PMC Twenty5i and Ci Series Launched in Malaysia

New Norm of PMC Twenty5i and 

i - for IMPROVEMENT.

On Friday, 18th December 2020, Audio Visual Designs officially launched the PMC Twenty5i and Ci loudspeakers in Malaysia. 

The Twenty5i series, follows a substantial re-engineering of the multi-award winning twenty5 series. It benefits from the research carried out while developing the company’s flagship loudspeakers. The main difference of the new Twenty5i range over the Twenty5 series is improvements to the tweeter. The Twenty5i series now houses a 19mm SONOMEX™soft-dome design, derived from PMC’s premium Fact range.

The twenty5i range consists of four, two-way loudspeakers ranging from the compact shelf-mounting twenty5i.21 to the floorstanding Twenty5i.23 and twenty5i.24, plus the flagship three-way twenty5i.26. There’s also a Centre channel model and the proven subwoofer for use in surround systems.  

Before the start of the demo session, Mr. Low Chan Weng gave a short briefing about Twenty5i and also the different and improvement form previous model of Twenty5.

The demo session was conducted by Mr JoKi aka Mr Joseph. We started off by listening to PMC Twenty5i 21 small little fella bookshelf. We then moved to PMC Twenty5i 23 mini floorstander.

My 1st impression:

Twenty5i.21 offers high transparency and open staging. Its very open sounding in delivering the mid-range and highs. Profound bass which the PMC are known for, means it can fill rooms both medium and small with natural low frequency.

The twenty5.23 offers the speed, transparency  and adds greater bass extension and energy to the music. And yet its slim-line form doesn’t mean it can’t move you. The twenty5i.23 will let you absorb the quietest and most dramatic moments without missing a beat, and its realism with vocals puts you in the best seat in the house.

Both speaker was driven by PMC Cor integrated amp with source feed from Bryston Streamer and DAC.

Then we move to the second venue to demo the PMC Twenty5i.26 

The equipment was TAD pre and Power amplifier source feed from Bryston Streamer and DAC.

I was impressed with the clean, nuanced delivery, precise sense of rhythm and top-to-bottom balance. The wide soundstage also stood out. It has excellent bass extension with a touch of refinement and dynamic power.

Overall of summary this Twenty5i range is dynamic and detailed, transparent and well-timed, extremely revealing and musically addictive. Music just flow with ease and you will get immersed in it easily. In a nut shell, the i - Improved twenty5 series focuses a lot on the mid and high frequencies to compliment PMC legendary ATL design for the low frequency. 

RRP for Twenty5i are as follows :

Twenty5.21i - (RM 10,100)

Twenty5.23i - (RM 17,600)

Twenty5.24i - (RM 25,100)

Twenty5.26i - (RM 41,100)

We then move to the Ci series.

PMC Ci Speakers are truly inspiring in realism and dynamic.

This PMC Ci series that AV Designs have in hand are: 

• Ci30 (top surround)
• Ci45 (surround back)
• Ci65 (centre)
• Ci140 (front speakers)
• Ci140 (passive subwoofer)

James Tan gave a short briefing about this PMC Ci series and the set up in this room. James started the demo session with a demo movie of The Accountant and Bohemian Rhapsody.

Lexicon RV9 AVR was used for this demo as well.

I was shocked by the power delivered by Lexicon RV9 AVR. It drove this Ci Speaker series with such ease. Bohemian Rhapsody sounded solid and detailed especially when music is being played. All the surround element was delivered quite well.  The bass section kicked in deeply.This Ci Speaker series give nice musical sounding to this movie.

 

From The Accountant demo, the sub experience was tight and digs deep to proved that impact. The sniper rifle shooting scene sounded accurate and high realism for movie buffs to enjoy it. The Ci Speaker series does work well in a cinema set up. So, don't be fooled by its slim-in-wall design. They provide the right impact with detail, clarity and wider dynamic for movies. For me this the best multichannel speaker I heard since I listened Starke,M&K and SVS before.

Interested to demo this Twenty5i or Ci range at Audio Visual Designs? Do contact them and arrange for a demo session.

