Announcement of Award Results for "Analog Grand Prix 2026," Selecting the Year's Best Items Related to Analog Audio

Onto Publishing Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Yusuke Kazama) announced the award results for the "Analog Grand Prix 2026," an award that selects outstanding analog-related items annually, on Friday, April 3, 2026.

◼︎ About "Analog Grand Prix"

"Analog Grand Prix" is an award established in 2008 by Onto Publishing. It selects "essential equipment for analog playback that conveys an analog feel and is worthy of recommendation to our readers" through voting from a diverse range of equipment supporting analog playback. Judging meetings are held once a year in the spring season.

The product genres eligible for selection include analog-related equipment such as cartridges, phono equalizers, and record players, as well as vacuum tube amplifiers. Selections are made through voting by 23 audio specialty stores nationwide and a judging panel of 4 audio critics.

We are also introducing the proceedings of this year's judging meeting, held on March 4, 2026, and the overall comments from the four judges in a video.

"Analog Grand Prix 2026" Judging Meeting Video　https://youtu.be/3naLQ9I93mA

・Audio Specialty Stores Cooperating with Judging (in Japanese alphabetical order)
CAVIN Osaka-ya (Hokkaido)／Sendai No-da-ya (Miyagi Prefecture)／No-da-ya Sendai Store (Miyagi Prefecture)／MUSiCA (Fukushima Prefecture)／Sound Heights (Chiba Prefecture)／Audio Union Ochanomizu Accessories Hall (Tokyo)／Teleon (Tokyo)／Home Sho-kai (Tokyo)／Sound Create (Tokyo)／Kusakabe Denki (Tokyo)／Audio Square (Kanagawa Prefecture)／Denki-do Square Shonan (Kanagawa Prefecture)／Challenger Onkyo (Gunma Prefecture)／Audio Core (Nagano Prefecture)／Royal Audio (Nagano Prefecture)／Clear Sound Imai (Toyama Prefecture)／Nomura Musen (Aichi Prefecture)／Joshin Web (Osaka Prefecture)／Shimamusen (Osaka Prefecture)／Edion Hiroshima Main Store (Hiroshima Prefecture)／Art Crew (Fukuoka Prefecture)／Max Audio (Fukuoka Prefecture)／Yoshidaen (Fukuoka Prefecture)

・Audio Critic Judges
Mr. Ikuo Tsunoda (Chairman), Mr. Shun Ishihara, Mr. Chigao Inoue, Mr. Yoshio Obara

◼︎ "Analog Grand Prix 2026" Award Content

● Analog Grand Prix Gold Award

The Gold Award, positioned at the pinnacle of the Analog Grand Prix, is bestowed upon top-tier models boasting outstanding features such as unparalleled technical elements and overwhelming presence.

・Analog Player　DENON "DP-500BT"

An entry-class player from a long-established brand. Equipped with an S-shaped tonearm developed based on the unique "tracking error curve" philosophy to suppress errors at the inner groove. Includes an MM cartridge and built-in phono equalizer. Its multi-functional and price-conscious product planning, such as auto-lift-up & stop function and Bluetooth compatibility, was highly praised.

・Analog Player　　THORENS "TD124DD"

The legendary "TD124," a flagship model of the prestigious brand, has miraculously revived with the latest technology. While faithfully reproducing the details, the model incorporates the latest technology in the motor and platter, adopting a high-precision direct drive system. The dynamic balance tonearm and external linear power supply have also been newly developed. The fusion of tradition and cutting-edge technology garnered high praise.

・VM type cartridge　Audio-Technica "AT-VM760XSL"

The "AT-VMx series" has been renewed for the first time in 9 years. In addition to the rich lineup, the completeness of the top model, this unit, was highly evaluated. A major feature is the use of PCUHD (Pure Copper Ultra Diamond) for the coil conductor and the compatibility of replacement styli within the series. This model uses a special line contact stylus and a boron cantilever.

・MC type cartridge　Audio-Technica "AT33xMLB"

The "AT33x series," featuring a hybrid body combining three types of materials, is an MC type cartridge produced in Japan and finished by artisans. The top model of this series is equipped with a pure boron micro-linear stylus and a boron solid tapered cantilever. The high level of perfection as Audio-Technica's top-of-the-line MC model has garnered high praise.

・MC type cartridge　ortofon "MC X40"

The "MC series," a bestseller, has been renewed. In addition to the conventional "10," "20," and "30," the "40," added this time, is the top model of the series. High-purity silver wire coils and a honeycomb-top stainless steel frame are common to the series. This model uses a nude Shibata stylus and a boron cantilever. The high level of perfection unique to a top-tier model was praised.

