This must be the longest wait before I can fully complete a hifi review :( . And for this, I need to apologize to this pre amp designer Lau Wai Pan for the delay. Expressing ideas and experiences to words has been a bit of a struggle. Nevertheless, I really enjoyed this local masterpiece which has injected a certain level of musicality to my SPL Audio pre and power amp.
The Specification and Built
The Jumpan pre amp is equipped with:
1 x XLR in
1 x XLR out
2 x RAC in
1 x RCA out
Hence, you have a choice to use either one depending on what is available on you power amp.
On the front fascia, it is quite basic and straight forward. A selector switch between RCA and XLR input and a volume/attenuator knob with a volume level indicator.
Lo and behold - it also comes with a pal size remote control which works really well.
I tried a few connection variation but in the end, I feel that using all XLR connections sounds best.
The unit is sturdily built and slim in size (24 x 34 x 6 cm - D x W x H). Easily placed o any standard size hifi rack. As it was built sturdily, using heavier interconnects should not pose any problems for the unit to stay grounded to the rack. I particularly dislike too light of a unit that will not allow heavier interconnects or cabling to be used without the unit being unstable.
The Set Up
1. Power amp - SPL Audio Performance S800
2. McIntosh MCD350 SACD player
3. Sony HAP Z1ES Hi Res streamer
4. Borressen X3 speakers
The Listening Session
Playing Zee Avi's The Book of Morris Johnson, the Jumpan added a wider presentation to what I use to hear from my previous SPL pre and power set up. While the bass remains authentic to SPL, this pre amp definitely added some life to the set up as the SPL Pre and power sounded clinical and can be monotonous at times.
Zee Avi vocal came out strong and dominant sounding compared to the overall music presentation. To me this is one unique attribute of this Jumpan pre amp, it amplifies the vocal of the song. It really did justice to Zee's vocal.
Playing a piece from the legendary Kombo RTM truly shows the musicality of the pre amp. Given a live recording like this, I was expecting to sound thin and a bit one the bright side. Not with the Jumpan. It provides a lively, airy and at the same time, a meaty musicality. It gives out a very engaging experience, bringing back memories of tunes from the past.
The wind instrument sounded super clear with no ear--pinching experience. Sweet and luscious. The percussion was hard hitting and authentic to the sound of 60s/70s. Compared to me SPL pre amp, this Jumpan pre amp injected more liveliness to the overall musicality.
The Conclusion
A well thought design!
It a solidly built with transparency as its unique character. The SPL Audio power amp might not be the best match for the Jumpan as I was informed that it works better with power amp which has 50K to 100K impedance. Nevertheless, I could still experience great difference compared to my SPL Audio Director Mk2 pre amp.
The overall performance of this passive preamp leans towards clarity and lively musicality. It somehow is able to inject some lusciousness to a clinical SPL Audio pre and power combo. If one is looking for a straightforward, minimalize pre amp, give this Jumpan a go. For further enquiries, please contact Lau Wai Pan on Facebook.
If there is one hifi brand that I like but have yet to review in my house is TAD. Exclusively distributed by Audio Visual Designs Sdn. Bhd. in Malaysia, I have only enjoyed its majestic sound in their show room either back in Rohas Perkasa or in their existing shop along Jalan Kuching. When James Tan informed me of the arrival of the classy looking Evolution 1 E1Tx floorstanding speakers, C600 pre amp and M700S power amp, I knew that I have to go and have a listen to the set up.
Given I am about to start my 1 week annual vacation, I told myself to go and have a listen to this set up on 25th Feb before I go on leave...... and it was all worth it.
The M700S stereo power amp weighs about 75 kg and the chasiss and the 4 legged platform is actually comes as a 1 piece unit! Maintaining its industrial look but in a such classy and minimalist design that will get the WAF approved. It will be a challenge to get a rack that will fit this so most probably for potential owners, it will be set up on the floor.
Its unique design includes:
Vibration-Suppressing technology
Lower Centre of Gravity
High Power Ampification (175 wpc on 8 ohm)
Extra large capacity power supply
Simplified First Stage Circuitry
Dual Logic circuit technology
The Evolution One E1TX is in its class of its own. From physical shape to its finishing, it is another TAD product that will have high WAF. It is a 3 way bass reflex speakers with a 16 cm woofer cone and 9 cm mid and 2.5 cm tweeter berylium dome. It is designed with 88 dB sensitivity.
