When I decided to drive up to Penang for my annual solo trip / run this year, I wanted to also visit some friends, old and new. Got to know Dr. Anwar a few months back when I had the chance to review his AA Music streamer. So, being in Penang for a few days and after I am done with my Nasi Kandar and running needs, off I went to visit this audio enthusiast. Spent about 5 hours there.
His system includes Harbeth and Focal speakers, McIntosh amplification, JL Audio subs, Marantz SACD player, a monstrous TORUS power management system, TW Acustic Turntable and of course, various versions of his own masterpiece streamer design -The AA Music Streamer.
I experienced the different sound coming from The AA Music streamer based on different tweaks and design topology by the owner. This particular clip is the one that I like best. The clarity from this model clearly surfaced up his best work compared to when I reviewed his streamer a few months ago.
He incorporated 2 subwoofers in his set up but we only use 1 during the session. The way he set up the sub created a seamless sound with an enveloping atmosphere. As his sub can be easily switched on and off, there was a clear different between having a sub or not.
On the HT side as well, he set up a 5.2 channel which was sufficient for his living room. Testing out Avatar, it was truly engaging experience. Very nicely done.
His set up is another example of a non dedicated Hifi/HT room done right. It may not be perfect with respect to having 2 pair of speakers set up near to each other but nevertheless, it was still quite impressive.
Thank you Dr. Anwar for your hospitality. And big thank you to the Mrs as well for a splendid dinner. El Hefe went back to hotel as a happy man!.
I have not reviewed a local brew for sometime now. Heck, I have slowed down as a whole when it comes to reviews mainly due to the change in my main job. Nevertheless, when I was introduced to Dr. Anwar Ali by Kamali and was requested to review and provide feedback to an AA Music Streamer prototype, I accepted it, The early chit chat with this designer brought back memories of my early years in CAS way back in early year of 2000/2001. I have gone through (or more like killed) 3 Windows laptops and 1 Mac trying to get the best SQ (and cheap) from CAS over the course of 12 to 13 years playing CAS. Once a dedicated hifi streamer came about at a more affordable price, I stopped using laptops and PC as an audio source. I believe my first dedicated streamer was Musical Fidelity M1 CLiC back in 2013 or so.
Anyway, getting back to this unit, the good Dr. Anwar arranged for a unit to be sent to my place. Given the MCO at that time, it took a few days to arrive from northern Malaysia. Properly packed and just like receiving a new PC. It is quite heavy and the chassis deserves 10/10 marks for sturdiness, simplicity and sleekness with just a power button and CD slot in mechanism. The main power switch is located at the rear and my, my, my.... just look at the rear panel will definitely remind you of your home PC. With various USB ports and optical port, potential user will be spoilt with multiple HDD access. The single USB port nearer to the power switch is for user to connect with your own preferred DAC.
For this unit, Dr. Anwar have also installed 2 x 1 TB SSD, complete with a few reference hi res files. Why 2 SSD? This is the beauty of flexibility I mentioned above. One SSD is running on Linux with Euphony as the playback software and Windows 10 with JPLAY FEMTO as the playback software. Potential user can discuss with the great doctor on which route to go for. For me, for a straight plug and play, stick to Euphony as it allows a headless operation of the unit. Opting for JPLAY FEMTO on Windows 10 will give you a better SQ but you need some basic computer literacy to maintain the system.
The unit also comes with a CD ripper function but only when used in Euphony version.
