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...
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...
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. 67 FR)- the Japanese brand is now commemorating the 55th anniversary...
As you know, the major international hi-fi exhibition, the High End Show, is moving from Munich to Vienna in 2026. With this change, we observed a new dynamic this year, where the loss of familiar landmarks meant many exhibitors had to rethink their approach....
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!
Renewed in 2023 to become S3, the Bowers & Wilkins 700 Series now comprises eight models, to which three Signature versions were added in 2024. Of these eight models, no fewer than three are compact speakers, the largest of which, the Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3, stands out with its carbon dome tweeter decoupled from the cabinet. Priced at €2,990 per pair, this 800 Series seed already offers everything that characterizes the Bowers & Wilkins signature, with a racy and highly detailed sound that never overflows, even at the extremes, where this bookshelf speaker is happy to go without fear, even at very high volumes.
After developing isodynamic panel technologies inspired by Magnepan, first with the DP77 and DP107, then with another design for the DP140 and DP160, where the tweeter protruded from the central panel and was embedded in the wooden side structure, the two Montalbanais...