Standing tall at 1215 mm with a width of 350 mm and depth of 512 mm, this speakers weighs about 46 kg each.
I spent about 1.5 hours here and this is my first impression of the whole set up. TAD have given serious thoughts across the whole sound flow from source to pre amp to power amp to the speakers. The seamless integration throughout the chain was effortless. You can play any genres and it will just adapt itself to provide a presentation that somehow to me is limitless headroom. The sound just keeps on growing as if the sound stage just keeps filling up the room.
The bass was taut, extended just the way I like it. At no stage ever it overpower the mids and highs. It was so coherent that the musicality was just mesmerizing. My initial expectation of this set up was actually to be more laid back given my experience listening to other Japanese hifi. Boy...I was wrong. This is a very convincing, engaging and upfront system.
The price range is out of my reach at the moment as the retail price goes to about RM500K for all 3 pieces (pre, power and speakers) but I still can savour the musical experience.
Do go and have a listen to this set up as to me, it is one of the rare set ups one can experience in Malaysia.
Contact AV Designs through James Tan on 016-3280237
The ATC SCM40A (A for active) is not just another pair of speakers. When Kenny of Hiway Laser offered me to experience a full ATC set up in the comfort of my home, I did not know what to expect. My experience with ATC speakers and electronics have been limited to shop demo and KLIAV show. Though they sounded good in the shop, I always felt that they needed super duper efficient amp to properly push the full potential of ATC speakers. Given that, it is only appropriate that Kenny sent me a full ATC system i.e. ATC amplification through the built in active amps and the preamp as well.
THE BUILT AND SPECIFICATION
The beauty of having an active speaker is that it comes with a built in power amplifier. Hence, all you need is a preamp and connect it directly to the speakers. Mind you, you will need 2 power outlets as each side of the speaker will need to be connected to the power supply of its own.
The SCM40A comes with a dual suspension 25 mm soft dome tweeter and 75 mm soft dome mid range driver. It is completed with a 164 mm bass driver. The amp is a Class A/B 242 watter (tri amp; split into 150 W for bass, 60 W for mids and 32 W for tweeter).
When fully set up, the speakers will take up (HxWxD): 980 x 370 x 344mm (inc. foot plinth & amp, spikes add 25mm to height, grill adds 34mm to depth) of space. It is bigger compared to my PMC Twenty5.24. Each speaker weighs 36 KG and it needs 2 people to set it up.
I was also given 2 different pre amps to review, the CA2 MK II and CDA2 Mk II
The CA2 comes with 5 line inputs and a pair of XLR and RCA outputs. There is also an additional sub port and tape and headphone outputs. The headphone outout is a little bit inconvenient as it is located at the rear panel. One of the inputs also offers an RIAA phono input, configurable to both MM and MC.
The CDA2 Mk II is an all discrete class A pre amplifier. It comes with 2 analogue inputs via RCA and 1 via 3.5 mm mini jack. It is also a CD player on its own with premium AKM 32 bit DAC. Another unique input is the USB input with 384 kHz PCM data and native DSD256. I connected my SONY HAP Z1 ES and it is fully compatible. There is a slight click noise when changing from DSD to WAV files but negligible.
THE LISTENING SESSION
Initially, Hi Way Laser provided me with the ATC CA2 MK II pre amp to match the speakers. I had a good 2 months with this babies so most of the review is based on this set up. I will briefly explain the difference when I changed to the CDA2 preamp.
With regards to the source, the review was mainly done on digital sources from the Sony HAP Z1 ES and ARCAM CDS50 SACD player. I tried connecting the analogue side of things either directly to the pre amp CA2 or via MF M1 ViNL and it sounded quite open and laidback. But for simplicity sake, I will stick to digital source.
Usually, I would list down the format/resolution of digital files that I use for the review. But this time around, I will be running a Guess The Format quiz. Hence, I will only list down the tracks.
Time To Blow by Del Paxton
Fragile bt Julio Iglesias
Somewhere Somebody by Jennifer Wearnes
Never Enough by Loren Allred
Gurindam Jiwa by M Daud Kilau
Tak Seindah Wajah by SM Salim
Time To Blow by Del Paxton
On this track, the ATC combo presented an overall big soundstage, emphasizing on double bass delivery with a melodious piano sound. On percussion side, especially on the ride cymbal and rim shot, it was very evident to hear the extend of the dispersion. It made the overall sound full and not just bass filled.
