Directory

Hi-fi brands

Sound signature, positioning, origin and official website of the major hi-fi brands.

A

Accuphase

Japan · since 1972

Summit-fi

Refined neutrality, great smoothness and exemplary control; rich, stable and fatigue-free.

AmplificationSources
Official website

Acoustic Energy

United Kingdom · since 1987

Mid-range

Lively, precise speakers with a clear midrange and impressive power handling for their size.

Acoustic Signature

Germany · since 1996

High-end

Massive belt-drive turntables: stability, silence and exceptionally controlled bass.

Advance Paris

France · since 1995

Entry level

Retro-styled electronics with meters, warm and generous sound at gentle prices.

AmplificationSources
Official website

Amphion

Finland · since 1998

High-end

Monitors with remarkable phase coherence, precise imaging, easy listening even at low volume.

Anthem

Canada · since 1994

Mid-range

Powerful, neutral amplifiers with the very effective ARC room correction.

Amplification
Official website

Apertura

France · since 1983

Mid-range

French speakers with an expressive midrange and wide soundstage, voiced by ear.

Arcam

United Kingdom · since 1976

Mid-range

Warm, musical sound with a generous midrange and an easy-going full presentation.

AmplificationSources
Official website

Astell&Kern

South Korea · since 2013

High-end

Reference audiophile DAPs: resolution, refinement and luxurious finish.

SourcesHeadphones
Official website

Atacama

United Kingdom · since 1989

Entry level

Rigid, damped hi-fi stands and racks; a serious foundation for any electronics or speakers.

Stands & racks
Official website

ATC

United Kingdom · since 1974

High-end

Studio monitors: rare midrange density and accuracy, dynamics without compression.

Atoll Electronique

France · since 1997

Mid-range

Dynamic and lively, engaging rhythm, remarkable transparency for the price.

AmplificationSources
Official website

Audia Flight

Italy · since 1996

High-end

Powerful, refined Italian amplification, controlled bass and fine fluidity.

AmplificationSources
Official website

Audio Analogue

Italy · since 1995

Mid-range

Musical, warm Italian amplifiers with a singing midrange and elegant presentation.

Amplification
Official website

Audio Physic

Germany · since 1985

High-end

Speakers with a vast, precise soundstage; the cabinets simply disappear.

Audioengine

United States · since 2005

Entry level

Powered desktop speakers with a full, warm sound; simple and effective.

Audiolab

United Kingdom · since 1983

Entry level

Neutral, well-engineered electronics with outstanding performance for the price.

AmplificationSources
Official website

AudioQuest

United States · since 1980

High-end

Cables focused on clarity and a quiet background, precise imaging and firm bass.

Auralic

China · since 2009

High-end

Technical streamers and DACs, precise and open sound, complete Lightning ecosystem.

Aurender

South Korea · since 2010

High-end

Music servers and streamers with a dense, analogue-like sound and a polished app.

Austrian Audio

Austria · since 2017

Mid-range

Headphones in the Vienna AKG tradition: precise, articulate and very well built.

AVM Audio

Germany · since 1986

High-end

Complete German electronics with a fast, clear and tightly controlled sound.

AmplificationSources
Official website

B

Bang & Olufsen

Denmark · since 1925

High-end

Iconic design, balanced and refined sound, unmatched home integration.

SpeakersSourcesHeadphones
Official website

Bassocontinuo

Italy · since 2008

High-end

Handcrafted Italian hi-fi racks with careful decoupling and luxurious finishes.

Stands & racks
Official website

Bel Canto

United States · since 1990

High-end

Compact class-D amps and DACs with a clean, fast and highly resolving sound.

AmplificationSources
Official website

Beyerdynamic

Germany · since 1924

Mid-range

Robust studio headphones, detailed treble, professional-grade reliability.

Bluesound

Canada · since 2012

Entry level

Versatile streaming with a clean, balanced sound designed for simplicity.

SourcesAmplification
Official website

Bowers & Wilkins

United Kingdom · since 1966

High-end

High resolution and very detailed treble, wide imaging; reference at Abbey Road Studios.

SpeakersHeadphones
Official website

Bryston

Canada · since 1962

High-end

Ultra-robust amplifiers with a 20-year warranty; neutral, powerful, no-nonsense sound.

