Euphorix Speaker Cables - Touch of Muhsin

 

                                                                King Cobra Hex

Betweeen all the cables associated with hifi, I find that speaker cable is the one that can really make a different on my system. Second would be interconnects, third is digital cable and last is the power cable. In the past few months, I was given the opportunity by a fellow hifi enthusiast, Mr. Muhsin to test out 4 different speaker cables, designed and tweaked by himself based on Japanese Vintage cable stock. It took me some time to listen through these 4 cables to really understand and experience the different musical presentation by each design.

The 4 cables that were provided are:

1. Euphorix Cobra (Twin)
2. Euphorix King Cobra (Hex)
3. Euphorix Tube Master (Solo)
4. Euphorix Cobra (based model)

The Background

Euphorix cables are based on Litz cable design which is particular type of multistrand wire used in electronics to carry AC at radio frequencies. The design can reduce the skin effect and effect losses in conductors used at frequencies up to 1 MHz. However, there are cables out there that claims to have a Litz design but actually is more of a 'Litz woven' rather than a true Litz cable. A true Litz design by definition has only enamel insulating the cable strands. No plastic or other material are used for insulation; they are just like transformer wire (magnet wire). For an example, the popular Kimber 8TC/12TC uses Litz weave but each cable strands are insulated by plastic/PTFE sheath. Euphorix cables use 100% cotton or air/PTFE tube for internal damping to reduce dielectric effect.

The individual cable strands in Euphorix cables are made of extremely thin high purity copper. They are designed so that the strands continuously criss-cross at 90 degree angle to achieve low inductance. The cables strands are wound into a round shape to ensure that the cable strands are symmetrical. The electrical flow is similar to a solenoid that conducts both clock-wise and anti-clockwise directions.

A comparison of high-end speaker cables done by Nelson Pass shows that these cables, in their NOS state, has an ideal flat impedance curve. 

                                                    Tube Master

                                                              Cobra

                                                       Cobra Twin

The Session

I only picked 3 tracks to test these 4 cables. The review here is mainly evolves around the one that I feel gave the biggest change to my set up. I do find that all 4 cables have  similar character but at different level of finesse. The main character across all 4 cables are liveliness, huge staging and coherent across different spectrum.

1. Take Five - Kenichi Tsunoda Big Band
2. Enter Sandman - Metallica
3. Easy On Me - Adele

Take Five

The first track that I played was the upbeat Take Five version by Kenichi. With the Euphorix, the overall presentation opens up more which provided more excitement to listen to this upbeat track. It somehow injects a certain liveliness to the experience and can really get you engaged. The level of engagement however differs frm one cable to another. The most extended level of engagement is the King Ciobra Hex to me. This is followed by Cobra Twin, Cobra and Tube Master.

The bass on this track usually sounds mellower compared to the original version by Dave Brubeck. With the Euphorix, the bass was more evident and sounded more hard hitting. The overall sound stage also expanded vertically and horizontally. I experienced quite a mesmerizing listening atmosphere that was really engaging and enveloping across my living room.

The ride cymbal sounded really crisp and the sound of the ringing when the tip of the drumstick hits the ride was just at the right level. Usually this can sound a bit drowned in compared to other instrument. The saxapohone was another part I really enjoyed how the Euphorix reproduced the sound. Melodic, airy without any ear-pinching levels.

Enter Sandman

How about on some heavier music? This is where I find the Euphorix can be aggressive as well. 

The drum intro really showed me what the Euphorix can do.  The thumping of the toms, kick pedal and the sharp and solid sound of the snare were spot on, just the way I like to hear them. 

The sound of the shredding guitars of Kirk sounded a little bit harsh for me as it started too sound a little bit bright. This made the whole presentation of the music sounded a little bit meshed up. Can be a little bit chaotic if you know what I mean.

Vocal was another highlight for me. James vocal sounded really energetic and authoritative. Suits the song really good. The Euphorix managed to surface the vocal to sound like the artist is really in front of you.

