Beginning at the end of 2003, Positive Feedback Online (PFO) established its first annual awards for fine audio. The following is an opportunity for their editors and writers to recognize superior merit in the audio arts though their “Writers’ Choice Awards”. Their writers and reviewers have been given broad leeway to cite excellence in fine audio wherever they find it: products, people, recordings, events, groups, etc., so that their readers can be better informed.

Robert S. Youman has chosen the Sonus faber Amati futura loudspeakers.

Is there a more beautiful speaker in production today? The lute shaped red maple cabinet with nickel top and bottom support plates and rear nickel spine are as sensuous as it gets. Like Sophia Loren, we have curves, curves and more curves. Check out the unique spaghetti grill that allows ultimate transparency but also seems to dance in the air. We are talking art here, not just form. As a transducer of music, the Futuras sound as good as they look. The Sonus Faber Stradivari, Guarneri and the original Amati loudspeakers all provide an impressive heritage. The Futura takes the best from them all and steps it up a level. Extraordinary at all frequencies, it follows in the Sonus Faber tradition of rich and musical performance but it also adds a new level of detail, speed and musical information. $36,000