Audio Visual Designs Sdn Bhd

H-2-6, Block H,

Boulevard Business Park,

No.115, Jalan Kepayang,

51200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Reported by

AudioVault

On behalf of El Hefe Reviews

I Spy an iFi - Getting Zen with ZEN Phono

 

In the recent months, I have seen posting after posting of iFi products through my Facebook feed. Its true they say, if you keep seeing it, it will come 😁😁😁. Thank you E1 for loaning me a sample unit of the iFi ZEN Phono unit. Been using it for over a month now and it does help to listen to something new during this CMCO. This unit brought back fond memories when I restarted my vinyl journey back in in 2011. After about 11 years of leaving the vinyl cult, I restarted the passion with the purchase of  a Clearaudio Concept TT and an NAD PP3 Phono stage. Not sure of how vinyl market revival would be, I did not want to spend much on a phono stage. Hence, opted for this NAD phono stage which was about RM450. I then tried Musical Fidelity V Series phono stage. All of these were sub RM1000 phono stages. All of these phono stages did not give me a high level of satisfaction, hence had to go a bit mid range. 

This ZEN Phono (also sub RM1000) is a totally different story. Hooking it up to my Lenco L78 put a smile on my face. I also hook it up to a higher grade Clearaudio Solution AMG Wood TT and it gave me an experience like it was connected to a much more expensive phono stage. So, read on folks.

THE BUILD AND SPECS

It fits in my palm. It measures at only 158 x 117 x 35 mm and weighs about 500 grams. But don't be fooled with its size. It is sturdily built with nice finishing chassis and front face. The power and subsonic button feels solid when pressed. 

The front face looks subtle and uses light blue LED for indicators for the power, subsonic filter and the input selector MM, MC- Very Low, Low and High. The stencil used to label these functions however a but to light and cannot be read from far.

The unit can only accept 1 RCA input and 2 Outputs (1 RCA and 1 4.4. mm balanced). It also comes with a grounding terminal. The input selector uses a small switch to select between the MM and MC options based on the cart you use. Power supply is of the expected 5V plug.

One plus point of this unit. Small it may be but when you hook up your interconnects, it does not tilt upwards due to the weight of the interconnects. I remember my NAD. Once I have hooked up the interconnects, the unit will be tilted up due to the weight of the RCA.

All and all, the unit is beautifully finished.

The specifications is as follow as per iFi's website.

THE EQUIPMENT

• Lenco L78 TT with Shure M44-7 cart (MM)
• Clearaudio Solutions AMG Wood with Hana SL cart (MC)
• SPL Audio Director Mk2 pre amp
• SPL Audio Performance power amp
• PMC Twenty5 24 speakers
• Cabling and RCA - Siltech
• Sony PCM D100 Hi Res recorder

THE TRACKS

I stick to 3 tracks for both set up of MM and MC to compare the performance.

• Take Five by Dave Brubeck on 45 RPM
• My Hero by Foo Fighters  on 33 RPM
• Get Lucky by Daft Punk on 33 RPM

THE SESSION

WITH LENCO L78

Take Five

The very first thing I notice was how huge the sound of the sax especially in between 130 to 145 minute. When it hit the higher notes, it sounded extended without any hint of ear pinching sound. Very nicely done. On the percussion, it gave the PMC speakers quite a work out to really deliver that hard hitting sound but still maintaining the characteristics of the hollow drum sound. The snare also sounded well dispersed across the listening area. 

Get Lucky

On this track, the vocal came out to have high clarity to it but leaning more towards a flat presentation. The bass coming from the bass guitar sounded soulful and I could hear note by note. The bass drum however sounded a bit flat as I prefer a more rounded and bigger bass sound. Still managed to get me tapping my feet and move my body to the groove of this track but I could do with a little bit more bass on this one. The hi hat play however was excellent sound. Sharp and precise. The guitar although sounded a bit faint as a background instrument, it still sounded melodic. 

P/S: Please excuse the background sound of the pianica playing Harry Potter score.

My Hero

Yeah! Love the overall raw sound on this track. In this 'loud' drum filled song, it is very critical that the system can extract and reproduced the drum as accurate as possible. While there are parts that the iFi Phono really shine presenting the intensity of the drum works, the sound of the hi hat however was a little but dry and rough. It was also drowned at the mark of 248 minute. For vocal, again the iFi have no problem presenting a high clarity of vocal from Grohl. At this point, it seems to be one of the consistent character of the iFi. On the shredding guitar works, also it sounded really energised and really ferocious. 

