large scale recordings were enjoyable with the exceptional three-dimensional imaging and layered soundstage. Impressive indeed at this price or even much more so. The LSA 20 Signature System from Underwood is an exceptional high-end value and will provide you most of what you want in a high-end system without compromise.

Designed to provide the listener with a musical journey and create a magical listening experience Rarely do you find a system in this price range that does what the LSA 20 Signature System does, it makes beautiful music and is a terrific value. A great how-to from the folks at Underwood Hifi and it gets our highest recommendation without hesitation. Magical and exciting!!!!!

-Frank Iacone

System PriceSystem ManufacturersComponentsComponent Price
$8,119.00GradoOpus3 Maple Bodied Phono Cartridge$275.00
VPIPlayer Turntable$1,600.00
LSA (Living Sounds Audio)LSA-10 Signature Monitors (priced pair)$2,495.00
CardasIridium Single-Ended (RCA) Interconnects – 2M$250.00
CardasIridium Speaker Cables fitted with Banana connectors – 3M$500.00
CardasIridium Power Cables – 2M$300.00
CardasClear Serial Bus Rev 1 USB Cable – 2M$200.00
Peachtree AudioNova 300 Amplifier$2,199.00

Reviewer Comments

This was an amazing system for the price ($8,119 in total, $5,994 for digital-only, though Underwood HiFi offers a special package deal of the LSA LSA-10 Signature Monitors, the Peachtree Nova 300, a Bluesound Node2i streamer, a pair of the $450 Core Power Defiant Gold speaker cables, a $400 Core Power Valiant Gold series power cord and a $250 Core Power Conduit Gold coaxial digital cable for $3,999 delivered) that shows you can achieve true audiophile sound quality on a budget. While the addition of a subwoofer would add a little impact and rumble for theater applications, bass was never lacking and lovers of live music, classical, or acoustic music will appreciate the sparkle and dynamics as well as the large soundstage. I will point out that the system falls out on the brighter midrange heavy side like most audiophile systems, though never offensively so. Cymbals shimmered rather than sizzled and analog was spectacular.

-Gary Alan Barker

System PriceSystem ManufacturersComponentsComponent Price
$13,321.00NAIMUniti Atom$3290.00
FocalChora 826$2,000.00
CardasClear Single-Ended (RCA) Interconnects$1,450.00
CardasClear Speaker Cables$4,085.00
CardasClear Power Cables$820.00
SVS SubwoofersSB-2000 Pro$799.00
SVS SubwoofersSoundPath RCA Audio Interconnect Cable$39.00

Reviewer Comments

The system consisting of the Focal Chora 826 Loudspeaker, NAIM Uniti Atom All-In-One Wireless Music Player, Cardas Clear Cables, and dual SVS Subwoofers SB-2000 Pro Subwoofers was by far the best system I heard this year, with an expansive airy soundstage, great dynamics, and amazing transparency, it was like having the musicians in my listening room.

-Frank Iacone

Note: Review Pending

System PriceSystem ManufacturersComponentsComponent Price
$20,298.00ampsandsoundZion Monos (priced each)$6,500.00
Fritz SpeakersCarrera (priced pair)$3,500.00
VPIPlayer Turntable$1,600.00
CardasIridium Single-Ended (RCA) Interconnects – 2M$250.00
CardasIridium Speaker Cables fitted with Banana connectors – 3M$500.00
CardasIridium Power Cables – 2M$300.00
EarMenTR-Amp$249.00
SchiitSYS$49.00

Reviewer Comments

At $20,298 this is not exactly a budget system, but that being said, it is a little piece of audio nirvana and could easily duke it out with systems costing twice as much. Setup was a little fussier than say the Manepans, but once keyed in it delivered in spades, with a large three-dimensional soundstage, true to life timbre, and impressive dynamics. This may seem odd to say about a bookshelf size speaker, but it probably would have preferred a larger listening room, for one, in a room with about 40’ of depth the speakers could have been placed on-axis without waveform cancellation in the bass and as noted above, they seem to prefer on-axis listening. So did I get $21k worth of sound? Truth is, I got $40k worth of sound, I would have no problems recommending this system to anyone who has the budget.

-Gary Alan Barker

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