With all the awards Kronos acquired in 2015, its without a doubt that this TT is revolutionary. Most reviews of this unit were done with high calibre set ups. However, how will it fair when paired with a modest set up like mine?Will it hinder the true capability of the Sparta.
Digital media player have been around for a number of years now. For yours truly, it all started back in 2007 with the basic Apple Airport Express, streaming CD quality ALAC, WAV, MP3 from my laptop to a mini hifi in the kitchen. Laugh all you want, but most of the digital audio system owners out there, at one point, have played around with iTunes. After going through two laptops screen turning blue, I wanted to have a computer free based system. From mobile phones to tablets to ipods, I went through several revamps. The hifi and music market have slowly getting onto the bandwagon with the introduction of high resolution music and also so called PC free media player. Naim, Olive, Cambridge Audio, Musical Fidelity are among the first companies that introduced their players. The music industry on the other hand have started to introduced higher resolution music in FLAC and DSD format. I settled with a Musical Fidelity M1 CLiC digital media player, streamer, DAC, pre amp all in one.
After the media player 'standard' have been established, the industry have started to look into the quality of streaming and also physical storage of the digital files. I have tried both wireless and wired set ups. While CD quality files are OK, I still prefer wired set up for high res files playback. Same goes for the medium storage type. I store my music and movies on both a Western Digital HDD toaster connected via USB and a NAS connected to my home router via a network cable.
Now, 8 years down the road, I am introduced to 3 new enhancement elements in this CD-less digital playback.
1. Linux based operating system
2. Audio dedicated hard disk
3. Network port filter
And all these came in this unit by Melco.
WHAT IS IT?
Melco calls it High Resolution Digital Music Library. I call it The Next Breakthrough in Hi Res Audio. What can it actually do one may ask. It stores and plays any digital audio files including DSD.
HOW IS IT CONNECTED?
Two main methods are available:
1. Via network cable to a media player where Melco only acts as storage device and do some network filtering.
2. Via USB cable to a media player with built USB DAC where the Melco does the playback and send digital signal to the USB DAC.
I have connected the unit in both ways to my Musical Fidelity M1 CLiC.
PRODUCT FEATURES
Dedicated LAN port for Player (Streamer) connectivity - optimum data integrity and simple setup.
Light-piped Ethernet ports - complete electrical isolation totally removing possibility of interference and noise.
LAN LED off function - ensures the highest possible data integritY
No PC required for setup and installation - no specialist knowledge needed.
Specific IP port for Streamer / Player with additional Network port for Control and Ethernet. Simply creates robust network for streaming high resolution music and control even on complex networks.
Pre-installed media server - no configuration required.
Supports multiple specialised media servers - currently shipping with Twonky 7 with DSD support.
Informative OLED front panel display - displays current streaming track data, system status, and setup,
Simple menu navigation structure and track selection
Simple front panel on-off switch - just like Hi-Fi.
15 seconds only to full power-on.
5 seconds to full shut-dowN
Safe against unintended power down - no requirement for UPS
WHO IS MELCO?
Melco was known to be a turntable manufacturer. They now have turned into data storage giant that has built an audio oriented NAS drive that gives streamers a real shot in the arm.
Melco actually stands for Maki Electronics Laboratory Co. They were set up in 1975 to make high mass turntables with outboard motors and silk thread drives along with line level preamplifiers. They then moved into IT and computer products and became Buffalo.
THE SET UP
Melco N1A with 2 x 2 TB HDD
Musical Fidelity M1 CLiC DAC and Pre Amp
Musical Fidelity M1 PWR Power Amp
1 TB Western Digital NAS
Full range DIY bookshelf speakers
Siltech RCA interconnect between CLiC and PWR
Supra USB cable between Melco and CLiC
Stock network cable
Apps on Android
Bubble UpPnP
Linn Kinsky
Project Streambox
THE TRACKS
Sibok Kitak Nangis by Zee Avi (MP3 48/320kbps) - on WD NAS
Have You Ever Seen The Rain by CCR - 24/96 FLAC on 16 GB thumbdrive and Melco N1A
Enter Sandman by Metallica - 24/96 FLAC on 16 GB thumbdrive and Melco N1A
You're My Best Friend by Queen - DSD on Melco N1A
THE SESSION
Zee Avi's masterpiece sounded airy with more evidence of detail and clarity when played via the Melco N1A. The soft percussion sounded fuller compared to playing it directly from WD NAS via CLiC. By feeding it through the Melco via the network cable, it somehow opened up the track to more detail and free flowing airy sound.
