Time is running out to start 2018 with a brand-new DAC/headphone amp, courtesy of AudioQuest and Part-Time Audiophile. So, put down that eggnog and enter our Best of 2017 contest now, before the clock hits midnight.
In a few weeks, the editors and writers at PTA will publish a list of their top gear of the year. We recently asked you, our astute readers, to weigh in with your choices as well, sweetening the offer with a chance to win an AudioQuest DragonFly Red. We’ve had a good response so far, but we’re wondering how high we can stack this holiday plate. If you haven’t entered, do it before 11:59 pm CST Saturday, Dec. 16.
To enter, leave a comment with your pick of the ONE best component of 2017 on this specific post, either on the PTA website or PTA’s Facebook page, or on the original post announcing the contest. Your selection should be a piece of gear introduced this year. A sentence or two (no essays) explaining your choice would be great, too.
We’ll tally up the responses and announce the results, along with the staff picks. We’ll also have a random drawing to give away the AQ DragonFly Red USB DAC/headphone amp (a $199 USD retail value). Here’s the 411 on what the winner will receive:
- USB stick-sized digital-to-analog converter
- Plays all music files: MP3 to high-res
- Compatible with Apple and Windows PCs, as well as iOS and most Android mobile devices (requires Apple Camera Adapter or Made for Android/OTG adaptor)
- Drives headphones directly
- Fixed output feeds preamp or AV receiver
- Asynchronous transfer ensures digital timing integrity
- High output (2.1 volts) drives almost all headphones, including power-hungry models
- 32-bit ESS 9016 DAC with minimum-phase filter
- Bit-perfect digital volume control
To be eligible, we must be able to notify you through your comment ID or via Facebook. Only comments with a single pick will qualify. No multiple entries.
Read the official rules and submit your pick by the deadline stated above. With a little luck, you might be getting an extra gift a few weeks after the Man in Red visits.
KEF LS50 Wireless – with the MQA’d Dragonfly Red right behind!
Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 Digital. DualESS29038MQ DACs with MQA, Roon and DOP for $400. A steal.
I’d vote for the dragonfly
Any would be enthused about either the AudioQuest Dragon Fly Red or Black! Both have the performance and capabilities to take your music passion to new heights. Red is a clear winner however Black is the people’s champ!
My choice is DragonFly Red DAC. Not only is it a good choice for my portable needs, it is hard to beat for desktop uses.
My favorite audio purchase this year is the Massdrop x Sennheiser HD 6XX Headphones
My vote is for the dragonfly red
Mr. Speakers Aeon headphone. a perfect match with DragonFly red.
Best of (reviewed on Parttime Audiophile): Devore O/96
Best of (not reviewed): Graham Audio LS5/9
Hands down for me is Zu Audio Omen Dirty Weekend MkII. Folks, John Richardson’s review here is spot-on.
Best component probably the Dragonfly Red/Black or the Fulla 2. Tried my friends Dragonfly Black and I really liked it – hoping that this giveaway would be a great start to Christmas!
Audio-gd R2R 7 DAC
I’d vote for a piece of gear I acquired this year, the Nuforce STA200 power amp, the price of which has just gone down to $499 this year. With the same circuit board as Goldmund/Job 225, this gives you a taste of true high-end amplification at mass market receiver price, possibly a even better value than Outlaw RR2160 (if you don’t need the preamp)
My vote is for the Dragon Fly Red, it could Rock my world!
Dragonfly Red
Oppo 205
Linear Tube Audio MicroZOTL2.0. Being a value kind of guy this little beauty is a great headphone amp, and a bonus preamp!
I pick the KEF LS50 Wireless, I just purchased a pair (they are still burning in) and they sound amazing. Given that they are amplified, a DAC for each speaker, DSP and multiple inputs, WI FI and Bluetooth the cost is a STEAL. Hands down the top gear of the year.
Audeze iSine 20 with upgrades (v2) Cipher cable!
I’ll vote for the Black Cat 3202 interconnects.
I feel Outlaw’s RR2160 receiver deserves a nod. At under $800 this is a real world product for us middle class fokes
Lampizator Pacific….I heard it in Florida and is looks as beautiful as its sounds.
It has to be the Dragon fly Red . It has changed my world
Well the best bang for the buck product of 2017 has to be the Audioquest Dragonfly Red obviously; a must have for audiophile sound on the go!
Periodic audio’s Beryllium IEMs. At this price point these present a tremendous value. With Spartan packaging they mqdmize sound quality per dollar spent. These could easily be priced more and are a new personal favorite of mine!