For this review, I am focusing on 2 main elements Euphony and JPLAY FEMTO:
Custom 230VA low-noise audio-grade toroidal transformer from Europe, center potted, with outside magnetic screen and primary/secondary static screen
The final product ATX LPSU (dual LM108x series)
o3A 5V standby
o3A 12V and 5A 12V (either for ATX, CPU, or both)
o5A 5V ATX
o5A 3.3V ATX
o1.5A 5V for USB Audio
oPre-regulation for SSD daughter card
o3 x 1.5A 5V voltage regulator daughter card for SSD & optical slim drive
Total three SATA devices can be powered, maximum 1.5A per device
All linear voltage regulators attached to the sides of FC10 case for best thermal management
Configuration Options
Silver or black Streacom FC10 Alpha computer case color
16GB or 32GB SODIMM RAM
32GB RAM recommended if playing albums in DSD 4x and highest PCM rate
Optional slim optical drive (for ripping CD)
Additional SSD drives for increased music files storage capacity
Maximum up to 4 SSD drives without optical drive
Maximum up to 3 SSD drives with optical drive
Default configuration is a single 1 TB SSD
Optional USB filter to improve USB Audio 5V power supply quality
Playback Software ·Euphony,
USD299 or 249 Euro oArchLinux-based
headless system, no screen, keyboard and mouse required oFor
playback control, smartphone or tablet is required (install Euphony app) oSupports
Qobux, TIDAL, Roon integration oFor best
sound quality, playback from internal SSD storage is recommended using Euphony
Stylus ·Windows 10
+ JPLAY FEMTO oInstallation
requires screen, keyboard and mouse.
Once drivers installed and setups tweaked, can run headless oFor
playback control, smartphone or tablet is required using Android app
BubbleUPnP. May need RM15 optional
purchase for full features without adverts oCan do
streaming oFor best
sound quality, playback from internal SSD storage is recommended using and JPLAY FEMTO Server and JPLAY FEMTO UPnP Renderer
USER INTERFACE (IU)
Euphony UI on Android is easy to maneuver between various sources. It took me about 10 mins to set up the Euphony and be connected to the AA Streamer. Access to the internal SSD was immediate while it took another 10 minutes for me to set up the other over the network sources (NAS, HiFiROSE, SONY HAP Z1 ES and TIDAL). The response time between choosing a song and the playback is just about 3 seconds. Similar to most streamers, you have to add your songs to the playback list.
JPLAY FEMTO UI (via BubbleUPnP app free version) is more basic and involves switching between Library (local, NAS, Cloud, TIDAL etc) and renderers. IT gives various option to play from one source to various streamers as well. The TIDAL interface does not give full details of the track like Euphony and on the free version, it is limited to only 16 tracks at a time in the playlist.
THE TRACKS
Japanese Roots by Takadake (PCM)
Time To Say Goodbey by Andrea Bocelli (PCM)
Come Away With Me by Norah Jones (DSD)
Take Five by Dave Brubeck (DSD)
THE SESSION (EUPHONY)
Japanese Roots
On this track, I was expecting the Euphony to playback with great punch and huge soundstage. While the punch was there but overall soundstage sounded a bit small to my liking. The wind instrument sounded a bit flat as I am used to listening to this track with such high energy sweeping through my listening area. Not the usual excitement I get from listening to this track.
Time to Say Goodbye
Another favourite track of mine for vocal differences. Sarah Brightman's vocal started off nicely with a hint of energy, lifting up the song with a lively atmosphere. Andrea's vocal also sounded wholesome and reproduced to showcase his great voice. It did drown a bit to the background music once more instruments came into the picture and come to a stage where the duet was simultaneous, Andrea's vocal started to dominate the track and Sarah's vocal just drowned behind it. Could not enjoy this track as per my usual experience with my own streamer either the SONY HAP Z1 ES or HiFi ROSE RS150.
Come Away With Me
This track brought joy to me as the Euphony managed to surface the emotion behind this song. Her vocal was surfaced up with high clarity but at times, it sounded a bit too laid back. The piano works was a little laid back too, overpowered by the vocal. The soundstage was sufficient but I needed more from this great track especially during the solo guitar. If there was more energy in the guitar sound, it would have made the playback more emotionally connected to me.