Easy On Me

The last track, I put on Easy On Me just to recheck ona few things mainly on the impact of Euphorix on vocal reproduction and also brightness. This track proves a few things. The Euphorix again surfaced the strength in the artist vocal. Adele vocal sounded energetic just like in the track above. Even when she was pushing for a certain high pitch section, it still sounded sweet with minimal harshness. I guess the harshness above most probably is an instrument related harshness rather than vocals.

The piano also sounded really melodic with a pinch of really good low end frequency sound. It really blended well the vocal that brought out a full engaging and enveloping experience on my system.

How Much Will It Cost Me?

Euphorix cables pricing

1. Minimum length 1 m
2. Can be ordered and priced in increments of 0.1 m
3. For international customes, please add 10% for financial charges
4. Muhsin accepts direct bank-in for local customers and direct bank ransfer, Paypal and Payoneer frm Internatiocal customers

...then add your choice of termination

1. Connectors are charges at actual cost. Prices may change depending upon exchange rates, delaer price and shipping
2. As the cables are custom made to your requirements, buyer may request other preferred brand or type of terminations. The cost will be bourne by buyer.

The Conclusion

There is something special with the Litz cable design. Euphorix approach with this can really opens up hifi sytems to make more things audible. It somehow manage to project the music presentation with livelier sound stage and quite balanced across different sound spectrum. Yes, occassionally I do experience some brightness that was a bit high but overall, I do feel Euphorix is generally neutral in sound and does not amplify one frequency over another.

The level of openess, staging and coherence however get less obvious when I move from one cbale to another. Below is how I can summarize the level of impact of the 4 cables to my system:

1. King Cobra Hex - best overall sound.

2. Cobra Twin - similar character but with less impact on my system

3. Tube Master - somehow does not really fit in my SS amp. It still retains the similar character like the Hex but sound a little bit restrained.

4. Cobra - Not much impact on my system but I do still hear that neutral sound effect.

If you are interested to know more or put an order, you can contact Muhsin via email euphorix.cables@gmail.com 

The Discrete DAC by MSB Technology - Implementation Done Right

For as far as I can recall, the digital domain in HiFi seems like a continuously fluid search for an end-state. If it’s not the digital format, it’s the streaming format. On top of that is the reproduction of the music via coding and decoding.  I have always had a central DAC unit for my various digital sources but in the past few years, I’ve  settled on an all-in-one solution with the HiFi ROSE RS150, McIntosh MCD350 and SONY HAP Z1ES. Maybe because I have too many boxes on the rack :). I have been content with this new way of listening..... until....

Having the The Discrete DAC by MSB Technology for about a month reminded me on how having a separate DAC can make a whole lot of difference. 

Introduction

The unit is built around MSB Technology Prime DAC modules which provide flexibility towards future formats and upgrades. This module is unique to MSB as they are custom, in-house made modules that can take on various formats in a fully balanced design. It goes up to 6 MHz for PCM and 50 MHz for DSD.

Quoted from their website, the key highlights of the Prime DAC modules are:

● Fully Balanced design down to the conversion point.

●   No buffers, IV converter, or transistors in the signal path. No active devices after conversion at all.

●   Dynamically configurable between a discrete native DSD, or discrete native PCM DAC. The DAC has two modes:a multibit PCM mode and a massive parallel single-bit discrete DSD mode.

● Based off a discrete ladder DAC design far beyond the performance of a basic R2R architecture.

●Each DAC module is individually shielded and thermally bonded for stringent temperature control.

●Multiple DACs per channel for increased performance and lower output impedance.

●    Each DAC module is individually tested and then hand-matched with our rigorous automated measurement system.

The Built and Specifications

The Discrete DAC is sturdy, and beautifully designed. Don't be fooled by its slim chassis. It weighs about 8 kg excluding the power supply. The power supply is another 3.7 kg. Oh yes, it is a 2-box set up. 