Amplification
Official website

Burmester

Germany · since 1977

Summit-fi

Chrome-plated electronics with a powerful, dense and luxurious sound, impressive bass.

AmplificationSourcesSpeakers
Official website

C

Cabasse

France · since 1950

High-end

Remarkable spatial coherence thanks to coaxial drivers, holographic soundstage.

Cambridge Audio

United Kingdom · since 1968

Entry level

Neutral, open and detailed sound; a great entry point into hi-fi.

AmplificationSources
Official website

Canton

Germany · since 1972

Mid-range

German speakers with a clean, dynamic presentation, firm bass, in-house manufacturing.

Cayin

China · since 1993

Mid-range

Tube amplifiers with a warm, harmonious sound and remarkable value.

AmplificationSources
Official website

Chord Company

United Kingdom · since 1985

Mid-range

Cables with a natural, flowing sound that respect timing and tonality.

Chord Electronics

United Kingdom · since 1989

High-end

FPGA-based DACs with exceptional timing precision, transparency and micro-detail.

SourcesAmplification
Official website

Clearaudio

Germany · since 1978

High-end

Turntables and cartridges with great neutrality, silent background and rich detail.

Copland

Denmark · since 1985

High-end

Danish tube and hybrid amplifiers with a refined, smooth and very coherent sound.

Amplification
Official website

Cyrus

United Kingdom · since 1984

Mid-range

Compact half-width electronics with a lively, precise and rhythmic sound.

AmplificationSources
Official website

D

Dali

Denmark · since 1983

Mid-range

Easy-going speakers with a hybrid ribbon tweeter; open, airy sound.

Dan D'Agostino

United States · since 2010

Summit-fi

Very high-power amplification with spectacular design; authority and refinement.

Amplification
Official website

Davis Acoustics

France · since 1986

Mid-range

Handcrafted French speakers with a natural midrange and remarkable vocal presence.

dCS

United Kingdom · since 1987

Summit-fi

Reference digital sources: extreme resolution, naturalness and a vast soundstage.

Denon

Japan · since 1910

Entry level

Full, dynamic sound with generous bass; robust, affordable electronics.

AmplificationSourcesTurntables
Official website

Dual

Germany · since 1907

Entry level

Historic German turntables, direct or belt drive, robust and affordable.

Dynaudio

Denmark · since 1977

High-end

Neutrality and a highly articulate midrange, smooth soft-dome tweeter; loves power.

E

EAR Yoshino

United Kingdom · since 1979

High-end

Tim de Paravicini-designed tube electronics; luxurious, fluid and refined sound.

AmplificationSources
Official website

ELAC

Germany · since 1926

Entry level

Speakers with an airy JET tweeter, excellent value and controlled bass.

SpeakersTurntables
Official website

Electrocompaniet

Norway · since 1973

High-end

Warm, powerful Norwegian sound, ample bass and a serene presentation.

AmplificationSources
Official website

Elipson

France · since 1938

Mid-range

Iconic spherical speakers, lively and coherent sound, bold French design.

SpeakersTurntables
Official website

Eversolo

China · since 2016

Mid-range

Streamers with aggressive value, generous displays and a clean, detailed sound.

F

Falcon Acoustics

United Kingdom · since 1972

High-end

Heir to the BBC LS3/5A: magical midrange, disarmingly natural voices.

Fezz Audio

Poland · since 2015

Mid-range

Polish tube amplifiers with a warm, silky sound and in-house transformers.

Amplification
Official website

FiiO

China · since 2007

Entry level

Affordable DAPs, DACs and headphones; clean, dynamic sound across a huge range.

SourcesHeadphones
Official website

Focal

France · since 1979

High-end

Dynamic and highly detailed sound, bright treble (beryllium), impact and liveliness.

SpeakersHeadphones
Official website

Fostex

Japan · since 1973

Mid-range

Biodynamic headphones and full-range drivers with a direct, lively sound.

HeadphonesSpeakers
Official website

G

Gauder Akustik

Germany · since 1929

Summit-fi

German high-end speakers with spectacular dynamics and transparency.