Take Five
The toughest track to me for any streamer to playback decently on my system. The Euphony, while it reproduced the song quite melodious, it lacked the punch that this track needs from the percussion and double bass. It excelled in delivering the airy sax works but I am used to a much more punchier low frequency. The percussion needed to sound spot on and accurate to its classic drum set up.
THE SESSION (JPLAY FEMTO)
Japanese Roots
On this track, the most obvious change I noticed is in the wind instrument in which a livelier and spacious sound can be heard. The low end frequency also is more extensive and more to my liking with respect to my speakers. The overall ambient of the playback via FEMTO seems to provide a more enveloping experience with more energy sweeping through my listening area. The percussion sounded hard hitting with sufficient punch for my speakers.
Time To Say Goodbye
Now, I gave a mixed feeling with this track. At times, I feel that playback through the FEMTO was more on the sharp side especially with Sarah Brightman's vocal. Andrea Bocelli's vocal did not come out as good as I am used to. The energy was still there but somehow sounded a little bit too thin compare to playback on my own streamer. The overall track however was reproduced in such a lively manner that I feel that it was a live concert. Brough me back to the time where I brought my wife to watch his concert in Bukit Jalil several years ago.
Come Away With Me
Somehow, with her recent few albums, I lost interest in Norah Jones. The AA Streamer on FEMTO however reminded me of how much used to love her songs. Her voice juts came out top notch on this playback, elevated in a way that brought up the emotion through. Even the piano works sounded very lively even for a slow number such as this. The solo guitar also was very melodious with no hint of shrilling highs. Again, the soundstage and ambient was huge, filling up my hall with great music. I do not have to even sit directly in front of my set up in the king's throne but still felt that the music was everywhere.
Take Five
This is the hardest track for the AA Streamer to impress me. I felt that with Euphony, there was insufficient energy to really playback this track through my system. It was the opposite for FEMTO. A very pleasant presentation with the bass digs really deep and the snare drum fills sounded well spread out to give me that extensive impact. The toms on the percussion sounded deep but did not loose that hollow sound of a classic drum set. The piano sounded melodious and energised too. The tingling sound of the ride cymbal was sharp, crisp and accurate to each note. Finally, the sax works was the killer where it sounded really huge and spacious, creating that huge soundstage feeling for my set up.
THE CONCLUSION
A tough to be honest to decide which one to go for as a whole streamer package. No doubt, sound wise I prefer the JPLAY FEMTO on Windows 10 despite my previous experience to get a good SQ with Windows PC. It was actually a clear cut between JPLAY and Euphony. However, as oppose to CAS, UI is of an extreme importance when it comes to a dedicated streamer. For this, the Euphony is a much more flexible and easier to use compare to FEMTO. It may sound odd but in my book, a streamer needs to have an exceptional UI. Truth be told, based on various streamers I owned and reviewed (MF, Bryston, ARCAM, Sony, ROSE, CaryAudio, Melco etc), Sony HAP Z1 ES is still the most intuitive and accurate UI.
For me, if anyone is looking into getting a real piece of serious hardware for music playback for CAS, it is worthwhile to have a chit chat with Dr. Anwar about this unit. It is also recommended to identify what DAC you will be using the streamer with as Dr. Anwar may need to pre load the driver for your DAC.
Overall, I feel that this AA Music Streamer excels in reproducing the music in a huge soundstage and create that enveloping listening experience. The low frequency was delivered in great punch and extensive enough to push the ATL on my PMC Twenty5 26i. The highs are sweet and melodious especially on JPLAY FEMTO.
Good to see a really solidly built and good topology by a local hifi designer especially on the low powered motherboard. Dr. Anwar paid extra attention on this as part as his design philosophy.
THE EQUIPMENT
For this review, the AA Music Streamer was connected to my SPL Director Mk2 pre amp built in DAC.
The pandemic impacted not only major industries globally but also our beloved hifi industry. Some are negative and some are positive. For the founder of Kronos Audio, Louis Desjardins the past 1 and 1/2 years have proven to be a period where more engineering wonders have emerged from his passion of music enjoyment. He has translated that passion into the latest addition to the Kronos turntable line up - The Discovery.
