Valco VMK25.2 Review: How good are the new ANC headphones from Finland?

Valco is launching an audio offensive from Finland: After the manufacturer recently delivered its first on-ear headphones with the VMK15, a new edition of the over-ear top model from 2023 is now following – namely the VMK25 (our test). The new model goes by the simple name of Valco VMK25.2 and is said to deliver significantly better technology and a richer sound at the same price as the first edition. Our test reveals more.

Technical data

Valco VMK25.2 Review: Simple and modern industrial design

Visually, not much has changed in the new Valco VMK25.2 compared to its predecessor. At least at first glance. The new headphones also rely on the simple and elegant industrial design that has always characterized the Finns’ products.

The Valco VMK25.2 impresses at first glance with its sophisticated and unobtrusive look. As circumaural over-ear headphones with a closed design, the model weighs exactly 300 grams, which creates an ideal balance between stability and lightness – neither too heavy to wear for hours on end nor too light to appear wobbly. The housing in the elegant black version has a matt, scratch-resistant finish that minimizes fingerprints and conveys a premium, modern look.

The workmanship is evident in the robust construction with dynamic 45 mm drivers (impedance 32 ohms), which are firmly embedded in a high-quality plastic chassis. These are complemented by breathable synthetic leather ear pads, which ensure a firm but not constricting fit and reduce perspiration during intensive use. However, the pads are a little too hard for my taste. They don’t pinch, but I find softer and thicker pads more comfortable – but that’s certainly a matter of taste.

The headband is adjusted via a sliding, metal-reinforced rod with fine step adjustment, which fits different head sizes precisely and retains its shape over the long term without squeaking or giving way. However, there is one new feature: the 25.2 features removable interchangeable covers (known as skins), which can be used to personalize the look.

These covers attach magnetically to the ear cups and can be easily replaced. Alternative skins cost 29.90 euros in the manufacturer’s store and are available in various colors such as red, light blue, pink or in a camouflage design.

Modern and improved features

The features of the Valco VMK25.2 are comprehensive and modern, designed to meet the needs of demanding users in gaming, music and home office. At its core is Bluetooth 5.4 with the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon S3 chipset, which guarantees a stable range of up to 12 meters, even through walls, and seamlessly supports multipoint connections to two devices (e.g. PC and smartphone).

The new chip also combines better sound quality, provides a more stable Bluetooth connection and is significantly more energy efficient, which Valco translates into longer battery life.

Of course, active noise cancellation (ANC) and a corresponding counterpart in the form of a transparency mode are once again on board. In addition to SBC and AAC, the high-resolution aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless codec is also used for the Bluetooth codecs, which should please audiophile users in particular. On the other hand, those who prefer to enjoy music via cable will be pleased with the presence of a 3.5 mm jack connection, which enables analog, latency-free use (e.g. with consoles or hi-fi systems), as well as USB-C for charging and wired audio.

The scope of delivery is generous: In addition to the 3.5 mm aux cable (approx. 1.2 m long, coiled) and USB-C charging cable (1 m), there is a shock-resistant hard case with zipper, which fully protects the headphones and makes them foldable to save space, as well as replaceable ear pads as an accessory option.

Operation of the Valco VMK25.2

Operation of the Valco VMK25.2 is intuitive and takes place via tactile buttons on both sides of the ear cups. Volume buttons and a multifunction button for play, pause and on/off on the left, a dedicated ANC button on the right. Simple, reliable and convincing. The inputs are implemented with tactile feedback vibrations (soft humming), which minimizes operating errors.

Unfortunately, Valco still does not provide a dedicated app. So there is still no way to adjust the sound using an equalizer or make other settings on the headphones. However, according to the manufacturer, this is currently under development and will be available soon.

Improved battery life

In terms of battery life, the Valco VMK25.2 have improved noticeably compared to their predecessor. The runtime exceeds many competitor models thanks to the efficient power management of the Qualcomm chip. With ANC activated, the integrated lithium-ion battery lasts an impressive 55 hours at a moderate volume (50-70%), outperforming even some top models from the competition.

Without ANC, this extends to over 70 hours, and even 95 hours with pure telephony thanks to CVC8 optimization, which keeps microphone usage to a minimum. The charging time is around two hours via USB-C with Quick Charge support for 10 minutes of charging for 5 hours of playtime – perfect for spontaneous boosts.

