Smaller than the Euphoria Evo (reviewed on VU#51), the Echo headphone amplifier from Polish manufacturer Feliks Audio becomes mkII Vibe.
Immediately recognizable from the first version, its real wood sides are now outlined by a CNC-milled pattern. The hood has been redesigned at the same time as the chassis, to better armor the little device, which can also be used as an analog preamplifier thanks to a pair of RCA output terminals, in addition to three pairs of inputs – also unbalanced RCA.
As an OTL (Output TransformerLess) tube amplifier, the Echo mkII Vibe has four upgraded filter capacitors, and two 6NP6 double triodes to handle amplification power up to 2 x 350 mW. Two further double triodes (6N1P) are used for preamplification, with inputs selected by a knob on the right of the front panel, while volume is controlled by an ALPS potentiometer with a large central knob.
On this new entry-level model from Feliks Audio (which has three other models for headphone amplification alone), only a 6.35 mm jack is available – by far the most useful in this range – capable of bringing extra power to many headphones compared with the less sophisticated connections of most integrated amplifiers. Recommended for headphones with an impedance of 80 to 600 ohms, it is 100 € more expensive than the Echo mkII, since the Vibe is launched in Europe at 999 €.
Introduced just 3 years ago, Diptyque Audio’s Reference panel has since extended its design to all the Montalban brand’s lower-end models. This year, however, it has already been modified with a Mk2 version.
Having become one of the world’s leading isodynamic panel manufacturers in just a few years, French company Diptyque made an impression in 2022 with the launch of its aptly-named Référence model (reviewed here https://vumetre.com/diptyque-audio-reference/), featuring a more innovative design than that of the older DP77 or DP140. At the High End 2025 trade show in Munich, the manufacturer is already planning to present a Référence Mk2, whose modifications will not be so much to the panel itself, although its dimensions have been revised upwards (185 cm high vs. 180 cm previously, for a width of 70 cm vs. 65 cm in Mk1) as to the components.
For example, the panel gains a new, larger aluminum foot, less subject to vibration. There are better capacitors on the midrange ribbon, a new connector between the crossover and the panel, and on the bass diaphragms, an optimized design for the rear grilles to improve damping, as well as a new ultra-rigid chassis to hold them in place.
Already very attracted by the first version, we cannot wait to hear this new version, especially when we know that it will be amplified at theMunich show by Kora’s huge new pure Class A power amplifiers!
Founded in 1949, British manufacturer Rogers is celebrating its 75th anniversary with three limited series, including a red one to pay tribute to the creation the same year of the People’s Republic of China.
Without changing any of its sound components, Rogers celebrates its three-quarters-century anniversary with a bright red LS3/5A column, to be paired if desired with the AB3A subwoofer, also repainted in red. More discreet, the LS3/5A classic and SE bookcases, as well as the more massive LS5/9 classic and SE, feature a new veneer in vintage Teak, combined with black Tygan grilles with gold “Rogers” insignia, reminiscent of models from the 70s and 80s.
Limited to 150 classic pairs and 150 SEs for the LS3/5A, and half that number for the LS5/9, these editions are numbered and feature an official plate on the back of the box to justify their uniqueness. However, prices are set to rise, now announced only in pounds, at £3,499 and £4,499 for the LS3/5A and LS3/SE, and £5,999 or £6,999 for the LS5/9.
Following in the footsteps of Pro-Ject recently, Revox is revamping two of its analog products in a special edition in partnership with metal singer Alice Cooper.
B77 MkIII tape recorder Limited to 25 units worldwide, the B77 MkIII analog tape player-recorder becomes black and red for an exclusive partnership, without changing any components dedicated to tape playback. Designed above all for the studio, the device retains its XLR inputs and outputs, and still features headroom limited to 0.002 mm. This version is signed and numbered by Alice Cooper.
New T77 turntable In the same collection, but produced in twice the number of units (50), the T77 turntable becomes a new reference in its own right. Inspired by the T700, it too takes on black and red colors (notably the palet), and sees the appearance of the hard-rock singer’s head and a specific plate on the front panel. Made in Germany, this turntable incorporates a phono preamp designed exclusively to read MC cells. It uses electronic speed control and a metal arm with carbon-fiber tube. The cell included is an Ortofon Quintet Black S, and once again, the product is signed and numbered by Alice Cooper.
In both cases, a meeting is planned for buyers with the hard-rocker, but they will have to fork out 8 950 € for the T77 beforehand (compared with 3 750 € for a T700), and no less than 27 950 € for the B77 MkIII in this limited edition, compared with 15 950 € for the classic version.
Already in its 3rd generation, and almost 4th if we include the minor modifications of the S2e version, the Px7 from Bowers & Wilkins has undergone a major evolution.
Joined several years ago by the Px8, the Px7 has been extensively redesigned in relation to the S2 and S2e, taking into account user feedback. This begins with a visual request, which makes the S3 much more graceful thanks to much shallower earcups, for a total dimension that drops from 189 mm to 177 mm (i.e. 1.2 cm smaller).
The Px7 S3 is made of fabric, to avoid leather for a younger generation often averse to animal skin on products. The earcups have also been redesigned, and the microphones have been repositioned – eight in all, compared with six previously – to make them more audible to callers.
The full-range drivers are still made of carbon, but their contours have also been redesigned to better fix the membrane internally, and thus limit the vibrations induced on the sound. The magnet has also been modified for greater dynamics, while ANC and Bluetooth Lossless benefit from the latest-generation chips.
Launched in three finishes, the Px7 S3 shares with the S2e the classic Anthracite Black, but darkens the blue for a beautiful Indigo Blue version, to which is added a classy Canvas White. The European price rises to 429 €, compared with 299 € for the S2e and 499 € for the Px8.
