The Mighty Kronos Sparta - Ancient By Name, Perfect By Reputation

When Victor Pheh of HiFi Creations offered me to review the Kronos Sparta, I was not sure to accept the offer or not. Mainly because I was concern that my set up will not be able to reveal the Sparta full potential, especially in the phono stage section of the system. Nevertheless, Victor was willing to assist in ensuring that the Sparta full potential will be revealed in my system.

My initial intention to review on how flexible the Sparta is to blend in to a mid level set up changed into a journey of enhancing my listening pleasure. This review will have two sections; first based on a fully enhanced set up and environment. Second will be based on my standard inhouse set up.

Enhanced Set Up

To further unleash this beastly TT, the following was included in my set up:

• Power supply
• Frank Power Bank PB-15000Ws
• New MCB and new cabling direct to the DB
• Converted the power point to Furutech US sockets
• Skogrand power cable for my Musical Fidelity M6i amp
• Speaker Cable
• Skogrand
• Interconnect
• Skogrand XLR
• Phono Stage
• ASR Basis Exclusive to replace my Musical Fidelity M1 ViNL
• Certain acoustic treatment addition

Standard In House Set Up

• Power supply
• As above except for power cable is reverted to Siltech
• Speaker cable
• Siltech
• Interconnect
• Siltech
• Phono stage
• Musical Fidelity M1 ViNL
• No additional acoustic treament

Introduction

I believe 2015 was the year that TT was redefined as Kronos :). They did win the most number of awards globally. Its dual platter; rotating opposite each other engineering design is one of those that anyone can easily hear the impact of it. To me personally, it is the quietest TT that I have ever heard and the sexiest looking design. I don't intend to bore readers with its technical specs as it can be found at their website. Click here. Just look at how sturdy the unit is in the video below.

So, what does Kronos stands for? KRONOS (or Cronus) was the Titan god of time and the ages, especially time where regarded as destructive and all-devouring. And trust me, this is one TT that deserves to be worshipped.... in a non biblical sense of course.

Built

The unit came in one piece except for the Helena Tonearm (equipped with ZYX Premium Omega MC Cartridge) which was carried separately. Setting up this two tier TT was straight forward. The tonearm is a uni-pivotal design with the counter weight was under slung below. The power supply cum speed controller is in a separate; small rectangular box. Beautifully finished to match the classy but modern looking TT. One must use the + or - switch to ensure you get the precise 33 1/3 or 45 rpm speed. This unit also comes with a strobe light and the middle of platter, the speed disc is also a part of the platter.

The sturdiness and stability that the Sparta shows is really something that has translated into sonic benefit for the TT sound creation each time it spins an LP. The design of the pillars itself allows the user to manually adjust the levelness of the unit in which, the stability gauge is also incorporated onto the structure of the body.

The record clamp is also included and it is designed to be tightened during usage or not. I prefer the latter.

The Tracks

The Sparta was so much fun to listen to that I just can't stop spinning various music genres. The first few days was just easy listening i.e. just throw in any type of music to get accustomed to the sound signature. However, in the end, I settled down with the following tracks to test Sparta true ability.

• Tears in Heaven (Unplugged) - Eric Clapton
• My Hero - Foo Fighters
• Take Five - Dave Brubeck
• Money for Nothing - Dire Straits
• Era Gia Tutto Provisto - Andrea Bocelli
• Last Caress - Metallica
• Catatonia - Sil Khannaz
• Gabriel's Oboe - Ennio Morriconne

The Session (Enhanced)

The guitar intro on Tears in Heavan sounded so crisp where each string was delivered in a balanced presentation between the high notes and low notes. Eric's vocal came out to be quite deep and emotional with a big, bold but still lively presentation; fits the definition of a live concert. Clarity was definitely the first virtue of Sparta that was very evident. The different layers of guitar, soft bass and backing vocals were easily identified and it gives the listener an idea of how the musicians were positioned during the concert. 

