Get a Jump on 2025 Holiday Shopping with These Award Winners!

The holidays may still feel far away, but savvy shoppers know that the best time to secure the perfect gifts is now. Not only will you beat the crowds, but you can secure the best prices, ensure your equipment is in-stock, and take extra time to make the right decision. Shopping early ensures:

• Availability – Many award-winning audio products are produced in limited quantities. Demand spikes in December can leave you empty-handed if you wait too long. Plus, some equipment may need to be special ordered, so this gives you plenty of time for it to arrive.
• Price Protection – Buying ahead of time helps you lock in today’s pricing before tariffs, exchange rates, or increased demand drive costs higher. Retailers are also more likely to work with you when there are fewer customers and lower demand.
• Peace of Mind – Choosing high-performance audio gear requires research. Shopping early gives you time to confirm you’re selecting the right equipment for your loved one (or yourself). And you can audition multiple units before deciding on the one to invest in.

For music lovers and audiophiles, these award-winning products from Rega, Chord Electronics, English Electric, The Chord Company, and ProAc Loudspeakers represent some of the best audio innovations of the past year. Any one of them would make a spectacular holiday gift.

Award-Winning Gift Ideas for 2025

Rega io

Compact, powerful, and musical, the Rega IO integrated amplifier continues to impress reviewers with its exceptional value. YouTube Hi-Fi critic A British Audiophile named the io the Best Amplifier under £1000.  Despite its modest size, it delivers the legendary Rega sound quality—perfect for anyone looking to start their hi-fi journey. 

Watch A British Audiophile's review of the Rega io Amplifier.

Chord Electronics BerTTI & the TT Range

The BerTTI power amplifier earned The Speaker Shack’s 2024 Product of the Year, praised for its clarity, refinement, and compact form factor. Even more impressive, the entire Chord TT range—including the Hugo TT 2 DAC and TToby amplifier—was recognized as the best Digital System of the year. For serious hi-fi enthusiasts, these components offer cutting-edge digital performance in a stylish package.

Read SpeakerShack's nod to the BerTTi and the whole TT Range here.

Rega Planar 3

A true classic, the Rega Planar 3 turntable has been hailed as one of the best audiophile turntables for decades. In 2024, it picked up yet another What Hi-Fi? Award along with an eCoustics award for Best Audiophile Turntables, cementing its place as a must-own piece for vinyl enthusiasts. With vinyl sales continuing to grow, there’s no better time to gift this legendary deck.

Read the reviews here and here.

English Electric EE1

Network noise is the hidden enemy of streaming audio, and the English Electric EE1 delivers an elegant solution. Recognized alongside Chord Electronics Table Top system in Speaker Shack’s 2024 awards, the EE1 dramatically improves clarity and dynamics in streamed music. It’s the perfect upgrade gift for someone who already loves digital audio.

Read SpeakerShack's "Best Accessories" here.

Chord Electronics Mojo 2

For audiophiles on the go, the Mojo 2 portable DAC/headphone amplifier continues to set the standard. Universally praised for its ability to extract astonishing detail from smartphones, tablets, and laptops, it’s a must-have companion for modern music lovers.

See why TechRadar critics love it.

ProAc Response D48R

Featured in What Hi-Fi's list of the best Speakers they've ever reviewed, ProAc loudspeakers consistently earn acclaim for their musicality and craftsmanship. What Hi-Fi said, "Give them breathing space and you had a musical speaker that was as articulate, transparent and dynamic a floorstander as we had heard at the price," and praised the Response speakers for "getting out of the way and letting the music take centre stage." For listeners who want their music to come alive with breathtaking realism, ProAc remains a top-tier choice. 

Read the full review here

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re shopping for an audiophile, a vinyl enthusiast, or simply someone who loves great sound, these award-winning products make extraordinary holiday gifts. Secure yours early, and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing you’ll be giving the gift of music at its finest.