The ever famous Rain song by CCR was even more fun to listen to. The 24/96 FLAC file was transferred onto the HDD on the Melco and I let the CLiC play that file by accessing it via the network cable. Comparing it with the same file but played from a 16 GB thumbdrive connected directly to the CLiC by USB input, I find that playing it from the Melco via the network cable was livelier and present a less digital sounding track. The bassline on this song sounded bold yet still melodious. The vocals of course was naturally growling but in an emotional kind of way. Definitely, the sound is impacted by where the digital file is being stored.
Enter Sandman however was a bit of disappointment. Playing it via network from the Melco, the track sound a bit thin compared to playing it on the CLiC directly from the thumbdrive. Lar's double pedal was little bit too laid back and James's vocal was overshadowing the music. Did not get the Wow factor that I was expecting from this metal masterpiece. It still have that adrenalin factor when Kirk did his solo but overall, I prefer playing metal hi res tracks straight from thumbdrive.
Now for DSD, I had to use the Melco to play back that digital file as the CLiC, being a unit nearly 5 years old, does not have the capability to play DSD files. Hence, Melco played the file and fed the signal to the CLiC via USB DAC and in DoP mode. DSD is definitely a different level of hi res listening. Between the MP3, 24/96 FLAC and DSD, The DSD depth of music is more engaging. The Melco unit did a fine job in playing back the file. This is my favourite Queen's track and it was definitely presented in a more detail manner and with a bigger spatial and depth ambience. The vocal of the late Mr. Mercury sounded more melodic and livelier compared to the FLAC file I have.
HOW DO YOU CONTROL THIS UNIT?
This unit does not come with a physical remote. The front fascia does come with a few buttons to perform setting changes but not to choose track.
For playback, an app needs to be downloaded via Android or iOS. However, Melco does not have it own app hence you need to download either Linn Kinsky or BubbleUpNP. I tried controlling this N1 unit via both Android and iOS with no issues.
Choosing tracks is very convenient as the internal HDD as the directory is set up with various folder options even up to type of file you have on the the unit.
HOW DO YOU GET THE FILES ONTO THE MELCO?
In essence, if you remove all the functions, this unit becomes a dedicated audio NAS. Hence, if you turn on your Mac or Windows PC, you will see Melco as one of the available network drive. From there, it just drag and drop exercise of your available music files.
Secondly, you can also transfer files using a thumbdrive via the front USB port of the unit. Just stick your thumbdrive and the unit will ask whether you want to transfer the files.
Thirdly, Melco also have arrangement with two hi res website companies where you can purchase the music via your tablet, phone or computer and then the Melco unit will downloiad it directly onto the hard disk.
SOUNDS PERFECT?
For a hi res player, I am convinced that this is the best player I have heard so far, sound wise. Bear in mind, I have only heard Linn, Naim, Musical Fidelity, Cambridge Audio, Bryston, Oppo, Logitech and Apple AE.
As there is no perfect hifi in the world (I think we come up with this theory to give us a reason to upgrade :) ), I find that there are a few things that Melco should have included in the design.
Wireless module. Although I agree that wired sounds better, I could not use this unit with my usual review set up upstairs because my NAS and router is downstairs.
Physical remote. If my network is down, there is no other way to control this unit.
Soft touch button on the front would make this unit even sleekier compared to the heavy industry 'clickety' button.
A real shuffle mode playback. I could not shuffle All Track at the main root directory. The unit also requires me to choose tracks and put it in the playlist first before playback. Sometimes I just want to press the play button and let the player randomly choose songs.
CONCLUSION
Purely looking at the audio quality supremacy, now I understand why Melco named this unit as High Resolution Digital Music Library and not a streamer or media player. Its sonic benefit is from the properly engineered and audio dedicated circuitry, HDD and the Linux based system. It is indeed a unit that offers hi res fans a true to date very high quality playback of their precious digital files.
