Beautiful Performance
Presenting Yamaha’s extraordinary new AV Receiver series. Models carefully created to give you an elegant listening and operating experience. You’ll enjoy smooth, intuitive control of all your music with a smartphone app that provides clear, attractive graphics. And of course, you get Yamaha’s fabulous sound quality. It’s a beautiful new way to enjoy home AV entertainment. AV Receiver Series RX-V673 / RX-V573 / RX-V473
http://www.yamaha.com/
RipNAS Statement The Silent Music Server
Fanless design uPnP XBMC player (V. 2) iPAD or Android App to control the player Teac DVD optical drive Analogue, SPDIF, USB output 4 x USB inputs - connects to external USB drive for data backup 80 GB SSD 2 x 2 TB HDD (Raid 1) Full sized aluminum chassis Latest Software installed: - Windows Home Server 2011 - dBpoweramp Ripping Engine R14 - AccurateRip & C2 correction - PerfectMeta with 5 databases - Asset UPnP Premium R4 - Multi-Encoder ripping 2 formats at the same time - Comfort functions like automatic daily USB backup, Web administration, Editing Metadata, remote help access - Metadata from 5 databases (AMG, GD3, MusicBrainz, SonataDB & freedb)
Accustic Arts - AET - Acoustic Revive - Acrolink - Arte - Audio Replas - Aurelia - Aurender - B.M.C. - Brodmann - Copulare - Cryo Audio Technology - CSE Japan Fiio - HFX (RipNAS) - KingRex - Kojo Seiko - Kryna - Lansche Audio - Lumen White - Nanotec System - Madison Audio Lab - Mimetism - Millennium MSB Technology - Musica - Octave - Oyaide - Parasound - Phase Tech - Phiaton - SAEC - TAOC - Usher Audio - Vivid Audio - Zonotone
X Audio Pte Ltd 1 Jalan Anak Bukit #01-01S Bukit Timah Plaza Singapore 588996 Tel: +65-6466 2642 Fax: +65- 6466 2652 www.xaudio.com.sg
Aurender S10 music server
“ Finally someone has built a music server like a true high end audio component… “ (Chris Connaker of Computer Audiophile)
OCXO Oscillators Clock Customized Linux OS for best audio performance WAV, FLAC, APE and other formats supported Up to 24-bit width and 192 kHz sampling rate Switching-mode and linear power supplies Playback from Solid State Drive 2 TB HDD for music file storage Coaxial, AES/EBU, Optical, USB Silent fanless design AMOLED displays
Free iPad remote control application from Apple App Store - Intuitive search function for fast easy selection - Make and edit playlists with just a touch of one's finger - All details of song, album, playlist and queue easily viewed on large iPad display - Automatic or custom categorization of songs - CD album front and back covers can be stored and displayed along with music selection - Web search function to search for information on selected artist or song
Accustic Arts - AET - Acoustic Revive - Acrolink - Arte - Audio Replas - Aurelia - Aurender - B.M.C. - Brodmann - Copulare - Cryo Audio Technology - CSE Japan Fiio - HFX (RipNAS) - KingRex - Kojo Seiko - Kryna - Lansche Audio - Lumen White - Nanotec System - Madison Audio Lab - Mimetism - Millennium MSB Technology - Musica - Octave - Oyaide - Parasound - Phase Tech - Phiaton - SAEC - TAOC - Usher Audio - Vivid Audio - Zonotone
X Audio Pte Ltd 1 Jalan Anak Bukit #01-01S Bukit Timah Plaza Singapore 588996 Tel: +65-6466 2642 Fax: +65- 6466 2652 www.xaudio.com.sg
MOD AV Magazine’s
Digital Audio Convention 20i2
August 25-26 Raffles City Convention Centre Level 4 10am to 8pm Admission Free (Restricted to children below 12 years)
Sony VPL-VW1000ES
4K 3D Projector 1,000,000:1 Contrast Ratio 2,000 Lumens Full HD 3D ‘Reality Creation’ 4K upscaling Iris3 Technology Motionflow Technology Motorized Lens Shft SXRD panel Simultaneous Anamorphic and 3D viewing Low noise 22 dB
Special Price
$5999
with mystery bundle package!
Sony VPL-VW95ES
Full HD 1080p 3D Projector 150,000:1 Contrast Ratio 1,000 Lumens 2D to 3D conversion Iris3 Technology Motionflow Technology Motorized Lens Shft SXRD panel One touch 2.35:1 aspect ratio Low noise < 20 dB
Sony VPL-HW30ES Full HD 1080p 3D Projector
70,000:1 Contrast Ratio 1,300 Lumens 2D to 3D conversion Variable Iris 240Hz SXRD panel drive system Low Noise < 22dB
KEC Sound System Pte Ltd 1 Coleman Street The Adelphi #01-25/#04-36 Singapore 179803 Hotline: 6564-3188 www.hifibargain.com
VR11
Von Schweikert Coming together on 25 August at MOD DAC 2012
Check out Von Schweikert Audio on Facebook
Authorised distributor for Singapore and Malaysia
Blk 925 Yishun Central 1 #02-229 Singapore 760925 Tel: +65 6756 5585 www.audioline-hifi.com
Its
official, iTunes music store is now available in Singapore and Malaysia, and a few other countries in Asia as well. I should be excited, being able to buy my favourite music from more than a million music tracks and loads of videos. But I am not.
Creative Editor Terence Wong
terence@mod-avi.com
Sales n Marketing Singapore
Wong Ng Lai Leng laileng@mod-avi.com
Malaysia
Simon Chang
simon@mod-avi.com MOD AudioVideo is published by MODAVI Private Limited 10 Anson Road International Plaza Unit 21-02 S 079903
MICA (P) 169/07/2011 The title MOD AudioVideo, its associated logo or devices and contents of this magazine is the sole property of Modavi Private Limited. Reproduction of either in whole or a part of, is strictly prohibited. Modavi Private Limited is not responsible for any ommissions, errors, unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or other materials. We reserve the right to edit all relevant materials. Modavi retain ownership of all materials received published or otherwise.
