What Hi Fi Sound and Vision 17 MAY 2006

Custom Design Signature 402

£ 150 3

* * *

Choice of looks, but the Signature 402s are too much of a mixed bag to suit the average listener

For
Decent bass depth, wide soundstage
Against
Poor construction, sharp vocals, lack of detail in low frequencies

If you take interior décor seriously, note the number of materials and finishes available for the Signature 402s.

Despite this, they feel meanly constructed, and their sound can't make good on the promises their looks suggest. The midrange - especially vocals - can be sharp, and the low frequencies are prone to thickening. That bass extends well, though, and the 402s serve up a wide, well-drawn soundstage.

There's no shortage of attack or dynamism, either, but these are too idiosyncratic for a wholehearted recommendation.