Dire Strait's magical track on MTV was the most entertaining track. One of those that you just need to crank up the volume above your normal listening level. Sparta delivered the vibe form this track that makes you feel the soul of the music. It sounded big. A little someone was quite surprise how big the sound can be from the ProAc D18, including myself. For me, there were moments where I went 'Hey, I have never heard my ProAc sounded like that before'. The drums on this track was solid as the thud thumping intro gave me quite a hard hitting bass kick. It dug really deep when it comes to low frequency notes. The growling guitar riffs was also very involving. Overall, there was good balance between sufficient bass, sweet mids and lively highs. 

My Hero by the Foo Fighters is a track that can truly test the bass delivery of the Sparta. Not because it digs deep to very low frequency, but because of it complex beat, courtesy of Dave Grohl's brilliant arrangement. The drum intro sounded solid especially the snare. The crash cymbal also sounded very crisp and when the shredding guitar comes in, the whole song sounded even more energized.

In Era Gia Tutto Provisto, the soft piano intro sounded mellow but full of emotion. But when Andrea's vocal kicks in, his voice sounded fuller and deeper than ever before that it feels like the music wraps all around you. Even when he hit the high notes, it was still delivered in a very enveloping and musical way. The little percussion on this track was well presented that the tom toms sounded extended, very suitable for this track.

On Take Five is where I said to myself - Perfect! Exaggerating as it may sound, I truly feel that on this track, the Sparta shines out it true colours. Some say I must have better amplification and bigger speakers to really allow Sparta to shine but to me all that is relative to your room size. Every hit of the drumstick on the crown of the ride cymbal was crisp and projected a very high level of detail. When the sax kicks in, it sounded big and airy that you can listen to its deep air flow when it hits the high notes. I attribute this to Kronos Sparta ability to run so quietly that the every detail of this track just emerged as it should be. Less noise, more music. Thats what matter.

Now bringing on Metallica's version of Last Caress. I have been struggling to find a TT that can deliver heavy metal and rock music that can really kick in the adrenalin in me. On this track, the Sparta sounded like a heavy metal beast. James vocal sounded a bit thin but thats how James sing on this track. Kirk's guitar sounded really heavy with that rawness of jamming in the garage. The Sparta also can really reproduce the drum beats from this track precisely in such detail. The sound of the hi hat was sharp yet blends in nicely with the lead guitar and bass.

Just to further challenge the Sparta when it comes to speed and precision, I put on Catatonia by a local outfit Sil Khannaz. Lan's high speed snare hitting and double paddle on the kick drums sounded very bold, energetic and yet very detail and not mumble sounding. Given the wrong TT, this is usually the case when one put on a death metal track. The overall track was well reproduced by Sparta where again, quite neutral. Sufficient bass from the heart pounding double pedal, excellent pace with the guitar and a bewildering clarity for the growling vocals. Very unorthodox of me to test the Sparta with a death metal piece. I dont know any other review who listen to death metal but hey, the arrangement of this genre is complex, speed is intense and the good Sparta delivered music to my ears anyway.

The last track I tested the Sparta with was with one of Ennio's masterpiece - Gabriel's Oboe from The Mission OST. The Sparta delivered the masterpiece with passion. The sound stage sounded big and at the same time it wraps the songs around the listener.The layering of different instrument was evident where arrangement of the music delivers different level of depth.

The Session (Standard)

After enjoying a full fledged enhancement in my set up, I reverted to my own set up with the exception of power cabling upgrade. Apart from that, the only new element is the Sparta itself. The idea was to see whether the Sparta is flexible enough to be integrated into one's existing set up, particularly the phono stage.

The biggest change I heard was the lost of details on certain test tracks above. While music such as My Hero can still be delivered with the had hitting drums and guitars, tracks like Gabriel's Oboe and Take Five, lost a little bit of its emotion where the low end notes does not dig deep as before. Mids was still good but the highs can sometimes sound a bit restrictive. I believe my MF M1 ViNL phono stage may be the bottleneck that is now allowing the Sparta to deliver the same experience I had with ASR phono stage. However, did the Sparta fits well in my set up. The answer is still YES. As oppose to my Clearaudio Concept, Sparta has open up a different and more energized analogue sound to my system. My ProAc D18 sounded fuller and bigger with more music is coming through with Sparta low noise design.

