Not to be confused with the PH5.2 phono preamp, the new headphone amplifier from the same series is the HP-5.2. It is part of the entry-level series from Italian manufacturer Gold Note and features the same compact anodized aluminum chassis.
While it’s derived from the HP-10 released in late 2024, the HP-5.2 does away with the front-panel control dial so that, like most devices in the 5.2 series, everything can be controlled via its front-panel color touchscreen. Thanks to this feature, as well as a very handy remote control included with the unit—a rare accessory for headphone amplifiers—you can configure your headphone listening experience using Crossfeed (to enhance the soundstage), the Harman function (to optimize EQ), Superflat (to linearize the high end of the spectrum), and Damping Factor (to adjust the damping factor).
On the output side, the HP-5.2 proudly offers four options for connecting headphones via its unbalanced 3.5 mm and 6.35 mm ports or its balanced 4.4 mm and 4-pin XLR ports. In addition, this headphone amplifier can also function as a preamp by sending the signal to a power amplifier and speakers (ByPass mode) via two pairs of analog RCA and XLR connectors on the back panel.
Equally inclusive in terms of inputs, the HP-5.2 offers a pair of RCA ports and an XLR port for analog connections, as well as a USB-C input (with a second port reserved solely for updates) converted by a Sabre DAC chip. AptX Bluetooth rounds out this unit, which can be further upgraded in terms of power via a PSU port, allowing for the addition of the Gold Note PSX-5.2 external power supply (699 €).
Available only in black, like all other components in the 5.2 series, the HP-5.2 retails for 950 €.
This new version of the PH5 features the sandblasted anodized aluminum chassis from the new Series 2, which reduces internal electromagnetic interference.
Like the brand’s other phono preamps—including the PH-10, which we have here at VUmètre—the PH5.2 lets you choose between the RIAA, Decca London, and American Columbia curves. It also offers custom equalization settings for bass and treble.
This compact unit, available only in black, still features a color display—a touchscreen, unlike the PH-10, which is controlled by a dial. The PH5.2 thus retains the button-free front panel of the first version, with only the display used to adjust gain, input impedances (from 10 Ω to 47 kΩ in 9 steps), and the subsonic filter (at 10 Hz; 36 dB/octave) which has been added to this model.
Still designed to support both MM and MC cartridges, this phono preamp now adds the ability to store the settings for two cartridges (1 MM and 1 MC). However, unlike the PH-10, which has two pairs of RCA inputs, the PH5.2 retains only a single pair.
The power supply and numerous components have been redesigned to further improve the product’s sound performance, particularly in the high frequencies, with the output stage still supporting both RCA and XLR connections. A PSU port also allows for connecting a separate power supply to enhance performance. This phono preamp retails for 950 €.
While Technics was affected to discontinue the production of the SL-1200G at the end of 2025 -with a final tribute in the form of the limited-edition SL-1200GME (review to be published in VUmètre No. 67FR)- the Japanese brand is now commemorating the 55th anniversary -in 2027- of its famous SL-1200 with a limited edition focused on DJ culture.
Limited to 12,000 units worldwide, each model will feature like the GME an anniversary badge engraved with its serial number. But while the “Master Edition” pushed the G’s technology to the limit, to offer a product designed for DJs but above all for audiophiles (at 5 490 €), this new edition returns to what made Technics great: not so much since the SL-1200’s debut in 1972, but even more so since the creation of the DJ version, the SL-1200MK2, in 1979, distinguished by its direct-drive quartz motor.
Designed to celebrate the resurgence of interest among DJs in recent years in mixing on turntables rather than solely in digital formats-, the 55th Anniversary Edition is available in seven finishes: Gold, Blue, Red, Green, Black, White, and Gray. Its S-shaped aluminum tonearm is gold-anodized, a color also found on the base, the edges of the platter, the stroboscopic markers, and the control knobs.