Fragile by Julio Iglesias
Just listen to that vocal. It sounds energised with lots of emotion. It maintains the soundstage scale like the previous track and at the same time, opens up Julio's vocal to spread across my listening hall. I must say that it was very pleasing to te ears to hear such clarity produced from my sources. The bass was not really evident like before but the overall presentation was leaning more towards a laidback but dynamic presentation. The overall sound was just very pleasing and made me want to dig up my other Julio tracks.
Somewhere Somebody by Jennifer Wearnes
Given that I loss the bass when I switched from Time To Blow to Fragile, I chose this track to test whether I can get best of both worlds. In my opinion, this is the track that delivered me the best performance of the combo. Bass was deep, extended without any signs of stress on the speakers and its built in amp. Vocal was sweet and full of emotions and the dynamics behind it was just mesmerizing. It will envelope the listener with such huge blanket of soundstage without losing any clarity to the microdetails of the track.
Never Enough by Loren Allred
How about the delivery of a very strong vocal requirement? This is one of the more modern track that demands a very capable system to really show the prowess of Loren's vocal. Loren vocal range can go low and really high throughot the track. This track gives me a really emotional impact when watching the movie and it is sometimes difficult to replicate that when listening to the audio track alone. But not with the ATC combo. I get goosebumps listening to this track. Loren's vocal was delivered with such intensity and strength that even at the high notes, although sharp, it sounded very melodious and detailed. At the same time, the sound of the instruments on this track also supplement the overall sound to be a wholesome experience, as if I was at the live show in the movie. However, I could do with a more dynamics on the instrument sound. It was a bit flat compared to he vocal.
Gurindam Jiwa by M Daud Kilau and Tak Seindah Wajah by S M Salim
M Daud Kilau, although some might see him as a weird singer, but in the local industry, he is one of the golden oldie artist that can deliver a very traditional vocal sound. On this track, the ATC combo managed to capture the emotion of this track and reproduce it with a very huge presentation with a deep focus on his vocal especially when it goes really low.
S. M. Salim is another golden oldie that can bring emotional tears to me especially whne played in the right enviroment and mood. On this track, the ATC kept it simple with high clarity of vocal and detailed note by note bass line. The violin also sounded sharp and full of energy. High level of dynamics were maintained throughout the track that made it very lively eventhough its a slow number.
THE CONCLUSION
The ATC SCM40A is a pair of speakers that will not only give you a highly detailed musical presentation but also huge and enveloping soundstage that will make you listen for long hours and try out different tracks frlom different genres. It was a pleasing experience eventough it was mainly digital based experience. Never once I felt fatigue listening to the his combo.
Who is this speakers for? First of all, it is for someone who wants a fuss free and headache free speakers. You do not need to worry about amp and speaker matching challenge and you will get the flexibility of choosing just the pre amp. I will explain more in my next article on CDA2 MkII.
Secondly, if you want strong presence of vocal and non fatigued experience of high frequency, the ATCSCM40A excels in this. Melodious and full of energy. You will be able to experience this across your listening area.
Thirdly, it is for those who wants best of both worlds; sound and view. The SCM40A is a looker compared to my PMC.
Is it a bass nutter? Not really, it delivers clean bass but it will not shake your house down. This helps to even further deliver a strong musical sound, huge soundstage but will not give you listening fatigue at all.
The SCM40A is a worthy speakers for those looking for to upgrade/purchase a new pair of speakers and amplifier. The SCM40A is priced at RM46,750 and the CA2 MK II pre amp is at RM 12,500.
Bryston, a hifi name that I have listened to over and over again and it just continue to impress me. From its bold character amps to its versatile digital sources to its range of 'hi-end sound but affordable' speakers and to the last but not least, headphone amplifier. The BHA-1 fully balanced headphone amp have been my resident and reference headphone amp since 2012. I have yet to find another headphone amp in this price bracket that can topple my BHA-1 from my hifi rack, in terms of performance of course. And now, Bryston have introduced an upgrade to this model which strangely to me, the name of the model has not changed. Unfortunately, it is not one of their digital equipment where firmware/software upgrade is an option. So, I was given a fresh out of the box unit to test and review.
So, whats new? Its the same sturdy industrial but stylish casing and same model name. This new BHA-1 model now comes with a balanced pre out as shown in the picture below. So, this unit can now also integrate into your existing pre and power set up.
