Visit to Audio Group Denmark Day 1

After the 2022 Munich High End HiFi show, I took a few days break in Munich and Stuttgart before Isaac, Kenny and myself flew to Aalborg, Denmark via Amsterdam. We took KLM flight and said goodbye to Munich on Wednesday 25th May 2022.  The whole journey took about 4 hours including a 30 minutes delay from Munich. Word of caution if you plan to fly from Munich to Aallborg via Amsterdam, please ensure you give yourself at least 2 hours transit time. Due to the delay in departure from Munich, we nearly missed our connecting flight to Aalborg.

As soon as we arrived Aalborg, Lars Kristensen of AGD was already waiting for us. While our luggage were sent straight to the hotel, we went straight to AGD facility which houses Aavik, Borresen and Ansuz (and soon to be a 4th one hush2). The first thing that caught my eyes as I stepped into their facility is how welcoming all the staff were. Second was their award cabinet and wall of fame. For a relative young company (~10 years old), this to me is rather impressive. 

I was first brought around their electronic workshop where Ansuz cables are hand made. Various inhouse technologies are implemented in their design which includes:

• Tesla coil principle - two coils wounded in opposite direction
• Analog dither technology - originated in radar to ensure stronger signal and greater range. It sends pulsating signal at precisely defined frequencies in anti phase. Amplifies the musical signal and eliminates background noise floor.
• Active cable Tesla coil - wound directly on the outer part of the cable to avoid airborne RF noise. With active, it is about 3 to 4 times more efficient than the passive version
• Double Inverted Helix Coil (DIHC) - a key advancement in audio tech. The wounding method is with one objective which to ensure lowest possible induction.
• Anti Aerial Resonance Coil (AARC) - The unwanted airborne sound waves (RF Noise) is absorbed in this coil.

 

Next was to look at Borresen speakers section. Yes, I had the liberty of listening to their next generation X3 speakers in Munich and here is where all the magic happens. The cross wooven drivers and also the ribbon tweeters were design using specific materials equivalent to what being used in F1 cars. The drivers are of a composite of 2 layers of very thin carbon on both sides of a 4 mm Nomex honeycomb core.

 

The closed ribbon tweeter design has a n exceptional 94dB  and the moving mass goes as low as 0.01 grams. It was like holding a very thin layer of paper. My listening experience at high volumes with these speakers regardless of which model proofed to me non-fatiguing sound can be experienced with proper details be put in tweeter design.

Believe it or not, AI was used to come up with this 'basket' design which helps in propagating better airflow. The patented iron-free magnetic system has also been further refined. By having this, the inductance is about 10 times lower than conventional drivers. It is no even further improved to 12 times lower by replacing the copper pole rings with their in-house manufactured silver rings.

 

Then off we went to see Aavik electronics section. Besides the electronics technologies such as the Tesla coil and analog dither. Aavik paid lots of attention in material research to remove sonic distortion. This include eliminating usage of aluminum where its not necessary. Some chassis is now made of copper and some of the higher range products uses zirconium and titanium as well.

AGD facility is equipped with various test bench and in-house manufacturing machines which includes a cryogenic facility. Most of the products will have the option of going through cryogenic treatment that further refines the sound reproduction.

Each speaker also goes through a test in their sound chamber as part of the QAQC process.

 

Is it just all technical and manufacturing in AGD? Heck no. They have a dedicated marketing and social media section where they even have in-house studio for photography and video shoots.

As for listening area, AGD facility have 4 rooms (1 for blind test, 1 was being reorganised after the Munich show, 2 rooms I was able to have a demo of various speakers, power cables etc on the 2nd and 3rd day)

Its not all about work here. AGD even have in-house Irish pub for staff and guests to hang out plus a foosball table. The pub is also equipped with Borresen bookshelf speakers and Aavik electronics.

We ended the 1st day by going around their packing, storage and distribution areas plus a few accessories discussion on Sortz, Darkz and Sparkz.