The Conclusion

Really want to hear your LP sing? The Sparta can provide you with an experience that may make you tell yourself - That song did not sound like that before or I never knew my speakers can do more. For someone with an entry to mid level set up, the introduction of Sparta into your system  will bring your system a few notches higher than before. If you already have a decent enough phono stage, it will be even better. 

On its own, the Sparta is definitely one of the 7 Wonders of the World..... HiFi World of course. Every single award Kronos has won in 2015 is well deserved for its unique engineering design that really deliver the result of making your LP sing. It delivers the music as it should be. Rock and metal can be a challenge but the Sparta can easily overcome that given the proper set up by the specialist. Lower noise plus the effect of dual platter with opposing rotation equals to a turntable that deserves to be set up on a shrine. Perfect in every sense to me. Beautifully designed physically, backed up with proper engineering and equipped with all the necessities to spin LPs. On sound, its about details in musicality, sufficient and balanced delivery of a wide frequency spectrum and reproducing the music as what the artist intend it to be heard.

Kronos products is distributed solely by HiFi Creations. For a demo or purchase, please contact Victor Pheh on 012 2962799.

  

Diana Krall - Wallflower World Tour

Diana Krall... a name that is synonym to great jazzy music and unique rendition of famous songs like Fly Me To The Moon and S'Wonderful was recently in Kuala Lumpur to do a one night only performance in PETRONAS MPO in KLCC. Mrs and yours trulty were there on 15th Feb and it was indeed a night to remember. Diana performed a straight 2 hours set with a short encore goodbye at the 90th minute. Most of the songs were from the latest Wallflower album but some were from her non album tracks. A six piece band consist of herself on piano and vocals, Anthony Wilson on guitar, Dennid Crouch on bass, Karriem Riggins on drums, Kevin Warren on keyboard and Stuart Duncan on fiddle. Yes, a fiddle. Not violin. Fiddle. 

The fiddle injected a very country-ish sound to the set and made it all lively. The whole show was so intimate as the unique connection between the band mates was so evident that the emotion was transpired across the audience.

The only thing that spoiled my night was those inconsiderate people whom insist to record video or snap pictures while performing which invited those green laser pointer lights around my seat.

One of the best jazz concert that I have been too. Great music, great hall, great companion.

No hifi set up can match this level of concert experience.

TAOC HiFi Rack Has Landed

Immediate change. More feedback soon.

Kronos Sparta: How Will It Fair?

With all the awards Kronos acquired in 2015, its without a doubt that this TT is revolutionary. Most reviews of this unit were done with high calibre set ups. However, how will it fair when paired with a modest set up like mine?Will it hinder the true capability of the Sparta.

We will find out soon.

MELCO High Resolution Digital Media Storage/Player: For The Purist

Digital media player have been around for a number of years now. For yours truly, it all started back in 2007 with the basic Apple Airport Express, streaming CD quality ALAC, WAV, MP3 from my laptop to a mini hifi in the kitchen. Laugh all you want, but most of the digital audio system owners out there, at one point, have played around with iTunes. After going through two laptops screen turning blue, I wanted to have a computer free based system. From mobile phones to tablets to ipods, I went through several revamps. The hifi and music market have slowly getting onto the bandwagon with the introduction of high resolution music and also so called PC free media player. Naim, Olive, Cambridge Audio, Musical Fidelity are among the first companies that introduced their players. The music industry on the other hand have started to introduced higher resolution music in FLAC and DSD format. I settled with a Musical Fidelity M1 CLiC digital media player, streamer, DAC, pre amp all in one.