WITH CLEARAUDIO SOLUTION AMG WOOD AND HANA SL

Take Five

While through the MM section, this track sounded big, it did not have that musicality subtlety like being played through the MC section of iFi. Listening through the same section of the song, the high notes here sounded more musical rather than just louder or bigger. The snare sounded even more well dispersed but at the same time, that hard hitting contact between the the stick and the snare can be experienced at a different level here. The toms also sounded punchier through the MC section. Even the tingling sound of the ride playing sounded very musical.

Get Lucky

I experience the same listening session through the MC section of the iFi ZEN Phono. More musical albeit the smaller overall soundstage. The clarity of the vocal remains but with more energy and emotion to it. The bass line also sounded livelier and I can relate to the groove of the music in a more intense level. More engaging all round. It really got my body moving to this track. The hi hat play also sounded even cleaner and crisp. The bass sounded fuller and extensive, the way I like it. 

My Hero

When I thought the MM section have already delivered a lot, this listening session though the MC section sounded even more engaging. Gone was the dry hi hat and came in the crisp sound I like. The overall song sounded livelier while still maintaining that rawness that I like. At the same mark of 248 minute, although still sounded a bit drowned, the drums actually sounded more audible note by note. There was something about the guitar works as well as they sounded heavier and more engaging,

THE CONCLUSION

Bringing up the vocal and present it with enough emotion seems to be a consistent characteristics of this iFi ZEN phono regardless on MM or MC task. Quite remarkable sound coming out from this small unit. For bass, I find that the MC section does a better job in presenting a deeper dig and more extensive bass experience. The MM however sounded more hard hitting. It depends a lot too on your choice of cartridge for your TT. On the highs, the MC delivers a more crisp and sweet sound compared to MM. Regardless for vocal or instrument, I do not have to worry of ear pinching high note experience as the ZEN Phono delivers a clean sound. Overall, this is a very 'quiet' phono stage which allows more music to come out from your vinyl collection. Quite remarkable for a sub RM1K phono stage. For musicality however, I would stick to using the MC section of this phono stage.

Who is this phono stage suitable for? Firstly, if the budget allows, it could be for those who just about to start the vinyl journey. Secondly, for those with RM200 to RM500 phono stage, you might want to give this a try as well. I am confident that you will experience a big jump in sound quality. Thirdly, for those who want a simple, no nonsense and straight forward phono. Last but not least, if your collection of vinyl is mainly rock and vocal works, give this is a demo as well. 

For further enquiry or demo, please contact E1 Personal Audio or Asia Sound on 0321102328 or 012 5122089. The unit can be purchased at RM729.

Linn Live Zoom Session by Global Audio

Global Audio is organising a special live Zoom event on the new Linn MAJIK DSM and LP12 upgrades this Saturday, 31st Oct at 9 PM. Steve Croft and Gordon Inch will be online talking about these 2 products and answering questions from Linn fans and audiophiles.

Get yourself registered for the session by contacting Cheng via email or Whatsapp.

WhatsApp+65 9021 0018

Email cheng@globalaudio.sg 

Be there or be square. Stay safe at home and get connected to the Linn Zoom session.

JBL L82 Classic - Retro in Style But Not in Sound

In the recent months, the trend seems to be towards revival of old classics. From amps to speakers, there seems to be much love towards the yesteryears hifi. While most audiophiles opt to find the original vintage gear and refurbish it if required, there are the ones who prefer to indulge in new but old hifi equipment. JBL have definitely came up with a revival that will please a huge number of fans of their old classic L100 and now the smaller version L82 speakers.

After the launch event a few weeks ago, the L82 speakers landed at my place for a review. Impressed by the big brother L100 during the launch, I just had to give a go on this smaller unit. The L100, although sounds great, I believe it might be too big for my living room. Audio Visual Designs was kind enough to have me listen to these babies for about 3 weeks.

The speakers came with a matching stands that was designed to project the sound at a tipped angle.

THE BUILD AND SPEC

The pair came in one packaging box. While it is just about 12.7 kg each unit, I would still recommend  for 2 people to unbox and set it up. Mainly because the size is not a typical bookshelf size.

The workmanship on this speaker is of high quality. Retro it is but not the built. No sharp edges given how box-ish it is. The grille frame is also made from the same wood material as the cabinet giving it seamless look if one decide to use them while listening (I do not recommend this).

A relatively high sensitive speakers, design at 88 db, my SPL Audio 180 watter easily drives this speakers. No sign of strain at all playing at high volumes.  This 2 way speaker design comes with a 1" titanium dome tweeter and 8"pure pulp cone woofer. Of course not to forget it comes with the L pad attenuator control.