The front fascia includes a screen with bright white LED to display information of the source (viewable from far and from an angle), a volume dial and 3 buttons for input selections and menu. Customers have a choice of a silver or black anodised finishing of the chassis.

On the back, the unit comes with a plethora of inputs. The model that was loaned to me was an upgraded unit that comes with a USB to fibre converter and input. The basic Discrete DAC unit however already comes with:

Inputs

• 1 x RCA coaxial
• 1 XLR
• 1 x World Sync
• 2 x Toslink
• 2 x Advanced Isolated input module slots (for this loan unit, the Pro USB module was installed and a Pro ISL brick was also provided)

A little bit on the Pro USB unit. It acts as a converter from a USB cable to fibre optic. The advantage of this approach:

● Complete electrical isolation

● Up to 31 bit - 768 kHz

● MQA decoding

● Up to 8X DS

● Up to 1km lossles transmission

Output

1. 1 x balanced XLR (sorry no RCA single ended as this unit is fully balanced)

I will not dwell too much on this as more information can be obtained here.

The Set Up

I focused mainly on streaming with different sources - The HiFi ROSE RS150 and the Roon Nucleus. Both units were connected to The Discrete DAC using AA Audio USB cables.

All MQA decoding is done by The Discrete DAC as I disabled on both streaming sources.

The rest of the set up includes the McIntosh MA9000 integrated amp, PMC Twenty5.26i speakers, Ansuz power switch and speaker cables.

The Music

1. The Sound of Silence - QOBUZ
2. Always Remember Us This Way - TIDAL MQA
3. Take Five by Kenichi Tsunoda Big Band  - TIDAL MQA
4. Japanese Roots by Takadake - TIDAL 44.1 KHz
5. Dosa by Slumber Sonic - TIDAL 44.1 KHz

 The Session

For this review, it will be based on using Roon Nucleus as the source. I did find that the source itself also plays a big role on how the MSB performs. Using the Roon Nucleus as the source provided a livelier and overall wholesome experience.

I started off with The Sound of Silence, a track that pushes the limit on the listener's engagement as this track is a simple track with very little instruments. The vocal sounded really deep but at the same time fills up my living room and envelops my overall listening experience. With The Discrete DAC, the little details of the guitar still shines as each note came out with much clarity. Simple song it is but the Discrete DAC still managed to deliver a very engaging performance.

The Sound of Silence

Remember Us This Way

The second track is by Lady Gaga - Always Remember Us This Way on TIDAL MQA with The DIscrete DAC doing the unfolding. This track was recorded with a 'live' atmosphere, and is a highly charged emotional experience. A good system needs to be able to convey this intimacy. The Discrete DAC managed to retain the live experience while still showcasing Lady Gaga's powerful and unique vocals. Again, a high level of clarity is one of the key strengths here. The different tones to the vocals were clear and at the same time the drums, piano and guitar were not drowned by her vocals.

Take Five by Kenichi Tsunoda Big Band

The 3rd track is the uptempo version of Take Five by Kenichi Tsunoda Big Band. To me this track is more complex than the original version by Dave Brubeck with respect to the musical instruments used in this composition. The bass on this track is not as deep as Dave Brubeck so this listening session focused more on the highs and mids. With The Discrete DAC, the highs and mids from the instruments sounded sweet and luscious enough to draw the attention of the listeners. On a wrong set up, the mixture of saxaphone, ride cymbals, snare drum can be ear-pinching for some. Not with the Discrete though. It delivered this song with airy, luscious highs and mids. It’s no slouch in the bass department as well. With all that’s going on with the instruments, the bass drum and double were still evident enough to be heard and gave even more wholesome experience. But not quite there yet.