After the media player 'standard' have been established, the industry have started to look into the quality of  streaming and also physical storage of the digital files. I have tried both wireless and wired set ups. While CD quality files are OK, I still prefer wired set up for high res files playback. Same goes for the medium storage type. I store my music and movies on both a Western Digital HDD toaster connected via USB and a NAS connected to my home router via a network cable.

Now, 8 years down the road, I am introduced to 3 new enhancement elements in this CD-less digital playback.

1. Linux based operating system

2. Audio dedicated hard disk

3. Network port filter

And all these came in this unit by Melco.

WHAT IS IT?

Melco calls it High Resolution Digital Music Library. I call it The Next Breakthrough in Hi Res Audio. What can it actually do one may ask. It stores and plays any digital audio files including DSD.

HOW IS IT CONNECTED?

Two main methods are available:

1. Via network cable to a media player where Melco only acts as storage device and do some network filtering.

2. Via USB cable to a media player with built USB DAC where the Melco does the playback and send digital signal to the USB DAC.

I have connected the unit in both ways to my Musical Fidelity M1 CLiC.

PRODUCT FEATURES

• Dedicated LAN port for Player (Streamer) connectivity - optimum data integrity and simple setup.
•  Light-piped Ethernet ports - complete electrical isolation totally removing possibility of interference and noise.
•  LAN LED off function - ensures the highest possible data integritY
• No PC required for setup and installation - no specialist knowledge needed.
• Specific IP port for Streamer / Player with additional Network port for Control and Ethernet. Simply creates robust network for streaming high resolution music and control even on complex networks.
• Pre-installed media server - no configuration required.
• Supports multiple specialised media servers - currently shipping with Twonky 7 with DSD support.
• Informative OLED front panel display - displays current streaming track data, system status, and setup,
• Simple menu navigation structure and track selection
• Simple front panel on-off switch - just like Hi-Fi.
• 15 seconds only to full power-on.
• 5 seconds to full shut-dowN
• Safe against unintended power down - no requirement for UPS

WHO IS MELCO?

Melco was known to be a turntable manufacturer. They now have turned into data storage giant that has built an audio oriented NAS drive that gives streamers a real shot in the arm.

Melco actually stands for Maki Electronics Laboratory Co. They were set up in 1975 to make high mass turntables with outboard motors and silk thread drives along with line level preamplifiers.  They then moved into IT and computer products and became Buffalo. 

THE SET UP

• Melco N1A with 2 x 2 TB HDD
• Musical Fidelity M1 CLiC DAC and Pre Amp
• Musical Fidelity M1 PWR Power Amp
• 1 TB Western Digital NAS
• Full range DIY bookshelf speakers
• Siltech RCA interconnect between CLiC and PWR
• Supra USB cable between Melco and CLiC
• Stock network cable
• Apps on Android
• Bubble UpPnP
• Linn Kinsky
• Project Streambox

THE TRACKS

• Sibok Kitak Nangis by Zee Avi (MP3 48/320kbps) - on WD NAS
• Have You Ever Seen The Rain by CCR -  24/96 FLAC on 16 GB thumbdrive and Melco N1A
• Enter Sandman by Metallica - 24/96 FLAC on 16 GB thumbdrive and Melco N1A
• You're My Best Friend by Queen - DSD on Melco N1A

THE SESSION

Zee Avi's masterpiece sounded airy with more evidence of detail and clarity when played via the Melco N1A. The soft percussion sounded fuller compared to playing it directly from WD NAS via CLiC. By feeding it through the Melco via the network cable, it somehow opened up the track to more detail and free flowing airy sound.  

The ever famous Rain song by CCR was even more fun to listen to. The 24/96 FLAC file was transferred onto the HDD on the Melco and I let the CLiC play that file by accessing it via the network cable. Comparing it with the same file but played from a 16 GB thumbdrive connected directly to the CLiC by USB input, I find that playing it from the Melco via the network cable was livelier and present a less digital sounding track. The bassline on this song sounded bold yet still melodious. The vocals of course was naturally growling but in an emotional kind of way. Definitely, the sound is impacted by where the digital file is being stored.