I had the pleasure to chit chat with him to hear more about this latest design. In this 45 minutes chit chat, Louis shared his experience in coming up with another step up in analogue performance from the previous Sparta and Pro turntables. This include the chassis and the electronics behind it and also the Kronoscope tonearm.
Louis also explained on what to be expected from The Discovery compared to previous models. Saying the The Discovery is total revamp is an understatement. This is not a limited edition model but its more as an exclusive edition as it will go into a more restricted market.
Louis also shared his exciting plans for existing Pro owners to upgrade to the new Discovery model.
Specific to Malaysia, given that we already could not organised 2 KLIAV shows (2020 and 2021), Louis is still hoping the global borders will start to open up soon and he will come to Malaysia and share more about the Discovery.
Currently, there are already a few units being sent out for reviews in USA and also the UK. There are also a few units already being sent out to new buyers!
Have a listen to this chit chat to know more about the new Discovery.
This is not a typical hifi or HT review as it is more the essentials behind it which is the Internet quality especially for video streaming.
While my previous Internet hardware of a router downstairs and a repeater upstairs seems to do the job for 4K and TIDAL streaming, the seamless connectivity has diminished eversince WFH started in March 2020. With 4 MS Team users and 1 Zoom user concurrently, plus Netflix, Apple TV, TIDAL and Spotify usage, buffering and 'internet not available' issues seems to be getting worst by the day. This happens even with a full wifi signal bar can be seen on my devices.
Video call drops, unable to finish a streaming movie, TIDAL drops, video on YT and on FB not loading....are some of the issues that has become unbearable.
I had read and watched videos about ISPs not telling consumers everything about the state of internet in Malaysia compared to neigbouring countries and this situation could be remedied by some other devices. I was not fully convinced until a few days ago....
A demo was set up to show how to remedy this. It took about 15 mins whereby my Internet wifi experience elevated to a new level soon after. I have been meddling with all sorts of gadgets from power plugs, repeaters, stronger routers, longer antennas... nothing compares to this unit installed by POWER LINK WiFi Solution.
After 2 days of multiple MS Teams session by 4 users, smooth 4K playback from Netflix, Apple,Disney+, TIDAL, Spotify, I now can confidently say that this thing works. Forwarding movies now is really smooth, loading of videos are much faster and no MS Team video calls dropped in the past 2 days.
I am not all well versed on how it works but if you would like to have a no obligation demo, you can contact Tahir Mazlan for a home visit.
Andy or also known as Baba Andy is one of the local male artist that I follow ever since he was in the underground band called Flop Poppy all the way back to the early 90s. When an announcement by Custones Production for the pre-order of his latest masterpiece popped up on my FB, I did not hesitate to put in an order immediately. Based on Andy's previous works, I know I will enjoy the new songs. However, what is unique about this album is Custones Productions first album release.
Custones Productions was formed on 26 Dec 2020 as a record label providing pre and post audio/video production and also artist/band management services. Basically the A-Z of producing and releasing your music to the public. The company is managed by skillful team members lead by music producer cum engineer; Y8 a.ka. Faraque Daud under his privately owned Y8Studio in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.
Packaging of this CD album was nicely done in a Custones box with also a thank you note. For those who pre-ordered the CD, it arrived a day before the official release of the album. I immediately put on the CD into my McIntosh MCD350 SACD player and got hooked onto the 1st song called Lukiskan Aku Hati which is now my favourite track on this album.
The album consists of 8 great tracks:
Lukiskan Aku Hati - vibes from the 70/80s, a touch of Earth, Wind and Fire type of music. A fun, catchy song. It stuck in my mind throughout the whole day and it made me cover it on my drums later that evening. Not an easy one actually. Lots of shuffling.