For the full specs, click HERE.

THE EQUIPMENT

1. SPL Audio Director Mk2 pre, Performer S800 power amp and Phonos
2. McIntosh MCD350 SACD player
3. Siltech 330L Anniversary speaker cable
4. Kronos Sparta TT

THE TRACKS

1. Smoked on The Water by Deep Purple on SACD
2. Sand of Time by Slumber Sonic on CD
3. Turn Me On by Norah Jones on SACD
4. Temptation by Diana Krall on LP
5. Time To Say Goodbye by Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman on LP
6. Nothing Else Matter S&M 2 by Metallica on LP

THE SESSION

Smoked on The Water on SACD

The guitar intro on this track sounded as raw as it can be. When the drums kicked in, you can start to feel the build of this track. The bassline just completes the build up where the L82 delivered the track with such high clarity sound. The bassline sounded heavy and the drums especially the snare sounded tight and less dispersed. The shuffling of the hi hat sounded crisp and really recreated the rawness of this classic track. The guitar riffs was another highlight in which it sounded ferocious with no shrill. The vocal of course will bring you back in time to the glory days of Deep Purple.

Sand of Time 

Nowadays, no review of mine will be complete without listening to my band's track Sand of Time. Although we did not release a CD version of this singles, I did write one CD of this track. The bass intro sounded melodic and the separation from the guitar works can easily be heard through the L82. I must say at this point that the perception of the L82 (or the L100) is all about bass somehow does not really tally to my experience with this speaker. The bass produced from the L82 is far from a boom box definition. IN fact the bass to me is rather subtle and brings out more the musicality of the overall design. Iswardy's vocal was reproduced with sufficient emotion flowing through, giving flashback of our recording process. His solo also sounded energetic through the L82. The tom tom works on my drums was also clearly heard though the overall music.

Turn Me On on SACD

Call me soft but I can easily swept away by Norah Jones's Turn Me On over and over again. There is something about this song that punches through my soul and just stirs emotions like no other track of hers. Here, the L82 again presented a crystal clear vocal delivery without any ear pinching experience when she belts out certain parts of the song. The piano sounded smooth and emotional from start to the end.

Temptation on LP

Now we move to the analogue side of things. First up, Temptation by Diana Krall. The percussion intro just hit me at the right level through this L82. The double bass also sounded tight. Again, my expectation of deep diving bass is not something L82 will deliver. Instead it is more of a subtle but raw bass sound that hits quite tight into the overall musical presentation. By this 4th sampler, I must say the L82 focuses a lot on vocal presentation as well. 

Time To Say Goodbye on LP

Aha! Now comes my all time favourite track by Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman. I specifically used this track to reconfirm that the L82 will not give me an ear pinching experience when Sarah hits her high note. Sure enough the L82 did not disappoint me. And when it comes to Andrea's deep tone voice, it did not disappoint as well. I am starting to believe that the updated design  balances out across different spectrum of frequency. It brings out quite a performance with regards to musicality and not focusing on any particular genre of music. 

Nothing Else Matter on LP

How will the L82 fair with live concerts? Coincidently my Metallica S&M 2 arrived at the same time. Playing Else Matter was my my ultimate enjoyment with the L82. To me, it is not easy for a 2 channel hifi to deliver the concert atmosphere unless its combined with a TV set :).  James's vocal was so melodic it brought me back to the early 90s when the Black album came out. Such a classic track delivered live through the L82. The L82 delivered quite a performance by bringing up the orchestra where it matters on this track. The string works was soothing yet able to create that 'metal' atmosphere of the concert. 

THE CONCLUSION

Don't be mistaken for the L82 to give you the same experience as the L100. While it is perceived that the L82 is a bass bombarding speakers, it is actually a very natural and neutral sounding speaker. It is a fun speaker which you can just play almost any musical genre and it can give you hours of listening pleasure. And of course, if you have the matching deco, the L82 with orange grille will definitely match well. It is not for those who wants to spend hours of critical listening but more those who really want to enjoy the music as it is. I personally feel that the L82 strength is in the highs and the mids rather than the bass delivery. Sweet vocals coming out from these babies and at the same time still capable of delivering ferocious guitar and swinging basslines.

The L82 and L100 can be demo-ed at Audio Visual Designs. If you are interested to listen to them, give Tony Low a call.