Enter Sandman however was a bit of disappointment. Playing it via network from the Melco, the track sound a bit thin compared to playing it on the CLiC directly from the thumbdrive. Lar's double pedal was little bit too laid back and James's vocal was overshadowing the music. Did not get the Wow factor that I was expecting from this metal masterpiece. It still have that adrenalin factor when Kirk did his solo but overall, I prefer playing metal hi res tracks straight from thumbdrive.

Now for DSD, I had to use the Melco to play back that digital file as the CLiC, being a unit nearly 5 years old, does not have the capability to play DSD files. Hence, Melco played the file and fed the signal to the CLiC via USB DAC and in DoP mode. DSD is definitely a different level of hi res listening. Between the MP3, 24/96 FLAC and DSD, The DSD depth of music is more engaging. The Melco unit did a fine job in playing back the file. This is my favourite Queen's track and it was definitely presented in a more detail manner and with a bigger spatial and depth ambience. The vocal of the late Mr. Mercury sounded more melodic and livelier compared to the FLAC file I have.

HOW DO YOU CONTROL THIS UNIT?

This unit does not come with a physical remote. The front fascia does come with a few buttons to perform setting changes but not to choose track.

For playback, an app needs to be downloaded via Android or iOS. However, Melco does not have it own app hence you need to download either Linn Kinsky or BubbleUpNP. I tried controlling this N1 unit via both Android and iOS with no issues.

Choosing tracks is very convenient as the internal HDD as the directory is set up with various folder options even up to type of file you have on the the unit.

HOW DO YOU GET THE FILES ONTO THE MELCO?

In essence, if you remove all the functions, this unit becomes a dedicated audio NAS. Hence, if you turn on your Mac or Windows PC, you will see Melco as one of the available network drive. From there, it just drag and drop exercise of your available music files.

Secondly, you can also transfer files using a thumbdrive via the front USB port of the unit. Just stick your thumbdrive and the unit will ask whether you want to transfer the files.

Thirdly, Melco also have arrangement with two hi res website companies where you can purchase the music via your tablet, phone or computer and then the Melco unit will downloiad it directly onto the hard disk.

SOUNDS PERFECT?

For a hi res player, I am convinced that this is the best player I have heard so far, sound wise. Bear in mind, I have only heard Linn, Naim, Musical Fidelity, Cambridge Audio, Bryston, Oppo, Logitech and Apple AE.

As there is no perfect hifi in the world (I think we come up with this theory to give us a reason to upgrade :) ), I find that there are a few things that Melco should have included in the design.

1. Wireless module. Although I agree that wired sounds better, I could not use this unit with my usual review set up upstairs because my NAS and router is downstairs.
2. Physical remote. If my network is down, there is no other way to control this unit.
3. Soft touch button on the front would make this unit even sleekier compared to the heavy industry 'clickety' button.
4. A real shuffle mode playback. I could not shuffle All Track at the main root directory. The unit also requires me to choose tracks and put it in the playlist first before playback. Sometimes I just want to press the play button and let the player randomly choose songs.

CONCLUSION

Purely looking at the audio quality supremacy, now I understand why Melco named this unit as High Resolution Digital Music Library and not a streamer or media player. Its sonic benefit is from the properly engineered and audio dedicated circuitry, HDD and the Linux based system. It is indeed a unit that offers hi res fans a true to date very high quality playback of their precious digital files.

Go for this unit if you are looking for a big step up in your quest for hi res nirvana and maybe give the black disc cult run for their money :). However, if you are looking for a lifestyle streamer, looks elsewhere. This unit is for hardcore and serious hi res set up without the need of a running computer.

I also managed to listen to the SSD model in a very impressive set up of a friend whom is also the person who have made this review possible. The fun part for me is the fact, Melco have yet to set out the plan for introducing this to the Malaysia market at this time of print. Consider this review as a sneak peak of Melco possible plan to be in Malaysia.