Go for this unit if you are looking for a big step up in your quest for hi res nirvana and maybe give the black disc cult run for their money :). However, if you are looking for a lifestyle streamer, looks elsewhere. This unit is for hardcore and serious hi res set up without the need of a running computer.
I also managed to listen to the SSD model in a very impressive set up of a friend whom is also the person who have made this review possible. The fun part for me is the fact, Melco have yet to set out the plan for introducing this to the Malaysia market at this time of print. Consider this review as a sneak peak of Melco possible plan to be in Malaysia.
Apabila saya diberitahu oleh salah seorang peminat muzik tersohor di Malaysia tentang rancangan Warner Music untuk menerbitkan semula Ziarah Seni dalam bentuk edisi set kotak, tanpa berfikir dua kali, saya terus membuat pra tempahan untuk memiliki satu set.
Selang dua minggu, saya telah berjaya memiliki set ini dan malam ini, tatkala anak-anak sudah tidur, saya mula memutarkan satu persatu cakera padat (empat kesemuanya). Memang tidak dapat dinafikan, mutu penerbitan semula hasil kerja Dato Ramli Sarip dan rakan-rakan artis lain adalah yang terbaik setakat ini. Saya menitiskan air mata mendengar betapa indahnya lirik dan melodi kemelayuan yang diketengahkan oleh Dato dan rakan-rakannya. Rock tetap di hati tetapi komposisi lagu-lagu di dalam set ini tidak mungkin boleh menjadi begiti puitis tanpa ada naluri kemelayuan yang utuh dan suci. Ini bukanlah kali pertama saya mendengar lagu-lagu Dato ini tetapi, ada kelainan yang saya alami apabila mendengar dari set ini.
Mengikut informasi yang diperolehi, tiada adunan semula dibuat semasa penerbitan semula set ini. Ia masih menggunakan rakaman utama yang sedia ada. Walaubagaimanapun, mutu audio dari set ini, walaupun dalam bentuk cakera padat berbanding dengan ketaksuban 'penggemar' piring hitam, boleh dikategorikan dalam kategori 'wajib dimiliki'. Vokal Dato dipersembahkan dalam aura asli rocknya tetapi masih dapat diserasikan dengan pasangan duet Dato yang lebih kontemporari seperti Dato Khadijah Ibrahim dan Jay Jay. Lagu yang paling terserlah bagi saya adalah Rasa Tempatan dari album Muzik Jelata. Melodi gitar akustik, piano, dram dan trumpet dalam melodi ala mambo dan carribean ini, begitu terserlah dalam menyampaikan lagu yang agak kompleks adunannya. Keseluruhan lagu ini disampaikan dalam adunan yang seimbang antara vokal, vokal latar dan kepelbagaian alat muzik.
Keterujaan saya amat tinggi sehingga saya mengambil keputusan untuk menulis ulasan hifi dan muzik saya yang pertama untuk tahun baru 2016 ini dalam bahasa ibunda tercinta.
Inilah kualiti yang dinanti-nantikan oleh peminat muzik Malaysia yang tulen. Industri muzik tanahair harus mengangkat kualiti sebegini untuk dijadikan contoh dan khazanah negara.
OK... received requests for me to write this in English... here you go:
When I was told by one of the local famous music fans in Malaysia's about Warner Music plans to reissue the Ziarah Seni in limited edition box set, without thinking twice, I pre-book it.
After two weeks, I was able to have this set and this evening, when the children are in bed, I started to spin one after another the compact discs (four total). Undoubtedly, the quality of the reissue of the works of Dato Ramli Sarip and other artist friends are the best by far. I shed tears hearing how beautiful the lyrics and melodies heritage highlighted by Dato and his colleagues. Rock remains at heart but the composition of the songs in this set may not be so poetic without instincts of the Malay sacred heritage. This is not the first time I heard the songs but, there are different layers of music that I experienced when I listened to this reissue.