All and all, I was fully briefed on the behind the stage works of Audio Group Denmark. The amount of engineering works, research, design plus the passion for music of the staff in AGD can be fully reflected on the quality of their products not only built wise but more importantly the music quality reproduction. One of the most comprehensive in-house set up I have seen in the hifi world.

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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

 

SB Acoustics Ara Be Speakers - Built With Passion, Sings Like a Diva

Majestic! Simply majestic....in looks and sound for a bookshelf speakers. A unique cabinet design, beautifully finished and just look at those tweeters and woofers. Oh, the sound is even better than the looks :)

I first listened to SB Acoustics in KLIAV 2017 show. It was already a new sound to me but it was not really set up in a conducive way to enjoy it. After the show, we exchanged a few communications but SB Acoustics never landed in Malaysia officially..... until 2021! (No thanks to the pandemic). When I was contacted last year about the opportunity to listen to Ara Be speakers at home, I did not hesitate at all. I know it can offer something special. Nevertheless, delivery can only happen sometime in December 2021, just before Xmas. 

THE SPECIFICATION

What is so special about this pair of speakers? Firstly, it uses the SATORI Beryllium Tweeters and 6.5" SATORI Midwoofers (with the proprietary cone material of EGYPTIAN PAPYRUS™ fibres). Although it is designed with 4 ohm in mind, the sensitivity at 87 dB made it not so difficult to be driven. 

The cabinet is made of MDF with 6 choices of finishing - White satin, black satin, white high gloss, black high gloss, orange high gloss and red high gloss.

It weighs at 9.6 kg per unit and can be handled easily by one person to set it up. Do ensure you have a suitably sized top plate for your speaker stands as it measures at 391 x 190 x 388 mm.

It will fit in with most modern deco in your house and I do believe it can easily get the approval from your other half with the looks.

THE EQUIPMENT

The Ara Be was tested and reviewed alongside the following:

• Siltech 330L Silver Anniversary speaker cables
• SPL Audio Direct Mk2 pre amp and S800 Performance power amp
• McIntosh MCD 350 SACD player
• ARCAM ST60 streamer via Roon
• SONY HAP Z1 ES

THE TRACKS

• Keroncong Kemayoran by Mustikara - TIDAL HiFi
• 'S Wonderful by Diana Krall - SACD
• Take Five by Kenichi Tsunoda Big Band - TIDAL MQA
• Temptation by Diana Krall - DSD
• Tuesday's Gone by Metallica - 16/44 WAV
• Enter Sandman  by Metallica - 24/192 WAV

THE SESSION

There are 2 parts here where I listened to the speakers fresh out of the box in the first few days followed by extensive listening once the speakers have been run in more than 200 hours.

Keroncong Kemayoran by Mustikara

Fresh out of the box, the Ara Be sounded quite flat but clean. It could still deliver some level of excitement in which this track upbeat version of this traditional track can really be enjoyed. Good level of clarity on the drum play of the hi hat and rim shot. The guitar solo also sounded melodic enough. However, the bass was a little bit restricted. Vocal was its best character at this point. Sweet highs and decent delivery of mids and lows.

'S Wonderful by Diana Krall SACD

This is when the real extensive listening started. The pair have gone through more than 200 hours of listening. Straight up, playing the physical SACD gave so much excitement. The percussion intro sounded deep and sharp at the same time. For a live concert like this, it is not easy to reproduce a good percussion sound. The rim shot sounded sharp and the soft play of the hi-hat can easily be recognized. The enjoyment continues to set in with the sweet vocal of Diana Krall delivered with such an engaging presentation. It reminds me of the time my wife and I watched her live in concert at the Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS a few years ago. Now, the biggest excitement for me was actually hearing how low the Ara Be can go to deliver the deep sound of the double bass. For a speaker of this size, I would have thought it can only sound like another typical bookshelf. The Ara Be really gave me a big surprise as it digs in quite deep when it comes to bass.