Dato Ramli Sarip's Ziarah Seni Reissue Box Set - A Local Khazanah

Apabila saya diberitahu oleh salah seorang peminat muzik tersohor di Malaysia tentang rancangan Warner Music untuk menerbitkan semula Ziarah Seni dalam bentuk edisi set kotak, tanpa berfikir dua kali, saya terus membuat pra tempahan untuk memiliki satu set.

Selang dua minggu, saya telah berjaya memiliki set ini dan malam ini, tatkala anak-anak sudah tidur, saya mula memutarkan satu persatu cakera padat (empat kesemuanya). Memang tidak dapat dinafikan, mutu penerbitan semula hasil kerja Dato Ramli Sarip dan rakan-rakan artis lain adalah yang terbaik setakat ini. Saya menitiskan air mata mendengar betapa indahnya lirik dan melodi kemelayuan yang diketengahkan oleh Dato dan rakan-rakannya. Rock tetap di hati tetapi komposisi lagu-lagu di dalam set ini tidak mungkin boleh menjadi begiti puitis tanpa ada naluri kemelayuan yang utuh dan suci. Ini bukanlah kali pertama saya mendengar lagu-lagu Dato ini tetapi, ada kelainan yang saya alami apabila mendengar dari set ini.

Mengikut informasi yang diperolehi, tiada adunan semula dibuat semasa penerbitan semula set ini. Ia masih menggunakan rakaman utama yang sedia ada. Walaubagaimanapun, mutu audio dari set ini, walaupun dalam bentuk cakera padat berbanding dengan ketaksuban 'penggemar' piring hitam, boleh dikategorikan dalam kategori 'wajib dimiliki'. Vokal Dato dipersembahkan dalam aura asli rocknya tetapi masih dapat diserasikan dengan pasangan duet Dato yang lebih kontemporari seperti Dato Khadijah Ibrahim dan Jay Jay. Lagu yang paling terserlah bagi saya adalah Rasa Tempatan dari album Muzik Jelata. Melodi gitar akustik, piano, dram dan trumpet dalam melodi ala mambo dan carribean ini, begitu terserlah dalam menyampaikan lagu yang agak kompleks adunannya. Keseluruhan lagu ini disampaikan dalam adunan yang seimbang antara vokal, vokal latar dan kepelbagaian alat muzik.

Keterujaan saya amat tinggi sehingga saya mengambil keputusan untuk menulis ulasan hifi dan muzik saya yang pertama untuk tahun baru 2016 ini dalam bahasa ibunda tercinta.

Inilah kualiti yang dinanti-nantikan oleh peminat muzik Malaysia yang tulen. Industri muzik tanahair harus mengangkat kualiti sebegini untuk dijadikan contoh dan khazanah negara.

OK... received requests for me to write this in English... here you go:

When I was told by one of the local famous music fans in Malaysia's about Warner Music plans to reissue the Ziarah Seni in limited edition box set, without thinking twice, I pre-book it.

After two weeks, I was able to have this set and this evening, when the children are in bed, I started to spin one after another the compact discs (four total). Undoubtedly, the quality of the reissue of the works of Dato Ramli Sarip and other artist friends are the best by far. I shed tears hearing how beautiful the lyrics and melodies heritage highlighted by Dato and his colleagues. Rock remains at heart but the composition of the songs in this set may not be so poetic without instincts of the Malay sacred heritage. This is not the first time I heard the songs but, there are different layers of music that I experienced when I listened to this reissue.

According to the information obtained, no remastering made during the republishing of this set. It still uses the existing main recording.However, the audio quality of this set, even in the form of compact discs against 'fans'  of the black disc, can be categorized as a 'must-have'. Dato's vocal presented in the original rock aura but can still be compatible with more contemporary duet partners as such as Dato Khadijah Ibrahim and Jay Jay. The song that is most evident to me is the track Rasa Tempatan from the album Muzik Jelata. Melodic acoustic guitar, piano, drums and trumpet in a mambo and Carribean style melodies, so evident in the track which is quite a complex blend. The whole song is delivered in a well-balanced mix between vocals, backing vocals and musical diversity.

