Positioned between the Monitor and Founder series, the Premier series moves to version 2 whilst retaining its six models.
Featuring new proprietary AL-MAC (aluminium-magnesium-ceramic) tweeters, integrated into an OSW (Oblate Spherical Waveguide) waveguide, AL-MAG (aluminium-magnesium) for the midrange and Carbon-X for the bass in the floorstanding models, the new Canadian speakers have been redesigned with a more wood-effect finish than before, yet remain affordably priced.
Versatile enough to suit all types of listening and usage – including home cinema – the range comprises two 3-way floorstanding models, the 720F v2 and 820F, two centre speakers, the 520 LCR v2 (vertically mountable) and 620C v2, and two compact models, the 120B v2 and 220B v2.
Available from June 2026, these speakers all feature MDF cabinets available in a choice of four finishes: piano black, black walnut, natural walnut or satin white.
A regular on our test benches, Meze returns this year not with headphones but with in-ear headphones: the Meze Alba. A model presented as more accessible than its big brother, the Advar, aimed at both novice music lovers and demanding audiophiles looking for affordable, stylish, and high-performance headphones. No small feat. A new gem from the Romanian manufacturer?
Stunning from every angle, the Alba boasts a curvaceous silhouette, beautifully highlighted by a pearlescent white finish. This livery contrasts sharply with the purplish hues of the Advar, which, we must admit, is not to our displeasure.
The younger sibling of the Advar, the latest addition makes no secret of its lineage, replicating the latter’s appearance almost exactly: the same undulating shell (an ode to Romania’s archaeological heritage) combining injected metal and CNC machining; the same zinc/aluminum alloy instead of anodized steel, for reasons of budget and lightness; the same decompression vent, a veritable central whirlpool, bearing the brand name and a proud “made/designed in Romania” label.
Nestled beneath this spiral is a brand new dynamic transducer, featuring a large 10.8 mm diaphragm, powered by a strong neodymium magnet. What does this new speaker promise? A naturally engaging sound thanks to its increased sensitivity (109 dB @1 mW/1 kHz) and reduced impedance (32 ohms), perfectly suited to portable sources such as audiophile music players, DAC amplifiers, or even a simple smartphone.
In terms of the frequency spectrum reproduced, the Alba is unsurprisingly less prolific than its big brother, or even the Penta, with a range extending from 15 Hz to 25 kHz. These are more than respectable values, covering almost the entire audible spectrum.
Finally, there are numerous details here and there that demonstrate the almost obsessive meticulousness of Antonio and his team, such as the serial number engraved on the MMCX socket ring, the metal debris guard mounted on the nozzle (also made of metal), and the subtly engraved lyre bird on the back of the ear cups.
COMFORT AND BUNDLE
A world away from the 109 Pro or even the 99 Classics, the Alba is easy to carry around thanks to its ultra-compact size and particularly light weight.
Much more comfortable than the Rai Penta/Solo, these in-ear headphones fit effortlessly into the ear canal, perfectly hugging the tortuous convolutions of the ear for an optimal fit and natural feel.
And while they don’t benefit from the same attention to detail as the Advar, with Meze opting not to include Final Audio’s delightful Type E ear tips, it has to be said that even with the traditional silicone tips, we still get a good deal.
Last but not least, despite its entry-level positioning, the Alba comes with a surprisingly comprehensive bundle: a silver-plated multi-strand twisted copper cable, a white faux leather carrying case and, above all, the brand even offers a USB-C dongle to complement a USB source – a challenge at this level!
The only downside is the choice of a 2-pin connector rather than MMCX for the cable/earphone connection, which is justified by the price, but less mobile and therefore less comfortable. Finally, for the most demanding audiophiles, there is always the option of purchasing a balanced cable and enjoying the benefits offered by TRRS or Pentaconn outputs, available on almost all audiophile music players.
THE SETUP OF THE MEZE ALBA
Particularly sensitive, the Alba doesn’t need much to be happy. However, although a simple smartphone is perfectly capable of powering it, it really comes into its own when paired with an audiophile music player or an amplifier/DAC. This is especially true given its high sensitivity and measured impedance, which make it difficult to prevent background noise, particularly with poorly isolated sources.