The iTunes store is a novel concept back in ’03. Yes, what it offers then was low quality MP3s, but the concept of buying music on the click of a mouse to your computer is so cool. It takes almost ten years for the music store to reach us. That’s way too long. While waiting for the iTunes store to be available, I have found some alternatives, some legal and some not, many of which is free. I found YouTube has blossomed from crappy video to full 1080p glory. I discovered talented new artists who have made used of YouTube to share their music/videos when no music label is willing to sign them on. Check out Tiffany Alvord, The PianoGuys, Boyce Avenue, Christina Grimme, Julia Sheer, Vazquez Sounds (Their cover of Adele’s Rolling in the Deep hit 76 million views as of print!) and I am sure I will find even more exciting music tomorrow. Some of the artists mentioned have very professionally done up videos, not the amateurish stuff done using a web cam. Check them out! iTunes in 2012 isn’t so funky anymore. Yes, iTunes will sell a lot of music to law abiding citizens willing to support the artists we enjoyed listening to. I’ll wait and see if it works out well. MOD DAC 2012 is less than a month away. We are very excited about the show, so many brands are participating at the show and no doubt some of the best gear for audio and video – computer audio, high end audio, headphones and the highlight of the show – a projector shootout! There are more details elsewhere in this issue. Hope you can make it, its free admission anyway, so come with all your friends, not just audio kakis. I promise you it will be a show like no other!
Computer Audio The next frontier in audio, digital audio files are fast replacing CDs. To get the best performance from your uncompressed and lossless FLAC, WAV, ALAC or compressed files from WMA, AAC or MP3 there is a right solution for the best performance. At MOD DAC, the show is centered around the best in digital audio. At MOD DAC, there we have the highest concentration of computer audio products from the affordable to the state of the art. MOD DAC - The Home of Computer Audio!
High End Audio Experience some of the most exotic audio systems ever made - and some of the most exotic speakers you have ever seen! Many of the products exhibited at MOD DAC 2012 would have a manufacturer representative at hand to meet and share their unique design elements in their products. There will be keynote address by these representatives throughout the show dates. Come on both days and experience the best in 2-channel audio!
Can-Jam - Headphones Lovers’ Paradise! Experience the world’s most exotic headphones at MOD DAC 2012! You can audition at your own leisure all the leading brands of headphones. Take avantage of show discounts offered at MOD DAC should any pair takes your fancy!
Image courtesy of ProjectorPeople.com
The ultimate Big Screen experience!
The Projection Shootout is sponsored by:
THE ultimate projector is 4K, at four times the resolution of Full HD, colours are brighter, punchier and more vivid. Experience extreme High Definition at MOD DAC 2012 in the 4K projector demo. At MOD DAC 2012, we have lined up some of the best projection systems in a shootout! Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss the free popcorn we are giving out!
Multiple award-winning Chinese audiophile album 2V1G (2 Voices, 1 Guitar) Female Vocalist Winnie Ho, will be performing "Live" songs from the latest sensational tribute album "The Jazzy Sounds of Teresa Teng".
Winnie Ho performs ‘Live’ at
To commemorate this event, a special "Remixed and Remastered" edition of this CD, will be on sale at the show! This album has recently been chosen as "The CD of The Month" in Hong Kong AUDIOPHILE magazine, and garnered similar rave review from another HK magazine, Hi-Fi Review. This CD is also the official music CD (Female Vocals) for MOD DAC 2012. Don’t miss! *Schedule for Ms Winnie Ho’s performance will be made available at the show. You can also check out the event at facebook.com/MODDAC
The performance is brought to you by kind courtesy of Pop Pop Music
Soulution 5 series precision, neutrality with utmost resolution...
520 pre amp 501 mono power amp 540 digital player 590 USB Digital Converter
The Adelphi #04-35 1 Coleman Street Singapore 179803 T: +65-9636-8838
Alon Wolf, Chief Designer for Magico Loudspeakers unveils their Flagship Loudspeaker
Magico Q7
Together with their distributor Music Image had a grand launch for the highly anticipated flagship the Magico Q7 loudspeaker. The launch goes out an exclusive â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;by inviteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; only for the first day and subsequently open to the general public.
Mr Alon Wolf, second from left and guests at the launch
Resplendent in a large function room at Marina Mandarin, the Q7 were driven by the latest Soulutions series 7 electronics with Kubala-Sosna Research cables and the room is tuned with Shun Mook devices. For more information on Magico, please contact Music Image at 65-9636-8838
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Alon Wolf, the founder of Magico loudspeakers, is
An evening with Alon Wolf Musician, animator, Magico loudspeaker designer...
by no means a large person, but his presence is certainly a powerful one. This is the first time I met Mr Wolf and he certainly left a huge impression on me and how I have, all this while, been trying hard not to be easily won over by all that rhetoric that comes second nature to audio designers!