THE SPECIFICATIONS
The unit is built around six fully discrete Class A operational amplifiers with 14 dB to 20 dB gain and 10k input impedance. It can drive any high impedance headphones with ease.
INPUTS AND OUTPUTS
There are 3 inputs available: 1. Single ended RCA 2. 3.5 mm stereo jack 3. XLR Balanced The unit can drive 3 headphones at one time but with different output connection: 1. 1/4 stereo jack 2. Stereo Balanced headphone output (4 pin XLR) 3. 3 pin balanced Headphone Output (XLR)
4. 3 pin balanced Pre Amp output (XLR) - NEW!
NOTE: there is also high and low gain switch to match your headphones and also to fine tune the match with your chosen power amp.
THE SET UP
Pre amp - Bryston BHA-1
Power amp - Musical Fidelity M1 PWR
DAC - Musical Fidelity M6 DAC (M1 CDT and Dell CAS fed into this)
Phono stage - Musical Fidelity M1 ViNL
Turntable - Lenco L75
Speakers - ProAc D18
Cabling
M1 CDT to DAC - Siltech Classic Anniversary AES/EBU
Dell CAS to DAC - el cheapo USB cable
DAC to BHA-1 - Siltech Classic Anniversary RCA
M1 ViNL to BHA-1 - Siltech Classic Anniversary XLR Balanced
BHA-1 to M1 PWR - Siltech Classic RCA (with an XLR - RCA adaptor)
When it comes to mix and match between a pre/integrated amp and a power amp, my greatest initial concern is compatibility. Will it produce hum? Will it give a hard thud on my speakers when turned on? Will it match my power amp musically particularly with my Class D power amp?
I am very happy to report...at least with Musical Fidelity, there was no hums or hiss coming through the speakers when volume pot on BHA-1 is at zero. Also, no thud effect when the BHA-1 is turned on, even though it was turned on after the power amp was on.
The balanced input connection to the phono stage also produces a clean sound. However, when the Lenco is on an auto stop mode, it does give a relatively loud thud when the power is cut off and the tonearm levered up. But I pretty like how the BHA-1 picks up every single detail even those mild surface noise.
Sound wise, I am very surprised how a Class A pre amp matches quite well with a Class D power amp. It balances out the bright character of my power amp. Detail and crispiness of tracks delivered was very evident. It also adds some warmth and balances out the brightness.
I also don't really have to drive hard volume wise. The volume knob just need to be set just below 9 o' clock to deliver the same volume level to which I usually listen to.
THE TRACKS
It Had To Be You - Harry Connick Jr. (LP)
Suara Binasa - Hattan (MP3 256 kbps 48 KHz)
Last Caress - Metallica ( CD)
Gabriel's Oboe and Nouvo Cinema Paradiso - Ennio Morricone (CD)
THE SESSION
Harry's rendition of It Had To Be You was very pleasant with a big soundstage, delivered by the BHA-1. The BHA-1 provided more clarity to each of the instrument used on the music arrangement. It also improve the focus on Harry's vocal and centralizes it more. Very impressive in a sense as the song was delivered in different layers of presentation. Its like listening in auditorium where the music builds up on you with your ears focusing on the vocals.
Hattan's Suara Binasa is a favourite of mine from the 90's. A track from the movie Selubung which its OST I believe have never been released before. I finally managed to get this track from Hattan's last concert to raise money for Palestine. With the BHA-1 , the acoustic guitar strums sounded so detail even the sliding of fingers can be easily heard. The mellow bass line was distinctively delivered that you hear note by note. Now, the prowess vocal of Hattan was not short changed as well. Very energetic and emotional. Prior to BHA-1, this track was more mellow and not hard hitting.
Metallica's rendition of Last Caress is quite a fast paced and up tempo tune to me. Always get my adrenaline pumping each time I listen to it. The BHA-1 delivered quite a stunning rawness of the overall music. However, James's vocal was a little too subdued and buried behind the music. This causes the song to lack some essence of metal growling. The music was still full of energy and I must say, the drums on this track was quite punchy and every stroke of the drumstick on the tom toms and snare were very detail and crisp. I tried with another newer track Until It Sleeps. A similar result where the vocals is a little buried behind the scene. It might be how the tracks was recorded but it seems a little be restricted.