・MC type cartridge　ACOUSTIC REVIVE "MC-1"

The first MC type cartridge from a popular accessory brand. The coil winding uses PC-Triple C/EX, a hybrid forged conductor of silver and copper with high conductivity. The body is precisely shaped using a 3D printer with a special resin material impregnated with natural minerals. The generator mechanism is a newly developed VX system. The uniqueness of the incorporated technology and materials was highly evaluated.

・Tone Arm　SAEC "WE-709"

A tone arm adopting a newly developed double-knife-edge mechanism. By increasing the diameter of the knife and improving the structure of the knife rest, further high sensitivity and rigidity have been achieved. The anti-skating mechanism employs a new mechanism for vibration countermeasures. The internal wiring material is PC-Triple C. It was praised as a tone arm challenging the new generation of analog playback.

・Phono Equalizer Amplifier　ACCUPHASE "C-57"

The successor to the popular C-47, this is a full model change unit incorporating the latest circuits and high-sound-quality components. The input impedance switching switch has been enlarged, and the symmetrical panel design is a major external change. A new 60Ω input impedance has been added. Its high stability as a reference unit was a key evaluation point.

・Phono Equalizer Amplifier　Phasemation "EA-1500"

This unit consolidates the technology used in the two flagship models, the 6-chassis phono equalizer amplifier EA-2000 and the MC step-up transformer T-2000, into two chassis: a vacuum tube power supply unit and an amplifier unit. While inheriting the technology of the upper-class models, it has also introduced the new concept of compatibility with photoelectric cartridges, achieving excellent results and receiving high praise.

・Vacuum Tube Integrated Amplifier　Aurorasound "HFSA-02"

The first full vacuum tube integrated amplifier from a brand known for its original and high-quality product manufacturing. While having an orthodox configuration, selected parts such as Lundahl output transformers are arranged and wired with high expertise. In addition to the basic equipment of four RCA line inputs, it offers flexibility with optional phono input and XLR connection, making it a model that can meet the demands of a new era.

・Vacuum Tube Integrated Amplifier　JUNONE "JUNONE 845SE"

A full triode configuration with 12AU7 in the pre-stage, PSVANE WE300B in the drive stage, and 845 in the output stage. It features a powerful power supply unit that can stably secure high output by adopting a large toroidal transformer and SiC Schottky barrier diodes. The large display also improves visibility of the volume position and input switching. Its high product quality was evaluated.

---

● Best Cost Performance Award

The Best Cost Performance Award is given to models that embody superior performance by integrating advanced technology at an accessible price point.

・Analog Player　Technics "SL-50C"

---

● Special Development Award

The Special Development Award is bestowed upon models that incorporate revolutionary and advanced ideas and technologies in product development, thereby enhancing their value.

・Analog Player　TechDAS "Air Force IV"

---

● Special Award

The Special Award is given to models that exhibit a unique and overwhelming presence.

・Analog Player　LINN "KLIMAX LP12 SE BEDROCK"

・MC type monaural cartridge　Audio-Technica "AT33xMONO/I", "AT33xMONO/II"

・Photoelectric monaural cartridge　DS Audio "Mono cartridge series"

・Vacuum tube monaural power amplifier　OTOMON "KING & QUEEN The ROYAL"

---

● Analog Grand Prix

The Analog Grand Prix is awarded to "essential equipment for analog playback that possesses an analog feel and is worthy of recommendation to audio fans" in various categories.

・Analog Player　Audio-Technica "AT-LP7X"

・Analog Player　Audio-Technica "AT-LPA2"

・Analog Player　Technics "SL-1200GME/SL-1210GME"

・MM type monaural cartridge　CHUDEN "MG-36MN1"

・MM type cartridge　REGA "Nd9"

・MP type cartridge　NAGAOKA "MP-700"

・MC type cartridge　ZYX "Ultimate-VX-Airy/XX"

・MC type cartridge　MUTECH "RM-HAYATE 《颯》"

・MC type cartridge　ortofon "MC 90X"

・MC type cartridge　ANALOG RELAX "EX700"

・VM type cartridge　Audio-Technica "AT-VMx series"

・MC type cartridge　ortofon "MC X series"

・MC type cartridge　Audio-Technica "AT33x series"

・Tone Arm　GLANZLAB "MH-12KATANA ver.2"

・Step-up Transformer　Phasemation "T-600"

・Head Amp　Fidelix "SATELLITE"

・Vacuum tube line preamplifier　Audio Note "G-72"

---

● Analog Accessory Award

The Analog Accessory Award is given to audio accessories that greatly contribute to improving sound quality and usability in analog audio playback.

