Kojo Technology Crystal E - It Does Make a Different

When it comes to hifi accessories, one must really know what they are looking for to improve their system to a level they desire. If one cannot identify what is missing (or too much of), adding accessories may yield negative results. One must also know what the accessories is designed to do.

I do have a few accessories in my system, namely FV Euroaudio power bank, EMF reducer, isolaters and cable lifters. At one point, I also had a few RCA plugs from Tombo Audio which I can't recall where I kept them after moving my system from my hifi room to donwstairs.

When these Kojo Crystal E were sent to me (together with Puzzblocks), I was amazed of heavy this unit is given it fits in my palm. Next, the question of what is it and how it works? Quick read up on Kojo website:

• Structurally, there are 8 metals laid on top one of another - Stainless steel, brass, copper, brass, copper, brass, copper, brass.
• Functionally, the unit is to reduce the S/N ratio.
• Effectively, the unit is to deliver better clarity, delicacy (?) and transparency. I assume delicacy here means lush.

How Do You Use It?

There are 2 ways to use this unit:

1. Connect the unit with the supplied Y to RCA cable to one of your available RCA inputs on your pre/integrated amp
2. Connect the unit with the supplied Y to Y cable to your speaker terminal

The unit does not need a power supply.

How Many Units Do You Need?

One or two? This is where and how this review was done to hear what is the difference between the different configurations you can do with the Crystal E. The intent of this review is to give a surface guide for audiophiles of the impact of adding Crystal E to your set up.

Review Configurations

A few weeks back, I have shared 4 different videos capturing the essence of the  3 different configurations (1 video is the baseline sound of my system). The 3 different configurations are as follows:

1. One unit connected via RCA to my SPL Audio Director Mk 2 pre amp
2. Two units connected via RCA to the same pre amp
3. Two units connected via Y cable to my PMC Twenty5i 26 speakers, one on each speaker 

I use the same source in each video - HiFi ROSE RS150 streamer via Roon, playing the same track Temptation by Diana Krall

The Session

Base line sound of my system

Configuration 1

By adding just 1 unit of the Crystal E, I find it that it is true to its testament of providing better clarity. Comparing it to my base sound, the intro percussion playing gave me a greater zing and dispersion. The double bass also sounded more refined but loss a bit of the bang I am used to with my PMC.  The vocal does sound lusher in which the second claim seems to proof this. Transparency in my book refers to a system that can reveal as much as possible the instruments used. In this video, I did not experience a higher level of transparency compared to my baseline sound. Overall, I am happy that the Crystal E started to show me what it can do and live up to certain of its objective.

Configuration 2

As the anticipation builds up, I added a 2nd unit by looping it with another Y to Y cable and another RCA to another input on the pre amp. This time around, I find that the zing in the intro percussion some how is less dispersed and zing. The double bass however now sounding more bold and attacking but rougher. Still not as hard as the baseline sound but considerably higher than just 1 unit of Crystal E. Her vocals sounded as lush as with 1 unit as well. Transparency of each equipment also remains the same. Overall, I find that having 2 units connected via RCA is brings up more on the lower end spectrum but it suppress the clarity part a bit. It may be more suitable for set ups that need to have a better control on highs.

Configuration 3

Connecting each Crystal E unit to each of my speakers were made using the Y to Y cable and onto the positive terminal (no specific instruction, just being positive here). This is where I get the most satisfaction. The opening percussion gave me the dispersion and zing that mesmerized me. I got back the refined double bass sound as per configuration1 and also the attack of configuration 2. It is just slightly tamer compared to my baseline sound. Diana's vocal sounded lusher here compared to configuration 1 and 2. With this configuration as well, the improve in transparency is more evident. I started to notice certain wire brush sound on the snare at a higher transparency. Overall, this configuration is where it fits the overall claims of providing more clarity, delicacy (lushness) and transparency.

The Conclusion

This is one of those accessories that one must experiment by one self to see how it fairs in your own system. I would say the guide to have this Crystal E is as follows:

• Use 1 via RCA if your system needs more clarity and lacking of lushness in vocal.
• Use 2 via RCA if your system needs more punch
• Use 2 via speakers connection if your system needs more transparency and reveal more of the music.

For further enquiry or to purchase, please contact Kenix Chua of Begin Acoustic Sdn. Bhd on +60126500610