2023 Editors’ Choice: Best Integrated Systems $2,500 & Up

Built to celebrate KEF’s 50th anniversary, the original LS50 monitor spun pure coincident-driver magic thanks to its blushing pink-gold Uni-Q coaxial midrange/tweeter. Visually arresting and sonically satisfying, the LS50 delivered tonal neutrality at just the right pitch, with superb midrange sonics, full-bodied presence, and potent midbass punch. Comes now an “all-in-one” version of this same speaker, the LS50 Wireless, with built-in amplifier, DAC, streaming preamp (Tidal- and Roon-ready), and DSP room-EQ that gives you the same sonics without any need for outboard electronics. JM, 286

A marvel of packaging and sophistication, Cabasse’s three-way, tri-axial sphere comes loaded with built-in Class D amplifiers, a DAC, and DSP control with room correction. It’s also Wi-fi equipped. All you need to add is a high-resolution streaming service or a thumb drive, and the Akoya becomes a fully self-contained high-performance system—all in an impossibly small enclosure the size of a honeydew. Sonically it conveys an engaging, forward, midrange-centric personality. Imaging is stable and well-focused. Overall response is fairly linear. Ultimately, there’s some roll off in the treble range, but nothing to set off alarm bells. Bass extension dips into the 50–60Hz range with surprising impact and amplitude. Cabasse has redefined high-end portability. NG, 322

This tabletop system measures just under a foot in each dimension yet is packed with seven drivers (including a down-firing 6.7″ woofer) and three switching power amps. The Roon-ready Caruso supports just about any source (FM, Internet Radio, optical disc, USB stick) and streaming platform, Though the stereo spread can’t compete with an audio system where the two channels are more than a foot apart, the robustly constructed Caruso offers satisfying bass slam and dynamic coherence, even if asked to play loud at a party. AQ, 322

Inside each cabinet, the Formation Duo incorporates wireless-streaming-capable DACs and amplification, all under DSP control. You simply plug in the Duo, and with a few taps on the Formation app, you’re streaming music. The Duo’s wireless technology is significantly more advanced than that of off-the-shelf solutions. This is no mere “lifestyle” product; the tweeter is a patented driver with a 1″ carbon dome, and the 6.5″ mid/woofer features the same Continuum cone used in Bowers & Wilkins’ top-line 800 series. The Duo’s sound quality is a knockout, with spectacular imaging, a very smooth and flat tonal balance, and surprisingly extended bass. Easy to use, highly musical, and technologically advanced, the Duo brings true high-end performance to a product anyone can easily set up and enjoy. RH, 298

A 2.5-way floorstander, Dali’s Rubicon 6 C is the largest of four powered loudspeakers offered by the Danish manufacturer. The tweeter is a soft dome/ribbon hybrid that’s fast and extended, smoothly blending with the drivers below. The two cone-midrange/woofers employ a material for the pole piece called “Soft Magnetic Compound” (SMC) that has standard magnetic properties but virtually no electrical conductivity, which eliminates hysteresis-related distortion. A compact streaming preamp (the “Sound Hub”) is part of the package; it wirelessly pairs to the loudspeakers—a reliable and sonically invisible connection. The system doesn’t play favorites with musical genres. Power pop, small group jazz, opera, female vocals—everything is reproduced with natural detail and abundant character. AQ, 315

This integrated system from high-end legend Gayle Sanders breaks new ground in audio-system architecture. Consisting of two speakers and the Eikontrol electronics, the Image1 system employs sophisticated DSP to correct fundamental problems of speakers in rooms. Each speaker incorporates four power amplifiers and is driven by four line-level analog outputs from the Eikontrol. With two 8″ woofers (one rear-firing), a 5″ midrange, and an air-motion-transformer tweeter in a diminutive multifaceted floorstanding enclosure, the Image1 achieves a much bigger sound than its size suggests. The “Wavelet” DSP corrects timing information in the bass, realizing greatly improved clarity and definition. The Image1 is technically innovative, highly musical, and an exceptional value. RH, 304

Designed for music lovers who aren’t typical audiophiles, this unusual all-in-one system adds panache to the solid build-quality and sonics for which the German manufacturer is known. This über-striking three-piece system includes a pair of the company’s B15 loudspeakers along with the digital 161 all-in-one unit that incorporates an integrated amplifier, DAC, server, CD player (plus ripping), and an array of input and outputs. JM, 283

This ambitious new integrated system combines amplification, DACs, and streaming capabilities with YG’s Vantage loudspeakers. Just plug the Vantages and a small control box into wall power, run a pair of thin ST-Type optical cables, connect to a network, and begin streaming from your phone or tablet with the excellent Roon interface (streaming subscription required). The Vantage Live is the result of a partnership between loudspeaker-maker YG Acoustics, electronics and DAC manufacturer Bel Canto, and the British design firm Cambridge Acoustic Sciences. Despite—or because of—the Vantage Live’s integrated nature, the system delivers superb sound quality, playing much bigger than its size would suggest in bass extension, dynamic contrasts, and soundstaging. But the YG does something special, producing a feeling of “something” being removed between you and the music. RH, 331