Japanese Roots

I still needed to experience a good bass reproduction. While Take Five by Dave Brubeck will usually do the trick for me, I opted for this track as I enjoy the highs and mids coming from The Discrete DAC. With all the wind instruments on this track, again it could have leaned towards bright and sharp but no. It retains its airiness, liveliness and sweet, luscious mids and highs. The bass was more revealing compared to Take Five. The Discrete DAC gave that extra punch to this track. Hard hitting, punchy and solid bass.

Dosa

Ok ok...so all my listening sessions revolve around well recorded tracks, hi-res or MQA streaming, in addition to jazz or ballads. Now this last track is Dosa by my own band Slumber Sonic. Recorded, mixed and mastered at home during the lockdown. This track is our 3rd single but the only one that was not mastered in the USA. So, how did The Discrete DAC treat this track? The overall listening experience was still leaning towards a huge soundstage, airy with high clarity. The highs and mids remains to sound luscious and sweet. Even the guitar solo sounded engaging for a drummer :). I could use with a little bit more slam on the bass, especially the intro where I played a lot of toms and bass drum. The snare drum sounded dispersed as intended and so does the sound of cymbals; crisp but tight.

The Conclusion

Investing into a dedicated DAC is no doubt will bring a different listening experience. However, I have a number of DACs that have gone through my system that I found to make my system sounded harsh. With The Discrete DAC, I did find a new level of excitement and listening experience in my own set up.  To me, this boils down to the proper topography and implementation of the whole circuitry in The Discrete DAC. Its not just about the Prime DAC but the whole design.

The idea of converting USB to fibre optic also somehow makes a different to me. In my main profession in oil and gas industry, I use a lot of fibre optics as well for a better downhole to surface communication and data transmission and somehow, similar to this converter, it 'improves' the data transmission from my Roon Nucleus and HiFiROSE RS150.

Whatever it is MSB Technology have done and put into this unit, the sound it produces is just musical and overall wholesome covering across different spectrum. Really love this highs and mids. The airiness is so refreshing and I just more engaged to music. On the lows, it might still be heavily dependent on the track and also the system.

For a demo or further enquiry, you can contact Statement Systems Sdn Bhd in PJ. Please call +60124733005 for demos and enquiries

 

Music of KLIAV Show 2022

The KLIAV show is not only about hifi, headfi and AV equipment. It is also an event where audiophiles seek their good quality recordings and music either on LP or CDs. I used to purchase MA Recordings CDs (Todd Garfinkle) and also from Thailand's recording studios especially their MQA CDs. But among all the available music to be purchased at the show, most show-goers are looking forward for for the KLIAV Commemorative CD itself. This year is of no exception. The 9th edition is already here and each entry ticket purchased will come with this CD.

2 Copies were sent to me by Joseph Ki himself which one of it is for El Hefe's HiFi Review contributor, Shaiful Anuar.

There are 16 tracks on this CD and as usual it includes different musical genres. It also includes the following:

• 1 special composition for KLIAVS by Darren Jenkins (Far Cry North)
• 2 tracks by COI Records which also released its own Ultimate Audiophile Test Disc below
• 2 tracks by Fiona for the album Call My Name, produced by ASI

Make sure you get your copies when you purchase your entry tickets to the show.

COI Records have also released their Ultimate Audiophile Reference Test Disc which will be made available at a special price of RM59.90 for the first 100 copies each day during the show. Quoted from its guidebook - "We hope to share this precious knowledge and experience with all music lovers and hifi enthusiasts. Hoping you all can save some time and money in the pursuit of Audio Nirvana"

This is a 2 CD test discs that covers the following:

1. Burn in tone
2. OSC Sine tone
3. Sweep tone
4. Pink and White Noise
5. Square Wave
6. Dips
7. Original songs
8. Polarity
9. Channel Balance
10. Soundstage
11. Room response
12. Dynamics and Compressed Audio
13. Timbre of individual instrument

Look for COI Records booth at the show.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ASI (Acoustic System International) also produced and released this album by Fiona entitled Call My Name and will be available at the show. Not only the songs on this album are soothing but it was also recorded and mastered to have maximised dynamics and each track offers different musicality and colour, according to ASI.

