In addition to the UltraSonic (test VU#49 Web) and NOVA (test VU#56) washing machines, both of which we have kept for our own personal use, and the S-DUO cell cleaner (Le Jouet VU#50), the Chinese company Humminguru has become a specialist in all accessories useful in a vinyl environment.
In its catalog, you could find all the filters and maintenance liquids you need to clean your black wafers, as well as pouches and a range of accessories more closely related to decoration, with foldable FlexiCube storage boxes and wall-mounted frames.
Foldable and unfoldable, the rigid plastic FlexiCube can be used simply as a crate to store 33 rpm vinyl records (or one of the aforementioned washing machines), or as a stacking shelf, since it is designed to fit together to ensure stability. The unit costs 85 €, but a set of 3 saves almost an item, costing 185 €.
More curious, the wall frame is simply a black frame designed to easily insert your LPs for wall display. Uncovered, the frame makes it easy to slide the sleeves in and out, so you can not only look at them, but also listen to the albums inside. The set of 4 frames sells for 90 €.
As dynamic as ever (you could even say isodynamic…), the famous Chinese brand of planar magnetic headphones Hifiman has announced no fewer than four new headphones for the fall.
Edition XV While the Edition XV is just a redesign of the Edition XS (2021) headphones, which were first released as the Edition X (2015), it does, however, incorporate two new technologies, like the other new models, with a new diaphragm (Neo Supernano Diaphragm gen 2) that is 40% thinner than the previous one, and magnets that are said to be just as powerful but now free of rare earths, in a move towards greater environmental friendliness. Its new headband gen 2 headband makes it 30 g lighter and more comfortable, as with the three other headphones presented. It will be available in September at 409 €.
Audivina LE At the same price of 409 €, the Audivina LE is a closed version of the Audivina, with the same headband as the Edition XV but still featuring the first-generation Supernano diaphragm. Its injection-molded plastic shell, light weight, and closed-back design—still rare for a planar headphone—make it a promising model thanks to its versatility.
Ananda Unveiled First seen with the Susvara Unveiled (VU#55), the unveiled technology has been developed further in the Arya and HE1000, resulting in greater sound openness and better diffraction, particularly at low frequencies. It also features a new headband, a new Gen 2 diaphragm and rare earth-free magnets, while remaining affordable at 569 €.
HE600 A true tribute to the HE6, which appeared in 2010 a year after Hifiman’s debut with the HE5, the HE600 also incorporates the three improvements mentioned above, with a weight reduced by a quarter (389g compared to 502g for the HE6) and a better response curve than the previous version. Its sensitivity of 94 dB and impedance of 28 ohms still don’t make it an easy model to power, but its new connectors and ear cups, as well as the redesigned diaphragm and magnets, promise superior sound quality for a still reasonable price of 829 €.
We are in discussions with the distributor to receive several versions very soon, so we can tell you more about the components and sound characteristics of these new headphones. Verdict coming in the fall!
Tested by us in September 2021 (see VU#37 review and Node X review), the Bluesound Powernode is changing for the end of this year.
With the power of 2 x 100 watts under 8 ohms, the Powernode is the amplified version of the Node streamer, whose value for money has been evident since its release, with the competitive advantage of offering an effective multiroom option. Of course, it is still compatible with all other connected electronics and speakers from the brand, and now with some NAD products thanks to its BluOS connectivity. The Powernode can also be listened to through headphones thanks to its 6.35 mm output on the front panel, powered by THX AAA™ technology, and can now be listened to via Bluetooth thanks to an aptX Adaptive module, whereas the first versions limited file transfer to the mother app and Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
The comprehensive 2025 Powernode has not two but three pairs of speaker terminals to better suit home cinema listening, as it allows you to add a center channel to the two stereo speakers, with power up to 80 watts per channel. It also has an HDMI eARC port for connection to a TV or video device, and Dolby Digital® surround technology built in. Compatible with Hi-Res audio files up to 192 kHz sampling rates and DSD256, it decodes MP3 and FLAC files.
Although Qobuz Connect has not yet been announced, Spotify and Tidal Connect are already available, as well as AirPlay 2, Roon Ready compatibility, and Amazon Alexa voice control for those who don’t want to use the touch controls on the glass panel on top. However, there is still no screen, which is understandable given that, at the same price as the Node Icon (1 099 €), it adds Class D amplification and avoids the need to invest in another device.
Upgraded from P100 to P100 SE (for Special Edition), the Melomania has evolved smoothly, still with a design evocative of Px headphones of Bowers & Wilkins.
While the battery still boasts a very long battery life of around 100 hours (for a full recharge in just one hour), the redesigned headband for greater comfort means you feel the headphones even less on your head. Adaptive Bluetooth AptX based on an HD 5.3 chip decodes files up to 96 kHz/24-bit, improving both music quality and connection quality, while a seven-band equalizer allows you to further customize your sound preferences.
Taken from the CX series amplifiers, the Class AB amplification is more powerful on the SE version; it still powers a three-layer composite diaphragm. To allow the listener to also listen to a system without Bluetooth and using only a wired connection, a 3.5 mm jack cable and a USB-C cable are included with the headphones. And the good news is that the Melomania P100 SE is available at the same price, 279 €, while the P100 still available is now priced at 239 €.
Enthusiastic to bring its AE1 back into the spotlight, British manufacturer Acoustic Energy is relaunching this model, which first appeared in 1987, but using technologies developed since 1985.
Completely redesigned, the compact speaker features a two-way design with brand new crossovers inspired by the original Signature series, which, like the speakers, seek to recall the sound of the vintage model while modernizing it. Separated by two vents on either side of the front panel, an aluminum dome tweeter is powered by a 29 mm voice coil, cooled and damped by ferrofluid, as in the original model.
The mid-bass driver now measures 125 mm (5″) and has an aluminum profile, with a sandwich cone reinforced by a hard anodized ceramic coating on both sides. This diaphragm is powered by a thermally conductive aluminum voice coil, with a motor to which an aluminum short-circuit ring has been added.
The cabinet is made of the same RSC material as before, covered with ten layers of glossy black paint or walnut veneer, weighing a total of 7 kg per speaker, proof of its great rigidity, as always with this manufacturer. The European price is 1 790 € per pair, to which you can add the brand’s stands for 550 €.