First, Alon Wolf is a trained musician, the picture in Alon’s website showing him with a guitar is not just for show, he also plays the violin since he was a young child. In addition, he also does computer animation for films. His interest in audio stems from his interest in music. The audio part comes along when he spend his free time researching speaker design and building his own speakers, purely for personal pleasure than any commercial considerations. AW: That was in the early nineties. I sold some speakers to friends who heard mine and then sold some more speakers to friends of my friends. It was all within the local community so it got around through word of mouth and people start calling me up to ask if they can hear my speakers. MOD AV: Does Magico uses aluminum enclosures exclusively? AW: A loudspeaker is the opposite of a musical instrument – a musical instrument resonates and create sound, the loudspeaker should not. I started using aluminum for the speaker baffle to control the energy of the drive units – to push the resonant frequency up and narrow the Q, which I would then apply mechanical damping – an elaborate constrained layer damping - to kill that resonant peak. What you hear is the output of the drive units, you do not hear the enclosure. MOD AV: The use of a matrix structure has been used by many speaker manufacturer to stiffen and damp the cabinet… MDF is commonly used for loudspeakers, it is a very poor material – it neither stiff nor well damped. It will still resonate after the speaker stop making sound. The lack of stiffness means the resonant is a very wide Q that would be impossible to control. MDF is all glue and wood dust that is neither light nor stiff. Using MDF is like trying to make rubber more rubbery, by adding more rubber! Now imagine trying to use MDF to make the matrix brace… MDF tend to give speakers a coloured sound, some say it is warm sounding. Some people like this colouration but it is not accurate. Ideally, the cabinet should not add its own character to the sound. That is my concept of an ideal cabinet – stiff and damped to allow the speaker drive units to render the sound as it is recorded. Magico loudspeakers make use of an all aluminum enclosure with an aluminum matrix structure. Each piece is separately machined and assembled. The new Q7 for instance requires 101 pieces of aluminum brace using 637 bolts to screw them together! The structure is extremely
26 MOD AV
MOD 27 AV
stiff and damped. That’s where people see and understand the value proposition of Magico loudspeakers. We are also one of the few loudspeaker manufacturers who make our own proprietary drive units. Once you have built the best enclosure, the performance of the drive units becomes obvious, as are their shortcomings! The drive unit uses a similar damping constrained design – carbon impregnated thermoplastic adhesive, Rohacell core and hollow carbon fibre weave (carbon Nano tubes) sandwich. It is extremely light yet very strong – I can stand on the cone of the 6 ½ inch and it won’t collapse! It is used for helicopter blades to lift several tons of weight! The drive units are fast and responsive with very little colouration. In my opinion, recording studios really need better loudspeakers. When I started building speakers, I was introduced to a well-known mastering engineer, Paul Stubblebine and extended an invitation to my place to have a listen to my speakers. Word got around he was looking for a better pair of speakers for his mastering studio. He came around some weeks later with his digital recorder and mastering tapes and listened to all his recordings for eight hours straight! When he was done, he said he would like to come back again next Sunday. He did come back and listened for another four hours. He then said ‘OK, these are the best loudspeakers I’ve heard’. And asked me to build him a pair – the speaker which I call – The Wall. Today, Paul still uses these 800-pound aluminum speakers in his monitoring studio. Along the way I also got around building a pair for Jeff Rowland. That’s where word got around about my speakers and a Hong Kong Distributor asked if I could build a high performance monitor. I build the Mini, a small two-way sealed box design and that was the first commercial product that was sold in quantity. At that point, I stop my other work and Magico is born. MOD AV: How did the name Magico came about? AW: Good question! Magico is the name of one of ECM’s best album by Charlie Hayden. The word is Brazilian and is supposed to be some drug dealer supplying magic. (Oops! Hope our customs doesn’t know that! - Ed) The new range coming out in 2012 after the Q7 is the new S series. The first model, the S5 floorstander uses a special extrusion process – it is extruded from a 16-inch diameter billet and requires a 6-ton press to create the enclosure shell! The shape of the enclosure is curved and hence it will need to be extruded. The design process took us some 18 months, the S series offers a less expensive Magico loudspeaker for those where the Q series is out of reach. The S series will be a Hybrid nano-tec aluminum cone bass unit with a version of the Scanspeak tweeter that is specially made for us. The crossover will also use lesser components. The S5 is a good all rounder loudspeaker and especially effective for high end home theatre systems.
3
Da Vinci DAC True 384K USB DAC Light Harmonic’s Bit Perfect pursuit of the Ultimate Digital Music Playback Experience
Light Harmonic A new name in Digital Music Playback to reckon with!
MOD AV: Now that Light Harmonic has burst into the scene and your first product is in the high end sector, how do you see LH contribution to High End Audio? HC: Light Harmonic is dedicated to the perfection of digital audio reproduction and playback technologies. Our goal - products that make digital audio indistinguishable from audio from the best analog sources. Light Harmonic’s Design Team combines top-notch talent from around the world. Our credentials include the superb engineers on our team, which includes core designer Hannes Frederiks, based in Germany, is our principle digital-analog conversion expert. With more than 35 years experience in high-speed digital-analog conversion and high-speed digital logic circuits, he ensured that Da Vinci’s digital analog conversion and output stage are in a class of its own. Frederiks works with Erno Borbely (a.k.a. Mr. JFET), a legendary Germany designer who has built several successful DAC and preamp products. Our principle audio circuit designer, Raymond Celius, has more than 30 years experience in audio design. He developed Da Vinci’s Least Significant Bit Correction and DSD decoding.
MOD AV speaks to Henry Chew Co-Founder of Light Harmonic
Bit-Perfect Audio x Perfect Timing + Cleanest Power + Vibration Control = Ultimate Digital Music Playback
Additional Light Harmonic products are under development and, like Da Vinci, being designed to meet the highest standards. Our focus is on a DAC, a music streaming device, and music servers. They will be introduced at appropriate times to the computer, digital, mobile and audiophile marketplaces. MOD AV: How does the concept of your first product come about? Any target objective? - eg to better the performance of dCS. HC: Da Vinci was conceived as a solution to the less-than-ideal quality of much digital audio. While digital music, itself, is a great advance in the evolution of audio reproduction, it is often compromised by high-frequency noise, digital filter artifacts, soundstage compression and other circumstances that cause unnatural effects, like pre-ring and post-ring. The Da Vinci DAC was conceived as a provider of digital audio as exceptional as the best analog sources, while maintaining a source’s integrity, naturalness and coherence. Da Vinci is designed to enable audio enthusiasts, musicians, home studio operators, broadcasters, even movie productions to engage in high-end recording and playback. While conventional digital recordings use 44,100 samples/second, Light Harmonic technology uses up to 384,000 samples/sec., an eightfold increase, making Da Vinci’s output true bit-perfect audio at high fidelity levels. Da Vinci’s strengths include the highest sampling rates and the least jitter. Its integrated hardware and software solution combines a high-speed, multichannel USB transmission interface with super-precise triple (3X) clocking and bit-perfect playback capability. The 3X clocks reduce jitter to the lowest possible level, assigning a dedicated 45M Hz clock to 44.1K, 88.2K, 176.4K and 352.8K frequencies; a 49M Hz clock to 48K, 96K, 192K and 384K frequencies; and a 13M Hz clock to the USB interface. A proprietary three-layer (3L) buffer architecture reduces jitter even further and prevents glitches caused by instabilities during the transfer of audio data. One layer buffers data transmission from the source computer, another acts as a decoupling buffer, and the third layer ensures that audio data is correctly clocked. Similar buffers are typically only used in ultra high-speed computers. Relentlessly innovative, Da Vinci engages in no upsampling, over-sampling, digital filtering or other conventional delta-sigma data manipulations. It is not aimed at overcoming the shortcomings of other DAC solutions, but at perfecting the art and science of digital audio reproduction.
Sound Decisions Pte Ltd
1 Coleman Street #04-49/62 The Adelphi Singapore 179803 T: 65-6733-8227 F: 65-6733 8229 www.sounddecisions.com.sg
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Joseph Audio â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Perspectiveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; The seamless Asymmetrical Infinite Slope crossover, Magnesium Woofers, Sonatex Hexadyn Tweeters in a complex and rigid enclosure with multiple bracing allows the Perspective to possess a unique sense of coherence-the sound retains the same character from top to bottom, greatly contributing to the overall realism of the listening experience.
