Sound+Image is a renowned Australian magazine offering in-depth home theater and hi-fi articles and reviews. Every year since 1982, the Sound+Image Awards have honored the best hi-fi and audiovisual equipment in the following categories:
- Sources (CD players, network players, phono stages)
- Stereo amplifiers
- Speakers (wireless speakers, hi-fi speakers, subwoofers)
- Audiovisual equipment (televisions, projectors, surround systems, AV receivers and processors, soundbars)
- Headphones
Sound+Image takes into account sound and/or image quality, value for money, features, build quality, design, ease of use and ergonomics when awarding prizes to the best-performing devices. Here’s a look at the 2023 winners.
In the source category, British manufacturer Cambridge Audio received praise from Sound+Image magazine for its Cambridge Audio Alva ST turntable, but also for its Cambridge Audio MXN 10 audio network player. This ultra-complete model lets you enjoy streaming, music shared over the local network, web radios and online music services, as well as your Hi-Res tracks thanks to its 32-bit/768kHz and DSD512 compatibility.
“Fronted by the excellent StreamMagic app, this little Cambridge streamer is a pocket rocket that can bring streaming smarts to any existing audio system.”
Among the stereo amplifiers honored with a Sound+Image Award 2023 is the Denon PMA-900NE (read the Denon PMA-900NE & DCD-900NE review). Replacing one of the Japanese brand’s most popular models, the PMA-900NE can deliver 85 watts of power per channel into 4 ohms, and even incorporates a network player for even greater versatility.
“Denon has taken its hi-fi amplifier expertise and added HEOS streaming and multiroom to the front […]. It’s a cracking combination.”
In the field of connected speakers, the magazine singled out the Sonus Faber Omnia (read the Sonus Faber Omnia review). This elegant wireless speaker combines a luxurious design with a host of streaming functions. It also features an impressive acoustic design with 7 drivers to deliver rich, precise and uniform sound.
“Sonus faber’s Omnia exudes quality from its wide walnut control surface to its rich expansive sound when streaming music.”
Sound+Image has chosen to award the Samsung QE65QN95B the title of “Best TV of the year over €2,000”. From the Samsung Neo QLED QN95B 2022 range, this mini LED model displays a very bright 4K UHD image and guarantees excellent contrast management. What’s more, this TV is optimized for gaming with its four 4K/144Hz-compatible HDMI 2.1 inputs and Gaming Hub interface.
“Samsung’s Neo QLED TVs can deliver bonkers brightness, but their best trick is handling all manner of content without requiring adjustment.”
Finally, the Focal Bathys (read our review of the Focal Bathys wireless headphones) were crowned wireless headphones of the year over €700. Already the recipient of numerous awards from the specialist press, the Focal Bathys are the first ANC model from the French manufacturer. Equipped with 40mm aluminum/magnesium “M” dome drivers and a PCM 24-bit/192kHz-compatible internal DAC, these elegant wireless headphones offer exceptional hi-fi sound during commutes and trips.
Diapason, Les Numériques, What Hi-Fi? Trusted Reviews… Find all the hi-fi and home theater equipment awarded by the French and international specialized press with our press selections on Son-Vidéo.com.