Take Five by Kenichi Tsunoda Big Band

Another similar experience here when I play Kenichi's rendition of the famous Take Five track. The percussion and double bass were spot on with the Ara Be. Initially, I had a concern on the highs as this track involves various wind instruments played at the higher frequency spectrum. Coupled with cymbals play, it could be an ear-pinching experience if played on a bright system. I guess, the beryllium tweeters is a perfect match with the midwoofers as it presented this track with such energy and head room but without the high pitch that I was concern about. In fact, to me it gave the right dosage of highs to the entire track. Perfectly engaging as well.

Tuesday's Gone by Metallica

Why this track? This is one of the covers by Metallica which I feel depicts real emotions from this band. Not only from James's vocal but also the guitar plucks of Kirk and the simple drumming of Lars and bass notes by Jason. Although originally played by Lynyrd Skynyrd, I can relate more to Metallica's version. On this track, James's vocal sounded really energetic on the Ara Be even in his attempt to sing this song at ease. The harmonica sounded really melodic and sweet and Lars's ride crown plays sounded sharp hit by hit. His tom plays also was reproduced by the Ara Be precisely how Lars's drums should sound. At the end of the song, where James started calling names, it sounded really huge in my hall. It filled up my hall in which no other bookshelf speakers that came through my system have ever done this. It usually would need a floorstander to give m such enveloping and huge sound.

Temptation by Diana Krall

I actually still have a concern about the highs on this Ara Be. I then put on Diana Krall's Temptation track. Purely to hear the 'zing'  on the snare note at the beginning of the song. Its not about whether it will sound bad but more whether it can really give me that similar vibe each time I hear this note on my system. The unique part of this track is that intro note. Played on a wrong system or speakers, it will sound flat and will not catch my attention. Sure enough, the Ara Be had no problem giving me that experience. It is not as engaging as what I am used to but it is enough to make me smile to hear that 'zing' from that snare note. For the rest of the song, it just further emphasize the Ara Be character in delivering vocal clarity, deep bass and sweet mids and highs.

Enter Sandman

All good with soft, vocal, brass music so far. Any hifi equipment in my book must also go through a test with metal or punk music. Gone were the days where these genres were poorly recorded. I put on a high res version of Enter Sandman by Metallica. This was definitely the hardest test for the Ara Be to satisfy me. It was challenging for me to experience the bass from Lars's drums once the gut wrenching guitar riffs started to rip through the Ara Be. The highs started to overpower the impact of the bass here. Clarity remains its strength where James's vocal still sounded energetic and clear throughout. The drums and bass lines however, somehow was a little laid back compared to the other tracks I tested.

THE CONCLUSION

When it comes to bookshelf speakers, this Ara Be is one strong contender to be on my 2022 Best Speakers list. I am overwhelmed with its performance. The Ara Be is a pair of speakers that is worthy the time for audiophiles to listen to. The overall performance from aesthetic, sound quality, emotional engagement is all there. It is a nearly perfect design to me and matches my system in terms of clarity, sweet highs and melodic mids. The bass response depends a lot on the musical genre being played but with a good track, it can dig really deep for a speaker of this size.

Who will enjoy this speakers? If floorstander is not your cup of tea and looking for a bookshelf speakers that can deliver high clarity, sweet highs and mids with sufficient low frequency response, you have to listen to the Ara Be before purchasing your next bookshelf. It is not a bass monster but it is also not shy in delivering sufficient bass. In fact, its performance will be able to match or even better than some of the floorstanders out there in the price range of RM8K to RM15K. Pair this with a good amp and you will be satisfied for a long time. 

For a chance to listen to this Ara Be, please contact HiFi Paradis

What Is There In A TT Mat? - Sph PH SCuMat and My Lenco L78

A few months ago, after about a year not meeting up, Sph PH and I managed to meet up and had a good few hours testing out his SCuMat (copper mat with some design changes in the holes sizes). Comparing it to my SSSMat, it did somehow give a different experience to my Lenco L78. Read on!

