Passionate Employees Have Opinions
Just about every Upscale Audio employee is an ardent, dyed-in-the-wool, card-carrying audiophile. It's actually a qualification to work at Upscale. As such, these music-first fiends for hi-fi gear have no problem expressing their opinions on their favorite products.
Recently, Upscale Audio's founder and head-, well, gear-head, hosted the Upscale staff holiday party at his home. What happens when a bunch of rabid audio nuts get together? At some point, they talk about the gear we all love.
So, a few of these enthusiastic Upscaliens were kind enough to stand up for their favorite products this year. Read on to see who loved what in the cavalcade of cool kit for 2025!
Jared and Katie-Lynn
Jared Enjoys a Great Campfire
Jared, Upscale Audio's loyal, long-time purchasing manager, is a true devotee of personal audio products. You've likely never spoken to Jared because he spends most of his day ensuring that you receive your product from the manufacturer in the most efficient manner possible.
For 2025, his fave in the personal audio category is none other than the Campfire Audio Solaris Stellar Horizons. While not technically a 2025 product, this is the year Jared discovered the IEM's clear superiority in midrange presentation. If you love detail, resolution, and soundstage, you'll agree with Jared that these little guys are worth the scratch.
Shop the Campfire Audio Solaris Stellar Horizon In-Ear Monitor
Ash and Reham
The Year Ash Brought Us Phasemation
Ash is Upscale's tireless product manager. With a background in electrical engineering, who else are we to trust with curating the brands we all love? For 2025, one of the brands that caught Ash's discerning eye (and ear) was the venerable Japanese electronics manufacturer, Phasemation.
Known for their SET (single-ended triode) amplifiers, the company develops some cost-nearly-no-object designs capable of delivering that ineffable magic for which SETs are so well known.
From the first listen to the SA-1500 integrated amplifier, Ash was blown away by the stunning quality of the pure Class A, zero-feedback design. He couldn't believe the warmth and realism delivered by the mighty 300B tubes on this jewel of a chassis.
Shop the Phasemation SA-1500 Integrated Amplifier
Joel and CarolÂ
Joel Isn't Grim About Grimm
Sporting spectacles and a distinguished silver beard, anyone who suffers from "judge-a-book-by-its-cover-itis" may be surprised to learn that Joel Bennett is a real nerd when it comes to digital playback. If you've called Upscale Audio to talk about your next upgrade, you've likely gotten a chance to spend a few moments enjoying Joel's disarming charm.
Despite labeling himself a "simple country salesman," the man knows more than a thing or two about streaming. It is then fitting that this year, Joel fell head over heels for the Grimm Audio MU2 Media Player/Streamer/Preamplifier. The MU2 has won award after award and is a critic's darling, but Joel is most impressed by the fact that several of his clients have sold their turntables to convert entirely to a digital streaming lifestyle.
With terabytes of internal storage available and a Roon Server onboard, the MU2 offers a turn-key, flagship-level solution that combines the elusive Venn diagram of performance and functionality in one box.
Jordan and Isabel
This Streamer Wants a Streamer
Jordan, Upscale Audio's head of visual everything, works hard to ensure videos get shot, photos get taken, and that we're being kind to each other. We love the guy.
When he's not being a total mensch, Jordan appreciates the compact, no-nonsense, endless feature list provided by the new Eversolo T8 Streamer.
Developed as a standalone bridge to your favorite DAC, its best characteristic is that it tries not to exist. Transparent, and as colorless as an A-cut from Jordan's studio, the T8 lets your DAC do the talking, while offering you function after function, without getting in the way.
At just under $1500, the T8 has no competitors when it comes to performance and value.