Dan Ku Akui - the guitar plucking throughout the track, percussion and I believe is some trumpet works reminds me of some great Latin tunes.
Lain - Yes yes another great drum works on this track. A mixture of U2 and Radiohead.
Terus - A slower ballad in which I can feel Andy's emotional side though his passion on this track.
Read The Book - One cannot shy away from thinking that this is a remix of Mrs. Robinson by Simon & Garfunkel the first time listening to it. But as you keep on listening to it, you will realise is not even close to Mrs. Robinson. The tune is another fun to listen and play along.
Aku Suami Mu - Such a sweet tune. Reminds me a bit of Noh Salleh's attempt on his Angin Kencang EP. However, again, keep on listening and I realise this is actually a very refreshing song. With a little bit of Barry White in it, strong bass line and lots of open-close hihat works here.
Aku Tahu - Similar to track 3, lots of U2 influence here but with Andy's excellent bass line. The drum works sound quite basic but blended in nicely. The guitar works on this track sounded raw but refreshing at the same time.
Sebelum Aku Tidur - The slowest tempo song on this album aptly name Before I Sleep. Not really my taste but I can feel Andy's emotion singing this song.
Now, on the sound quality. I believe Y8 and his team did a marvelous job for their first official production. This album indeed was mixed, mastered and produced with neutrality in mind. There was no specific focus on any particular frequency range. However, neutral here does not mean flat. The dynamics and energy coming from this CD made me move my feet and shake my head to the beat while working from home throughout the day. Now, for those who follow my reviews will know that one of my way to appreciate a good product or album is when it can deliver that high emotional aspect into my listening pleasure. The music and sound quality from this album did exactly that. Y8 and his team managed to surface up musical instruments at a level where it highlights the best of how it should sound. My favourite bit is of course the drum works and also the bass line. On top of that, despite of all these highlights, Andy's vocal was not lost nor submerged in the music but blend rather harmoniously.
I have been streaming music since 2007. Managed to kill off 3 laptops in that process :). At that time, CAS seems to be the only option I had. Even that it was more streaming from NAS and not online streaming. I also explored Apple iTunes as they had a cloud system. Then came TIDAL and Spotify. While Spotify was so much easier to use and more widely accepted by most hifi and AV designers, TIDAL remains to be the chosen streaming platform for most audiophiles. Yes, there are debates on the merit of MQA but most would still say TIDAL gives a better sound quality compared to Spotify. Given the niche status of TIDAL, for many years, only the higher end equipment would be able to provide the proper experience of TIDAL. However, things has changed and TIDAL user can enjoy their subscription using various equipment in the market.
I started to subscribe to TIDAL in 2018. Even that, the complicated process to unfold MQA made it less desirable for me to spend a lot on equipment. So, I bought an ARCAM CDS50 SACD/Streamer that can stream TIDAL, a SONY DAP and also ensure my next car purchase in 2019, had TIDAL in its ICE. Somehow, during Malaysia MCO in 2020, a series of more affordable equipment came into the market. One being iFi ZEN DAC which I reviewed a few moons ago. 2021, then became the year I explored the possibility to have a streamer that can complement my SONY HAP Z1 ES.
First came into the picture is this Cary Audio DMS700 streamer, fresh out of manufacturing last month. Thank you Issac Ho of Audio Perfectionist for loaning me this unit.
BUILD AND SPECIFICATION
Issac, being his usual helpful and passionate self, delivered the unit and help to set it up. The unit is relatively heavy for a streamer. At about 28 lbs and measuring 3.75" H x 17.25" W x 16.25" D, this is definitely a streamer that means business. It comes with a full functioning remote control but if you are a streamer, a mobile app is something that you would use more often.
