Tuesday 11 August 2015

The Bollocks 'My Friend' EP - Reissue

Even though my music taste evolved over time, it is when I started listening my youth music that made me realise which genre that really close to my heart. Definition of a good music to me is the one that move your soul and bring emotion into picture, regardless on what medium it comes from.
Today, I re-lived my youth when I received this newly reissued EP by The Bollocks. It brought back memories of pogo dance, mosh pit and stage dives during my gig-going era. Spinning this EP on my Lenco brought up quite an emotional experience through the songs Chaos KP, Obat, Police Federation, My Friend, Neo Arqam and The Bitch.

Thanks to Shammir of Basement Records, this EP came in a well packed packaging. Fully protected from the wrath of the local poslaju on a bad hair day. The EP and the sleeve were quite impressive in quality. The pressing was also spot on except that the recording source was still in its very raw demo like quality which was still ok.

Now... if only I can get my hands on Splatters, Carburettor Dung and many more...

Sunday 9 August 2015

The Black Disc Tradition Continues: Langsuir's The Eastern Cruelty LP

Thee local underground scene is full of surprises. After a series of albums from various bands were released on LP format, the tradition continues and now is Langsuir's turn. Out soon.

Thursday 6 August 2015

Turntable Essentials - Stylus Tracking Gauge





I lost my previous stylus tracking gauge when I moved my TT from my man cave upstairs to the living room downstairs. After being prompted to check, I saw the ad on FB by Moses Ceight/Actsessory on this digital gauge.

Order it last Sunday and I received the item on Wednesday. Nicely packed and prompt delivery. Thanks Moses.

 Immediately checked both of my Clearaudio Concept TT and Lenco GL78.  Shoot... My Concept is slight above the recommended weight by Clearaudio while my Lenco is within the range. Maybe this is one of the reason I am enjoying the Lenco more. Have to adjust the Clearaudio tonearm this weekend.

Highly recommended to have one of these gauges to optimize your TT set up.









Saturday 1 August 2015

Interconnect Overload: DIY Wonders Part 2


Now that I have established how these 4 interconnects perform for analogue source, I then connected these interconnects to my reference DAC Musical Fidelity M6 DAC to see how they perform for digital source.

THE TRACKS

For consistency purpose, I played the same track I used to review these ICs in Part 1
  1. Era Gia Tutto Previsto (Andrea Bocelli)
  2. Whiskey In The Jar (Metallica)
THE SESSION

Gotham GAC-2 AES ultra pro



While this IC still have the tendency to be heavier on the bass, it sounded smoother than when it was played from a TT. The piano intro sounded more refined and Andrea's vocal was sound more luscious and unrestrained. Bass was more controlled and extensive. At times, it still sounded a bit muddled due to low end spectrum of the track, but it was not as bloated as it was connected to the TT.

The finding was quite similar to the above where Lar's bass pedal sounded very authoritative and leading the track but in a more refined and smooth way. However, James's vocal emerged to be more balanced and blend into the track. Definitely a more enjoyable presentation for a metal track. Kirk's solo was more revealing in a sense that it sounded more involving.

The 'restrain' I experienced when this IC is connected to the TT was slightly changed where the sound stage sounded bigger with minimal loss in detail and refinement.

Gotham GAC-2 AES-EBU


Changing the IC to this model, it sounded even more refined and warm. A very luscious and sweet vocals from Andrea and the music sounded very fluid. It just flow with emotion and energy. It definitely lifted the track to a very enveloping sound.No harshness can be heard when using this IC..

With Metallica, the high spectrum of the music became more apparent. Lars's control on the opening of the hi-hat was very convincing. The guitar also sounded melodious and well blended into the music on the whole. A very balanced, open and refined presentation.



Similar to the TT session, this IC model seems to be the one that delivers the best performance. Every element, musical instrument of this track seems to be well presented with such refinement and detail. Andrea's vocal was very energetic but yet still had a stint of emotion and good vibrations. The sound stage also sounded elevated and more natural.

With metal music, it was a bit more laid back but still had that zest of Adrenalin behind the forceful guitar riffs and drums. James's vocal sounded more involving and blended well with the bassline and drums. No harshness detected. Overall, a very clean and crisp sound.

Micron Acoustic


The Micron Acoustic somehow could only deliver a basic presentation of Andrea's rendition of this track. Not very involving and sounded a bit flat. I didn't experience the different layers of musical instrument It was still an honest presentation where it does not really emphasize any specific spectrum of the music frequency range. Sound staging was more towards airiness and less controlled.

For Whiskey In The Jar, it sounded a bit clinical and safe. Not much energy can be heard with which makes the metal influence sounded a little bit raw and 'undercooked' if I may use culinary terms. Overall, it reveals a very digital based character which may also be what the design suppose to do.

THE CONCLUSIONS

I can't help but to feel that these interconnects sounded better when used with digital source rather than an analogue source. Nevertheless, all of them have their own character that may be able to provide solution to your system depending on what character you are looking for. And the best part of it, it does not cost an arm and a leg.


If anyone is interested to try out these ICs, kindly contact Mizal via Whatsapp on 012-2746548

O' Lagenda Cafe: HiFi Coffee Anyone?



30th July marked a significant day for one Mr. Thomas Lim. It was a Grand Opening for O' Lagenda  cafe in Bandar Sri Permaisuri. With music and hifi as the theme, this might be the first of its kind in Malaysia. I know that in Vietnam, they have a hifi cafe as well with horn speakers as the attraction. But O' Lagenda coffee looks like a very hifi and coffee friendly hang out place.

Yours truly however was feeling under the weather on that day, hence could not attend the event. Thanks to the illustrious Mr. Cheah Mun Kit, Iget to share these pictures and also a short summary of the event.

I need to pay this place a visit. The full address:

No. 15, Jalan Sri Permaisuri 9, Bandar Sri Permaisuri, 56000 Kuala Lumpur.

Photos and info courtesy Mr. Cheah Mun Kit.

Lenco 78SE was on display. It sits on a specially made aluminium cast plinth...weighs over 200 kg.


Trans Fi Audio turntable and arm


Kuzma Stabi S with Kuzma Stogi S Armand Viv 13" arm




Microseiki Turntable with Davincci Audio GranddReference Tonearm  Grandezzznd 16" Terminator (1st in Asia)


Garrard 301 with Thomas Schick full carbon black tone arm (first in the world)


Kuzma XL4 turntable with:
(1) Kuzma Airline arm
() FR 64 arm
((3 Thomas Schick 12" arm











The part I regret most not attending was a talk by Mr. David Wong from Hong Kong of lencoheaven.net fame.



Mr. Tobian (on the right) giving a presentation about the Tobian Speakers from Switzerland retailing at 128K swiss franc!