Here is also another sample of a raw drum tracks through the L82 recorded live using SONY PCMD100 digital recorder.

 

Now, for this review, I also invited fellow reviewer AudioVault for a session. Here is his take:

Class act monitor sound

Natural and Detail

For the listening session,  I pick this track to test this iconic speaker.

Eric Clapton Unplugged 

Tears  In Heaven( LP)

Big natural sound that just pulls you into the MUSIC. Eric's voice sounded pleasing and easy going,

There was body and depth on the instrument like piano and guitar. Moderate soundstage and imaging, leans more towards warm, openness sound infuse with rich musical delivery. Highs have excellent extended resolution, clean and refined plus micro details.

Diana Krall 

Temptations( HiRes Files)

Diana voice really well render take me to the warmth side really nailed it. Lively and natural,well-defined tone range. The texture of vocal is rich with well placed in center.

Daft Punk

Get Lucky (LP)

I want to find bass so I play this track, Daft Punk track help me a lot to find out about bass track.

Stand out is the meaty bass, which is also tight in control of pace and timing.

Low mids had a some level of body and low bass for me a bit less of extension, fast and controlled lack though perhaps not the most impactful.

Conclusion

JBL L82 is tempting speakers but is not for all rounders. Capable in loud volume, they are full of character. Bring a wider soundstage and depth  which retaining that big full sound.

These are just lovely with zero fatigue.

AV Designs Launched The Falcon Acoustics BBC LS 3/5a Gold Badge Speakers

On 18th September 2020,Audio Visual Designs officially launched the Falcon Acoustics BBC LS3/5a Gold Badge edition speakers to the Malaysian market. The event was held in their shop witnessed by media from various platforms.

According to Joseph Ki during his brief speech, this Falcon Acoustics BBC is using the original design Kingswood Warren Crossover Filter FL6/23 but they tweak and redesign that Crossover for better sound reproduction. This speakers is still using the KEF B110  woofer and T27 Tweeter, designed by Malcolm Jones whom is also the founder of Falcon Acoustics. The event was then moved to the listening room where the Rosewood version of this speakers was set up for a quick demo.

The system used for this demo consists of Bryston BDA 3.14, PMC Cor integrated amp. The speaker cable used was a pure copper Pro Sound cable by Canare Japan which made us wonder a bit.

During the listening session, several tracks were played covering a few musical genres. The Falcon delivery of music seems to be consistent across various genres played - huge staging, lively and big sound capable of fulfilling a decently sized venue. The Falcon can be characterised as an honest and luscious sounding speakers.

The greatest strength is the indepth vocal that these babies can deliver.  No doubt they sound natural but still lively. The tonality, accuracy and precision sound can be clearly experienced. 

To me personally, the mids sounded luscious and sweet with the lower mids seems to be more bold and thick sounding. All and on all, I would describe it as warm and seductive.

Instruments playback sounded very dynamic eventhough there were some moments where I could do with a little bit more subtleties.

The biggest surprise was actually the Bass reproduction. It is excellent sounding , taut and solid, the bass under control and they seems to go a lot deeper with authority.

Highs is not just clear with high level of clarity but also reproduced with a body to it, offering an outstanding resolution

Conclusion:

This Falcon Acoustics Gold Badge is a beautiful sounding speakers and very good in playing recordings of classical music, jazz and vocal music.

It delivers detail stereo imaging with natural tone and dynamics on vocal. The Gold Badge is a new norm BBC, fully reincarnated.

SPECIFICATIONS: 

Type: Two-way infinite baffle (sealed box)

Frequency response: 70Hz - 20kHz ± 3dB

Sensitivity: 83dB for 2.83V © 1m

Nominal impedance: 15 ohm

Bas/midrange driver: 138mm Falcon Acoustics B110 

Tweeter: 19mm Falcon Acoustics T27 

Crossover: Falcon Acoustics FL6/23 (BBC design) graded and pair matched components

Crossover frequency: 3Khz

Cabinet: Selected grade birch ply, beech  internally damped

Natural wood veneer finishes: cherry, walnut, rosewood, burr walnut, yew.

Price : RM12,500 for premium finished

            RM11,800 for regular finished

For those interested , head down to AV Designs and demo these babies.

Audio Visual Designs Sdn Bhd

H-2-6, Block H,

Boulevard Business Park,

No.115, Jalan Kepayang,

51200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

By Audio-Vault on behalf of El Hefe's HiFi Review