 Special thanks to Koo and Loon (COI Records), Joseph Ki and 3DotEvents, Steve Chua, John Yew (CMY) and Frank Tchang (ASI) for the CDs.

Yukimu Noise Absorber - Not Just an RCA Plug

Many would not even want to try accessories like this in their hifi system. May it be because its hard to believe what it can do or maybe even because of the price. The beauty about this hobby is that although there are certain scientific facts that supports why and how things work, there are still surprises that pops out when trying something new.

Received this sample Yukimu PNA-RCA01 noise absorber from Kenix Chua of Begin Acoustics during the Gelombang event. So, it has been in my system for a few months now. Mainly, plugged into my McIntosh MA9000 amplifier one of the unused RCA socket.

What Does It Do?

In short, it reduces high frequency noise from digital circuits, microcomputers or power supplies. 

In a more elaborated perspective, it should improve S/N ratio, bringing out whatever supressed sound from the system. Thus, giving listener an injection of improved liveliness, sweeter highs and extended lows.

Seriously? How does a piece of RCA shaped metal plug is doing this? The noise components of circa 3MHz or higher is stabilized by being absorbed by the metal case. It does not impact the audio signal.

Oppps.... OK... still not convinced right? Read on folks....

The Tracks

The only way to really review this type of accessory is to just play the same track with and without this unit and from different sources:

1. Easy On Me by Adele - CD on McIntosh MCD350

2. Easy On Me by Adele - TIDAL MQA on HiFi ROSE via Roon

3. Easy On Me by Adele - LP on Kronos Sparts

The Session

On CD, with the noise absorber (NA) plugged in, the piano intro sounded livelier as if it was a live performance. The airiness of her vocal also sounded a little bit more open than usual. However, at certain point, the highs form her vocal was a little bit on the harsh side. The subtle bass notes came out more compared to without the NA. I do believe the NA is doing its job but a bit puzzled with the harshness at certain points of the song. One thing for sure, it does inject some openness and freshness to this track.

On TIDAL MQA, the piano intro sounded more laid back, her vocal sounded  sweeter and there was no harshness detected throughout the song. It was more balanced across the spectrum. The bass also sounded more extended compared to without the NA. The liveliness of the track was elevated but still sounded quite natural without the feeling of it was a live concert. It was nearly perfect apart from frm the fact that it sounded more laid back.

On LP, this is where it sounded most natural with the NA plugged in. The piano intro was clear, her vocal was definitely full of energy with no harshness and the biggest improvement is the bass extension. A huge change compared to before. The subtle bass from kick pedal is now more evident and the overall airiness of the track leaped to another level. Something that I really I enjoy when I get the bass from my PMC speakers but at the same time the liveliness of the track can still be enjoyed.

The Summary

Does the Yukimu Noise Absorber works? In short, Yes it does. It does give a different experience listening to music on my set up. 

Does it improve the sound? Depends on the source itself. By putting the NA on the amp, all sources that feeds to the amp will be affected but each source above gives out different results. My CD does not seems to benefit from the NA but the streamer and turntable seems to to have a positive impact.

I actually verified this finding by plugging the NA directly to the CD player RCA out, streamer RCA out and turntable phono stafe RCA on MM input and true enough, a similar findings emerged. Somehow, my CD player is not benefitting from the NA but my streamer and turntable did.

Hence, to summarise, it really depends on the source and also your own set up.

If you would like to try it out, do contact Kenix Chua of Begin Acoustics.

 

Audio Maestro - The Home of Audio Group Denmark in Singapore

In the past few months, Malaysia based company Audio Perfectionist  have been instrumental in reviving the hifi scene in their own way. This includes organising 'open day' in their shop for enthusiasts to come and enjoy a cuppa while listening to great music. Kenny and Issac also went to Munich High End show and arranged  for me a visit to AGD as well. They then set up a great show in Gelombang event.