As predictable, this new turntable is based on the platform of the current SL-1200Mk7, featuring a single-rotor, iron-core-less direct-drive motor (the G and GME models have dual rotors) and digital speed control. The speed is, of course, adjustable within a range of up to +/- 16% via the pitch control, and this version also adds a Reverse Play mode.
Unveiled during a vinyl DJ set by Yousuke Yukimatsu filmed on August 18 2026 at Tokyo Tower (available at this link), this new edition will make its first public appearance at DMC DJs Day Poland at Fabryka Norblina on August 20 in Warsaw. The launch is scheduled for early September; we’ll update you on the price as soon as it’s official.
Having been phased out in favor of other integrated amplifiers from the Norwegian manufacturer—including the H190 (later renamed the H190v)—the new H200 also delivers a comfortable 150 watts per channel into 8 ohms.
But along with this new product, Hegel is introducing a second new addition: the return to the lineup of a purely analog version called the A200. Thus, rather than a new model in the same vein as the recent H150 (VU#64 review; Remarquable)—which it doubles in power—the H200 returns with a “half-brother” model that lacks a DAC or streamer.
Like all of Hegel’s latest-generation amplifiers, the H200 remains true to the brand’s core principles, notably a phenomenal damping factor exceeding 4,000 and a 6.35 mm headphone output on the front panel. On the analog side, it features an MM phono input with an FET gain stage, as well as two pairs of RCA inputs and one pair of XLR inputs. A fixed pair and a variable pair of RCA inputs are also available.
As a true analog-to-digital amplifier, the H200 incorporates a DAC via two optical inputs, an S/PDIF coaxial input, a USB Audio port, and a USB-A port (for a flash drive or hard drive). A coaxial output is also included, while the RJ45 port allows for direct connection to the Internet, enabling streaming without going through another source.
In addition to the usual file formats supported by popular streaming platforms, the H200 also supports the Control4, Crestron HOME, and Crestron SIMPL home automation systems, allowing it to integrate seamlessly into a multi-purpose environment. Like the other ‘H’ amplifiers in the lineup, it is available in white or black, and its price is set at 3 995 € / $4,995 / £3,500.
In 2021, Italian manufacturer Bassocontinuo ushered its product line into a new era by entrusting the design of its Aeroline series to renowned architect Marco Acerbis. This series has now been redesigned to better meet audiophiles’ needs in terms of modularity and rigidity.
The new Aeroline 2.0 model features an even more modern look, still easily recognizable by the carbon-fiber-based composite used in the connector structure, but with panels in new finishes that can be adjusted in height to suit individual preferences and needs.
As a new addition (the model shown in the photos), Bassocontinuo now uses Viroc, a composite material made of wood and cement, which forms the “Urban Core” version. Two “Noble Core” finishes highlight ceramic—anthracite on the Sahara Noir version and black on the Black Marquinia version. The Racing Black version is distinguished by its full carbon fiber construction.
While we lack sufficient information to confirm the redesign of the wide F3 cabinet, the 2.0 update currently applies to the F1 -designed to support the largest and heaviest amplifiers- and the F2 -intended to accommodate up to three electronic components.
F1 2.0 On the F1, a 30-mm-thick plate is positioned 12 cm above the floor. It is reinforced by an internal aluminum sheet that adds to its rigidity. Delrin reinforces the joints, as does copper, and the feet have been redesigned with a reworked rubberized base to further eliminate vibrations. This top-of-the-line cabinet is designed to support massive amplifiers weighing up to 80 kilos.
F2 2.0 On the upper shelf of the F2 2.0, resonances are limited by a resonator placed beneath the 30-mm-thick panel. The now fully modular structure of this shelf consists of solid-turned steel cylinders and height-adjustable hemispheres. The height between each shelf can be set between 10 and 30 cm; each shelf measures 66.5 cm wide by 54.5 cm deep, with a usable area of 56 by 54.5 cm, and is also designed to support equipment weighing up to 80 kilograms.
Prices are expected to be close to those of the first generation (starting at 2 495 € for the F1 and 2 320 € for each level of the F2), to be confirmed as soon as we receive them!
