I have been using ASCENDO subwoofer, surround and ATMOS speakers for a few years now. It blends well into my PMC LCR speakers and ARCAM AV. receiver. However, my 5.1.2 HT set up is not ideal to fully experience ASCENDO capabilities.
On 15th Feb, I spent a few hours with James Tan in AV Designs to explore the ASCENDO set up and really experience what it can do. The main HT room is equipped with a 24" infrasonic sub alongside the other ASCENDO speakers. Mind you, the AVR was a JBL but still the set up was amazing. James and his team have been tweaking the set up and it was a vast improvement compared to my previous visit many months ago.
Playing movies like A Quite Place and 13 Hours brought out the grunt and hard hiting bass from this set up without loosing any clarity from the LCR speakers. It provided a very engaging and enveloping, non-directional experience of bass extension. Can really experience how a bullet shot sounds like.
What really impresses me was when it was put on a 2 channel demo. In this drum video, the amount bass that comes out of this set up can make any drummers start to tap their feet. Deep, cohesive and fast sounding to keep up with the drummer playing pattern.
To have a room like AV Designs show room would be a dream. I may just settle with adding more subs to my set up 😬😬
Do visit Audio Visual Designs to experience what I experienced here. Ask for a demo today!
For local audiophiles and AV enthusiasts, the name SVS is no stranger to them including yours truly. In my previous home theater set up, my rear and ATMOS speakers were from the PRIME series and also the main subwoofer as well. They were very capable speakers to complement my LCR which were the PMCs. Nevertheless, I never really had the chance to test or use them as a pair stereo set up or even a lifestyle set up.
When AJ of The Experts Group Malaysia mentioned about the Wireless Pro and 3000 Micro Sub set up, it intrigued me to review them. I had them for 3 weeks (about 2 weeks of serious listening) and I must say, they continue to live up to their name even for a 2 channel set up. Read on to know why!
THE SPECIFICATIONS
First of all, the Wireless Pro speakers are sold separately from the subwoofer i.e. it is actually a stand alone unit. It can belt out music without the connection to the subwoofer.
The term wireless can sometimes be misleading. As far as I remember, my first 'wireless' set up was a SONY home theater system for my apartment in Abu Dhabi when I was stationed there between 2005 to 2007. At that time, the term wireless was mainly referring to my rear speakers as I did not need to run cables to the main unit at the front. However, there was a need to have 2 additional eletrical plugs to power up both rear speakers. Hence, it was one of those 'wireless' but not truly 'wireless' if you get my drift.
Not with the PRIME Wireless Pro! Even the power cable to the main unit with the front display is equipped with attached cable to connect to the other speakers. Hence, you just need one eletrical power supply point to power both speakers.
The subwoofer however, needed a mono RCA subwoofer cable to connect from the Wireless Pro.
As a wireless powered speakers, the Pro is equipped with a dual Class-D power amps for discrete Bi-Amplification at 200 watts RMS power with a digitally controlled tweeter to woofer Xover at 2kHz.
The pair is relatively sized decently as a bookshelf speakers at 295 mm x 180 mm x 228 mm (HxWXD) and weighs about 5.6 kg each. It is recommended as well to either place them on a decent speakers stands or an isolation platforms such as the IsoAcoustics Aperta.
The pair also comes with a neat little remote that does all the basic function.
INS AND OUTS
Inputs
1 x RCA
1 x optical
1 x 3.5mm Line In
1 x HDMI (ARC)
1 x Ethernet
Ouputs
1 x sub out
Bluetooth 5.0 with AAC and aptX
1 x Ethernet
Wireless Connectivity
Bluetooth 5.0 with AAC and aptX
DTS Play-Fi - Losslee 192 kHz/24 bit via critical listening mode over WiFi
The 3000 Micro Subwoofer is a fully active unit, designed with a dual opposing 8 inches drivers. Measuring at 278 x 297 x 271 mm (HxWxD), this sub is not to be underestimated. Weighing at about 10 kg, this unit complemented the Wireless Pro speakers seamlessly; providing sufficient grunt and low frequency envelope to make the sound reproduction very musical indeed.