Now, they continue their role in the local hifi scene by opening their own outlet in Adelphi, Singapore. Some might think this is a crazy move but to me, this is a bold move. With AGD products as the current main line up, I do believe our neighbours down south will get the chance to enjoy what AGD can offer through Ansuz, Borresen and Aavik.

For folks down south, do visit Audio Maestro if you would like to experience AGD. I have yet to really share on my review but all I can say right now, I have Ansuz in my system. What and which model? That is a story for another article. 😬

 

Audio Perfectionist Launched Audiovector R and QR Series Speakers

 

The Arrete R6 paired with Aavik electronics

On 17th August 2022 marks another spectacular milestone for our local hifi outfit Audio Perfectionist as they welcome Mads Klifoth, CEO of Audiovector to grace their official launch event of both the R and QR speakers series. During this event, the models were introduced are the R6, R3 and QR7.

Yes, you are correct! AUDIOVECTOR is not a new name in Malaysia but Audio Perfectionist have just been appointed as the new official distributor for Malaysia. Exciting times indeed for them.

WHAT IS NEW WITH AUDIOVECTOR?

The R - Series

Treble Drivers - Their Signature Soft dome designs have always been ahead of their time. Featuring a silk done which is supported on its rear side by a pressure regulating accelarator, a no compression driver - due to its open back which is carefully adjusted to work in their unique Soundstage Enhancement Concept (SEC). 

The Avantgarde & Arrete Air Motion Transformer treble drivers are probably the fastest treble drive construction you can find. Based on the original and revolutionary technology invented vy Dr. Oscar Heil, their AMT tweeters have no mass to accelrate or decelerate. It can reach up to more than 52 KHz with perfect dispersion on both horizontal and vertical planes.

The AMT features ultra strong Neodymium magnets, lightweight precision coated mylar membranes and are mounted and decoupled from the cabinet in 3 points, a proprietary concept, No Energy Storage (NES). The tweeters are open to the front and to the rear, being able to move freely due to the SEC.

The Freedom Grounding Concept addresses the movement induced distortion of and between the drive units in the loudspeaker. The currents running between the chassis are being processed and dealt with through a new separate crossover which routes the signal to the ground terminal of the wall socket or grounded mains distributor. These currents cause coloration and distrotion between drive units. By balancing and filtering these through a dedicated spearate filter and by offering the possibility of connecting them to earth/ground, a cleaner and accurate sound can be achieved with lower noise floor.

The QR Series

The QR-7 paired with McIntosh electronics

This is the entry level of Audiovector that offers hyper dynamic, neutrall sounding loudspeakers with big and open soundstage. The concept is classic designs with a twist that out perform competition in this segment.

The goal has always been to offer the most advanced technology in a perfectly finished and proportioned high end package. The sound is big, bold and dynamic yet subtle and detailed when required.

Due to its gentle impedance load and high efficiency, it is an easily driven speakers with either solid state or tube amps.

The QR Air Motion Transformer Treble (AMT) Driver are the fastest high frequency drivers available now and can reach up to higher than 40 KHz with fine dispersion in both horizontal and vertical plane.

By using high precision components in combination with their in house designed drive units, they can use a target function filtering which uses minimal components to achieve a high precision roll-off profile on all drivers resulting in better dynamics, lower loss and less heat build-up.

This series was also designed to handle power transients with precision and low distortion with all genres of music. There is just one Xover component in series with each driver which allows for an easy amplifier load.

This is one happy family

 

For a demo, head on to Audio Perfectionist

Unit 91-1, Block H, Jaya One,
72A, Jalan Profesor Diraja Ungku Aziz,
46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.

Phone : (603) 7954 2818
Fax : (603) 7954 2919
Email : audiopf@gmail.com