I was full of excitement so I decided to write a review hifi and music for my first new year 2016 in my beloved native language.

These are qualities highly anticipated by music fans a truly Malaysian. Local music industry must elevate these qualities to serve as an example and preserve this as a national treasure.

KOGA MALAYSIA Member HiFi Session #1

KOGA Audio is not just a newly established local hifi brand, but it is also a following where there are active KOGA Malaysia members group on Facebook and also a Whatsapp group. The members varies from newbies to the product designer himself to DIY-ers to veterans to musicians. A bunch of happy go lucky hifi and music enthusiasts gents (unfortunately no female members yet) that just speak hifi and music all day long.

After quite sometime of virtual reality interaction, yours truly suggested to have the very first hifi session within the members. Based on the principle of enjoying the music and mutual respect of each member's set up, a date and venue was set. On a Saturday, 19th December, the first session was conducted. Mr. Shaiful of Bandar Sri Permaisuri hosted the evening for initially a group of 7 people. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, only 3 of us managed to turn up.

The theme for the day was on digital music.

Mr. Shaiful's set up was a simple set up comprising:

1. TDL RTL2 speakers
2. Xiang Sheng tube/solid state pre amp
3. Quantum power amp
4. Nakamichi CDP

As there was a request to listen to hi res audio, I brought along my Musical Fidelity M1 CLiC streamer/DAC/pre amp and a thumbdrive loaded with FLAC files of 24 bit 44/88/96/192 music files. I also brought the QED uPlay bluetooth module where it is connoected to the CLiC via optical cable.

Shaiful also play flac files with a tablet as it source. Directly connected to the Xiang Sheng preamp via a 3.5 mm stereo plug to a pair of VDH RCA interconnects, his system reminded me how beautiful the sound from the TDLs can be. Low frequency was extended and fill up his hall. With a hard thumping and extended bass, it sounded very warm and natural at the same time. One can argue that TDL does not deliver the true transmission line philosophy but hey, it still sounded good. Partially I believe the tube pre out from Xiang Sheng helped a lot to provide that warm sound.

We then tried connecting the QED optical directly to the digital input of the Xiang Sheng but it sounded a bit rough. Reminded me of the BRIK Audio set I had before. We then connected it via the CLiC and the CLiC connected to the Xiang Sheng. The sound improved giving a bigger soundstage to the set up. From there on we were playing various tracks for about a few hours. Jazz tracks like Dave Brubeck and Del Paxton came out a few times where the piano sound was very upfront and the vocals were really mesmerizing on Ella and Louise tracks. We also played a few of hi res Metallica but all of us agreed to switch back to melodic music like jazz and ballad. Hi res metal seems a bit on the highs and we prefer warm and controlled low end.

It was definitely a fun evening where digital format was playing non stop and we didnt feel fatigue at all.

We hope to have more of these hifi sessions among the members to share their music and hifi passion and also knowledge. As for Shaiful's set up, it does proof that hifidelity enjoyment can still be achieved at minimal cost. His set up cost lest than RM2,000 (about USD500) yet it still sounded amazing. Kudos to him.

Thank you again Shaiful. We shall have another session with your newly acquired KOGA Aimez power amp.

A New Wireless Source Is In Da House

A few moons ago, I wrote about this unit being more of a value for money purchase compared to iPhone 6s. Although the price is higher than the previous flagship Passport, I still feel this unit has more to offer than the iPhone6s. Especially with its capability to expand the memory up to 2 TB. Presumably this is to cater for the 4K video recording capability.

First impression on playing hi res music via its built in speakers, quite a wide scope can heard. With sharp cymbals and clear vocals.

Will soon review its capability via headphones and Bluetooth.

PRIV: A choice for the exceptionally rare!

A Collection of Malaysian Underground Music Volume 1 - Not For Weak Hearted

A long wait.... but its worth it. Meaty sound with quite detailed presentation. 