And if there’s one area where the Alba doesn’t outperform the Advar, it’s in terms of isolation. And with good reason: with its semi-open design, it’s difficult for our little in-ear headphones to compete with closed models, especially with their metal shell, which is more permeable than silicone models.
THE SOUND OF THE MEZE ALBA
Its overall consistency makes it a true all-rounder. Whether it’s orchestral music, uninhibited dubstep, or vocal jazz, the Alba never falters, even though there is a certain preponderance in the midrange—without ever going overboard.
It retains the presence, power, and above all, confidence of its predecessors. Less rigid and more playful, it remains exemplary in its precision, magnified by the dynamics offered by the new dynamic transducer, surpassing the old Rai Solo in every respect. It effortlessly handles the most violent attacks, rewarding us with an almost abyssal level of bass, without ever detracting from the clarity of the soundstage.
The only slight regret is the lack of articulation in the upper midrange, with certain nuances in our favorite tracks, such as “Birds” by Dominique Fils-Aimé, remaining inaudible, despite the combination of renowned sources such as our monstrous FiiO M17.
This pitfall is quickly overcome when switching to electronic music, with the Alba proving to be a formidable companion, allowing you to discern the softest nuances and the most thunderous impacts at any volume level. Moreover, although the isolation is inferior to a closed model, it is ultimately sufficient to attenuate the cacophony of urban traffic, and we were never tempted to turn up the volume more than was reasonable.
This is the magic of the Alba: its ability to recreate a soundstage worthy of portable headphones, even when connected to a mid-range source such as our FiiO K17. Proof, if any were needed, that the imposing dynamic transducer is not there for show, and whether it’s the electro layers
saturated with Infected Mushroom, the guttural polyphony of Zingara, or simply the guitar riffs of Justice, it’s hard to find fault with the latter.
And while it never quite reaches the mastery of the Advar—fortunately, we might add—it’s hard not to be captivated by the exceptional musicality of the latest addition to the range, supported by fluid transients and a particularly rich soundstage, a true hallmark of Meze.
A fine achievement, highlighted by virtually zero harmonic distortion, enabling gradual increases in volume without noticeable crosstalk or phase inconsistency, even at high volumes. An explosive experience, halfway between open-back headphones and classic in-ear monitors!
OUR CONCLUSION
Yet another example of Romanian manufacturing excellence, the Meze Alba stands out as one of the best in-ear headphones in its category. Superb in both form and function, this mini-Advar is just as musical, benefiting from nearly a decade of experience, without ever surpassing its predecessor—which was never the goal.
A week after AXPONA, Wilson Audio is showcasing at the Springville Museum of Art one of the most impressive loudspeakers ever created.
Closely related to the WAMM, this new work of art is called Autobiography. According to CEO Daryl Wilson, “Autobiography is not merely a loudspeaker, it is the handcrafted story of Wilson Audio sculpted over half a century. Decades of experimentation, discovery, and devotion shaped every surface and every element. This creation is not written in ink, but in materials, engineering, and the desire to connect deeper with our music. Each detail whispers that the hands of those who pursued something better were here.”
With eight drivers, this new loudspeaker combines all of Wilson’s proprietary materials (H, V, X) as well as metal in a unique configuration to develop a new structure whose temporal alignment exceeds that of all other models, including the Chronosonic XVX.
A new 1-inch CSLS (Convergent Synergy Laser Sintered) front-firing tweeter (FFT) is positioned at the center of the upper section. It is flanked vertically by two 2-inch MID (Midband Integration Driver) midrange drivers, and then by two 7-inch PentaMag mid-bass drivers, which now utilize five AlNiCo magnets. To improve spatial depth, ambience reproduction and harmonic decay, a 1-inch RFT inverted dome tweeter has been added to the rear of the speaker.
In the lower section, two new woofers designed in parallel combine a 12-inch (30 cm) model and a 15-inch (38 cm) model. These are paired with a new front port, which can be covered and adjusted to suit the room’s acoustics. Standing 2.12 m tall, the Autobiography features a new, uniquely designed crossover, which, as with all Wilson speakers, allows connections only via two speaker terminals inside the cabinet.
There is a wide choice of colors, comprising 5 standard shades (grey, quartz, etc.), 16 superior shades (black, ivory, yellow, orange), 7 Premium shades (satin, gold) and 15 Premium Pearl shades (ruby red, violet, saffron, glacier white, etc.). We hope to discover this new masterpiece at the Vienna show in early June.
Following the L-100 Centennial Class A integrated amplifier, the D-100 Centennial CD player and the P-100 Centennial headphone amplifier, LUXMAN continues to celebrate its 100th anniversary with the B-100 CENTENNIAL mono power amplifier.
The new flagship of the Japanese brand’s amplifiers, it is the first monoblock model of its kind since the B-1000f, launched in 2005 to mark the 80th anniversary. At its heart beats the latest version of the LIFES 1.1 amplification circuit. Derived from the LIFES circuit first introduced in the M-10X in 2021, this latest iteration has been further optimized to reduce distortion even further and improve overall performance.
The B-100 Centennial adopts a new ‘4×4’ output configuration, consisting of four triple-stage Darlington push-pull modules in a quad-parallel arrangement for each channel. This configuration delivers 25 W in pure Class A at 8 Ω and 125 W in Class AB. At 4 Ω, the power doubles to 250 W and quadruples at 2 Ω to 500 W. Capable of reaching up to 1,000 W peak power at 1 Ω, it aims for total linearity and absolute control over the speakers, reinforced by a damping factor exceeding 1,000.
The main reason for the doubling of power output each time the impedance is halved is the power supply, which relies on a massive, custom-built, high-efficiency 1,250 VA EI-type transformer, featuring flat copper windings to reduce losses and improve coupling. This is combined with 16 filter capacitors of 10,000 μF each (totaling 160,000 μF), which provide a considerable energy reserve. The ‘peel-coat’ circuits are gold-plated without varnish and combined with specific inductors and numerous relays.
The exterior design features a solid, high-quality 5 mm-thick chassis with machined ventilation slots. The thick front panel with a slanted chamfer is reminiscent of the recent D-100 and P-100 Centennial models and, of course, the M-10X stereo amplifier, but features a single warm-lit analogue VU meter at its center.
Sold in pairs at a price yet to be announced in Europe, the B-100 Centennial mono amplifier represents the new pinnacle of LUXMAN’s current technology and expertise and paves the way for future generations from the century-old Japanese manufacturer.
While the reputation of headphones designed around electrostatic transducers is based on the finesse of their sound reproduction and the sharpness of the sound image they deliver, this technology remains particularly difficult to implement. Very few manufacturers venture into this field, even among the most expert in the world of headphones. Japanese headphone designer Stax has over 70 years of expertise and mastery of this technology. Today, it presents a unique combination of electrostatic headphones and a dedicated portable headphone amplifier. A first in this field!
The Lambda SR-L500, which has undergone numerous optimizations, is now available in a Mark 2 version. This latest model is all about excellence. It will satisfy even the most demanding audiophiles, exceeding their expectations in terms of the naturalness and realism of the sound it delivers.
A VERY LOW-MASS MOVING ASSEMBLY
Unlike electrodynamic transducers, whose architecture is identical to that of miniature speakers, electrostatic transducers have no coil or magnet. Here, their flat membrane is based on a thin sheet of Mylar covered with a thin metal layer deposited by vacuum evaporation.
Two grids frame it. A high voltage, in the order of 500 to 600 V, is applied to these grids, which has the effect of immersing the flat Mylar membrane in a powerful electric field. By then applying a high alternating voltage, which is the analog signal corresponding to the sound message, the membrane is attracted to one of the grids and repelled by the other, and vice versa, depending on the polarity of the voltage it receives. It thus begins to vibrate in response to the signal and reproduces the sound message.
This type of operation has many advantages. Firstly, as the moving part has no coil or connecting wire and consists of a simple sheet of Mylar, its mass can be extremely low. This specific feature gives electrostatic transducers the ability to reach very high frequencies. For the SR-L500MK2, Stax claims a frequency response of up to 41 kHz.
EVEN DISTRIBUTION OF FORCES
Furthermore, unlike electrodynamic transducers, where the moving coil exerts its force only at the center of the membrane, in an electrostatic transducer this force is distributed evenly across the entire surface. This even distribution of the membrane’s displacement force significantly reduces the distortion rate of this type of transducer by preventing, among other things, the appearance of surface ripples. Similarly, their performance is flawless when reproducing the most complex transients.
ESSENTIAL HIGH VOLTAGE MANAGEMENT
Unfortunately, as is often the case, there is a downside to this advantage. As mentioned above, the operating principle of electrostatic transducers requires the management of high voltages. In addition to the voltage used to create the electric field in which the membrane is immersed, the voltage from the signal applied to it must also be high. Several hundred volts are involved here.
However, while current electronics, based on semiconductors, excel at managing low impedances, and therefore modest voltages, high voltage management is far from being their forte. Electrostatic headphones must therefore be driven by specific amplifiers, whose output stages are often equipped with tubes. These components are only capable of handling high voltages. This is a problem for electrodynamic devices with low impedance, which require the use of an output transformer, but in this case it becomes an advantage.
A SUBTLY DESIGNED HEADBAND
However, while having transducers with exceptional performance is essential, they must also be combined with a high-quality chassis in order to perform to their full potential. To meet this requirement, Stax has given the SR-L500MK2 an aluminum chassis specifically designed to eliminate unwanted vibrations that could affect the purity of the sound reproduction.
In the same vein, its headband has a curvature that ensures the ear pads fit perfectly over the wearer’s ears. This ensures a good seal between the listener’s skull and the transducers, guaranteeing excellent reproduction of the deepest bass frequencies. Finally, to preserve the subtlety of the sound, Stax has equipped the SR-L500MK2 with a high-quality cable with very low capacitance.
It uses six very high-purity copper conductors. Titanium is added to the conductors to further optimize their signal transmission characteristics. The end of the cable features a five-pin connector, standard on this type of headphone, allowing the SR-L500MK2 to be connected to the various electrostatic headphone amplifiers offered by Stax.
SRMD10 II portable amplifier for electrostatic headphones
Whether it’s smartphones or portable music players capable of playing the best Hi-Res audio files, portable players are designed to be used with electrodynamic headphones. The reason for this choice is simple. The few volts delivered by the internal battery of this type of equipment are sufficient to drive them.
However, many purists would like to pair them with higher-quality headphones, particularly electrostatic ones, in order to fully appreciate the subtle sound reproduction they are capable of offering. But this poses a major problem. Unlike dynamic headphones, which require only low voltages, electrostatic headphones need voltages of several hundred volts to operate. These voltages are obviously not available on portable devices.
Stax opens up portability to electrostatic headphones
The Japanese designer therefore decided to design a portable amplifier specifically designed to meet their requirements. This elegant box is inserted between the portable music player and the headphones. As with all conventional portable equipment, it is powered by a small internal battery.
The high voltages required to drive electrostatic headphones are generated by a high-frequency DC voltage converter and then filtered to provide stable DC voltages. The headphone bias voltage is 580 V, which is fairly common for this type of equipment. Similarly, the output stages of the SRMD10 II, as this portable amplifier is called, have a very high voltage excursion. It reaches 200 V rms over a frequency range extending from 100 Hz to 10 kHz. This feature allows the headphones to perform to their full potential, even when dealing with the most extreme dynamic swings.
MANAGEMENT OF THE LATEST DIGITAL STREAMS
In addition, to ensure that the SRMD10 II can make the most of the best Hi-Res audio files, Stax has equipped it with the latest generation of digital-to-analog converters. It should be noted that although it is possible to connect the SRMD10 II directly in analog using its 3.5 mm line input jack, it is preferable to feed it digital streams directly from Hi-Res audio files.