Ennio's master piece Gabriel's Oboe and Nouvo Cinema Paradiso were absolutely stunning played through the BHA-1. Such emotional and fluid presentation. An uplifting experience with wider soundstage was evident and this was a at a moderate volume of 9 o' clock on the knob. The wind instruments played on these tracks was so melodic that the vibration at the end of each note can be easily heard. The best of what the BHA-1 delivered was the building up musical anticipation throughout each track. It as if was narrating a full story with a beginning, the drama and an ending.... Its not just the music, but BHA-1 injected life into the music.
THE VERDICT
Another gem from Bryston. I really like their philosophy of maintaining one model and upgrade its performance rather than having multiple models. As a pre amp, the BHA-1 really excel in delivering detail and crispiness of wind and string instruments with good layering of musical arrangement. Vocals much depends on the musical genre. It also reproduce a more centralised focus on vocals while presenting a 'big' overall sound and particular to a Class D power amp, it adds some warmth to it. But the level of music detailing is its strongest point. Similar to its performance as a headphone amp.
The drawbacks are mainly on the pre amp functionality. Only 3 inputs, no remote and only balanced pre out. For a simple set up with TT, CDP (or DAC) and maybe an iPod/Bluetooth dock, this would be perfect. But for those with nostalgic cassette deck might not be able to include it to the set up list above.
Looking for a classy pre amp...sound wise and looks? Do consider to demo this BHA-1 headphone amp/ pre amp. This unit is retailed at RM 7000 including GST (~ USD 1900)
I believe this unit will be on active demo in next weekend Kuala Lumpur International AV Show in JW Marriott. Do drop by AV Designs spot there or contact Tony Low (+60122330771) or James Tan (+60163280237) for a demo in their shop in Bangunan Rohas Perkasa.
My plea to Bryston: Please include an onboard USB or coaxial DAC... pleaassseee...
After the exhilarating experience with KOGA Aimez , I wanted to hear the capability of a full KOGA amplification. Hence, KOGA Audio have came up with a single input Pre-Amp named Pentha. And I received it in a timely manner..... on the first day of a 4 days long weekend of CNY. Had so much fun over the 4 days weekend with this unit.
PRODUCT INFO/SPECS
The Pentha is a 2 box pre amp; consists of the main unit and PSU. This reference prototype comes with a single RCA input, specifically for CDP/DAC input located at the rear side. The fascia is simple on the main unit, just a volume knob. Minimalist is the designer's philosophy.
It also comes with a pre out to connect to KOGA Aimez or any other power amp.
Its a mini sized pre amp, frill free design with the following specs.
Full Class A amplification using only discrete semiconductors, ie no opamps
Input sensitivity : 150 mV-2V (adjustable)
Input impedance : 47 kOhm
Load impedance : 10 kOhm (min)
Supply Voltage : 24 Vac
Finishing : Anodized Grey or Matte Black
THE SETUP
After the session with KOGA Aimez Hybrid Power Amp, I have decided to go for a similar set up of my own system:
Musical Fidelity M1 CDT - CD Player
SONY MDS JA20ES - MD player
Dell laptop - CAS
Musical Fidelity M6 DAC
KOGA Aimez Hybrid Power Amp
Speaker Cable - Siltech Classic Anniversary 330L
Interconnects - Siltech AES/EBU digital cable, Siltech RCA
FIRST IMPRESSION
I played the track Always On My Mind by Willie Nelson from the KOGA Sampler CD (excuse the voice of my kids in the background). I could not believe my ears how big the sound stage is. The Pentha was definitely designed perfectly to pair with the Aimez.
THE SETLIST
In order to have a more apple to apple comparison with my previous review of the KOGA Aimez hybrid power amp, I used the same track list for this combo.
Time To Blow - Del Paxton (CD)
Metallica - Enter Sandman (Hi Res FLAC - 24/96)
Era Gia Tutto Previsto - Andrea Bocelli (MP3 256 kbps)
Mustika - M. Nasir (MP3 192 kbps)
Viopipe - Butterfingers (MP3 320 kbps)
Hotel California - Eagles (Hi Res FLAC - 24/192)
Bamboleo - Gypsy Kings (MP3 320 kbps)
KOGA Sampler - Various test music (CD)
THE SESSION
I had the opportunity to 'use and abuse' this combo for a good 4 days over the long CNY weekend. And continued listening to it for another week for about 2 hours a day.