This unit has abundant of inputs and outputs:
2 coaxial, 1 optical, 1 AES/EBU digital inputs
1 coaxial, 1 optical digital outputs
3 USB inputs (2 in the rear, 1 in front)
1 SD card slot
1 AptX(R)HD Bluetooth
A pair of fully balanced XLR output
A pair of RCA output
The unit is capable for ethernet connection and wifi (2 antennas). I am however a bit surprised that it does not have a USB DAC input. Most probably because it can already stream whatever you want through this unit.
The main highlight is of course TIDAL and the capability to fully unfold MQA. However, the DMS700 comes with other typical capabilities which are Spotify Connect, Qobuz, vTuner and streaming from NAS or computer. The unit can easily detect my SONY HAP Z1 ES as a NAS and can playback the files on the HDD.
At the point of this review, the DMS700 is still pending of the Roon certification in which Cary Audio will release a firmware once it gets fully certified.
Setting up of the unit was quite straight forward. A dedicated app Cary Streamer 2.0 needs to be downloaded (mine is on Android). Upon launching the app, it detected the unit within 5 to 10 seconds. Once connected, you can browse through the different features that the unit can offer.
Both Spotify and TIDAL can be logged in using this app directly. While Spotify was quite straight forward, I had issue with my TIDAL log in. After a few attempts, it was evident that there was an issue with my home network. As a temporary solution, Issac set up my account in Audio Perfectionist shop on the same day using the shop internet network. I can then start using TIDAL in my set up.
THE LISTENING SESSION
First up was Japanese Roots by Takedake on TIDAL. Percussion on this track sounded really good with a great punchy signature. Nearly perfect in my book when it comes to low frequency delivery through my PMC speakers. This particular track really needs a streamer that can really belt out the not only the percussion but at the same time, create that airy ambient for the wind instrument. Lo and behold, I have always felt that streaming (either over the net or even NAS) can make the music sound less livelier. Not in this case. The DMS 700 is definitely a streamer that can inject that liveliness into a system.
Japanese Roots
Second track was Take Five by Dave Brubeck. Another remarkable musical presentation from the DMS 700. Somehow, the 'lifeless' I usually hear from an online streaming platform has been injected with life through this unit. Saxophone sounded airy but very engaging. The snare sound sharp and the bass hits hard. Minimal sign of this was coming from online streaming. I do have this preference that digital music is still more enjoyable when being playback from a hard disk like the HAP Z1 ES. This was indeed a different experience altogether. The overall musical presentation flows naturally and full of energy.
Take Five
Now, I was curious about how this streamer would sound in another set up. So, I went to visit Audio Perfectionist to hear this same track Japanese Root on their show room set up. My my my, it made my set up sounded small. Nevertheless, the same traits that I heard at home were present here as well. Punchy percussion, sweet highs were all there.
Japanese Roots in Audio Perfectionist show room
THE CONCLUSION
The Cary Audio DMS700 is one capable streamer with the emphasis on delivering a lively presentation even from an online streaming platform. I would sum it up as a unit that focuses on seamless flow of musicality. At times, I was not sure whether I was playing a CD from my SACD player or from this streamer. The main strength for this streamer leans more towards a good level of transparency and dynamics. I also tried to play lower quality digital files and with the upsampling that can be done by the DMS 700, it sounded quite acceptable. If you do have a good digital files collection of high quality recordings, you will be in a for a treat. I still prefer it if is played off a hard disk compared to NAS. But I guess that is based on your own preference.
If you are looking for a streamer that can give you more excitement in your digital quest, do go and listen for this unit in Audio Perfectionist.
Malaysia actually is not short of having a good venue to experience real hifi sound. This week, I continue to explore another venue in Jaya One, Petaling Jaya. Not that I am not familiar with the venue but the last time I visited this shop was last year when I bought my McIntosh MCD350 SACD player. Not much have changed with the room itself but the equipment now features the following:
McIntosh XRT1.1k speakers.
McIntosh C1100 pre amp.
McIntosh MC462 power amp.
Cary Audio DMS700 streamer.
McIntosh MCD350 CD player.
HRS SXR Audio Stand.