When I first heard about this compilation LP, I immediately pre book a copy. Mainly because of my love towards this kind of metal music and the fact that I no longer own the cassettes of these local underground bands.

The sleeve is one of the better quality sleeves produced for a local LP release. The artwork design is eccentric with a mixture of bloody gory zombies and cartoon based art. Reminds me a lot of the band Gorillas.

The music.... What can I say... I am a sucker for a good various type of metal music and of course thrash music. My favourite track is the first track Thrash Or Be Thrashed by Central Disposal. The overall sound quality is in between medium to good. Very meaty sound with regards to providing that metal adrenalin. Even for this kind music, the reproduction of the music is filled with high clarity and detail. The speedy double pedal on the drums brings out the slam in each track. However, at times, it can sound a bit thin where I had to crank up the volume to about 12 o' clock on the amp. Nevertheless, it is indeed a good production overall. A very good and exciting initiative to elevate the LP passion among the local metal lovers.

Different Source With Different Excitement

My faithful MDS JA20-ES MD player.... delivering James Horner masterpiece.

My favorite vocal.... spinning on LP.

Whatever your source it, if it is set up to your liking, it can provide unlimited excitement in your listening session.

PMC Continues To Impress Me

PMC loudspeakers reinstated my interest for a decent 2 in 1 home theater and music reproduction at home. Ever since the twenty 23 and Centre speakers were set up in my house, I have enjoyed hours and hours of movie mayhem and also the good old 2 channel music. Heck, I am still dreaming to have the 26's in my house.

When Tony Low of AV Designs messaged me about a small informal gathering to welcome PMC International Sales Director, Mr. Miles Robert and hear the latest update, I quickly said yes. Hence, on Tuesday 1st December, I went for a short session to hear what PMC is working on in the near future.

Arrived at AV Designs at about 530 pm and there was the usual crowd; Mr. Dick Tan, James Tan, Tony Low, Jo Ki, Willy Low, Tan TE and Uncle Peter. Within 10 minutes, we are all gathered around Miles to have a informal chat.

A little bit about Miles: Quite an easy going and friendly Director he is! He has been with PMC since 2002 and also that was when he last visited Malaysia. He has all the experience in studio production, broadcast sound in radio and television, post production and film mixing.

The Biggest News

Believe it or not, PMC was involved in this very unique collaboration with Wu Tang Clan in a historical music initiative to bring back some appreciation for an artist's work. They were basically asked to produce a one-off pair of speakers as part of the world's only musical work of art which has been created by Wu Tang Clan. This piece of art (both the music and PMC speakers) was sold in an auction in NY to a mystery private collector for an undisclosed sum in the millions. How is that for unique? Imagine you have the only piece of music or CD and speakers in the whole wide world. Even Barack Obama cant take that away from you :)

 

Read more here and here

Second Big News (at least for me)

I have never knew that PMC was utilized a lot by composers and major studios especially in UK and US. When I say a lot, I mean A LOT. Even the latest Bond movie Spectre, the score was composed using PMC speakers. Studios like Metropolis, Backyard, Capitol are using PMC speakers such as the QB1-As for their mastering. Thomas Newman, a renown American film score composer, composed his masterpiece on PMC IB1s monitor system for the hit US show Six Feet Under.

Third Big News

2016 will bring a big surprise to PMC fans. Its PMC 25th Anniversary, hence they are coming up with something special. Something that no one would think PMC will produce. I can tell you.... but I will then be tracked down by HMS Secret Service :)

The Award Ceremony

Miles was then presented with 2 awards (its AV Designs award from the 2015 KLIAV show) but it was based on PMC set up.

.... and after that.... It was just chit chat about the economy of the world hehehe.... and how it is impacting our beloved hifi passion....

No visit to AV Designs is complete without a dose of music ....

Thanks Tony and James for the invite and also to Miles for the update sharing. With this kind of updates and industry initiatives, I am proud to be one of the owners of PMC products.