・Phono Cable　Audio-Technica "AT-TC300/1.2"

・Phono Cable　THORENS "PhonoConnect series"

・Lead wire　Audio-Technica "AT6112x"

・Static Eraser Shell Ring　TOP WING "Static Eraser “Direct"/ Static Eraser"Custom""

・Line Transformer　Phasemation "LT-1000"

・Insulator　Bassocontinuo "ULTRA FEET Level 8 (set of 4)"

---

◼︎ Announcement of Award Results

・Magazine "Kikan Analog"

All award results are announced in the current issue of the magazine "Kikan Analog," vol.91 2026 SPRING. It is published with detailed review articles of the award-winning models.
https://phileweb.shop/magazines/quarterly/-analog-/ban91/

・"Analog Grand Prix" Special Website　

https://www.phileweb.com/analog-grandprix/

・Web Media "PHILE WEB Audio"

You can see an overview of the award results.

https://www.phileweb.com/audio/

Announcement article on "PHILE WEB Audio"
https://www.phileweb.com/news/audio/202604/03/27506.html

---

About Onto Publishing

Founded in 1949. Onto Publishing Co., Ltd. operates a media business that publishes specialized magazines and web media for pure audio and home theater, as well as a solutions business including awards, events, and direct sales.
●Company Name: Onto Publishing Co., Ltd.
●Representative Director: Yusuke Kazama
●Location: 〒101-0032 2-14-2 Iwamotocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, ITOPPIA Iwamotocho ANNEX 4F

●Company Website: https://www.ongen.co.jp

＜Web Media＞
●PHILE WEB : Japan's largest AV/audio/mobile information site

(Monthly unique users: 5 million UU, Monthly page views: 20 million PV)
●PHILE WEB Audio: An information channel for pure audio, delving deep with passion
●Premium Headphone Guide WEB: An information channel conveying the charm of earphones, headphones, and portable audio
●Home Theater Channel : An information channel for home theaters that fulfill the dream of "a life with a home theater"
●Decame Channel : A channel full of in-depth information for photo/camera fans
●PHILE WEB Business : A channel covering various information on the electronics business
●Gadget Gate: An information site introducing the latest tech/gadget news from unique perspectives and angles

●LWL online: An information site proposing new lifestyles where wellness and luxury coexist

＜Magazine Media＞
●Kikan Audio Accessory: A specialized magazine for pure audio pursuing high-quality sound reproduction
●Kikan Analog: Disseminates information on record playback, analog audio, and the latest trends
●Home Theater File: A magazine specializing in "homes with home theaters" and AV
●Premium Headphone Guide Magazine: A specialized magazine providing in-depth information for earphone/headphone enthusiasts and portable audio
●Daizenshu Series: A special publication introducing a comprehensive range of cables and accessories to help reproduce good sound and images

＜Free Magazines＞
●Premium Headphone Guide: A free magazine packed with information on earphones/headphones/portable audio. Distributed for free at electronics retailers, headphone specialty stores, etc.
●VGP Awarded Products Shopping Guide: A free magazine published by the VGP, Japan's largest comprehensive award for AV equipment. Distributed for free at electronics retailers, etc.
●DGP Imaging Award Shopping Guide: A free magazine published by the DGP Imaging Awards for digital cameras and peripherals. Distributed for free at electronics retailers, camera specialty stores, etc.
●First Analog Player: A free magazine to learn about the existence of analog players, how to choose them, and how to listen. Distributed for free at record stores, electronics retailers, etc.

＜Awards＞
●VGP Award: Japan's largest comprehensive award for AV equipment. Held in summer and winter.
●DGP Imaging Award: Award for digital cameras and peripherals. Held every autumn.
●DGP Mobile Award: Award for "smartphone cameras" and their peripherals. Held every spring.
●Audio Meikisho Award: Award selecting true masterpieces of pure audio. Held every autumn.
●Audio Accessory Meikisho Award: Award selecting excellent audio accessory products. Held every autumn.
●Analog Grand Prix: Award selecting audio equipment brimming with "analog feel." Held every spring.

＜EC Site＞

●PHILEWEB.shop: A marketplace EC site operated by Onto Publishing