HRS R3X isolation platform.
HRS damping plate on top and Helix under the DMS700.
HRS Vortex under C1100 controller and pre amp.
Ansuz Speakz A2 speaker cable.
Ansuz Signalz C2 1.5m xlr from DMS700 to pre amp.
Ansuz Signalz A2 1.5m xlr from pre to power.
Ansuz Mainz8 D2 distributor.
Ansuz Mainz A2 power cord from wall to distributor.
From distributor to components all Ansuz Mainz X2 1.5m power cord.
When Issac Ho of Audio Perfectionist messaged me to come and see something new, I agreed and arranged for a Friday evening to visit the shop as soon as I can travel inter district. Besides the CaryAudio DMS700 streamer which I had the pleasure to review it at home, there was also the new HRS racking system. The HRS racking system is for the discerning audiophile who really want to squeeze out the very best of their system. I was entertained with various track after track.
In this sampler of Japanese Roots by Takedake, this whole set up send shivers to my back with its deep digging low frequency and at the same time, having that airy experience with its mids and highs. The percussion sounded punchy and lively. While its wind instrument really pushing the envelope of providing sweet sounding highs. When I first saw the set up, I was a bit overwhelmed with the height of the XRT 1.1k speakers but as it was set up properly, that overwhelming feeling turned in enjoyment of a good pairing between a McIntosh amplification and speakers with Cary Audio DMS700 streamer.
I must also admit that the HRS is giving some different impact. We did some comparison listening with and without the HRS damping plate and Nimbus system. As this is a very revealing set up, I must say the difference was quite evident. Without these tweaks, the string works and percussion sounded a little bit less dynamic. You have to a go with this experiment and visit the shop.
I am actually not done yet enjoying the system here but Issac promised for another session once their turntable is fully set up.
To demo this system, please contact them and arrange for a demo session. You will not regret it.
Centre Circle Audio have stepped up the hifi game with a new addition of 2 listening rooms to the one existing in their outlet in TTDI. Taking up the floor above, CCA have set up full Roon environment in 2 new listening rooms and also to the existing one downstairs. Completed sometime in December, CCA was also not spared from the MCO as it is quite restricted to get audiophiles to come and enjoy this new addition to the listening rooms.
HiFi ROSE RS150
Primarily, I went to have a listen to the HiFi ROSE RS150. So, I spent a good 1 hour listening to various tracks where the ROSE was used as a streamer cum pre amp to an Audia Flight FLS4 power amp, driving a Boenick W8 speakers.
This set up reveals rather a big sound for my first impression. The RS150 is one heck of a machine. The ecosystem which is based on Android is very stable. The unit of course have all the bells and whistles to play a wide selection of streaming platforms.
Here is a sampler form this system:
Mola Mola Tambaqui, VAC and Living Voice
I was then brought up to the upper floor into the first new listening room comprises of Mola Mola Tambaqui DAC, VAC Master pre and Signature power amp and Living Voice speakers. Source was from Roon ecosystem placed in the main listening room. This brought my experience up a notch from the room downstairs.
The deco of this room is really relaxing and reminds me of the house I used to live in UK back in my time there. The Living Voice speakers looks like a typical British design, basic and boxy.
Here is a sampler of this set up:
Avant Garde, WADAC and VAC
This room was the ultimate experience of the day. It was good that we started off with the room downstairs and slowly build up the excitement for this. I personally have always been skeptical about horn speakers given the few times I heard it in the KLIAV show. However, recent 2 experience with Avant Garde speakers in Melaka, told me other wise.
This was the same experience. These speakers and the room was set up pretty darn good that I wish I had more time here. Good solid bass impact. Sweet melodious highs. For this set up, I will not share the sound quality as I would like to keep it as a secret. You have to go and visit CCA to experience a 4 stack WADAX Roon system with top notch VAC and these speakers.
To arrange for a demo, please contact CCA at 03-77282686. Their outlet is located
