Available online
                hi-fi+ Products of the Year Awards 2000
                hi-fi+ Products of the Year Awards 2001
                hi-fi+ Products of the Year Awards 2002
                hi-fi+ Products of the Year Awards 2004 introduction
                hi-fi+ Products of the Year Awards 2005 introduction
                hi-fi+ Products of the Year Awards 2006 introduction
                hi-fi+ Products of the Year Awards 2007 introduction

Available in print only
                hi-fi+ Awards 2003
                hi-fi+ Awards 2004
                hi-fi+ Awards 2005
                hi-fi+ Awards 2006
                hi-fi+ Awards 2007

Available in issue 54

Hi-Fi+ 2007 Awards

The 2007 awards Select Roy Gregory foreword about the awards

As always,we make no claims as to the scientific basis or impartiality of these awards.They represent quite simply,those products that we’ve got most excited by this year.They might have found themselves as permanent,indispensable parts of our systems.They might have challenged our preconceptions of what is possible,or more likely,what is possible for a price.But all,without exception,have entertained, charmed or astonished us – and may well do the same for you.

If last year saw the Chinese invasion finally gain a serious foothold, this year sees the response,with the old guard rising to the challenge in the best way possible. Faced with imported products able to reap the benefits of massive savings in terms of labour costs,established high-end manufacturers have had to put performance and value first in order to maintain their market position.The result is impressive new products from companies that were founding members of our high-end society. Alongside them comes a wave of designs that combine Western expertise with Chinese manufacturing, finally delivering consistent sonic results to go along with their superb appearance and low prices.

The times they are a changing – and that’s no bad thing.Now that we’re moving beyond the initial xenophobia that greeted the arrival of the first Chinese imports,we’re starting to appreciate both the strengths and the weaknesses of these products.Both customers’ and the industry have more realistic expectations and a greater understanding of the inevitable shifts in the hi-fi landscape that are going to result. But the simple truth is that there will always be a place for quality in this market, a fact reflected in the products honoured here.We’ve lost a settled air of complacency,gone through the panic stage and now we’re emerging out the other side,with new horizons and new opportunities.You can embrace the challenge and reap the rewards,or run and hide, but one thing’s for sure - it’s not the same as it was before: it’s called the future and it’s looking very interesting indeed.

Product Of The Year
As outlined above, these are the solid products that have that little bit extra, that certain something that elevates their performance above (in some cases way above) the norm. Each will be special in its own way but each must also be treated with respect if you are to understand and appreciate just why it excited us in the first place. Reading the original review will give you an idea of what you should be looking for, but also the context in which you are likely to find it. Just remember that it is a lot easier to make any product sound bad than to extract the last ounce of its potential.

Discovery
This designation rewards exceptional performance in products from emergent companies. Whilst the sonic rewards should never be in doubt, you need to be aware of the vulnerability of start-up enterprises. A little research into the background behind the designer/manufacturer as well as an appreciation of second party serviceability will reap dividends, especially where these products are exotic or expensive. So, approach with the appropriate caution, but do approach: advice that applies to just about any piece of hi-fi now that I think about it!

Legacy
The Legacy award recognises not just the excellence of an individual product, but also the consistent performance and longevity of the company behind it. In many ways this two-tier commendation is the nearest thing we can give to a blanket endorsement. Normal caveats regarding equipment and system matching apply, but these products come with the imprimatur of an excellent company reputation and proven record of support behind them. It’s no trivial consideration, contributing directly to the likelihood of you realising the best, long-term performance from the unit as well as the best return should you decide to sell it. These are products you can consider with confidence.

record of the Year
As selected by the hi-fi+ reviewers as they pick out the audio highlights of thier year.

Roy Gregory