It comes with a pair or RCA ouput and input in which I only connected the sub via a single RCA mono interconnect to the Prime Wireless Pro. The volume and phasing of this sub can either be done manually through the soft touch buttons at the rear panel or also via their app. (However, I believe you need to purchase a wireless audio adapter for this to work via Bluetooth)
The subwoofer amplification comes from an 800 watt RMS, 2,500 watt peak Sledge STA-800DM built in amp with a fully discrete MOSFET output high-effiiciency Class D switching topology. Fully packed into this tiny in size but muscular in sound. For the full specs and features, click here.
THE SESSION
I tested out this set up in stages below:
1. Without the subwoofer
2. With the subwoofer
My review below however will only be with the subwoofer with some comparison context to listening without the subwoofer.
Before describing the listening session, the first test that I always do is the CONNECTION STABILITY. In this modern era, this is essential for any wireless system. First of all, setting up the speakers into my home network.
The SVS Prime Wireless Pro Bookshelf speakers was fully set up physically and gained connectivity within 20 minutes. That is how simple it is. Using the DTS play-Fi app on Android, connectivity to my home network was a breeze. Music services to Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz and Roon were seamlessly connected within seconds of logging in.
The system was put into a looping streaming for 1 hour and it passed El Hefe's HiFi Reviews stability test ✅️✅️. ZERO signal dropouts over wifi.
I listened to the following tracks with and without the subwoofer. My reference will only be on QOBUZ but TIDAL and Spotify were tested too.
Take Five by The Kenichi Big Band
Take Five by Dave Brubeck
Turn Me On by Norah Jones
Enter Sandman by Metallica
The Sound of Silence by The Ghost of Johnny Cash
Take Five by Big Band Kenichi
On this track, the speakers were able to deliver a very lively ambient with layers and layers of multi instruments being tightly played. This is not a particularly easy track to be played as it involves a complex arrangement that needs a good reproduction to really get the music going. The subwoofer added that additional kick to the song in which without it, it can sound a little bit laid back with all the highs playing frm the multi instrument band. The sound stage also sounded big compared to the size of the speakers. At one point, my kids thought I was playing the song from my main hifi set up. It was one of the more entertaining session I had with this set up.
Japanese Roots by Takadake
I must say that this track was the track that really made me say that this is one capable wireless speaker set up. The wind instrument sound really lush yet chilling with enough energy to get listener excited. I was fully engaged and mesmerized with the level of clarity and how deep it can go with the bass. Yes, the subwoofer added some juice to it but on this track, even without the sub, it can really belt out an energetic performance. The percussion on this track sounded tight with the sufficient amount of dispersion that I like. It maintained the similar huge soundstaging that gave me an immersive experience.
Turn Me On by Norah Jones
I then had to test the speakers with some vocals. Norah's vocal really stand out with this wireless speakers. It manages reproduce the build up from a relaxing intro in which there was a good blend of her vocal, piano and percussion into an emotional roller coaster. As soon as she hits some high notes, it sounded even more engaging. As it goes into the bridge, the set up created that cyclic emotion to build towards the emotional finale of that track.
Enter Sandman by Metallica
Now, this is where it got a bit tricky. With the stellar performance thus far, I was expecting a kick ass, energetic and andrenalin pumping session with this track. While the guitar riffs of Kirk Hammer sounded really ferocious, I find that Lar's drumming lacked a bit of punch even with the subwoofer on. James's vocal still came out clearly and upfront as there was no overwhelming dominance from the high and low spectrum. It was just the drumming didn't come out as I expected especially the intro of floor tom and other tom toms. It was still a very decent performance for metal music but I could do with a little bit more dive in the low end spectrum of frequencies.