According to the information obtained, no remastering made during the republishing of this set. It still uses the existing main recording.However, the audio quality of this set, even in the form of compact discs against 'fans' of the black disc, can be categorized as a 'must-have'. Dato's vocal presented in the original rock aura but can still be compatible with more contemporary duet partners as such as Dato Khadijah Ibrahim and Jay Jay. The song that is most evident to me is the track Rasa Tempatan from the album Muzik Jelata. Melodic acoustic guitar, piano, drums and trumpet in a mambo and Carribean style melodies, so evident in the track which is quite a complex blend. The whole song is delivered in a well-balanced mix between vocals, backing vocals and musical diversity.
I was full of excitement so I decided to write a review hifi and music for my first new year 2016 in my beloved native language.
These are qualities highly anticipated by music fans a truly Malaysian. Local music industry must elevate these qualities to serve as an example and preserve this as a national treasure.
KOGA Audio is not just a newly established local hifi brand, but it is also a following where there are active KOGA Malaysia members group on Facebook and also a Whatsapp group. The members varies from newbies to the product designer himself to DIY-ers to veterans to musicians. A bunch of happy go lucky hifi and music enthusiasts gents (unfortunately no female members yet) that just speak hifi and music all day long.
After quite sometime of virtual reality interaction, yours truly suggested to have the very first hifi session within the members. Based on the principle of enjoying the music and mutual respect of each member's set up, a date and venue was set. On a Saturday, 19th December, the first session was conducted. Mr. Shaiful of Bandar Sri Permaisuri hosted the evening for initially a group of 7 people. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, only 3 of us managed to turn up.
The theme for the day was on digital music.
Mr. Shaiful's set up was a simple set up comprising:
TDL RTL2 speakers
Xiang Sheng tube/solid state pre amp
Quantum power amp
Nakamichi CDP
As there was a request to listen to hi res audio, I brought along my Musical Fidelity M1 CLiC streamer/DAC/pre amp and a thumbdrive loaded with FLAC files of 24 bit 44/88/96/192 music files. I also brought the QED uPlay bluetooth module where it is connoected to the CLiC via optical cable.
Shaiful also play flac files with a tablet as it source. Directly connected to the Xiang Sheng preamp via a 3.5 mm stereo plug to a pair of VDH RCA interconnects, his system reminded me how beautiful the sound from the TDLs can be. Low frequency was extended and fill up his hall. With a hard thumping and extended bass, it sounded very warm and natural at the same time. One can argue that TDL does not deliver the true transmission line philosophy but hey, it still sounded good. Partially I believe the tube pre out from Xiang Sheng helped a lot to provide that warm sound.
We then tried connecting the QED optical directly to the digital input of the Xiang Sheng but it sounded a bit rough. Reminded me of the BRIK Audio set I had before. We then connected it via the CLiC and the CLiC connected to the Xiang Sheng. The sound improved giving a bigger soundstage to the set up. From there on we were playing various tracks for about a few hours. Jazz tracks like Dave Brubeck and Del Paxton came out a few times where the piano sound was very upfront and the vocals were really mesmerizing on Ella and Louise tracks. We also played a few of hi res Metallica but all of us agreed to switch back to melodic music like jazz and ballad. Hi res metal seems a bit on the highs and we prefer warm and controlled low end.
It was definitely a fun evening where digital format was playing non stop and we didnt feel fatigue at all.
We hope to have more of these hifi sessions among the members to share their music and hifi passion and also knowledge. As for Shaiful's set up, it does proof that hifidelity enjoyment can still be achieved at minimal cost. His set up cost lest than RM2,000 (about USD500) yet it still sounded amazing. Kudos to him.
Thank you again Shaiful. We shall have another session with your newly acquired KOGA Aimez power amp.
A few moons ago, I wrote about this unit being more of a value for money purchase compared to iPhone 6s. Although the price is higher than the previous flagship Passport, I still feel this unit has more to offer than the iPhone6s. Especially with its capability to expand the memory up to 2 TB. Presumably this is to cater for the 4K video recording capability.
First impression on playing hi res music via its built in speakers, quite a wide scope can heard. With sharp cymbals and clear vocals.
Will soon review its capability via headphones and Bluetooth.
A long wait.... but its worth it. Meaty sound with quite detailed presentation.
When I first heard about this compilation LP, I immediately pre book a copy. Mainly because of my love towards this kind of metal music and the fact that I no longer own the cassettes of these local underground bands.
