Headphone.Guru has released its 2025 Product of the Year Awards, spotlighting the audio products that most impressed reviewers this year across multiple categories — from flagship headphones and in‑ear monitors to DACs, amplifiers, and accessories. The annual awards reflect headphone.guru’s expert testing and hands‑on listening evaluations throughout 2025.
Publisher’s Choice Highlights
At the top of the list were two Publisher’s Choice Awards for exceptional performance:
- dCS Bartók APEX DAC with Headphone Amplifier – lauded as one of the finest DAC/headphone amp combinations available, offering refined clarity and precision.
- Dan Clark Audio CORINA – earning praise as a flagship headphone with unparalleled resolution and dynamic range for serious audiophiles.
These standout products demonstrate how top‑tier digital audio and headphone design continue to evolve, pushing performance boundaries for discerning listeners.
Top Winners Across Key Categories
The awards span a broad range of gear, showing that excellence in audio isn’t limited to one segment:
Electrostatic Headphones of the Year
- Audeze CRBN2 – A state‑of‑the‑art electrostatic headphone combining linear response with dynamic depth and musicality.
Hybrid Headphones of the Year
- HIFIMAN ISVARNA – A versatile high‑performance headphone that excels in genre‑agnostic sound and engaging playback.
Dynamic Headphones of the Year
- Grado Signature S750 – Known for liquid mid‑range and dynamic timbre, the S750 brings depth and presence to many music styles.
Planar Magnetic Headphone of the Year
- Dan Clark Audio NOIRE – A mid‑priced reference planar headphone praised for rich detail and expansive soundstage.
Budget Dynamic Headphone of the Year
- Meze 99 Classics 2nd Gen – Offers impressive efficiency, comfort, and bass extension at an accessible price point.
In‑Ear Monitor of the Year
- Noble FoKus Rex5 – Combines outstanding sound quality, ANC, and a sophisticated tuning app for personalized playback.
Essential Audio Components Also Recognized
Headphone.Guru expanded its awards beyond headphones to include critical audio system components:
- Schiit Audio Gungnir 2 Balanced Multiform™ DAC – Recognized for exceptional digital‑to‑analog performance.
- HIFIMAN Goldenwave Serenade – A standout solid‑state DAC/headphone amplifier with balanced performance.
- Schiit Audio Lyr+ Tube Headphone Amplifier – Celebrated for tube‑driven warmth and detailed sound at a competitive price.
Awarded accessory winners like the Danacable Lazuli Voilà II Headphone Cable and Moon Audio Bronze Dragon Premium Headphone Cable highlight how even cables can contribute to refining audio performance.
What the Awards Mean for Audio Enthusiasts
The 2025 Product of the Year Awards from Headphone.Guru provide a comprehensive snapshot of the best audio gear available this year. Whether you’re investing in high‑end listening setups or seeking great value at more approachable price points, the award winners represent meaningful choices based on expert listening and review experience.
These awards join other 2025 audio honors — from What Hi‑Fi? to T3 Awards and beyond — that collectively highlight the year’s standout products across headphones, speakers, and connected audio gear.
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