Gold Note

Italy · since 2012

High-end

Italian electronics and turntables with a warm, rich and very musical sound.

TurntablesSourcesAmplification
Official website

Goldring

United Kingdom · since 1906

Entry level

Historic MM cartridges with a smooth, musical sound; an excellent first vinyl choice.

Grado

United States · since 1953

Mid-range

Open-back headphones with an electrifying midrange; rock and guitars shine.

HeadphonesTurntables
Official website

Graham Audio

United Kingdom · since 2011

High-end

Modern BBC monitors (LS5/9, LS3/5): accurate midrange, composed and natural listening.

H

Hana

Japan · since 2016

Mid-range

MC cartridges with a rich, silky sound; benchmark value.

Harbeth

United Kingdom · since 1977

High-end

BBC tradition: rare midrange naturalness, exceptional voices, fatigue-free listening.

Hegel

Norway · since 1988

High-end

Power and control, taut bass, clean sound with very low distortion.

AmplificationSources
Official website

HiFi Rose

South Korea · since 2017

Mid-range

Streamers with large touchscreens, clear modern sound and a spectacular interface.

Hifiman

China · since 2007

Mid-range

Planar headphones with a wide stage and airy sound; excellent value.

I

iFi Audio

United Kingdom · since 2012

Entry level

Compact, feature-packed DACs and accessories with a dynamic, engaging sound.

SourcesAmplification
Official website

Innuos

United Kingdom · since 2009

High-end

Music servers with an organic, fluid sound and the polished Sense software.

IsoAcoustics

Canada · since 2012

Entry level

Isolation stands that clarify imaging and tighten bass; proven effectiveness.

Stands & racks
Official website

J

Jadis

France · since 1983

Summit-fi

Handcrafted French tube amplifiers; sumptuous sound, enchanting midrange.

Amplification
Official website

JBL

United States · since 1946

Mid-range

Pro-audio heritage: spectacular dynamics, ample bass, generous and physical sound.

Jean-Marie Reynaud

France · since 1967

High-end

French speakers with rare musicality, silky treble, coherence and emotion.

K

KEF

United Kingdom · since 1961

Mid-range

Uni-Q coaxial: precise, even imaging with neutral and detailed sound.

Klipsch

United States · since 1946

Mid-range

High-efficiency horns: explosive dynamics, lively sound, ideal with low-power amps.

Krell

United States · since 1980

Summit-fi

Class-A amplifiers with legendary authority, massive bass and limitless dynamics.

Amplification
Official website

L

Lehmann Audio

Germany · since 1988

Mid-range

Reference phono stages and headphone amps; precise, transparent sound.

SourcesHeadphones
Official website

Linn

United Kingdom · since 1973

Summit-fi

Rhythm and musicality first; the LP12 and DS streaming as references.

TurntablesSourcesSpeakers
Official website

Lumin

Hong Kong · since 2012

High-end

Refined streamers with an analogue-like, fluid and detailed sound, polished interface.

Luxman

Japan · since 1925

High-end

Warmth and smoothness, velvety midrange, the sonic elegance of great Japanese gear.

AmplificationSourcesTurntables
Official website

Lyngdorf Audio

Denmark · since 2003

High-end

Fully digital amplification and RoomPerfect correction; exceptionally clean sound.

AmplificationSpeakers
Official website

M

Magico

United States · since 2004

Summit-fi

Ultra-rigid aluminium cabinets: absolute transparency, deep bass, no coloration.

Magnat

Germany · since 1973

Entry level

Affordable German speakers with dynamic sound and generous bass.

Marantz

Japan · since 1953

Mid-range

Warm, musical sound, gentle treble, very easy to listen to.

AmplificationSources
Official website

Mark Levinson

United States · since 1972

Summit-fi

Reference electronics with a dense, authoritative and extremely refined sound.

AmplificationSources
Official website

MartinLogan

United States · since 1983

High-end

Electrostatic panels: unique transparency and speed, crystalline treble.

SpeakersSubwoofers
Official website

McIntosh

United States · since 1949

Summit-fi

Rich, powerful and warm sound, famous blue meters and autoformers.