The Sound of Silence by The Ghost of Johnny Cash
The highlight of the session came from this track. It sent me chills and emotional engagement. The Wireless Pro just reeled me into a deep unawareness of my surrounding. My mind just floated away with the huge sound stage and the reproduction of that vibrating vocal. It filled up my dining area with such ease and without comprimising any essence of the song. Truly an enjoyable listening experience.
THE CONCLUSION
Of many all in one wireless systems that I have owned and reviewed in the past in the likes of BOSE, Bluesound, SONY, Samsung, KEF etc, this SVS Prime Wireless Pro is the most comprehensive yet simple to set up and use. It has a stable connectivity to all major online streaming services and able to stream uncompressed Hi Res files with no signal dropouts even on wireles mode. A big plus point here.
The sound quality that it can provide actually warrants it to be paired with a decent speaker stands if one intends to use this as a main stereo set up as oppose to easy listening set up for in the likes of dining area, bedroom or small living room. For desktop use, it is recommended to have a pair of isolation platforms such as the IsoAcoustics Apetra.
Without the subwoofer, the Wireless Pro is still able to deliver a very engaging musical presentation. Clarity, huge sound stage and luscious vocal are the 3 main strength based on my listening sessions. With the subwoofer, it elevates the Wireless Pro to be more emotionally engaging as it made the music wraps over me plus, it gives out that extra low frequencies thumping effect as well.
To summarise, if you are looking at getting into a true all in one wireless set up while maintaining a more 2 channel hifi looks, this Prime Wireless Pro should be on your audition list. At RRP of RM4,900 a pair (and RM 5,210 for the 3000 Micro sub for that extra kick), this can be at par or even better sounding than certain entry level hifi set up. You will also eliminate the headache of figuring out a match between amplifier, streamer unit and a pair of passive speakers, let alone the interconnects and speaker cables.
Oh! Did I mention that The Experts Group is having a promotional offer? Better grab them while you can.
For audition, make your way to The Experts Group Malaysia outlet, located at The Gardens Mall, Lot S-207, 2nd Floor, Mid Valley City, Lingkaran Syed Putra, 59200 Kuala Lumpur. They can be contacted on 012-6462738 to book for a demo session.
Home Theater scene has quite a big following in Malaysia. Based on the activeness of some FB groups, a lot of enthusiasts seems to be very contented with their set up. Names like Yamaha, Pioneer and Denon are the common and mostly used by them. In the recent years, names like SVS and Rhythmik Audio have been popping around to dominate the subwoofer market.... and I thought I have listened to them all. Indeed I was wrong when today, James Tan of AV Designs showcased me with 2 subs and its DSP module from Pro Audio Technology.
I spent about 2 hours there where went through a number of movies and concert scenes which includes John Wick 2 shooting scene in the club, War of the World alien arrival scene and also U2 concert.
First of all, AV Designs currently have on demo 2 sub models, the LFC-10sm and LFC-14sm, controlled by the PMA DSP module. They are still fine tuning the complete set up in the main HT room with the PMC fronts but I demoed the one in the smaller room with the Bryston fronts.
A little on the specs:
LFC-10sm
Extreme long throw, 10 inch driver
Compact enclosure but not an ordinary design. It reminds me of a car sub for ICE, placed in the boot.
DSP optimized performance
90dB sensitivity
1000 W power handling
22Hz - 80 Hz FR
Weighs 57 lbs
LFC-14sm
15 inch driver
Ultra compact enclosure 16 x 16 x 12 inches
Weighs 49 lbs
1000 W power handling
22Hz - 80 Hz
90 dB sensitivity
NOTE: Both models require to be matched with the PMA DSP module
PMA DSP Processor
Installer Prommable DSP Processing for all PRO loudspeakers
Software Selectable Input Routing for All Channels Plus Looping Outputs
Selectable Acoustic CompensationFilters
Configurable Amplifier Channel Powers - 200W, 450W and 1000W
Up to 4 channels and 4000W
How Did They Perform?