Sound Decisions Pte Ltd 1 Coleman Street #04-49/62 The Adelphi Singapore 179803 T: 65-6733-8227 F: 65-6733 8229 www.sounddecisions.com.sg
most accurate clocks. · Three highly precise -166dB phase-error clocks. One clock serves 44.1K, 88.2K, 176.4K and 352.8K music-sampling frequencies; one serves 48K, 96K, 192K and 384K frequencies; and the third serves the USB interface. Da Vinci selects each clock on the fly, according to the sample rate of an input file. Each clock is 10,000 times less noisy than the clocks other DACs commonly use. Henry Chew of Light Harmonic
Additional features include a sample rate up to 384kHz, resolution up to 32 bits, dedicated digital power, and a proprietary Duet Engine able to double a file’s original sampling rate without upsampling, over-sampling, or noise shaping. The result: smoother high frequencies. Da Vinci’s power supply is the cleanest possible. It employs three R-Core transformers (one for digital circuits, one for analog circuits, one for conversions), six dedicated power circuits using the best capacitors available, and over 40 super-shunt voltage regulators for digital interfaces, analog conversion, crystal clocks, analog output, and control circuits. Special “nano noise” circuits power the digital clocks, and proprietary USB isolation circuits eliminate any ground links between a music source and Da Vinci. A two-piece chassis totally isolates the power circuitry. The upper module houses power for all AC-to-DC conversions, control functions, the display, and the clocks. The base plate houses the digital and fully balanced analog circuits, and unique gear-shaped heat sinks that eliminate the need for a cooling fan. The top module can rotate independently of the base plate so the two can sit at 45-degree angles from each other. The 61-lb. chassis is constructed of CNC-milled, aerospace-grade aluminum blocks, which contribute exceptional thermal stability, RFI/EMI shielding, resonance control, and resistance to external vibrations. Special damping materials between the two modules minimize internal vibrations.
MOD AV: How does the Da Vinci DAC differ from the competition? HC: Da Vinci differs from its competitors in its approach to perfecting the ultimate digital music playback experience. To achieve this, Light Harmonic developed several patent-pending technologies and unique features, all exclusive to Da Vinci. As a result, Da Vinci is the first bit-perfect 384K asynchronous USB 2.0 DAC. Its lifelike soundstage, exceptional clarity and detail, sparkling transparency, best-in-class noise floor, and unique rotating chassis deliver audio performance indistinguishable from the best analog sources. Operating four times more accurately than conventional DACs, and with a speed up to 1G Hz for its accelerated processing unit (APU), Da Vinci preserves audio data in a pure, unaltered form, achieving Bit-Perfect playback. Avoiding all digital signal processing, it ensures the best possible music from users’ systems through the use of many patent-pending and unique features, including: · 384K/32Bit Asynchronous USB Input capable of accepting genuine 384K/32Bit PCM digital audio without artificial upsampling. · Automatic LSB Correction, which corrects digital signals in their least significant bits to make 100-percent accurate bit-perfect audio, while extending 16-bit signals to 24 bits or more. · Jitter-free, three-layer (3L) elastic buffering between the music source and digital sample conversion. The buffer can completely decouple speed fluctuations from the source, enabling music sample conversion using the
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In addition, Da Vinci’s modular design employs six printed circuit boards. Each PCB represents a key functional unit of the DAC and requires a separate communication path, which improves signal performance by eliminating possible interference. It also allows for ease of maintenance and gives Da Vinci owners an upgrade path to future features, preserving their investments and extending the DAC’s life. MOD AV: Tell us a little about your forthcoming product, the music server. HC: Tentatively named Da Vinci Source, Light Harmonic’s forthcoming music server is an innovative software and hardware solution that will prove both powerful and flexible. It will possess much of the technology that makes the Da Vinci DAC distinctive, as well as a full set of wireless features. Our new product will include three highly precise clocks, bit-perfect playback, and an aluminum chassis. In addition, it will include PCM+DSD audio, docking for iPods, iPhones and iPads; iPad control; wireless compatibility with Apple’s Airplay, network attached storage (NAS) servers, and Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) servers; USB, SPDIF and AES digital outputs; and an analog stereo output. The Digital Source will be a great complement to the Da Vinci DAC. With Light Harmonic as both source and DA converter, listeners will be able to enjoy the full strength and convenience of digital audio with the most natural analog sound.
Tchernov Cable … and the secret Recipe is ... MOD AV takes a peak into Russia’s newest weapon in its arsenal ...
Cables are wonderful things, they are so throughly glamorised in the
audio press that you almost believe they are worth a second mortgage. Each cable manufacturer has an interesting story to tell, sometimes bordering beyond believe. However once you stripped off the veneer of marketing, you are left with some copper or silver wires in an insulated jacket that does exactly what every other cable does – conduct a signal from one point to another - with the least possible loss or colorations. So what differentiates between a $50 cable and one that sells for $5,000? Some would suggest the incremental is irrelevant in dollar terms, only performance matters and if a cable perform better, it should cost more because there is more engineering, design input and materials used that make it sound better. So the price spiral begins. Today you can spend a fortune on cables what one would regard as extravagance for a complete system not too long ago. What has that to do with Tchernov Cable? While it seems the Russian made Tchernov cables are deemed mid-priced cables for mid-priced systems (circa $20 - $30k range), if you view them on the basis of price itself. However, Tchernov challenges you to pit their cables amongst the best cables on the best high-end systems. That is saying something! To put that across, Carsten Roth, Sales and Marketing Director for Tchernov was in town recently and he spent some time with MOD AV magazine to share some of his views. CR: First, I must address one very important fact – Tchernov is totally against unfair margins (meaning pricing – Ed)! The cable business is very ‘dirty’ business – I can sell you a golden suitcase with a $40,000 cable and the customer does not know what is value anymore. And these manufacturers claim, their wonder cable can ‘improve’ the sound of your system. Tchernov does not make such claims, in fact when you replaced your cables with Tchernov cables, your system could sound worse! Why? Because Tchernov is the most natural character of any cable – it has almost no ‘sound’ of its own, or pretends there is no cable between your components. That is our ultimate goal. If there are flaws in your system, Tchernov cables will not hide them. Most cables either add or subtract something from the signal. We seek to preserve the natural taste, we call it ‘sound cooking’. Do you want to taste food that does not, in any way, resemble the natural taste by using excessive taste modifiers? MOD AV: What goes into Tchernov cables? CR: We use the highest quality materials, we spend a lot of time to develop
our cables – our flagship speaker cables took us two years and had twelve rounds of sample run before we are happy. Our copper comes from Russia’s copper mines in the Urals, they go through a unique refinement process to remove certain materials like magnesium and silica to produce what we call ‘Balanced Refined Copper’ or BRC. This copper is used in Russia’s military industry as well. So we achieve economies of scale without having to produce many kilometres of BRC by Tchernov alone. The unique thing about Tchernov cables is we do not use different grade of copper for different cable price points – from the cheapest Tchernov cable – the Junior - to the flagship – Reference – uses BRC. The difference is in the wire gauge, the insulation and the shielding.
