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EISA, or the Expert Imaging and Sound Association, is an organization representing 53 of the most respected special interest publications and websites from 26 countries that cover Hi-Fi, Home Theater, Photography, Mobile Devices, and In-Car Electronics. Every year EISA’s Expert Group members, including editors from our sister sites like Stereophile and Hi-Fi News, test a very wide range of new products from their field of expertise before comparing results and voting to decide on the cream of every product category.

We here at AP salute the EISA awards and all the hard work our fellow audiophile-minded editors put in on them this year — well, every year! — and we’re more than happy to share who the analog-centric winners are for this awards cycle below.

Some EISA FAQ first, direct from the source. To win an EISA award, all products undergo a comprehensive multi-step judging process, and many still fall by the wayside. EISA’s product evaluation begins in the first few months of the year and runs right through to early July with EISA’s webinar program putting brands and their latest technologies in front of the Association’s expert editorial audience. Over 50 brand webinars were hosted by EISA this year and over 90 new – often, very new — products were shipped between member countries. In-depth testing and judging extended over many months, fueling lengthy and highly informed discussions. Finally, after all the testing, EISA’s democratic voting process establishes a consensus of excellence that ultimately determines the winning products.

To find out more about EISA, visit www.eisa.eu.

And now, on to the analog winners!

While the Denon PMA-3000NE integrated amplifier, DCD-3000NE SACD/CD player, and DP-3000NE turntable have individual appeal, it’s as a trio that they gel into an astonishing system worthy of one of the oldest brands in hi-fi. The innovative UHC-MOS Single Push-Pull circuit at the heart of the PMA-3000NE amp delivers the goods in terms of speaker-driving power and dynamics, alongside a quad DAC arrangement and wide selection of digital and analogue inputs to connect just about any source. Turntables fitted with MM or MC cartridges are supported, and Denon’s meticulously engineered DP-3000NE direct-drive design is the prime candidate. The DCD-3000NE is a first-rate addition too, allowing you to play your CD and SACD collection in crisp, engaging quality. Proof that good things come in threes.

In abandoning the DJ-friendly functions that Technics decks are known for, the SL-1300G resolutely aims for a top-tier performance focused on the essence of vinyl reproduction, while still cutting a stylish figure in silver or black. The Japanese brand’s new ΔΣ-Drive technology is the result of decades of experience with direct-drive motor systems, and delivers smooth, stable, and quiet rotation — ensuring playback is as dynamic and exact as can be. The three-layer, dynamically balanced platter, and vibration-damped dual-layer chassis, also contribute to the SL-1300G’s audiophile performance, as does its well-engineered S-shaped tonearm. In short, Technics’ turntable aims to extract every ounce of musical information from the grooves of your vinyl — and does so with panache.

Although an affordable turntable designed to make vinyl accessible to all, Pro-Ject’s E1.2 doesn’t skimp on quality. Offering robust bass and fulsome vocals, this is a disc spinner that’s equally suited to modern pop releases and vintage jazz. The plug ’n’ play design includes a pre-adjusted Pick it MM E cartridge to take the sting out of setup, and the step-by-step manual helps vinyl novices get quickly on their way. It’s a complete package too, supplied with dust cover, felt mat, and high-quality RCA cable. The E1.2 is a welcome, well-rounded offering in the often “quirky” budget segment, and there are options with Bluetooth output or phono-stage integration to make system setup even easier.

Hailing from a maestro cartridge builder, the MP-700 is the first new product from Nagaoka in over 15 years, coinciding with the 85th anniversary of the Japanese manufacturer. It’s been worth the wait, as this accomplished cartridge takes moving permalloy technology to a new level. Easy to set up and not requiring specialized phono pre-amplification, the MP-700 offers an alternate path when considering an upgrade from moving-magnet (MM) to moving-coil (MC). Through its carefully engineered ultra-duralumin body and nude microridge diamond stylus, it delivers grand dynamics, excellent detail reproduction and superior tracking ability. The Nagaoka MP-700 is a tour de force that will breathe fresh life into your vinyl collection.

Nothing says “serious” like a satin-black finished turntable weighing in at 27kg, and in the case of European Audio Team’s F-Dur, this heft is thanks to a substantial platter crafted from solid aluminium and TPE-damped to absorb resonances. Also addressing weak points that can impair vinyl playback are the deck’s dual AC motor design and improved belts to minimize wow and flutter, and a massive MDF plinth with adjustable feet. The 12in F-Note aluminium tonearm, in silver or matt black finish, is also easily adjustable, integrating a laser level for setup. Best of all, the F-Dur matches its premium engineering with a heartfelt performance that brings you closer to your favorite tracks on your treasured vinyl.

Musical Fidelity’s M8x Vinyl is not your average phono preamplifier. Designed to accommodate virtually any moving-magnet (MM) or moving-coil (MC) cartridge through its comprehensive loading and gain options, it caters to demanding vinyl enthusiasts – including those with multiple tonearms and turntables, courtesy of its extensive connectivity. In use, the excellent channel separation and rich, detailed sound rises from a beautifully dark background, which points to the M8x Vinyl’s thoughtful interior design and robust construction. A phono stage that ticks all the boxes, this Musical Fidelity unit will help you get the very best from your vinyl collection, and it stands ready for future deck or cartridge upgrades.

To see all of the EISA Hi-Fi Awards 2025-2026 winners — including other product categories likes loudspeakers, amplifiers, DACs, streamers, headphones, etc. — go here.