James have already done all the set up when I arrived. The subs were already callibrated through the PMA processor. First up was John Wick 2 scene. The shooting scene was delivered with such an impactful effect by the subs. The LFC10 was set up at the front of the room while the LFC14 was at the back. Thesub delivered the low extension in a very directional way. The long throw design of the LFC10 gave me a quite a rumble from where I sat. It truly described and delivered the bullet that was shot from side to side or front to back. Its very obvious in the directional feel of the low frequency delivered from the sub. While I prefer a more room filling bass, this directional effect seems to give a more realistic delivery of a shooting scene. First thumbs up.
Up next was the War of The Worlds. Not the best PQ on BD but the audio is superb to test these subs. This is where, both subs gave me a different perspective. The lightning scene and when the robots came out of the ground on the streets, gave me both experience of directional and also room filling effect. The rumbling of the streets cracking open can be felt across the floorboard while the laser shot by the robots were still directional.
So, we all know that movie soundtrack are mixed differently and majority are properly mixed. Now, how does this sub fair playing an old U2 Rattle and Hum concert? Well, it did quite well, kicking out the bass where its appropriate. Not really thud thumping like for the movies but it did blend well into the music.
One distinct character that I like about these subs is that it is dead silence when it should be. The lightning scene in War of The Worlds, the whole room went completely silent once the lightning stop (the scene in the backyard where the clothes on the line stopped swaying)
The Verdict
These subs set up is one serious gear for the HT enthusiasts. Its not really a looker and may need your Home Minister's blessing but if you have dedicated HT room, these subs can really rock you. Its versatile nature to cope with different bass demands will provide you with a very effective impact. It further delivers the ambient of the scene you are watching.
SYZYGY Acoustics is relatively new here in Malaysia where the launch of their product was just done a few months ago in AV Designs new flagship store. The company was founded by a team of audio specialists who have been leaders in various well known premium audio brands in the USA, Canada and Europe. Based out of Princeton, New Jersey, this company offers a unique wireless solution for your subwoofer needs. Not only its wireless, it comes with a dedicated software app to fine tune the sub into your existing set up for both HT and 2 channel audio.
Given the chance to be the first to review this subwoofer in Malaysia, I quickly jump on the opportunity when Tony Low of AV Designs offered to send this unit around together with PMC 25.23 speakers (speakers is another story where I am in the midst of choosing a replacement to my already sold ProAc D18). I was given the the SLF 850 model which comes complete with the wireless module.
Specifications
Driver Size:10" Type:Acoustic Suspension Amplifier Power:1,000 Watts Frequency Response:24-200 Hz Room Output:104 dB Dimensions:12.5" cube Weight (net):28.4 lbs Wireless:Yes Analog RCA In (LFE):Yes Auto Standby: Yes
The unit uses BASH amplification where it delivers the high efficiency of a Class D amp but with the immersive sound quality and dynamic power of a Class A/B design. It gives out a high current, high output and low distortion.
Setting Up
Syzygy uses SoundSculpt Technology where the subwoofer makes a 3D sonic map of its space followed by an adjustment to its output to smooth out any aural peaks and valleys. During the set up, the unit sends out series of tones (just like a hearing test but it goes really low and loud) that measure the shape and size of the room, position of furniture and how your home decor absorbs and reflects sound. This data is capture by your smartphone or tablet and sent back to the unit where it is corrected and perfected to produce a seamless blend to your speakers.
WARNING! The signals generated during the set up go really low. It did rattle some of my furniture.
For the room acoustics adjustment, it uses Digital Room Correction hence its not really picky with the position of the sub.
All this is done wirelessly from your tablet or smartphone. Its like subwoofer setup for dummies :)
Do note, not all android phones is compatible to the app. My Blackberry KeyONE could not detect the subwoofer so had to resort to my Samsung Tab.