Time To Blow sounded more lean this time. The double bass was still the highlight, but the Pentha just injected another element of tonal balance where all the instrument blended in even better than when the Aimez power amp was reviewed previously. The sound of the crown on the ride cymbal sounded very crisp and the piano sound was delivered with a little bit of warmth injected to it. Very enjoyable when coupled with the big soundstage the Aimez is delivering
Enter Sandman sounded more controlled and tight compared to the airy experience I had in my previous review. The Pentha just smoothen things up when paired with the KOGA Aimez. The bass sounded fuller and tight but with a bigger soundstage, The shredding guitar of Kirk was highly pitched but it did not sound irritating at all as the Pentha just balance it out with a pinch of low end envelope. Metallica sounded fierce and authoritative, And I like it.
Era Gia Tutto Previsto was presented in a more uplifting experience where Andrea's vocal sounded more toned and bold with a pinch of low end signature. The Pentha injected a bit more life compared to my previous review. I particularly like how the deep vocal of Andrea was delivered in a manner as if you can feel that its coming out deep from his vocal cords. Exhilarating. The instrument used on this track was also placed and conveyed in a very layered presentation. I felt like the various instrument coherently blended in with the vocals.
The bass in the track Mustika suddenly appears which balances out the high frequency that was really evident in my previous review.It created a new sound field where M. Nasir's vocals filled up the room more with real life strength. Big and bold but melodious and full of soul. The angklung sounded very traditional as it should be and the classical guitar solo had the right amount of reverb to create a lively solo part.
Viopipe however gave me a totally different presentation. I lost the grunge rawness of this track. The violin still had good delivery but the extra bass that came with this track made it sound warm and pop-ish. It was un-grunged.. The drums on this track sounded more full instead of hollow as I believe it was intended to be.Still very enjoyable but I prefer the raw sound of the previous review.
The swooshing sound at the beginning of the Hotel California track was more evident this time around. The guitar works sounded bigger and the upstroke was definitely detail and crisp as per previous review. However, the overall track sounded livelier and opened up. The high pinch sound from the guitar was less evident most probably balanced out by a cleaner and solid bass delivery. Vocal and drums were the highlight to me. Very emotional delivery for the vocals and clean and timely delivery by the percussion sound.
In Bamboleo is where it truly shined. Even at a lower volume, the different layers of guitar sound can be easily identified. Not only the guitar, even the castanets sounded very clear and crisp.The separation between instrument was very unique where as if the sound was being released one after another. The vocals sounded very energetic and it had a sense of authority which I didn't experienced this before.
CONCLUSIONS
So, what did Pentha do to the Aimez? It basically balances out the high frequency delivery of the Aimez, in a nutshell. Its a neat simplified pre amp for a simple set up with just one source to handle. It matches perfectly with the Aimez.
Who will enjoy this combo? I believe....
Someone looking for a small and simple system
Someone looking for a high quality sound but with limited budget. I believe this combo will only cost less than RM1,000 ~ USD280
Jazz, vocals, metal and complex arrangement music lover
I am proud to announce the birth of a new local hifi designer that just hit the circle of hifi enthusiasts; by the name of KOGA. Currently, the amplification units are being run in for a full blown test. The pre amp (KOGA Jr) and power amp (KOGA MK 1), are no-nonsense performers. Based on a prototype amp that was presented to me last year which insanely drove my ProAC D18 to its limit, these pre-power combo is already giving out phenomenal impact on a few local hifi enthusiasts.
These photos are just from the designer's pre-test set up. A full set of photos of the end product are on their way to my good self.
At this stage, I am trying to get more technical details of these units.
After 2 weeks of use...with 2 different ways to enjoy this Pre Amplifier... yes that is how MF has classified this product as. Its a pre amp with built in DAC. This unit can be used as a pre amp connected to a power amp and drive a pair of speakers, but it can also be used as a standalone headphone amp.
One thing that I notice about the packaging of this unit (and also the M6 DAC), it comes with a QC Passed label. I cant recall this label on my previous M6 and M1 kit. Well, it only further strengthen my confident in the product.
BUILT
The SDAC comes in the usual shoe box size casing, similar to other M1 range. It is however, feels slightly heavier than other kit due to its pre amp function I suppose. It weighs 3.3 kg and measures 220 mm x 100 mm x 310 mm.