Tchernov Reference SC
Tchernov Cable pays particular attention to shielding – in today’s world, we have so much electronic interference – microwaves, wifi, mobile services, etc and all these can be picked up by a cable, which also behaves like an antenna. We are not just talking about interconnects but also speaker cables as well. You can hear the difference a shielded cable makes – it reduces background noise giving you a dark, quiet and transparent soundstage. Proper shielding together with BRC yields the most natural and musical qualities of any cable. The insulation also plays a part in the stability of the cable electrical characteristics – we use a special Polymer Elastollan compound made by BASF, which is also used in the medical industry. We also use organic dyes for the colour of the cable jacket as it is inert and do not cause deterioration of the cable.
Tchernov Classic Interconnect
Finally, the most critical factor in the performance of Tchernov cables – the human factor. Tchernov cables are assembled by our trained technicians. The connectors are carefully selected on the basis of its sound, not price. We import a Japan made solder as we found none of the solder available in Russia give us the performance we wanted. Yes, Tchernov is 100% ‘Made in Russia’! There is another aspect you will find Tchernov cables unconventional in a way – have you heard of the Golden Ratio? You should do some research on the internet (its on wikipedia – Ed). Our ‘standard’ lengths conform to the golden ratio – interconnects start at 0.62m, 1m, 1.65m, 2.65m, 4.35m and so on. Speaker cables and power cords start at 1.65m onwards. Tchernov is now the best selling audio cable brand in Russia. Our new office in Berlin is to market Tchernov cables to Europe and the rest of the world. Asia will soon be acquainted with the quality and value of Tchernov cables bring to your system!
34 MOD AV
Mr Carsten Roth, Sales n Mktg Director
MOD 35 AV
State-of-the-art cables created from wiring EMI Abbey Road Studio
High-end Platinum Speaker Cable
Proudly representing
Modular Audio LLP
1 Coleman Street #04-25 The Adelphi Singapore 179803 T: +65 6333-0286 M: +65 8201-0233 W: www.modularaudio.com.sg E: info@modularaudio.com.sg
ADVERTORIAL
Audio Cables from Pro-Audio Specialist
Studio Connections (UK) It is a fact that the hi-fi cable industry has caused a lot of confusion and suspicion of ‘cable myths’ over the years by the marketing hype, average performance but hefty claims. These cables often dressed up to look like ‘audio jewellery’ and marketed as the next big thing to enhance your listening experience based on some half grasped idea of science. It is also a fact that many hi-fi manufacturers do not have a specialist cable designer with the full background needed to optimally design high performance cables for audio. Studio Connections is different. This audio cable maker from London is formed by a team with in-depth knowledge of electronics that worked down to materials level. Equipping 15 years of hands-on working with cable manufacturing plants for all sorts of applications (space, marine, pro audio) and the privilege of 30 years working in professional audio at the world’s most prestigious studios (e.g. Abbey Road Studio) and venues, and in domestic audio. If you’ve bought music recorded in the EMI Abbey Road Studio, you would already have heard this cable because all EMI Abbey Road Studios are wired with Abbey Road Cable, the predecessor of Studio Connections. With the success of Abbey Road Cable, Michael Whiteside, owner and designer, further his research and pushes the boundary of cable performance with the formation of
Studio Connections. Currently, 3 distinct cable ranges are offered, namely Monitor, Reference Plus and Platinum. Modular Audio launched Studio Connections top-end speaker cable, Platinum, recently with very encouraging result and all-round very positive feedback from our users. Although this cable name is relatively new to the market, this speaker cable has displaced some of the competition’s top cable name/model. We receive user’s feedback such as “... surprisingly good”, “breathes life into my speakers”, “it upsized my system” etc. Each Platinum pair of cables takes about one week to prepare, build and test. Finally, upon completion, the designer himself, Michael Whiteside, precisely tests each and every cable and its electrical measurements are recorded on a certificate of authenticity that accompanies the cable. Modular Audio is the authorized dealer of Studio Connections cables for Singapore, Malaysia as well as Indonesia. Please visit us or our website for further information on how Studio Connections cable could elevate your hi-fi system. ADVERTORIAL MOD 37 AV
Serenity with Wood & Metal 38 MOD AV
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This page top to bottom: - 745 SACD player - 745 power supply - note the proprietary power connections! - 721 preamp - 700 monobloc with wing nuts to secure the speaker terminals. Opposite page: An old favourite - the Finite Element ‘Pagode’ equipment rack
The meeting of the Yin and the Yang, all coming together in this setup. The soft – wood, fabric, carpeting. The hard – all metal speaker enclosure and all aluminum casing. In the attic of this house is one high end setup – using Soulution electronics driving a pair of Magico Q5 loudspeakers. The room is tuned way before the system comes into the equation – the ethereal Shun Mook tuning devices are perhaps the grand daddy of erotic… I mean exotic room treatment. This stuff has been around for twenty years and still remain relevant. Soulutions may be a new name in the local audio scene but this Swiss made stuff is all premium electronics – the system here comprises components from the premium Series 7 – the 745 SACD player with its separate power supply, the 721 preamplifier and 700 monobloc amplifiers. Beautifully finished in all aluminum, the products exude a visual class of its own. The Magico Q5 is a massive loudspeaker, weighing some 100 Kgs a piece! The weight comes from the elaborate bracing within the loudspeaker to create a ‘silent’ enclosure, one that does not contribute to the sound output. What you hear is the pure musical output from the speaker drive units unadulterated by cabinet resonance. The driver configuration is a tweeter, a 6-inch midrange, a 9-inch midbass and dual 9-inch bass drivers. Kubala-Sosna cables wired up the whole system.
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All the accessories that makes the system tick! This page: Shun Mook Ebony Pendulum is supposed to ‘focus’ the sound. Behind the equipment rack and to the side of the room is the maple wood stands, each with three sets of three Mpingo tuning discs. Left page: Top: Finite Elemente ‘Pagode’ rack. Left: Another view of the Shun Mook room tuning stands, notice the Mpingo discs on top of the 700 monobloc? Right: The small tuning cup is a form of acoustic resonator to control the bass response.
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SOtM sMS-1000 Music Server Compared to CD players
, computer audiophiles only have a handful of music servers to choose from though the numbers are slowly growing by the day. SOtM (which stands for Soul Of the Music), a relatively new name in computer audio, join the ranks of high-end audio music server manufacturers to choose from. SOtM hails from Korea, and the sMS-1000 is the first music server to complement their existing range of USB DACs. The sMS-1000 is a compact device – a simple and elegant aluminum case (which also function as a heatsink) housing a optical drive, hardisk and electronics. It is offered in three versions – one with analogue outputs via RCA and balanced XLR plus USB output, a second version with USB output only, and finally one with all digital outputs - USB/Digital Coax/AES-EBU and Toslink. These options offer potential customers to buy exactly the configuration that best meets his needs.
Control of music playback is highly flexible - there are various apps available on the Android and iOS (iPad, iPhone, iTouch) platforms. As well you can simply use a web browser on any computer or tablet device. I tried the MPaD app on the iPad, and it was very easy to use, nicely showing album cover art for easy browsing. The sMS-1000 use the Linux-optimised Music Player Daemon (MPD) for bit-perfect music playback. The reason for choosing MPD is its ram-buffered playback - it caches music data in RAM memory (the buffer) and minimise hard disk activity during playback, in order to optimise sound quality. There is 2 TB of internal storage which is good enough for estimated 6000 CD’s in FLAC format. To rip your CDs, there is a built-in slot-loading optical drive, which rips all your CDs into lossless FLAC files. Noteworthy as well that it also comes with networked file & music server functionality, so one’s music collection can be served to a Squeezebox, Sonos, PS3 among other devices.
Of special mention is the USB output stage of the sMS-1000, which is something of a specialty for SOtM and the DAC used in the analogue out version is derived from their own stand alone USB DAC. Not all USB ports are created equal. SOtM is known for some of the best PCI/PCI express USB cards for audiophiles who may want to use their desktop computers to playback their music library. The technology used in the USB cards optimizes the performasnce primarily for audio - low noise power supplies and regulator circuits plus a switchable USB port power selector. The latter reduces another possible layer of noise and interference when a 5V supply used for powering USB components, and can be switched off if not needed. The version with analogue output comes with a high performance 32 Bit DAC derived from their own stand alone USB DAC. If you already have a good USB DAC you save some moolah by opting for the USB output-only
Despite the obvious computer based platform, the sMS-1000 function exactly like a typical hifi component – dispensing with input devices like a mouse and keyboard. In other words, you don't treat this as a computer anymore. The sMS-1000 is a device build for a singular purpose – to render bit-perfect music file for your audio system in a compact, easy to use and silent (fanless) package.
Price: Above: MPaD – iPad app for music library navigation Left: Squeezepad
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sMS-1000 with Analogue and USB - $4450 sMS-1000 with USB/Digital Coax/AES-EBU/Toslink - $4050 sMS-1000 with USB output only - $3750
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option. I auditioned the unit with analogue outputs and my conclusion is simple - the SOtM sMS-1000 is a highly impressive music server! Considering the excellent build quality, the sMS-1000 is an affordable option for those looking for a dedicated music server and especially the version with analogue output, which is as complete as it comes and dispenses with the need for another outboard USB DAC and audio grade USB cable. The SOtM sMS-1000 music server should be well received by the computer audiophile community. SOtM is distributed by Raindrop Audio Pte Ltd in Singapore and Malaysia.
download MOD AudioVideo eZine formatted for iPAD*
www.mod-avi.com where all the action is! *PDF download on iPAD requires iBook (free download from Apple App Store) also can be downloaded on Android tablettes, PC or Macs Computers
Von Schweikert’s VR44 Active has landed! The much anticipated VR44 loudspeaker has landed in Singapore and the first pairs are slowly but surely trickling to its proud owners. The VR44 is unique in that it is offered in active or passive versions (more of this later) of the same speaker. The passive version is slightly cheaper as it dispenses with the power amplification and is recommended for those using high powered amplifiers. Those using low powered amps would benefit from the active version as it will reduce the load on the amplifier. Either way you can have your cake and eat it as well! What’s new on the VR44 (which replaces the popular VR4)? There are new driver units employed, a new laminated cabinet design (as used for the Unifield series) and a new mounting arrangement that decouples the drive unit from the speaker cabinet. The latter eliminate the need for the ‘stacking’ cabinet design of the VR4 with improved wavefront of the sound by using a single baffle for both the midbass (a full bandwidth drive unit) as well as the dual bass drive units.
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Von Schweikert’s
VR44 Active has landed!
The new VR44 do away with veneer finish and moved towards the current ‘in’ style – automotive paints. Yes, you can choose the colour that best matches your decor though I understand there will be a slight premium for colours other than black. This pair is finished in a very safe glossy black. It is nice to see some really solid speaker terminals at the back – WBT Next Gen no less. A McIntosh MA7000 integrated amplifier drives the VR44 through Von Schweikert VSA Standard speaker cables. The front end is a Cary Audio CD500 HDCD player. Despite Cary Audio’s propensity towards glass (meaning tubes), the CD500 is a budget model and all solid state. Still, what counts is how it sound and together with the MA7000, gave the VR44 a good punch! The living room where the system is placed is totally bereft of acoustic treatment, just some curtains take the direct sting over the large glass doors on one side of the room. The room is quite large though and having an irregular shape largely help diffused the sound and break up any standing waves.
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Great Sound, Great Value!
5th Anniversary Edition Kit1
DAC 2.1
L2 Preamp
EL 84 Integrated
EL 34 Integrated
300B Legend Monobloc Poweramp
300B Interstage Monobloc Poweramp
AURAL DESIGNS
Almarro . ARS-Sonum . Audio Note Kits . Auditorium23 . MR.... New Audio Frontiers ProAc . Tektron . Vimak . WLM purveyors of fine. music
1 Coleman Street #03-11 The Adelphi Singapore 179803 Tel: +65 6339 0134 www.aural-designs.com
Fans of Audio Note or 300B who are handy with a soldering iron would like to consider a cheaper option of buying these products. Aural Design has just brought in the amplifier kits including DACs, preamps, power amplifiers and phono stages.
300B S.E.T. Kit1 Integrated
300B S.E.T. Kit1
The â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;classicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; model of the range, the latest version of the Kit1 offers a new chassis design to cater for all possible configuration. The Kit1 offers you the chance to experience real high quality amplification using Single End Triode design. Of all the options, the most exciting is the version with Audio Noteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Double C-Core output transformer.
Legend 300B Monobloc Power Amplifier
Using a single tube driver in a capacitor coupled pentode configuration, the Legend monbloc delivers 18 watts in a parallel single end configuration with a pair of 300B per channel. Each unit has a choke transformer (housed inside the chassis), a power transformer and a C-Core output transformer. Together with tube rectification in the form of a 5U4G with a Mundorf capacitor to smooth the rectified A.C. PTFE silver plated copper wiring supplied.
Legend 300B SET Monobloc
Interstage Monobloc SET 300B Monobloc Power amplifier
What could be better than the Legend 300B monoblocs? Why, adding an Interstage transformer of course! This unique design makes use of an interstage transformer on each channel - rather than having an additional tube driver stage, the interstage transformer takes over this task for ultimate authority! The power supply and driver circuitry is all hardwired and the user has a choice of components. The power supply can support large black gate or Jensen Electrolytics that protrude through the chassis. In combination with an AudioNote M3 transformer coupled pre-amp the Interstage Mono Block provides a level or realism and details that you may not have ever experienced.
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Interstage SET 300B Monobloc
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Sound systems and home cinemas need a place away from the living areas, such as bedrooms to allow for late night movie or music sessions. The attic and basement are favourite places for those in pursuit of sound and vision. We have featured some attic based systems so now is time for one in the basement! Nestled in a quiet up market residential area (I passed several very nice houses on the way in!) Mr T, as he would like to be known as, housed a nice setup in the basement of his house. The basement isn’t very big – the Thiel CS3.7 is a nice sized speaker for this room. Acoustic treatment is used to contain any extraneous standing waves and helps break up slap echoes. The nice teak parquet flooring covered with a carpet provides a slight damping to the first reflection off the floor. The CS3.7 is driven by Electrocompaniet’s flagship power amplifier, the AW600 Nemo. The low end of the speaker system is augmented by a JL Audio f113 subwoofer. The other components hail from Bel Canto and Apple. The system has two digital sources – an Apple Mac Mini and a Bel Canto CD2 Compact Disc player. Both feed their digital data stream into the Bel Canto DAC3.5VB digital to analogue converter. This DAC is able to run off a Bel Canto VBS1 – a virtual battery supply – for the cleanest power supply possible. The VBS1 also powers the Bel Canto Pre3VB preamplifier making it a cost effective means to get the benefits of a virtual battery supply. The Mac Mini serves as the music server for all the digital music files using iTunes. To allow a remote controller in the form of an iPad or iPhone, VNC mocha app is deployed for ease of access to the music library. Synergistic Research provides the active shielding cables and the latest addition to the system is the new Synergistic ‘Tranquility Base’ an isolation platform and MiGs (a.k.a. Mechanical Interface grounding) Cups, an isolation feet for the CD player and the Mac Mini.
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“The price of standing apart from everyone else… is to be standing alone….”
If no one else claims to have uttered the above
statement, then it would be a claim by yours truly. What I am referring to? Take a look at the picture to your left. Surely that doesn’t look like your average loudspeaker, does it? That’s the latest Vivid G3.
Vivid Audio
Giya
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Why does your average loudspeaker have to come in anything but a 6-sided wooden box? Some say wood gives sound a natural tone. I would say, more like a natural induced resonance, no doubt, a nice ‘natural’ resonance to some listeners. As speaker designers summit the apex in speaker design, the school of ‘natural’ resonance doesn’t cut it anymore. The likes of Magico and Wilson have taken the ‘dead and inert’ enclosure approach. And for the better. But there is more than just a box to house the drive units, the enclosure can have a profound effect on the sound we hear. And the consensus is the less the box contribute to the sound, the better the result. The Giya series is one approach. The Vivid G3 is the smallest of the flagship Giya series, looking virtually identical to the other two models in the Giya range, it distances from the larger G1 and midsized G2 not just in size but most important, engineered to be easier to match with smaller rooms and moderate amplifiers. That makes the G3 the most room friendly, amplifier friendliest and to an extent, a more affordable Giya model. At USD40,000, the G3 isn’t exactly what one would call affordable, but once you have tasted the sound dished out by the G3, its just a matter of finding the money. Like the entire Vivid series, the G3 eschew the use of traditional 6-sided wood/MDF cabinet. Instead, each enclosure is painstakingly built-up using fiberglass and carbon fiber, finished with automotive paints. To build each speaker requires a mold, using hand labour, to build a cabinet taking many manhours. It would not come as a surprise if the enclosure makes up the bulk of the cost of making the speaker. The drivers are also proprietary – Vivid is one of the few speaker companies that makes the entire speaker from enclosure, to drive units to crossover.
The G3 is a scaled down G1/G2 4-way loudspeaker using a newly developed C135 bass drive unit. This side mounted bass unit, like the larger bass units on the G1 and G2 are mounted back to back firing one towards the inside and the other towards the outside. The three drive units on the front baffle – the D26 tweeter, D50 dome midrange and C125S are identical to those used in the G1 and G2. The side firing woofers work from 220Hz down, loads the room differently from the rear firing woofer arrangement on the K1 and B1. In some smaller rooms, the rear firing woofer (of the K1 and B1) may excite room resonance especially if used close to corners. The G3 side firing woofers avoid that and for all purpose, may work well if it need to be shoved into a corner. Just give the side woofers a little space and it should be fine.
reproducing that energy. Playing loud doesn’t necessary produce that sense of energy that gives you the impression of a live performance. The G3 is one of the few loudspeakers being able to do so. Yes, the G3 plays loud if it need to but that sense of energy is independent of loudness. Play back the system softly and you have a good measure of that energy as much as playing the speaker loudly. Also the dynamic contrast is properly scaled – you can hear the soft and loud parts simultaneously, each do not interfere with the other.