You can also turn the unit on and off from the app in which it is very useful to differentiate the sound from your set up with or without the sub. The unit also has an auto standby function where it will go on sleep mode after prolong time without any music signal.
The package comes complete with the transmitter and the receiver is already built in the subwoofer itself. All the cabling is also supplied plus the power plugs for the transmitter. You still have the option of connecting the sub using RCA but for me, I have put the sub at the rear of my listening position. The subwoofer can set up as front firing or down firing.
Rear sub set up
Transmitter
The Tracks
1. I Just Cant Stop Loving You by Michael Jackson - DSD
2. New York New York by Andrea Bocelli and Tony Bennet - FLAC 24/192
3. Money For Nothing by Dire Straits - WAV 16/44
4. Kitakan Bersama by Ammarah - WAV 16/44
The Session - 2 Channel
I Just Cant Stop Loving You
With this Michael Jackson track, I can now feel a more enveloping experience on my 2 channel set up. The bass at times can be a bit overwhelming, hence I lower down the volume from the app. With the added sub, it does not just bring up the low end notes from the bass guitar drums, but it gives out quite a warmer overall experience and a tad of deepness in the vocal. With this kind of music, it can easily create a very emotional ambience for the listeners.
New York New York
For a more cheerful atmosphere, I put on this duet by Andrea Bocelli and Tony Bennet in one of their open air concert in New York. Given the live performance, I somehow didnt get too emotional when I listen to this track before even with its catchy tune. But with the Syzygy in play, again it gave a richer presentation where the overall presentation was taken up a notch in the liveliness and deep bass ambience. A track that sounded flat before is now more entertaining and emotionally expressed in a better way. No adjustment was needed on the sub.
Money For Nothing
A must have test track for bass heads. I was expecting heavy distortion on this track as I am paring the Syzygy with a set of speakers which are known to be bass heavy.. But I was wrong. The Syzygy instead gave a richer presentation to this track. I can feel that the music was all around me. The unit did not give out pulsating sensation from the rear but what it does it fills up the void a 3D experience for me. It was indeed avery unique experience. This was one track that I did not need to adjust anything on the sub setting. The drums on this track was heart pounding with the Syzygy giving a very enveloping ambience.
Kitakan Bersama
Trying it with a a heavier ballad from this Singapore based band Ammarah, again the Syzygy added warmer ambience to this track. The bass again became a bit overwhelming, hence I lowered the volume. Even though it emphasises on the bass, it did not at anytime drown the vocals and the shredding guitar works. With the Syzygy, it definitely added more grunt to this track which suits the musical genre that Ammarah carries.
The Session - Home Theater (5.1.2)
I also took the liberty to hook up the unit to my ATMOS set up replacing my SVS sub which is also on wireless mode. Paired with PMC 20.23 fronts, PMC Centre, SVS rear and Elevate speakers, the Syzygy was set up using the apps again and the I rerun the calibration on my Denon AVR.
Playing The Justice League movie, the Syzygy gave out quite a forceful bass response; enough to feel the vibration on my sofa. It does not give out the grunt that I get from my SVS but it is adequate to rumble some of the basic HT set ups I have seen around. Maybe the 12" model will give a more satisfying low frequency effect.
Conclusion
I was first skeptical about adding a sub to my 2 channel set up especially having the PMC speakers which are known to be bass heavy with its ATL technology. But given that the PMC 25.23 is inadequate for my hall, the Syzygy complement the speakers nicely. What confuses me is that the fact that I have to change the volume on the sub for different musical genre. It does a good job with creating the fulfilling envelope that wraps listener in emotion but having to change the volume, it gets a little bit troublesome. But if you get that sweet spot, having a sub in your 2 channel system will give you wonders towards your low notes and that warmer ambience. And with the wireless technology, you do not have to run long RCA cables if you wish to place your sub further from your set up. You do need a spare plug point though for the transmitter.
The Syzygy is a compact unit but offers flexibility of placement and can be set up for both 2 channels and HT. Room size still is important but there is always a bigger model that complement a bigger room.
