I’m answering based on the top three items that most broadly affected my listening in 2023. I didn’t actually buy…anything…in 2023, but received something I bought in 2021.
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Decware Zen Taboo Mk IV: With this purchase I have no way to deny the ‘audiophile’ label. (a) A niche brand no normie ever heard of? Check. (b) Joining a long waiting list for a product that’s “maybe better” than mainstream stuff? Check. (c) Buying a weird product with esoteric features and no labels on the device? Check. (d) Paying a price that is – extremely reasonable – to audiophiles but not to outsiders? Check. I’ve been using it pretty much exclusively as my desktop amp after testing against my other stuff.
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Schiit Lokius 6-Band Equalizer: I had the original 4-band Loki Mini and it’s not good enough. It damages details and limits highs and lows. In contrast, the Lokius hurts nothing and can make everything better. Those 6 knobs strike a good balance between correction and not spending too much time on adjustments. Having balanced and RCA input/output adds to versatility and flexibility for connecting multiple DACs and amps, and I hear no differences between them.
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Apple Air Pods Pro (series): These have done more to transform my casual listening than any other audio product ever. If one lives in the Apple garden, one can easily transition between sources and use the same ear thingies. This means phone, tablet, watch, notebook, and TV/media PC. In seconds. Listening on your phone? Just switch over to the watch when working out. Want to listen to TV but not disturb others? Just connect to a media server Mac Mini. Want to travel with a noise canceling product but not be weighed down by headphones that are only used for the flights? Use these. Sound quality…a rational antidote to my #1 above?
Honorable mention every year to the WorldsBest inanimate carbon cables and rods:
