Just a few weeks after unveiling the TH910 and TH919, Fostex’s new dynamic headphones, the Japanese brand has revamped its planar dynamic equivalents to launch the TH1000RPmk2 and TH1100RPmk2.
As with the 900 series, an open-back headphone accompanies a closed-back headphone, and rather than the beautiful burgundy Urushi coating, it is Tokushima’s Aizome blue (known in particular from Hokusai’s paintings) that gives these models their identity. With a new membrane powered by more powerful magnets, the diaphragm, which is larger than that of the T50RP mk4, has been significantly improved compared to the version 1 of the two models released in 2024. The wide frequency response (10 Hz – 40 kHz) remains the same, as does the wide soundstage, two sound elements that we were able to verify during our visit to Fostex’s headquarters in Tokyo earlier this month. However, the drivers and air dumping control around them have been tweaked to better control wave propagation, resulting in purer sound.
For the mechanical parts, a magnesium alloy that is 20% lighter than aluminum is still used. The synthetic leather ear pads made from silk protein are covered with natural sheepskin leather. The asymmetrical cable uses pure 7N (99.99999%) OFC copper with a rhodium and gold-plated connector. It can be replaced on request with a symmetrical cable with an XLR connector (ET-H3.0N7BL), or with a cable with a 4.4 mm connector (ET-TH4.4BL), which arrived after the launch of the first version and is now available for the mk2.
Almost identical, except for their open ear cups with double-layer aluminum (TH1100RPmk2) or closed ear cups entirely covered in blue Aizome (TH1000RPmk2), both of these dynamic planar headphones have an impedance of 32 Ω, but different sensitivities of 100 dB for the TH1000RPmk2 and 96 dB for the TH1100RPmk2. Weighing approximately 420 g, they will be sold at prices similar or identical to those of the first versions and the 900 series models, i.e., approximately 3 290 € for the closed model and 3 490 € for the open model.
Unveiled at the Munich Show in May 2025, The Pledge joins the Heritage family from French manufacturer Davis Acoustics.
More conventional in its column shape, The Pledge retains the inclined demarcation introduced on The Wall speaker and continued on the more reasonable The Stage. This time on the side, this demarcation keeps the entire top of the speaker black, while its base can be chosen in light oak or darker walnut.
A true 3-way floorstanding speaker, The Pledge combines drivers all manufactured by Davis Acoustics, starting with the well-known 13 cm diameter Kevlar midrange, paired as on the Courbet No. 7 with a 17 cm woofer, but this time made of cellulose pulp rather than carbon fiber. With its new structure and large-diameter voice coil motor, The Pledge can deliver the same type of fast and ample bass as the other Heritage models. The tweeter returns to Kevlar, which has been so well developed by the brand over many years, with a 20 mm cone version.
With a circular bass reflex port located at the rear top, this new speaker retains its compact dimensions (100 x 20.5 x 30.5 mm), but weighs in at 30 kg per unit, which gives an idea of the quality of its structure and resistance to vibrations. And to improve it even further, The Pledge can be paired with a dedicated stand.
The pair is priced at 5 000 €, with an additional 600 € for the optional stands.
Released 10 years ago in 2015, the Devialet Phantom was followed by a smaller version. These two models, which differ in size and sound intensity (98 dB and 108 dB), have now been upgraded to Ultimate versions.
Without breaking with the previous generation, the design is even more refined, while the technologies have been adapted to improve sound quality and precision. The master app has been redesigned accordingly, while connectivity takes into account all the new protocols and integrates a latest-generation Bluetooth 5.3 chip. The speaker is also Roon Ready and compatible with Google Cast and Apple Airplay. UPnP allows the streaming system to remain open to all other applications (JPlay, Audirvana, etc.), but while Spotify and Tidal Connect are immediately available, Qobuz does not yet seem to have been invited with its new and highly ergonomic Qobuz Connect application.
Amplified by the latest generation of patented Analog Digital Hybrid (ADH®) technology, the Phantom Ultimate 108 dB can reach up to 35 kHz, while the smaller model boasts 25 kHz, a level that is already more than sufficient to meet the capabilities of the human ear. With Wi-Fi 6 (6 bands), files can be processed by the NXP iMX8 processor coupled with the latest version of the DOS3 operating system up to 96 kHz/32 bits.
Three listening modes are available: Music mode, Cinema mode, and Podcast mode. For the first two, we recommend investing in at least two speakers as soon as possible to take full advantage of the stereo and HBI® (Heart Bass Implosion) bass management system, which can take the largest model up to a frequency of 14 Hz.
With these new Ultimate versions, the Devialet Phantom is now priced at 3 200 € (£2 800/$3 800) for the 108 dB model in Deep Forest & Light Pearl finishes, 3 800 € (£3 300/$4 300) for the gold Opéra de Paris version, and 1 500 € (£1 400/$1 900) for the 98 dB model (Opéra de Paris version at 1 800 €/£1 650/$2 400).
Discovered at the last Munich show, the new Jadis Aria integrated amplifier has a new design with a chrome front panel and lacquered wood sides.
Despite this new format, it remains faithful to the core values of the Languedoc-based company, with point-to-point wiring and proprietary transformers manufactured in-house. This amplifier operates with a single push-pull tube stage per channel and a tube preamplification stage. For the power section, you can choose between four EL34, KT88, or KT120 tubes, with the only power rating currently specified by the Carcassonne-based manufacturer being 30 watts into 8 ohms.
The preamplifier stage combines an ECC82 double triode with two ECC83 double triodes. Five inputs are available to connect a comfortable number of sources, selectable on the front panel using a knob identical to the volume knob on the right, and balance between the two. Entirely assembled at Jadis, the new Aria is available for pre-order now.
Among Nordost’s system enhancement products, the QNET switch appeared a few years ago, and could be upgraded by adding a QSource power supply. Today, the renowned American cable manufacturer’s catalog is expanding with the QNET7 version, which, as its name suggests, has seven Internet connection ports.
Moving away from the round shape of the QNET, the QNET7 features a rectangular chassis similar to the QSource, to which it can also be connected. Its RJ45 8P8C Ethernet ports 1 to 5 now offer the standard speed of 1000BASE-T (1 Gbps), while the sixth port remains at a more modest 100 Mbps. But to enter the modern era of new fiber streamers, the QNET7 adds a 7th SFP port. This makes it possible to exit the box via RJ45, enter the switch via this connection, and then exit via fiber, in which case there is no electricity in the optical signal, resulting in a drastic reduction in noise. Jitter is also minimized thanks to the device’s new circuitry.
Like other products in rectangular chassis, the QSource and especially the QB8 MkIII power strip, the QNET7 can also further reduce vibration with the addition of Stand Mount feet. By screwing them onto the underside in place of the rubber feet, four decouplers with ceramic balls and aluminum (AC), bronze (BC), or titanium (TC) bases can then be added.
We currently have a QNET, and we will also request a QNET7 to compare the sound quality of the two versions, in addition to testing the latter on its SFP fiber port. As the quality of the product suggests, the price obviously exceeds that of the smaller model, with the QNET selling for 3 700 € (3 799 $) and the QNET7 for 5 400 € (5 499 $).
