It was the time of the year again where audiophiles, headfi-ers and AV nutheads locally and neighbouring countries would be in JW Marriot hotel to attend the Kuala Lumpur International AV Show, organised by 3DotEvent. Its a 3 days (3rd to 5th July) event but yours truly can only attend on the second day due to the fasting month.
I arrived at 955 am and the first person I met was the head honcho himself Mr. Dick Tan, looking sharp in a suit. After collecting my Press badge (Yes, after 2.5 years of reviewing, I was finally recognised as a member of the press hahaha... thanks Mr. Dick Tan) and the free Commemorative CD, I went down to the GF to kick start my visit cum exploration.
My personal objective:
- To demo the Audeze EL8 open and closed back headphones
- To demo Oppo PM3 headphone
- To experience Dolby ATMOS
- To demo Devialet
- To find bargain LPs and Bluray discs
The entrance was its usual display of Lucky Draw prizes which I had never won before :)
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Asia Sound
Asia Sound had both active and static display of various Rega products and to my surprise, a pair of Zu Audio Omen speakers.
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Wo Kee Hong: Marantz and Klipsh
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Desa Home Theatre
DHT continue to provide special prices for various hifi and AV equipment including ATMOS enabled AVRs.
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OPPO
OPPO had set up their demo point around the beginning of the whole AV show area with HA-1 and HA-2 headphone amplifiers and PM-1 and PM-3 headphones on active display. I managed to demo the PM-3 and PM-1 using the HA-2 and HA-1 amps with the music source coming from my faithful Blackberry Passport.
Each unit has its own unique offering with the PM-1 is more suited for home use and PM-3 for on-the-go music.
I was also greeted by their marketing, who flew from China for this event. Ms. Tina was very articulate with all the Oppo products and would be interested to know how Malaysia is responding to Oppo products. There was a request from Ms. Tina to inform guests of their latest products. Please click here.
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CMY
CMY had a small room at this level, mainly for lock stock and barrels on sale especially on QED cables.
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Creek and EPOS
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Devialet & Franco Serblin ~ Accordo
I was quite entertained with Devialet. The last time I heard of them was in Paris in 2013 but was not all that impressed when it was paired with Focal. With these Accordo, it sounded quite immersive. And its look is just to die for with the toggle remote.
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Audionote
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Perfect HiFi with Linn System
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Maxx Audio with 5.2.4 Dolby ATMOS set up using SVS Prime speakers
Max went for simplicity this year but have put in a very effective speaker placement for ATMOS experience in a small room. With custom made speaker stand as tall as the hotel room wall, the whole demo was a very immersive experience.
NOTE: SVS Prime Satellite 5.1 set is going for RM4299 for this month ONLY.
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HECO and BMC
Had a wonderful chat with David Kestez on this HECO speakers and BMC media streamer (both audio and video) Quite an impressive set up these pair have. For its price, the HECO can deliver very clean and detail sound while maintaining a certain extensive low ends.
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HiFi Creations
Our home grown speaker designer maestro Victor Pheh went all out to show the prowess of his new Addacio Supremo speaker design. I had the privilege to listen to these speakers during its design stage. Its a 4 piece speaker unit that will definitely send a chill down your spine when it gives you the bass attack. Very dynamic and big sound.
Victor had two room side by side with both having KRONOS Turntable as a source and four units each room of Frank Voon Power Banks.
Phono Stage
Skogrand Galore
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VARIOUS
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Clarity MP
A simple system but with very melodious delivery of music. Fluid and detail at low volume. A good pairing of Mark Levinson and Ravel
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Another CMY
Dynaudio and KARAN amps
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Spatial and Crayon
I was very surprised with the SQ of this speaker. Unique design with big sound even with such a small/lack of cabinet.
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Another CMY
Mission+Audiolab, ProAc with Primare and various tweaks.
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XTZ
An alternative to ceiling speakers for ATMOS would be these XTZ upfiring speakers.
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SoulNote from Japan
Bluetooth equipped integrated amp
I was also very impressed with this affordable set up from Japan, brought to you by Audio Art in Ipoh. I was at a state of shock when David mentioned that it was just a 10 watter amp!
I must pay them a visit again in Ipoh when I go back there during Hari Raya break.
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Centre Circle
Various HUGO and Pathos stuff
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Questyle
A new product from China.
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CMY Flagship Room - Naim Statement
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Headphones Galore
I was also very impressed with Sony IEM. Veeerryy good noise isolation with high level of comfort in your ears. Even the conversation of the gents in front of me, I could not hear at all.
Sony is also giving 10% discount on their product during this event.
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FOCAL
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AV Designs
Full fledge ATMOS with Bryston speakers and PMC Fact 12 for stereo with Bryston amplification and digital source. Impressive set up.
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Lampizator DAC with iTunes
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Leben with AudioNote
Isaac mentioned they will be setting up shop in KL soon. So, Leben fans can now demo or get their hands on these luscious unit locally.
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Star Pickers Headphones Galore
I am soooo tempted to get the EL8 either open or closed back especially at the price of RM2750. I have always wanted to have a pair but their previous models of LCD were just physically too heavy for my head.
There were also the usual LPs and BluRay galore but I am proud to say that I managed to control my lust towards the extensive options of music and movies there.
So, recap on objectives:
ACHIEVED ALL YEAY! WITH a slight sway on cables. I also purchased a Supra USB 2.0 cable to replace my starting-to-give-trouble-el-cheapo-cable.
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