Year after year, the EISA Awards serve as a testament to the passion, innovation, and dedication of manufacturers who continually push the boundaries of excellence in sound and imaging technology.
Roon is thrilled to see our partners earn the recognition they deserve for their tireless pursuit of audio perfection. In this Partner Update we’re spotlighting Roon certified gear that achieved the highest accolades in their respective device categories at the prestigious EISA (Expert Imaging and Sound Association) Awards complete with EISA’s own glowing praise for the product.
Wireless Bookshelf Loudspeakers
KEF LSX II – Roon Ready
For this second-generation upgrade of its EISA Award-winning LSX speakers, KEF has expanded functionality through additional USB-C and HDMI ARC inputs and a new wireless control platform delivered via a superb app. Use the latter to navigate streaming services, switch between sources and access comprehensive EQ settings, and then enjoy the LSX II’s powerful and natural performance. The diminutive, rear-ported cabinet features KEF’s bespoke Uni-Q array, its tweeter and bass/mid units separately driven by Class D amp modules. Available in several eye-catching colourways, the LSX II can replace a complete rack of hi-fi separates – and sound just as good!
Wireless Floorstanding Loudspeakers
DYNAUDIO FOCUS 50 – Roon Ready
Leveraging proven driver technologies from Dynaudio’s high-end Confidence and Contour loudspeakers, married to powerful built-in amplification from Pascal, the three-way Focus 50 delivers music with superb dynamics and scale. Aiding this no-compromise performance is a high quality, WiSA-enabled connection between the speakers, plus Dirac Live for room correction. A wide range of sources are supported, from streaming services and Roon to physical hardware connected via analogue and digital inputs. The Focus 50 is a complete music system that shows the full promise of active loudspeakers – you only need to add a power cord and choose from its four beautiful finish options.
Headphones
MEZE AUDIO 109 PRO
For a company well-known for its luxurious and award-winning isodynamic headphones, the 109 PRO is something of a departure for Meze, being an open-back design with 50mm dynamic drivers. Yet its performance proves the manufacturer’s adaptability: with its alluring combination of expansive, detailed soundstaging and tight, controlled bass, the 109 PRO is a superior headphone suited to all types of music. It triumphs in the looks department too, its acoustically smart design built around opulent black walnut housings and a slender, lightweight frame. And thanks to its elegant self-adjusting headband and velour earpads, listening comfort is guaranteed.
Streamer
IFI AUDIO NEO STREAM – Roon Ready
Functioning both as an outboard DAC and digital transport, iFi Audio’s NEO Stream impresses with its versatility before beguiling with its sonic performance. Onboard conversion handles files to 768kHz PCM and DSD512, whether streamed from a home network, integrated service or connected hard drive, while digital outs range from optical to I²S. Such broad capabilities, plus app control and filter selection, make the NEO Stream irresistible to music lovers looking for an easy-to-use system add-on, as well as restless hi-fi tinkerers. A compact, futuristic design, which supports vertical or horizontal installation, adds to the appeal of a device that outstrips many costlier rivals.
Digital Player
VOLUMIO RIVO – Roon Ready
One of a trio of new devices launched by Volumio and running the company’s eponymous software, the slim and stylish Volumio Rivo is focused on delivering high-quality digital streams to your DAC or integrated amplifier, without complication. It’s an impressive marriage of well-crafted hardware and the proven Volumio software, allowing you to stream your own music library, play files from USB storage, and browse its myriad streaming options. The remarkable flexibility of the software, including the possibility of adding further functionality (including DSP) via plugins, is as appealing as the Rivo’s ability to get the best from your chosen DAC.
INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER
NAD C 3050 – Roon Ready
From the outside the C 3050 pays homage to NAD’s earliest designs with its faithfully executed vintage styling, but in all other respects this is thoroughly modern integrated amp with a do-it-all ethos. Power, rated at 2x100W, comes via Class D amplification, and connectivity includes HDMI eARC, a dedicated MM phono input and more. Plug in NAD’s optional BluOS-D card and the functionality grows to include superior streaming options (including app control and multiroom compatibility), plus Dirac room calibration. And while the forward-thinking technology delivers impressive sound quality, you can feast your eyes on the C 3050’s large VU meters. What’s that about having your cake and eating it?
COMPACT STREAMING AMPLIFIER
BLUESOUND POWERNODE EDGE – Roon Ready
Thanks to its impressively sleek, wall-mountable chassis, the POWERNODE EDGE can be installed practically anywhere – and the compact form factor is complemented by wide-ranging functionality. Controlled via Bluesound’s intuitive BluOS app, this sleek ‘just add speakers’ amplifier can access streaming services, Internet radio and music files from a network or USB storage, while connections including HDMI eARC and two-way Bluetooth add even more to its versatility. Its sound, delivered by onboard amplification and with hi-res audio support, packs a punch. Use the POWERNODE EDGE as a discrete amp in a standalone set-up or combine with other BluOS devices to form a multiroom music system.
HIGH-END HEADPHONE SOLUTION
DCS LINA SYSTEM – Roon Ready
A stunning addition to the high-end head-fi landscape, dCS’s Lina comprises a network DAC, master clock and analogue headphone amplifier, all built to the same exacting standard and designed to be neatly stacked. Supporting streamed and wired digital sources up to 384kHz/DSD128, the Lina DAC is the beating heart of the system, and employs dCS’s proven RingDAC technology to bring music to life with remarkable clarity and detail. The fully-balanced amplifier, meanwhile, has the energy and punch to work with even the most demanding of headphones. Interoperability between the three units is handled by ‘Power Link’ connectivity, and dCS’s Mosaic Control app offers music selection, upsampling/filter choice, and much more.
BEST BUY AV RECEIVER
ONKYO TX-RZ50 – Roon Tested
Thanks to an extensive feature set, including full-bandwidth Dirac Live for in-depth calibration, Onkyo’s TX-RZ50 receiver offers impressive value for money. Even better, it backs this up with a gutsy, immersive performance that wrings every last detail from Dolby Atmos and DTS:X movie soundtracks. Ample power from its nine-channel Dynamic Audio Amplification output stage ensures a dynamic, bass-rich presentation, while 11-channel processing allows for system expansion. Music playback isn’t ignored either: two-way Bluetooth and a DAB+ tuner join forces with Apple AirPlay 2, Chromecast and DTS Play-Fi multiroom to cover all bases. Rounding out a complete package is Onkyo’s slick Controller app, plus an app option for Dirac, which makes operation a breeze.
In the dynamic landscape of audio technology, the EISA Awards stand as a beacon of excellence, and we couldn’t be more proud of our partners for their outstanding achievements. Here’s to our award-winning ‘Roon Ready’ partners, pushing the boundaries and setting unparalleled standards in the world of Hi-Fi. Congratulations to each of them, and here’s to many more years of collaboration and innovation!