It comes with a standard UK 3 pin plug. The remote is similar to othe M1 series remote. The good news (at least for me), the M6 DAC remote can fully control this unit as well. So for this review I do not have to unbox its own remote.
The light blue greyish LED display is big enough to be legible about 8 feet away. It shows the input you are on, the incoming digital signal freq and upsampling freq of 192 kHz.
It also comes with an antenna plus extension cable for its bluetooth capability and also USB192 driver CDROM
The front fascia includes a standby button with a blue (on) / amber (standby) LED soft button, a small and cutish dual function rotary knob. IR for remote and a 1/4" headphone jack. The rotary knob serves 2 functions:
1. Control the volume in 0.5 db steps
2. Press the knob and it goes to input selection
Refer to the video below.
The overall built, I would say acceptable for its price range. Knob feels sturdy and all digital and analogue inputs (RCA) and also the headphone jack provides tight fit to my interconnects.
SPECS
As oppose to the 24 bit DAC used in M6 DAC, MF went for a 32 bit DAC and a sample rate converter which asynchronously up samples all incoming rates to 192 kHz.
This unit comes with the following inputs and outputs:
INPUTS
1. 2 x coaxial
2. 1 x USB B asynchronous compatible with Windows, Apple and Linux OS
3. 1 x optical
4. 1 x AES Balanced
5. 2 x stereo RCA analgoue
6. 1 x Bluetooth with AptX and can store up 16 pairings.
7. 1 x 3.5 mm mono jack trigger in
NOTE: All inputs accepts native 24 bit 192kHz signal except for optical (96 kHz) and Bluetooth (16 bit 48 kHz)
OUTPUTS
1. 1 x coaxial
2. 1 x optical
3. 1 pair of pre out RCA
4. 1 x 3.5 mm mono jack trigger out
NOTE: All outputs allows native 24 bit 192kHz signal except for optical (96 kHz). Bluetooth signal is upsampled to 96kHz.
The pre out function will be muted when a headphone is attached to the jack.
The LCD display cannot be dimmed.
THE SET UP
1. Sony BDP 765 as transport with QED Coaxial Interconnect
2. Sony MDJA20ES connected with QED optical cable
3. ASUS Windows 7 laptop, using WMP and iTunes connected with Noops USB A-B cable
4. iPhone 5 and Blackberry Z10
5. The M1 SDAC connected to M1 PWR power amp with QED Signature interconnect
6. ProAc D18 speakers single run from M1 PWR amp with QED Silver XT Anniversary speaker cable
7. Headphones: Alessandro Grado MS Pro, BOSE Over the Ear
THE MUSIC
1. Zee Avi - Siboh Kitak Nangis (CD)
2. Andrea Bocelli - Time To Say Goodbye, Dare To Live, Vivo Per Lei, Because We Believe (CD, 192 kHz FLAC)
4. The Eagles - Hotel California (CD, 192 kHz FLAC)
5. Joey Scarbury - Greatest American Hero (AAC)
6. Ella - Chinta Dahulu Kala With Azlan (MP3 48 kHz 256 kbps)
7. Gipsy Kings - A Mi Manera, Hotel California (MD)
THE SESSION
It was difficult for me to jump onto this SDAC since I have been listening to M6 DAC for the past 3 weeks or so. Just to 'reset'' my digital brain and 'erase' the M6 digital stamp, I went back to listening to black disc for the past few days before hooking up the M1 SDAC.
CD REPLAY
First to go in the Sony BDP765 is music from our local lass Zee Avi whom has made it big in the USA. Siboh Kitak Nangis is a song sang in Zee Avi's native language in Miri, Sarawak.
The ukelele on this track sounded very melodic and detail while vocals was very upfront. It felt like I was sitting right at the front seat of a jazz lounge. Quire lively experience, The best was to hear the mild scratch of the wire brush on the snare drums. Overall it was slightly dominated by the low end frequency, sounded a bit bassy which a bit of a surprise given the high frequency characteristics of the class D power amp in the M1 PWR. Maybe this was Anthony Michaelson's plan all this long.... to match the SDAC with M1 PWR amp.
Andrea Bocelli's tracks reconfirm this. Dare To Live, Vivo Per Lei sounded a bass-ier than the usual lively and tonally balanced sound I hear on my set up. It does provide a full bodied sound and gets your adrenalin up with quite an authorative musical engagement. But it may still be a bit to bassy for some people. For me personally, for vocal based music, I would prefer a more natural sounding atmosphere.
