Gorgeous design plays almost as big a role as performance for all types of high-end products, including exotic audio gear.
Steve Guttenberg
Ex-movie theater projectionist Steve Guttenberg has also worked as a high-end audio salesman, and as a record producer. Steve currently reviews audio products for CNET and works as a freelance writer for Stereophile.
The Parrot Zik headphone ($400) is simply gorgeous, and when you hold it in your hands, it's hard not to be impressed with its solid build quality. Oh, and it's the first Bluetooth headphone that actually sounds good.
2 of 10 Michael Trei
Thorens TD 124 turntable
The Thorens TD 124 turntable was introduced in 1957, and is still sought after by audiophiles all over the world. Great audio never gets old.
3 of 10 KEF
KEF LS50 monitor speaker
The LS50 is a special KEF 50th anniversary commemorative monitor. The LS50 employs revolutionary technology, namely a "Uni-Q" driver that has a tweeter in the center of its woofer.
4 of 10 Raidho
Raidho C1.1 speaker
The Raidho C 1.1 has been hailed as one of the world's highest-resolution loudspeakers, so I'm looking forward to hearing it at the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest in October.
5 of 10 NuForce
NuForce DDA-100 stereo digital integrated amplifier
NuForce consistently makes great-sounding components, with many priced under $100. The DDA-100 ($549) is a stereo 75-watt-per-channel amp, and has three digital inputs.
6 of 10 Jeff Rowland Design Group
Jeff Rowland Reference Criterion preamplifier
This battery-powered preamplifier is housed in a chassis precision-machined from solid ingots of aircraft-grade aluminum. The preamp offers unrivaled sonic transparency and clarity. Rowland is based in Boulder, Colo.
7 of 10 Acoustic Signature
Acoustic Signature Ascona turntable
This 176-pound German turntable is causing quite a stir among well-heeled audiophiles all over the world. It features a 50mm thick solid aluminum platter, and the external platter drive unit has three motors built into one housing.
8 of 10 Nagra
Nagra PL-P stereo preamplifier
The Nagra PL-P caused quite a stir when it was introduced in 1998, but the battery-powered, vacuum tube preamp deserved the attention. It's a true classic, and is still in production.
9 of 10 Ultrasone
Ultrasone Edition 10 headphones
The Edition 10 is the first open-back Ultrasone Edition headphone. The wings of a butterfly inspired the design.
10 of 10 Zanden Audio
Zanden Audio Model 2000T
For a few lucky audiophiles, the Zanden Model 2000T is the ultimate CD player. It can be used with Zanden's Model 5000 Mk IV/Signature digital-to-analog converter. Zanden was founded in 1980 in Japan.