Digital-to-analog conversion is then performed by its internal DAC based on an AKM AK4493 chip. It supports native DSD from the SRMD10 II’s USB input. Similarly, PCM playback capability is extended to 384 kHz/32-bit, meeting the requirements of the latest Hi-Res audio streams. It should be noted that Stax has also attached great importance to the selection of passive electronic components used, such as resistors and capacitors. These are sourced from the highest quality ranges of the Korean manufacturer Samsung.
READY FOR THE FUTURE
Finally, the SRM-D10 II is encased in a sturdy aluminum alloy shell. This not only gives it an elegant and modern look, but also ensures durability and high corrosion resistance. This design choice reflects Stax’s desire to combine aesthetics and longevity, making this amplifier not only a device with technical capabilities that guarantee it a certain lead over evolving formats, but also a durable piece of equipment that is ready to face the future with confidence.
THE SETUP OF THE STAX SR-L500 MK2 ET SRM-D10 II
It couldn’t be easier! Connect a device (iPhone, iPad, music player, or computer) to the SRM-D10 II for network and/or file access using a USB cable, and you’re ready to go. The SRM-D10 II is easy and pleasant to use. It powers a single pair of Stax headphones via a proprietary five-pin “pro” connector.
Inside, its AKM 4493 DAC takes care of your data. Finally, this preamplifier can be used either plugged into the mains or on the go. It was in this second configuration that it gave us the best sound results.
THE SOUND OF THE STAX SR-L500 MK2 ET SRM-D10 II
As soon as you place it on your head, you completely forget about the flexible leather headband, and comfort, such a fundamental aspect of headphones, can be enjoyed over the long term, without any excessive pressure. Even without a single note being played, the Stax magic is already at work. This set also offers spatial qualities that are more typical of speaker reproduction.
This explains why audiophiles appreciate the Japanese manufacturer’s creations so much. They find much of what they enjoy when listening to their speakers. It’s true that Stax is unique in the world of headphones because it allows you to enjoy a completely coherent and vast soundstage without disturbing those around you. Let’s not forget that the brand refers to its products as earspeakers rather than earphones.
The three-dimensional image unfolds very naturally on a frontal plane. Rarely will a conventional stereo headphone manage to create such a feeling of openness. You benefit from all the sharpness that their thin membranes are capable of, but also from this fluid atmosphere that unfolds very widely with great ease. Added to this are the remarkable qualities of resolution and precision across the entire frequency range.
This is particularly striking in the low and extreme low registers, where you can hear signals that traditionally tend to be lost. This is evident in the sound of an acoustic double bass. This extension and power at the low end of the spectrum is another hallmark of the Japanese manufacturer, which has always provided us with ultra-wide bandwidth.
And since this “Stax magic” can now be enjoyed on the go thanks to the brand’s specially developed preamp, there are virtually no limits to its use. In all honesty, we didn’t feel any obvious frustration compared to the so-called residential box. And you’ll need to upgrade to the higher-end model to really notice the jump in quality.
OUR CONCLUSION
Stax continues to build its legend by offering relevant products in all price ranges. The Japanese brand now offers a comprehensive range of products that covers all needs at prices that are certainly high, but which allow most music lovers to find what they are looking for within their means. We really appreciated this combination of traditional electrostatic headphones and a portable power supply with a high-quality DAC. This will allow traveling music lovers to always have the best music with them. A great success that we warmly applaud.
Author(s): Estève Fabry
Technical Sheet: Stax SR-L500 mk2 and SRM-D10 II
Origin : Japan
SR-L500 mk2
Price: €925
Weight: 350 g
Frequency response: 7 – 41,000 Hz
Electrostatic capacitance: 110 pF
Impedance: 145 kΩ
Sound pressure sensitivity: 101 dB
Polarization voltage: 580 V DC
SRM-D10 II
Price: €1,095
Dimensions: 75 x 32 x 141 mm
Weight: 450 g
Nominal input level: 230 mV (100 V output)
Maximum input level: 10 V (minimum volume in Line In)
