The International Sound & Sight Exhibition 2023 was held in The Holiday Inn Orchard City Centre, Singapore on 24th till 26th Nov. Better known as The ISSE show, it is actually a regular annual event for the audiophiles in Singapore and nearby countries. Initially, I intended to to spend the weekend here similar to the Hi End show last month but looking at the list of rooms, I believe I could cover the whole event in 1 day.... and I sure did :)
There were 21 rooms and 3 tables spreaded over 1 and half floors with the bigger halls located at the level below the hotel lobby.
Overall, it was quite a simple and no hassle show. Smaller than I expected but it gave me more time to enjoy each room. There were few rooms that were exceptionally good sounding. I noticed that most rooms were with minimal acoustic treatment. Not sure whether it was hotel policy not to put up any acoustic treatment board or panels. Nevertheless, kudos to all exhibitors as they made the best of what they have in the rooms.
I must say that each show that I attend, I like to look for something extraordinary, thought provoking and innovative products. This time around, I experienced the Voodoo Labs Witchcraft. This is a patent pending grid providing the musical signal with the lowest possible capactiance and a ΓΈ for the magnetic field much, much bigger than speaker cables with shielding.
There were a few 'first time' moments for me as well. Particularly, listening to FinkTeam speakers and also the pairing of Sonus Faber speakers with TEAC electronics and also Gryphon EOS2 speakers with Jadis I70 integrated tube amp.
Here are some samplers from a few systems.
Visitors also had the choice to purchase a single day entrance or 2 days entrance in which with the latter, you get a higher quality pressed Audio CD.
Audio Maestro
The home of everything Audio Group Denmark, this room showcased the Borressen X6, Aavik I580 integrated amp with its matching streamer S280 and DAC D280. There was also the Axxess Forte 3 available with this main system for those who wish to listen to all in one system. All cabling and network and power switch is by Ansuz and racks by Solid Steel.
The X3 and X2 speakers were also available on the side on demo.
Element5 Laser Laboratories
The only room for home theater. Didn't get much info about the set up though.
Simplicity Control
The home of Magico, J Sikora, Taiko Audio, Tombo Audio, EMM Labs, Pilius, DS Audio and KECES Audio. The musical presentation here was different from the KLIAV show last month. With this set up, it was more refined, luscious and sweet sounding especially the highs.
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AV One
The FOCAL Stella Utopia EM Evo Speakers stand tall iin this room paired with a full Naim 300 Series electronics.
Ong Radio
The land of eveything McIntosh and B&W. The room that needs no introduction for the majestic set up. Great looks and sound reproduction here. Hard hitting bass and detailed musical experience.
Audio Sound
I first met William Whey in the Hi End show a few months ago where I enjoyed the Audionet system he was showcasing. This time around, I was gobsmacked by the Voodoo Labs Witchcraft grid system, delivering musical signals to a pair of SB Acoustics speakers. The most thought provoking innovation in this show IMHO.
Lawrence Audio
This is a second time I get to listen to a Lawrence Audio speakers, first being in KLIAV show a few years ago. Quite an exquisite sound pairing them with Luxman electronics.
Horizon Acoustics
Horizon Acoustics set up evolves around the Qualio open baffle speakers paired with Audion, COS Engineering and ModWright Instrument electronics.
CD Acoustics
The Harbeth experience was available in this room. They were paired with ModWright LS99 tube pre and Modwirght KWA99 monoblocks.
The Experts Group
TEG had 2 rooms featuring brands such as SV, Monitor Audio, Rotel, Paradigm and many more.
Absolute Sound
This is the first time I get to listen to a Sonus Faber speakers paired with TEAC electronics. Surprisingly, it was actually quite a good match. The pre power TEAC amps can drive this speaker without any sign of stress. Very fluid sound.
There was also the Duetto active stereo speakers available.
Wow Acoustics
Everything MoFi can be found in this room and also LA Audio.
The Reference Audio
Raindrop Audio
This room set up the Revival Audio speakers paired with Cen.Grand DSDAC and SOtM products.
YAMAHA
The all Yamaha set up was equally impressive as well. Not to mention the upcoming new model of headphone amplifier, due to release next month.
Project Perfection
This is where I get to listen for the first time Fink Team speakers paired with Dan D'Agostino amp and Weiss DAC and Roon server.
Infinite Sound
The epos ES14N speakers sang beautifully with Moonriver Audio ampa nd New Horizon turntable.
Tritone AV
Another first experience for me to see the MAG-LEV elevated and floating turntable. I didnt get a chance to listen to it as the demo was on digital source at the time I was there. Apart from the Lumin streamer, the rest of the electronics were from Parasound . The Piega speakers matches well in this set up.
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