The sleeve is one of the better quality sleeves produced for a local LP release. The artwork design is eccentric with a mixture of bloody gory zombies and cartoon based art. Reminds me a lot of the band Gorillas.
The music.... What can I say... I am a sucker for a good various type of metal music and of course thrash music. My favourite track is the first track Thrash Or Be Thrashed by Central Disposal. The overall sound quality is in between medium to good. Very meaty sound with regards to providing that metal adrenalin. Even for this kind music, the reproduction of the music is filled with high clarity and detail. The speedy double pedal on the drums brings out the slam in each track. However, at times, it can sound a bit thin where I had to crank up the volume to about 12 o' clock on the amp. Nevertheless, it is indeed a good production overall. A very good and exciting initiative to elevate the LP passion among the local metal lovers.
PMC loudspeakers reinstated my interest for a decent 2 in 1 home theater and music reproduction at home. Ever since the twenty 23 and Centre speakers were set up in my house, I have enjoyed hours and hours of movie mayhem and also the good old 2 channel music. Heck, I am still dreaming to have the 26's in my house.
When Tony Low of AV Designs messaged me about a small informal gathering to welcome PMC International Sales Director, Mr. Miles Robert and hear the latest update, I quickly said yes. Hence, on Tuesday 1st December, I went for a short session to hear what PMC is working on in the near future.
Arrived at AV Designs at about 530 pm and there was the usual crowd; Mr. Dick Tan, James Tan, Tony Low, Jo Ki, Willy Low, Tan TE and Uncle Peter. Within 10 minutes, we are all gathered around Miles to have a informal chat.
A little bit about Miles: Quite an easy going and friendly Director he is! He has been with PMC since 2002 and also that was when he last visited Malaysia. He has all the experience in studio production, broadcast sound in radio and television, post production and film mixing.
The Biggest News
Believe it or not, PMC was involved in this very unique collaboration with Wu Tang Clan in a historical music initiative to bring back some appreciation for an artist's work. They were basically asked to produce a one-off pair of speakers as part of the world's only musical work of art which has been created by Wu Tang Clan. This piece of art (both the music and PMC speakers) was sold in an auction in NY to a mystery private collector for an undisclosed sum in the millions. How is that for unique? Imagine you have the only piece of music or CD and speakers in the whole wide world. Even Barack Obama cant take that away from you :)
I have never knew that PMC was utilized a lot by composers and major studios especially in UK and US. When I say a lot, I mean A LOT. Even the latest Bond movie Spectre, the score was composed using PMC speakers. Studios like Metropolis, Backyard, Capitol are using PMC speakers such as the QB1-As for their mastering. Thomas Newman, a renown American film score composer, composed his masterpiece on PMC IB1s monitor system for the hit US show Six Feet Under.
Third Big News
2016 will bring a big surprise to PMC fans. Its PMC 25th Anniversary, hence they are coming up with something special. Something that no one would think PMC will produce. I can tell you.... but I will then be tracked down by HMS Secret Service :)
The Award Ceremony
Miles was then presented with 2 awards (its AV Designs award from the 2015 KLIAV show) but it was based on PMC set up.
.... and after that.... It was just chit chat about the economy of the world hehehe.... and how it is impacting our beloved hifi passion....
No visit to AV Designs is complete without a dose of music ....
Thanks Tony and James for the invite and also to Miles for the update sharing. With this kind of updates and industry initiatives, I am proud to be one of the owners of PMC products.
My curiosity in microphone cable as an element in our hifi system grew bigger each day since my exposure to Kadas last month. Most of the articles on the net concludes towards mic and audio cable have no difference between them apart from thickness. However, there are people who advice never to use mic cable as a speaker cable. OK for line level interconnects but not for speaker cable.
KOGA Audio again loaned me a mic cable, built as an IC with RCA connectors under the brand Kirlin. The model is MBC 20AWG. More information can be read here
As oppose to Kadas, Kirlin seems to be more visible on the net with a properly established website with association with a list renown musicians and artists.
