Valco VMK25: New ANC headphones from the Finns presented

Manufacturer Valco from Finland stands out from the crowd in a refreshing way with its appearance and headphones. Thanks to a good dose of humor, the comparatively inexpensive Valco VMK20 over-war headphones were one of the few products where we even talked about the instructions in detail in the review. Now one sends with the Valco VMK25 the successor into the race. According to their own statement “the best (and most expensive) headphones” they have ever made. In the meantime, those who want to learn even more about the VMK25 can also read our Valco VMK25 review.

The Valco VMK25 in detail

“The VMK25 headphones will be delivered by Chinese New Year (end of January 2023). If you want good headphones right away, you should order the VMK20,” it says on Valco’s homepage about the new over-ear top model Valco VMK25.

That the headphones, in addition to the refreshing presentation, but also sonically have something up their sleeve, we could already attest to the VMK20 in the test at the end of 2021. Now, the quasi-successor awaits you with a few improvements.

For example, the drivers have been enlarged and now have a diameter of 45 mm and a frequency response of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz with an impedance of 35 ohms. With a weight of around 300 grams, the VMK25 has gained some weight and has a 1,050 mAh battery.

Although it has the same capacity as the VMK20, it is now supposed to last up to 50 hours with the ANC function activated – around five hours more than in the predecessor. At the same time, the active noise cancellation now works adaptively and adjusts to the ambient volume accordingly.

Transparency mode, which the predecessor now lacked, is now present in the new Valco VMK25. It amplifies ambient noise to allow clear understanding even with headphones on.

Valco advertises the feature in its usual self-deprecating way: “There’s also now a listen-through function, which we think is stupid, but customers want. […] It’s a handy feature that lets you hear announcements and eavesdrop on the people next to you when they think you’re listening to Sepultura at full volume.”

Strong Sound, Improved Comfort

In addition to the new drivers, the Valco VMK25 keeps much the same sound-wise – at least on paper. For example, the over-ear headphones rely on a Qualcomm QCC3034 chip with its own DSP and a class AB amplifier.

The wireless headphones use the Bluetooth 5.0 standard and support SBC and AAC as well as the high-resolution aptX HD codec. The microphone for making calls has CVC8 noise reduction for clear intelligibility, and operation using Siri and Google Assistant is also possible.

The design of the VMK25 has been revised. It now appears more modern and much simpler and has fallen victim to a similar modernization course as the Sennheiser Momentum Wireless 4 (our review).

But in exchange, the new design is said to offer better wind protection and be more suitable for all types of sports. In addition, the side panels made of magnetic fabric are now supposed to be replaceable to make them easier to clean. The Finns also want to have worked on the robustness: The headband is said to have become even more stable and of higher quality. In addition, the earphones now offer an even softer soft-touch surface.

For particularly large and small head shapes, the VMK25 should now offer better wearing comfort, since the adjustment of the headband is now possible in an even larger range.

If you want to learn more about this, you should check out the video by chief developer Jasse “Jazmanaut” Kesti. Also, the product description on Valco’s homepage is definitely worth a look.

Price and Availability

The new Valco VMK25 ANC headphones are now available for pre-order directly from the manufacturer. Early birds are currently paying just 179.00 euros for the over-ear headphones, while the MSRP is actually 199.00 euros. Delivery is scheduled to take place by the end of January 2023.

Thus, the new model is available for only 10 euros more than, for example, is called for the VMK20 at Amazon. Whether the VMK25 will ultimately keep the promises made by the people from the far north, however, must first be tested.

And if not, you can still criticize according to the manufacturer: “The really big difference between us and our competitors is that you can write an email to our CEO if you have problems with your Bluetooth headphones and tell him to go f*ck himself.”