At MajorHiFi, we’re a mixed bag. Some of us like our sound signatures to be warm. Others prefer it clear and bright.  And for some, great balance is all it takes. So, know that we all have our biases when awarding the MajorHifi Gold Star. And we don’t always get to review our personal favorites. But as much as our tastes differ, there’s a certain amount of objectivity that can be applied to a review once factors like transparency, balance and price come into play. So, here are the MajorHiFi Gold Awards of 2018-2019 to date. We’ll be sure to update our list over the course of this year. Stay tuned.
Click on the links below to see our MajorHiFi Gold Award reviews.
MajorHiFi Gold Awards 2018-2019
Earphones
Under $50
The committee is in agreement. No one does affordable IEMs better than Final. Evenly balanced with fantastic separation for the price, these buds will give you a taste of audiophilia without the hefty price tag.
Under $100
FiiO FH1 Review
Great mids, plenty of clarity, detachable MMCX design, and a balanced cable to boot. Pretty, pretty, pretty good deal.
Under $150
Shanling ME100 Review
Well-balanced, detailed, and sounds tighter than David Beckham’s ass. A great bang for your buck.
Final Audio E4000 Review
Another reasonably priced winner from Final. Natural and realistic.
Under $500
Astell & Kern Billie Jean Review
Warm, full-bodied, easy listening. Given the latest documentary on Michael Jackson, the name is unfortunate. But it’s still an amazing song. And a great IEM.
Under $1000
My colleague says this impressive Dunu model gives the Campfire Andromeda a run for its money. Blasphemy.
Check out RHA’s planar magnetic puppy. And make it wireless if you like; 2 planars for the price of one. The CL2 made a big splash in 2018, and we think you’ll dig it.
Under $1500
For folks who hate green or want a different take on an irrefutable classic. Get a stainless steel pair if you still can.
Under $2000
Perfectly balanced and my personal favorite in the Empire Ears line-up.
Warm, unique, ideal for lovers of vinyl. Lola holds a special place in my heart.
Under $2500
This killer IEM needs no introduction. If the Phantom sounds too flat, then the super dynamic Legend X is your IEM.
Wireless Earphones
Under $100
Even if you sweat buckets and have weirdly shaped ears, I promise these buds will stay secure during your heaviest workouts. The best fitting sports earphones we’ve tested.
Under $200
Love it. Need it. Bought it. And a second pair for my ball and chain. Beats the quality of the AirPods, and the sound isolation is primo. With an IPX5 waterproof rating, they’re perfect for the gym.
Under $500
Audio Technica ATH-DSR5BT Review
If you like a solid neckband with your amazing sound, you can’t do better than this bad girl.
Under $1500
Beyerdynamic Xelento Wireless Review
The committee is in agreement. Hands down, the best wireless earphones MajorHiFi has ever tested.
Wireless Headphones
Under $200
Audio Technica ATH-SR50BT Review
If you listen to all genres, these cans might be for you. Stupendous value with a versatile sound signature.
Under $300
In the market for a wireless, open-back headphone? You’re in the minority. But Grado has you covered, of course.
Closed-Back Over-Ear Headphones
Under $150
Not for bass-heads, but still super punchy and a damn good time. My favorite DJ headphones of all time.
Under $500
Focal Listen Professional Review
Attention mixers and critical listeners. These handsome Focal puppies will never lie to you.
Audio Technica ATH-MSR7B Review
Life is always better with a balanced cable. The MSR7B is a new take on an old favorite.
Under $1000
Beyerdynamic T1 Impacto Universal Review
There are great deals, and then there are Beyerdynamic great deals. This one’s a steal. Pair these T1’s with the included Amp/DAC combo to bring your high-fidelity to the next level.
Under $3000
She’s not just a pretty face, folks. This mademoiselle has mad skills.
Under $5000
Audio Technica ATH-L5000 Review
Like escargot, these gorgeous cans are an acquired taste. But once you acquire it, the highs on the L5000 will send you to the moon.
Closed-Back On-Ear Headphones
Beyerdynamic Aventho Wired Review
Oh so balanced, oh so smooth. These cans are honey in your ears.
Open-Back Over-Ear Headphones
Under $1000
Okay…So, she’s not the Stellia. But she’s far from chopped foie.
Under $2000
If you appreciate a massive soundstage, dynamic sound signature and uncompromising clarity, these red Fostex cans will make you a happy audiophile.Â
Jazz and classical fans, get ready to be blown away by these Brooklyn beauties. A Grado fan’s favorite Grado headphone.
Under $3000
Painfully expensive but totally worth an irresponsible purchase.Â
Under $5000
Yes, there a too many fantastic Hifiman models to count. It’s time to pick one.
Amps, DACs and Players
Under $150
Hook up this bad boy to your computer. With a 2.5mm balanced output, as well as coaxial and optical connections, this cutesy putesy DAC/Amp combo will finally turn you into the audiophile you always wanted to be.
The smallest and more adorable DAP we’ve ever tested.
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