BUILT
KOGA maintains to keep the two left and right channel separate from each other. The cable itself is flexible similar to Kadas. The RCA plug however is of a different version which feels sturdier and also easier to connect to the RCA connections on my source and amp. Again, KOGA Audio did a good job in its workmanship.
THE SPECIFICATIONS
Being a microphone cable, it is fully shielded.
FIRST IMPRESSION
It was of different character compared to Kadas. It presented a bigger soundstage and leans more towards a emphasizing the low end spectrum of things.
THE SET UP
Given that I am now quite familiar with my mini set up downstairs, this review was only done by using the IC in between Musical Fidelity M1 PWR power amp and M1 CLiC streamer/DAC/pre amp.
THE SET LIST
1. La Vie En Rose - Louis Armstrong (FLAC 24/192)
2. Rock and Radical - Butterfingers (CD)
3. Pink Panther Theme (WAV) THE SESSION The trumpet sounded mellower with the higher frequency was filtered down a notch, creating a less high pitch presentation. Louis's deep and 'rough' vocal blended better into the rest of the songs with minimal focus on the strength alone. It made me feel more at ease as it lets my emotion run free rather than being focussed on his vocal. It was balanced throughout that you dont feel that there was any element of the song that was more revealing than another. Now, Butterfingers rawness and prowess was felt through and through. Again, no real focus on vocal nor other part of the music. It was well balanced between vocal, guitar, drums and even the bass line was easily recognised. Detail yet balance when it comes to delivering the grunge factor. Emmet's vocal also was more energized as if it was gelled up Loque's shredding guitar. The crash cymbals also sounded more detailed with a distinctive dispersing sound. To see whether I can get the emotion going without the presence of a singer, I playe the Pink Panther theme. Now, this entertaining yet complex piece, sounded really big that I could not believe my small mini monitors can sound that big. I was concern that given the warm and lower end frequency character in the previous track, it will start distort my speakers. But no! The Kirlin just delivers this track beautifully. In fact, the last strike of at the end of the track which I usually feels that it can sound too high pitched, sounded full and bold that it really gave me a shock.
THE CONCLUSION Firstly, I do feel the merit of using microphone cable as an interconnect in a hifi system. In fact, maybe it has not been given enough credit in this industry. I am sure there are still the dodgy ones just like the hifi interconnects we see in the market but, it is quite a provoking thought if I change all my interconnects to microphone based cables. Specific to Kirlin, it does deliver a warmer sound compared to Kadas and also more tonally balanced. Given a good source, this Kirlin will allow the source intended sound to be delivered in details, bold and bigger soundstage to your amp and ultimately your speakers. Give microphone cables a go. Its relatively an affordable option and if you dont like it, convert it to karaoke microphone :) Kirlin and Kadas can be ordered to the length you require by contacting KOGA Audio at koga.audio@gmail.com
Every other hifi visits that I go to, I get to see various unique turntables. Each with its own merit and forte with regards to certain sound character and also the mechanism of the TT itself. AFO, Clearaudio, Thorens, Lenco, Dr. Feickert, Rega, Musical Fidelity, Linn etc...each of them carry a different experience. Owning a Clearaudio and Lenco (used to), I have grown accustomed to certain level of excitement in listening to TTs when I listen to a fellow audiophile TT set up. I am 'blessed' with a strong will of going back home and still feels that my set up is able to deliver the same satisfaction and at times, even more than these other TTs.
But on 24th October, I have experienced something different. An excitement that left quite an impression sonically of a very unique TT; built wise and sound quality. Thank you to Victor Pheh of HiFi Creations for his invite to a private listening session of the mighty Kronos. I also had the privilege to meet and chat with Kronos designer Mr. Louis Desjardins. The first time I had listened to this TT was in 2015 KLIAV show back in the mid year. And it was already mind blowing at that time. Snippet from that show below:
Now, this write up is not a review. It is more of an experience sharing of a wonderful music listening day... delivered by a Kronos - The Next TT Revolution In My Book!
I will not bore you readers with the technical specs of this unique TT as the net is already full of technical spec reviews of it. It is a TT with the highest number of awards received at least for this year. But what mattered to me how it faired in providing the listening pleasure.