Now, putting in Foo Fighters My Hero gave a a more realistic experience where it gave justice to how Foo Fighters wanted their audience to listen to their music. Full bodied, growling vocals, kick pedal heavy drums and roaring guitars. Two thumbs up for M1 SDAC for this experience. Its more natural and balanced throughout the whole musical spectrum.
Last but not least, Hotel California...the Live version. My my my... the kick pedal and guitar sound in the intro...is really really empowering. Again, it has this authorative sense ... as if it is saying to me - 'Hey dude, come and listen to me and I will rock you'. I do believe its the M1 SDAC doing this ...both the DAC and pre amp section because I dont believe the 70 wpc from the M1 PWR class D poweramp can give me this. I have tested this M1 PWR amp before with my CLiC and it was a different experience.
COMPUTER AUDIO SYSTEM - USB INPUT
Dont laugh.... but in the recent weeks, this old classic 80's song by Joey Scarbury have been playing on my mind, So browsed through iTunes and sure enough I found the song for $0.69. Tested the The Greatest American Hero and it made re-live my childhood nights for a moment. I remember watching this TV series with my late dad when I was growing up. The combination of this track and the M1 SDAC gave me this emotion and thats what matters when listening to music. OK, the track of course is not the best of recordings. The drums sounded flat as most 80s songs are. Snare were rough and kick pedal were soft. But hey, this is not heavy metal. The vocals are transparent and most importantly, it did not sound digital and still have that 80's ambience. And this kind of musical engagement is what it is all about for me. Emotion runs high on this one.
Moving to another local artist, a duet by Malaysia's Queen of Rock ..Ella... with the growling vocals of Azlan...the front man of Azlan & The Typewrites. This was an excellent track to test the M1 SDAC. Rock vocals, heavy guitars and solid drumming. The low end reproduction of the SDAC balances out the screeching voice of Ella and gave more bass to Azlan's vocals which I need to admit that its not their usual natural sound. But I aactually like it this way. The drums and guitar of course was again very engaging and entertaining.
OPTICAL
The few DAC's I have reviewed in the past few months have given a new life to my MD experience wwconnected to optical input.
Playing A Mi Manera which is basically a Spanish rendtion of Frank Sinatra's My Way. The SDAC maintains its bassy sound which made the guitars on this track sound a bit muddled. But not to bad. When it comes to the solos, it sounded very lively.
The next track which an uptempo rendition of Hotel California. Again the guitars sounded a bit muddled but solos were great. Vocals were a bit flat. Still enjoyable but could not match my previous experience with NAD 390 DD digital amp and the now resident M6 DAC of mine which gave a big leap to the MD.
HEADPHONES
Now..... I would even buy this SDAC on its headphones capability alone. I was very surprised to go thorugh all the tracks above using my Alessandro Grado MSPro cans. The bassy sound from the M1 SDAC is there but it does not overshadow the high freq of the music. In other words, it compliments it and makes it sound more balanced. Truth be told, I spent a good 4 to 5 hours straight on this session.
It is however still needs careful matching with the headphones. Using the BOSE Over the Ears, it became a little bit too bassy. Not the M1 SDAC's fault. It may come from the closed cup design of the BOSE.
BLUETOOTH
Similar to M6 DAC, the BT capability pretty impressive. Connectivity is simple enough even my 5 year old son knows how to connect his iPad to this unit. I came into my hifi room one day and saw him playing Smurfs with the sound coming out from my hifi !!! No dropouts throughout the 2 hour session I had on my Z10 aand iPhone 5.
The sound from my Z10 and iPhone 5 were refreshing and maintains the characteristics as above. Still on the low end side of the musical spectrum but at the same time, on certain songs could still provide that emotional connection expecially on one particular song that came in at random... P. Ramlee's Anak Dara Rindu.... Cant explain the emotion. For you local Malaysian lots... go and try to find this track. And its not even a well recorded track.
FINAL VERDICT
Looking for a well equipped pre amp to match your power amp? Have both digital and analogue sources? Then one dont have to worry about insufficient inputs.
I would recommend this to match a lean power amp. Maybe its just me but the low freq characteristics from this SDAC will work best with a lean, soft sounding power amp or hifi set up. It will give a quite drastic change in music representation.
The M1 SDAC can be purchased from LTB Enterprise in Subang Jaya. Call Tony 019 3388577