Audio quality, ANC and microphone

The audio quality of the Valco VMK25.2 unfolds through 45 mm dynamic drivers (20-20,000 Hz, SPL 105 dB) in a balanced profile, which have been further improved compared to the drivers of the predecessor. The frequency response from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz promises rich bass and airy highs, while the sound tuning is once again kept quite neutral.

The neutral mix with a slight focus on bass and treble suits the VMK25.2 extremely well. The bass is powerful yet controlled, while the treble doesn’t sound shrill and tiring even at maximum volume, which promises a high level of comfort for hours on end.

Pleasing: the strong coloration of the upper mid-range, which caused criticism and a somewhat unattractive “Kermit” effect with nasal-sounding voices on the VMK25, has been compensated for very well on the new edition. Vocals in particular sound fuller and rounder, which has a positive effect on the overall sound quality.

However, it’s still not enough for a place at the top in terms of sound quality. On the other hand, the mids lack a little brilliance and richness of detail. Although these are presented quite clearly, they cannot develop as freely as the powerful bass.

The result: a sound stage that is somewhat reminiscent of a rock concert in a small bar. Powerful, dynamic, but somewhat narrow. In terms of sound, the Valco VMK25.2 are therefore at a good level, while the mix will certainly appeal to some. However, the competition in this price range is sometimes noticeably more airy.

I really like the open sound image, which sounds like much more than the frequency range would suggest. Especially if you use the high-resolution codecs or use the headphones in analog cable mode.

ANC, transparency mode and microphones

The Valco VMK25.2 also up the ante when it comes to active noise canceling. Low, sonorous noises are almost completely blocked out, while the ANC significantly dampens even medium and high frequencies – such as voices, fans and the like. Although the performance on offer does not quite match that of the best ANC headphones, there is no doubt that you get good isolation from external noise. Fortunately, the ANC of the VMK25.2 works completely without background noise and has no significant impact on the sound of the playback.

The situation is somewhat different with the transparency mode, which is intended to amplify sounds and voices in particular, for example to enable conversations with headphones on. Although this also manages without background noise, the coloration of the sounds and voices displayed does not really have much in common with reality. However, voice intelligibility is good, so the mode certainly serves its purpose.

Valco VMK25.2 microphone test recording:

Valco VMK 25 microphone test recording:

Sony WH-1000XM6 microphone test recording:

The quality of the built-in microphones is quite good, effectively blocking out ambient noise thanks to CVC8 technology. Voices are reproduced clearly, which enables convincing intelligibility even in louder environments. Compared to the first model, sharp S-sounds are reproduced much less shrilly, but the voices could sound even more dynamic and detailed. For phone calls, however, the sound is absolutely fine.

Valco VMK25.2 Review: Conclusion

With the Valco VMK25.2, the Finns deliver an all-round convincing new edition, which particularly improves where the first model weakened (or fell off somewhat due to its age). The sound has been noticeably improved, the battery life has increased slightly and the active noise suppression works even more effectively. So you get an all-round successful pair of ANC headphones in the price segment up to 200 euros.

However, the headphones are far from perfect. From a sound perspective in particular, the slightly reduced mids make the sound less wide and dynamic – although the highs are much stronger than the frequency band would suggest.

The VMK25.2 can’t keep up with the best competitors when it comes to ANC, especially the transparency mode. A Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e, which is now in the same price range, offers that little bit more in all respects. However, it is clearly behind the Valco in terms of battery life.

In short, anyone looking for good ANC headphones up to a maximum of 200 euros will certainly be satisfied with the Valco VMK25.2. The overall package is pleasantly well-rounded and absolutely coherent.

PRO

• Coherent, simple design
• Interchangeable skins
• Good, powerful sound
• aptX codecs
• 3.5 mm Jack connection
• Good ANC
• Impressive battery life

CONTRA

• Mids somewhat reduced
• Transparency mode only average
• Somewhat hard pads

Valco VMK25.2

Workmanship

Wearing comfort

Sound quality

Noise Cancelling

Features

Value For Money

88/100

Simple design, good sound, coherent overall package: The Valco VMK25.2 are convincing ANC headphones in the price range up to 200 euros.