Maybe the one thing technical I will mention here is its dual platter system; with the bottom platter counter rotates. This is the heart behind this TT. This is claimed to eliminate the torsional forces. For full specs, please click here.
THE VENUE
This TT was nicely set up in a small cozy apartment, fully converted to be a dedicated listening venue. There are still some minor works to be done but relatively a very comfortable and sonically acceptable venue to do some critical listening. The Kronos was supported by Magnet amps, Nagra pre and Skogrand cables throughout. The power management was via Frank's Power Banks. Six of them if I am not mistaken!
THE LISTENING SESSION
The first few tracks were selected by the host and Louis. Coincidently enough I believe this first track was by Louis Armstrong. The vocal sent a chill to my spine. Such emotion that I can feel it to the core. The deep 'rough' voice of his was unmistakably very well delivered by the Kronos. The trumpet of his, was soooo melodious and energized yet still delivered an overall airy and lively ambience. On top of all that, I can hear layers of music presented throughout this track. From the soft 'background-ish' percussion to the centre stage of the vocals.
I have not listened to techno music for such a long time. And even that, my exposure to this music genre was limited to the music I heard during my clubbing era. Louis then played Doin' It Right by Daft Punk. Even though I am not really into this music genre, it really got me going. I literally got up and started to move my head to the rhythm and beat. Excellent extensive bass delivery. Looking at those huge towers you call speakers, I was expecting a hard hitting and physically in your face bass slam. But no. It was sweet bass I call it. Extended low end that wraps around you throughout. Nice!
One of the track that I requested was this Metallica's rendition of Lynyrd Skynard's classic Tuesday's Gone. I have purposely brought this LP along as I have yet to find one other set up that can deliver a heavier music genre especially metal. But yes, the Kronos delivered such a distinctive performance even for Metallica. Heck, if James Hetfield hears this, he might be setting up a Kronos in his home! Lars's drums on this track was presented in such detail that the dispersion of the snare and hi hat sound was very evident. Again, wind instrument, the harmonica in this song sounded very melodious with a level of sharpness that was just adequate to create the emotional harmonica solo. Detail and more details... thats what I can conclude from this track... and it was the highlight of the session for me.
THE CHIT CHAT
Louis is a very passionate man. Passionate for music. For the perfection of music delivery. Throughout the 3 hour session, he was moving around making sure everything was set up properly. To the question on where to start when building a system, he strongly believes in the source. Get the wrong source and your amps and speaker will not be able to deliver. He also have a preference on a tube phono stage for its sound. But the Kronos can deliver the same performance with other type of phono stage. High efficiency speakers is also good to be in a system. Technomusic seems to be Louis's interest and he is very passionate of it. However, I was surprised that he played the Metallica track at least three times :).
THE CONCLUSION
You want to listen to the black disc? Really listen? This is one TT to me delivers what the LP medium is intended to deliver. The science behind the dual platter spinning in opposite of each other, eliminating torsional forces means nothing if it cannot deliver the music to the audience. And this TT, my beloved readers, is the one TT that I personally feels have delivered the long awaited quality. I have heard various tweaks, mods, design have been introduced in the market with regards to suspension, stability, vibration elimination etc, but this gem, definitely delivers what it claims. This is one session that made me feel uneasy when I returned home and started listening to my set up again. It might be the whole she-bang of Kronos, Magnet, Nagra etc.... but I believe in garbage in garbage out... But in this case, the Kronos was definitely putting in top quality caviar into the system...
My set up is not necessarily expensive in this beautiful world of hifi in comparison with the high end set ups but I have always been contented that I have reached that level of satisfaction. Even coming back from listening to various set ups of friends and show rooms, I still am very happy with my set up. But this day, Kronos has put something in my conscience that I am missing something.
Thank you again HiFi Creations and Louis for a very entertaining session. Kronos is definitely a beauty in all aspect.
If anyone interested to audition, please call Victor on +6012 2962799
There is always the never ending debate on how interconnect and speaker cable colour our hifi system. But very seldom and maybe even never there is a discussion on microphone cable and how it effects the recording session. As the source is always deemed to be one of the most important element in a system, why don't we go to the extend of using the same microphone cable as the interconnect to reproduce the sound where it originates from? OK maybe not to the extend of the very same cable in the studio but what happens when you use a microphone cable as an interconnect.