AmplificationSources
Official website

Meze Audio

Romania · since 2011

High-end

Romanian headphones with gorgeous design; warm, silky and comfortable sound.

Michell Audio

United Kingdom · since 1969

High-end

Sculptural turntables (Gyrotour); precise, airy and very stable sound.

Mission

United Kingdom · since 1977

Entry level

Affordable British speakers with a balanced, smooth sound; easy to match.

Monitor Audio

United Kingdom · since 1972

Mid-range

Speakers with a detailed C-CAM tweeter, lively precise sound and fine finishes.

MOON by Simaudio

Canada · since 1980

High-end

Canadian electronics with a direct, powerful sound and superb build; 10-year warranty.

AmplificationSources
Official website

Musical Fidelity

United Kingdom · since 1982

Mid-range

Powerful amplifiers with a full, effortless sound and generous current reserves.

AmplificationSources
Official website

N

NAD

Canada · since 1972

Entry level

Musicality and genuine power reserve, natural sound at a sensible price.

AmplificationSources
Official website

Nagaoka

Japan · since 1940

Entry level

Japanese MM cartridges with a precise, dynamic sound and very good value.

Naim

United Kingdom · since 1973

High-end

“PRaT”: pace, rhythm and timing; an energetic, engaging sound.

AmplificationSources
Official website

Neodio

France · since 2001

High-end

Handcrafted French electronics pursuing naturalness and emotion above all.

SourcesAmplification
Official website

Nordost

United States · since 1991

Summit-fi

Very fast, airy cables with great openness and treble definition.

NuPrime

United States · since 2014

Entry level

Compact class-D amps and DACs; clean, energetic sound at low prices.

AmplificationSources
Official website

O

Ortofon

Denmark · since 1918

Mid-range

MM and MC cartridge specialist: balance, tracking precision, wide range.

P

Parasound

United States · since 1981

Mid-range

Amplifiers designed with John Curl; powerful, musical sound, exemplary reliability.

Amplification
Official website

Pass Labs

United States · since 1991

Summit-fi

Nelson Pass class-A: dense, organic sound of rare beauty.

Amplification
Official website

Pathos Acoustics

Italy · since 1994

High-end

Hybrid amplifiers with spectacular design; sound both warm and transparent.

Amplification
Official website

PMC

United Kingdom · since 1991

High-end

ATL transmission lines: deep, controlled bass and studio-grade precision.

Primare

Sweden · since 1985

Mid-range

Scandinavian design, neutral and fluid sound, controlled bass.

AmplificationSources
Official website

Pro-Ject

Austria · since 1991

Entry level

Affordable turntables with a balanced sound; the ideal gateway to analogue.

TurntablesSources
Official website

ProAc

United Kingdom · since 1973

High-end

Warm and transparent midrange, fine soundstage, very musical sound.

PSB Speakers

Canada · since 1972

Entry level

Neutral, measurement-driven Canadian speakers designed at the NRC; very honest sound.

Q

Q Acoustics

United Kingdom · since 2006

Entry level

Speakers with formidable value; smooth, balanced sound.

QED

United Kingdom · since 1973

Entry level

Neutral, reliable cables with excellent value.

Quad

United Kingdom · since 1936

Mid-range

British legend: ESL electrostatics and electronics with proverbial naturalness.

SpeakersAmplification
Official website

Quadraspire

United Kingdom · since 1995

Mid-range

Open solid-wood hi-fi racks with effective decoupling and a warm look.

Stands & racks
Official website

R

Rega

United Kingdom · since 1973

Mid-range

Light and rigid: rhythmic, lively and musical sound, iconic turntables.

TurntablesAmplificationSpeakers
Official website

REL Acoustics

United Kingdom · since 1990

High-end

Fast, musical subwoofers with high-level connection and exemplary integration.

Revival Audio

France · since 2021

Mid-range

Young French brand with a rich, engaging sound and confident retro design.

Roksan

United Kingdom · since 1985

Mid-range

Rhythmic, full British sound; the iconic Xerxes turntable.

AmplificationTurntablesSources
Official website

Rotel

Japan · since 1957

Mid-range

Honest, powerful electronics with balanced sound and solid value (Michi at the top).