This is not so much a review but more of me telling you a story of how little things can make my Lenco L78 sounds different. For those who know me should already know that regardless of how things have evolved in the TT market, Lenco will always have a place in my heart. Mainly for nostalgic reasons of growing up seeing my late dad and his TT set up. The bonus of this is of course, Lenco can still give a decent sound if set up nicely. For many years, I was using this Lenco L78 for some of my reviews as well.

Going back to the SCuMat, the first thing that I notice is the low frequency weight. It really brought it down a notch that I feel that the bass is tighter and having more control. The ambient listening to Take Five by Dave Brubeck was the most evident in which I experience this compared to using SSSMat. Of course, I will never compare with other TTs but using the SCuMat alone provided me a different listening experience.

Putting on Diana Krall's 'S Wonderful was another experience where I feel that her vocal went deeper but still retains some level of liveliness. I kept changing the mat between SSSMat and SCuMat just to revalidate the experience and each time, I feel the same experience. 

Now both the tracks above are what I call 'no noise' tracks. At times, listening to simple music like these is where differences in the experience can exist. Now, how about tracks that are ferocious and what most audiophiles call it as noise such as metal genres? I actually played a lot of Metallica's Last Caress and Die, Die My Darling. For heavier songs like this, it took me awhile to really experience the differences between SSSMat and SCuMat. Its subtle but if one is not listening hard enough may not be able to tell the difference.

All and all, I do believe the different experience with SCuMat is due to the combination of the material, weight and holes orientation and size. The physics behind it? Not sure to be honest. But it is as it is when I keep on listening to the tracks above.

I have been maintaining my Lenco L78 to be as close as its original design but with these external accessories, I do not mind to add it on as it provides a different sound to my Lenco. I have placed an order for a new SCuMat and hopefully Capt Sph PH will make me one soon.

JVC NZ Series 8K Projectors Now Available In Malaysia

On Friday 14th Jan 2022, AV Designs held a product introduction event at their outlet. Steven Woo of JVC Malaysia introduced us to the new 8K NZ Series projectors. The event was attended by a small group of reviewers and AV enthusiast was conducted under strict COVID19 SOP (I did not get to have the tasty curry puffs they usually serve).

The event started at 3 pm and was concluded by 430 pm. It was kicked off by a briefing from Steven where the various new features like the 8K eShiftX and BLUEscent were explained in details. Steven also explained to us some of the main differences between the NZ9, NZ8, NZ7 and N5 models.

At about 330 pm, we moved to the first part of the demo in which I get to experience the NZ7 in the smaller AV room. Two sets of specially produced video clips were presented where they were repeated in the main AV room with NZ9 in action.

With the NZ7, I feel that these new line up of projectors are living to its claim as it captures the essence of colours vividly. To me, its easy to display a nice scenery in all its glory but what really strikes me is the details of human skin tone that fascinated me. The NZ7 really brought up the details and complexity of human skin tone during the session.

The NZ7 uses the same chassis as previous model but weight about 5 kg more (25 kg)

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At about 4 pm, we moved to the main AV room where this is the only place one can demo the flagship NZ9 projectors in Malaysia! I thought NZ7 was already enough but this NZ9 brought the whole 8K experience to a different level. The skin tone on NZ9 retains the detail and complex display but in a more natural tone. 

The NZ9 is a monstrous unit packed with capability to portray complex skin tone in a more natural way

The whole event was concluded at about 430 pm. I have been following the JVC product launch event ever since 4K first came out a few years ago. It may sound cliche but I do notice the huge differences moving from previous models to a new one each time JVC comes out with  a new design. If there was one thing that I have yet to be able to fully experience in this whole HiFi and Home Theater hobby is to have a projector set up at home. I have tried a few years ago but the AV area at home is just not feasible to set up one. Believe me, I tried!

Regardless whether you are new to projector or looking into upgrading, do not miss the chance to experience these new NZ series down in Audio Visual Designs show room especially the NZ9.

H-2-6, Block H, Boulevard Business Park, No. 115, Jalan Kepayang
51200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Get Directions

03-6241 1237