In the past few months, there was a big buzz in the local DIY-ers scene on various different cables available for them to toy around with. I was then given this Kadas KE 80M interconnect by KOGA Audio to give it a shot.
BUILT
For physical built, I prefer flexible and separated cables between left and right channel. And thats what exactly I get from Kadas. The flexibility allows user to easily arrange the cables in tight spots. However, the RCA plugs itself is quite tight to connect them to the hifi unit. It is a gold plated RCA and the high quality workmanship of KOGA Audio can be seen.
The cables itself is directional. It is clearly marked on the sleeve, hence I followed it in my review.
THE SPECIFICATIONS
Non... seriously... I could not find any literature on the net let alone a company website. But google it and you will find many event management or studio websites mentioned about KADAS mic cables.
FIRST IMPRESSION
I was told that the cables have already been run in. The first impression was leaning more towards a high level of clarity on vocals and refined low ends. It gave me goosebumps as the track was presented in a such detail.
THE SET UP
The IC was used in two different set ups:
Session 1 - Between Musical Fidelity M6 DAC and M6i integrated amp in my usual set up
Session 2 - Between Musical Fidelity M1 PWR power amp and M1 CLiC streamer/DAC/pre amp
THE SET LIST
1. La Vie En Rose - Louis Armstrong (FLAC)
2. Rock and Radical - Butterfingers (CD)
3. Wake Up Boo - The Boo Radleys (MD)
THE SESSION 1
Louis's vocals gave me the goosebumps. I seldom like listening to digital tracks for songs that I have the LP but in this case, to my surprise, his vocals sounded smooth with no sign roughness. Quite a warm ambience and full of expression which usually, I only get when listening to it on LP. It does focus a lot on clarity of vocals. And somehow, with that level of vocal clarity, it lifted the whole soundstage to a different level.
Rock and Radical was presented in its rawness where Emmett's vocal was again the centre of attraction (as always when it comes to this Malaysian Kurt Cobain). But this time around, all other instrument shared the same lime light. Loque's guitar was surprisingly mellower than usual but in this case it was good because of the high pitch notes. The drums, hhhhmmmm... hard hitting snare and sharp crash. I like it.
With the Boos.... it was indeed a beautiful morning to wake up to. The intro gave me a shock with the level of energy. The wind instrument sounded refreshing with high level of detail. The details of the percussion which I believe a tambourine, was lingering nicely as the background sound as if it was a layered recording. Nice. Again, for the third time, vocals seems a strong virtue of this IC. Can it be because it is a mic cable?
THE SESSION 2
Not to say I was not convinced with the findings, but hey, it is my first review of a hifi related product after I have moved my set up from downstairs to upstairs. So it might be due to different room acoustics. So, for the fun of it, I then connected this IC to 'newly' set up mini hifi downstairs. Hence, why this review took a bit longer to be published. The mini hifi consists of my existing MF M1s but I threw in an unused full range speakers to the equation.
Louis's vocals was again exceptionally the centre of this track. Excellent delivery of clarity and strength. Just listen to the clip above. I have yet to experience this track in this level of emotion as this is not my favourite Louis's song.
Rock and Radical, although the vocals was also the centre of attraction, the overall 'balance' sound of all the instrument was not at the same level I experience with Session 1. But I am quite sure this is due to the speakers I am using here. The percussion while was still authoritative, was not hard hitting enough. The shredding guitars lost a little bit of rawness.
The Boos, also was presented in a similar manner like Rock and Radical. Vocals was upright and shining, while the wind instrument and percussion took a little of a backstage compared to Session 1. Nevertheless, I do believe it is the speakers limitation.
CONCLUSIONS
It makes me wonder.... why there is no notion to use the same mic-ing cable that the studio uses as part of our hifi. We always say that the recording quality is very important to ensure the playback on our system is the best. So, I am sure the studio too uses good quality cabling. So, why not use the same in our system? A question to ponder.
On this KADAS.... lies a vocal strength. Clarity and high level of details are some of its strong virtues. Suffer from muddled vocals in your system, give this IC a try. Contact KOGA Audio for advice on this.