AmplificationSources
Official website

S

Sennheiser

Germany · since 1945

High-end

Reference headphones (HD 600/800): neutrality, comfort and exceptional soundstage.

Silent Angel

China · since 2014

Mid-range

Audiophile streamers and network switches; clean, quiet sound.

SME

United Kingdom · since 1946

Summit-fi

Tonearms and turntables with legendary machining precision; absolute stability.

Solidsteel

Italy · since 1990

Mid-range

Italian steel racks and stands, rigid and effective, with a clean look.

Stands & racks
Official website

Sonus faber

Italy · since 1983

High-end

Handcrafted cabinets, warm and sensual sound, gorgeous strings and voices.

Soulnote

Japan · since 2004

High-end

Japanese non-feedback electronics; fast, open and very natural sound.

AmplificationSources
Official website

Spendor

United Kingdom · since 1969

High-end

BBC tradition: smooth, truthful midrange, composed listening, great coherence.

Sugden Audio

United Kingdom · since 1967

High-end

Hand-built pure class-A: smoothness, fluidity and tube-like warmth.

Amplification
Official website

Supra Cables

Sweden · since 1976

Entry level

Shielded Swedish cables with a neutral, clean sound at very sensible prices.

SVS

United States · since 1998

Mid-range

Powerful, deep subwoofers with app control; a home-cinema and hi-fi benchmark.

SubwoofersSpeakers
Official website

System Audio

Denmark · since 1984

Mid-range

Compact Danish speakers with a fast, precise sound; excellent in small rooms.

T

Taga Harmony

Poland · since 1990

Entry level

Polish speakers and electronics with aggressive value and a full sound.

SpeakersAmplification
Official website

Tannoy

United Kingdom · since 1926

High-end

Dual Concentric coaxials: perfect imaging, ample warm sound, high efficiency.

TEAC

Japan · since 1953

Mid-range

Well-built Japanese sources, clean detailed sound, comprehensive Reference range.

SourcesAmplificationTurntables
Official website

Technics

Japan · since 1965

Mid-range

Precision and stability (legendary direct drive), neutral and clean sound.

TurntablesAmplificationSources
Official website

Tellurium Q

United Kingdom · since 2009

High-end

Award-winning British cables; coherent, natural sound, range-family approach.

Thorens

Germany · since 1883

Mid-range

Historic suspended-chassis turntables; smooth, musical sound, vintage charm.

Transrotor

Germany · since 1972

High-end

Sculptural German turntables; precise, stable sound, exceptional mechanics.

Triangle

France · since 1980

Mid-range

High efficiency, lively and detailed sound, great spontaneity.

U

Unison Research

Italy · since 1987

High-end

Italian tube amplifiers with exposed wood; warm, ample and seductive sound.

Amplification
Official website

V

Van den Hul

Netherlands · since 1980

High-end

Dutch cables and cartridges with a smooth, resolving sound; analogue benchmarks.

CablesTurntables
Official website

Velodyne Acoustics

United States · since 1983

High-end

Servo-controlled subwoofers with very low distortion and physical impact.

Verity Audio

Canada · since 1995

Summit-fi

Handcrafted Canadian speakers with a refined, coherent and deeply musical sound.

Viablue

Germany · since 1999

Mid-range

Well-made German cables and accessories; clear sound, premium finishes.

CablesStands & racks
Official website

Vienna Acoustics

Austria · since 1989

High-end

Viennese speakers with a warm, refined sound, superb midrange and fine cabinetry.

Vincent Audio

Germany · since 1995

Entry level

Hybrid tube/transistor amplifiers with a warm, powerful sound at contained prices.

AmplificationSources
Official website

VPI Industries

United States · since 1978

High-end

Massive American turntables with a meaty, dynamic sound and spectacular bass.

W

Wharfedale

United Kingdom · since 1932

Entry level

British speakers with a smooth, warm sound, great tradition, sensible prices.

Wilson Audio

United States · since 1974

Summit-fi

Spectacular dynamics and scale, adjustable time alignment, life-size presentation.

Y

Yamaha

Japan · since 1887

Entry level

Natural, neutral sound (“natural sound”), careful build, very versatile.

AmplificationSourcesSpeakersTurntables
Official website