Thank you to AV Designs for loaning both the PMC 25.23 and Syzygy sub.
Syzygy and PMC are exclusively distributed by AV Designs. For a demo, please call Tony on 012-2330771 or James on 016-3280237
Maxx Audio in Seremban hosted a product launch event for the new SVS PB16 Ultra and SB16 Ultra on Saturday 26th November. This long awaited event was attended maaaannnyyy HT enthusiasts in the country and also by the regular audio reviewers like Willy Low, Vinod, Dick Tan and that one troublemaker of all time...Myself. The event kicked off at 11 am an officially ended at 6 pm wuth a steady flow of AV-philes throughout that time. It was so packed that Max had to arrange for every one to experience the new subs in a few demo sessions.
No hifi product launch in Malaysia can be conducted without having delicacies. Max and Ben specially ordered Nasi Lemak bungkus NIzam and also Bee Hoon goreng and also hot curry puffs. Yours truly arrived at about 1015 to provide Max with the Samsung 4K UHD BD player and once set up, this nasi lemak started make its way through my mouth. Yummy. Once done, the official demo started.
Batman vs Superman DOJ on 4K UHD
One of Epson on display projector
Max explained the new design adapted by SVS in this PB16 sub. With 1500 watss RMS power, this 16" sub , this sub guarantees a substantial LFE will be provided in one's system. It goes as deep as 13 to 280 Hz. The sub can be adjusted via its mini remote control and also iOS and Android bases apps. It weighs at a staggering 95 kg mark and it can easily be mistaken to be a small washing machine hehehe. You would need a big room for this to be made looked smaller. Customer have the choice of piano black or black ash finishings.
Max has deployed a 7.2.4 channel system in his 16.5 x 19.5 ft room. A bit crowded with speakers but still comfy enough to enjoy a full fledge ATMOS/DTS-X surround sound. The full set up list is as follows with its RRP:
SVS PB16 Ultra - RM14,499
SVS SB16 Ultra - RM 11,499
Klipsch KL-650-THX - RM 7,600 each
Klipsch KL-525-THX surround - RM6350 each
Klipsch CDT-2800-C II Top front and Top rear - RM1,150 each
Denon AVR X7200WA - RM 13,999
ATI 807 7 channel power amp - RM15,000
Parasound A23 Stereo power amp - RM6800
Oppo BDP-105D - RM5,999
Epson LS10000 projector - RM30,500
KL 650 THX Centre (similar to LR channels)
ATI 7 channel power amp
Oppo 105D, Samsung K8500, Parasound 2 channel power amp and Denon X7200WA
Klipsch rear speakers
OK enough of the tech talk. Now lets get into the nitty gritty:
When Max show case his set up, several different type of movies were played. Ranging from rain effect, bullet spraying war scenes, helicopter swirls, building collapse, martial arts and many more. My favourite was the war scene in the movie Bengazi. The PB16 shook the LazyBoy sofa with tremendous power and agility. I was surprised that there was rattling of the ceiling. The LFE provided by the two subs was enough to provide the guests on that day what these new Ultras can do.
The sound of the spraying bullets and its impact sounded deep but subtle enough to differentiate it from explosives sounds. The speed and accuracy of the subs were evident enough that even in a chaotic scene like this, it delivers continuous LFE impact on each relevant sound. Matched and properly set up with the Klipsch speakers, the dialogue was still crystal clear. The mid bass was also presence where in a quieter scene of dialogue, the vocal sounded energized and with a deeper tone and emotion.
The Klipsch THX Ultra 2 speaker set up was also very involving and gives out details of the movie with a high level of precision. With up to 97 dB sensitivity, they were driven effortlessly by the amplification in this set up. No sign of stress and I did not experience any fatigue listening to this set up through out the day.
Thank you Max and Ben for the invite. I a quite sure these new monstrous sub will be flying out of your shop into people's home very frequently.