The smaller stature of the G3 also brings another side benefit. I always find the K1 and G2 a tad too tall, with the midrange level above the ear level when I am seated on a typical couch (those who employs barber chairs in their music room excepted!). The G3 however, is spot on – the midrange is exactly at the ear level! That makes the G3 quite friendly as a mid-field loudspeaker where the G1 and G2 have to be positioned relatively further from the listener to achieve the same effect. The organic ‘snail’ shape of the G series has a purpose, it allows the rear wave from the drive unit to vent and direct the energy to the room much like a horn loudspeaker. First employed by B & W’s famous Nautilus, which is also a Laurence Dickie’s (chief designer for Vivid) design, each drive unit comes with a rear vent ‘funnel’ like. On the G3, the tweeter and midrange funnels can be seen visually where the larger G1 and G2 lies within the main enclosure. Clearly, this aspect of the design holds a lot of importance to the sound performance of the loudspeaker. The speaker terminals are situated below the speaker making it difficult to access alone, you will need a helping hand to tilt the speaker to access these terminals. That said, if I were shortlisting to buy the G3, I would get a slab of unpolished granite for each the G3 to stand on, much like that of the Nautilus. It looks more classy, don't you think? Why would the G3 pose an easier load to an amplifier compared to the G1 and G2 when identical crossover is as much a mystery to me. Probably the new bass driver is more efficient and hence presents a nicer load to the amplifier. But it is good to know I can use low powered amplifiers for instance and get better results than I could using the same amplifier on the G1 or G2. When we listen to ‘live’ music, amplified or otherwise, you can sense that energy coming across. It is quite difficult to capture any measure of that energy in a recording and many playback system are incapable of
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The linearity of the frequency response across the audio spectrum is undeniably flat, the use of the same material for the speaker diaphragm – the tweeter, dome mid, midbass and woofer all uses aluminum, and they sound superbly cohesive. There is no cause for an abrupt transition of sound characteris tics - for example from a metal dome tweeter to a polypropylene woofer. Nor is the G3 plague with phase shifts. From what I understand, all the crossovers were built in the factory using inductors hand wound from oxygen-free copper mounted together with polypropylene capacitors on ply boards and hard wired together. The effect of a smooth phase response through attention paid to the tapered tube loading of the rear way of the driver together with a well designed 4th order Linkwitz-Riley filter and smooth pistonic response of the drive units result in a phase coherent, inherently musical sound which preserves the dynamic nuances, the energy, in the sound. The bass end is dynamic as it goes deep, though without a pair of G2 or G1 to compare, I could assume the extension would be a little curtailed. But what is there is mighty impressive! The two bass drivers are braced internally – the back of the woofer magnet is braced against the other, so as to cancel any energy generated while moving lots of air. G3 presents a gloved iron fist, if it need to, the G3 could punch as hard and as realistic as the real deal. What goes on the tweeter and midrange is perhaps the crowning glory of the G3. The sheer sense of musical detail is presented an unforced character, yet the sound is bridled with a sense of expectation, as if waiting for something to burst forth. Much like a dam holding back tons and tons of water. Some speakers can achieve this on the midbass but the G3 is able to do this across the entire audio spectrum is awesome. Some say a good loudspeaker should not have any sound of its own. It should let the music through, raw and unbridled if it is the case. I have no doubt if there is a speaker that is close to perfection – it would be the G3. If the Vivid G3 (and possibly the G1 and G2 as well) would stand apart from every other speaker, that’s not a bad thing!
Tchernov Reference SC
Vivid Expectations
Vivid B1 nestles comfortably in a bedroom
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The most critical component in any system, is not what you can find in
any audio store. It is something you already have – the room where you plan to put your system. Far too often, the wrong speaker is chosen for the room and as expected, the results are seldom satisfactory. Such is the case with this setup. Initially the Vivid B1 was set up in the mid sized living room. After sometime, it dawn to the owner the less than ideal performance. The B1 sounded great in the showroom, why isn’t it perform as well back home? The answer is obvious - the living room is too large for the speaker to drive properly.
One of the spare bedroom was cleared for the system to move in. Small rooms have its own problem – standing waves at the midbass region, the lack of distance between speaker and listener means the direct/reflected sound isn’t much differentiated and loads of slap echo. To achieve a better acoustic balance, X Audio who supplied the system, provided some room treatment by the way of acoustic panels. Other pieces of furniture includes some wall mounted shelves where the owner stores his collection of Lego kits. I guess this was the room for his collection of memorabilia...
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With that taken care off, the system migrated into the room. I estimate the room at just about 10 x 12 feet with a typical 9 feet tall ceiling. The listening chair was push back against the opposite wall from the speakers to maximize the space to avoid the ‘near-field’ listening. The B1 has a rear bass driver that works from 100 Hz down and need a little space for the rear drive unit to breathe. The rest of the system comprise some top notch gear from Accustic Art CD transport, DAC and preamp with Octave MRE130 monobloc tube power amplifiers. The rack is from TOAC selected for its isolation properties using a dense materials mix.
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Custom Fitted
Asus N5 + B & O ICE Power
An Audiophile’s Laptop?
ACS T1 Custom In-Ear Phones In-Ear Monitors
are fast gaining acceptance for serious cans gear head on the go. A close custom fit and the ability to seal off external sounds means the playback levels need not compensate for a noisy environment and sane playback levels inevitably protects our hearing against damage from loud music. Custom means the In-ear is limited to the person it is molded for and the ear phones need to be prepared in the factory which involves a turn around time of a couple of weeks. Still, for the dedicated, the ultimate performance is worth the trouble.
I am not a fan of my ‘unnamed’ ear buds, I get a sore feeling in my ears after using them for as little 30 minutes. Using them is more like a necessity than a pleasure. Having tried a few, my conclusion is, I am not an ear bud man. The only reason I stick with them is its portability. The chaps at Jaben convinced me the ACS T1 not only sounds better than all the ear buds I have but I will not suffer the same discomfort because the ACS T1 In-Ear sits gently along the entire ear canal instead of snucking at one point.
I had my pair of ACS T1 Custom In-Ear done at Jaben. The process involve jabbing small pad into the ear drum to protect the membrane before injecting a quick drying foam into the ear. The drying process takes a few minutes and the foam sample is then removed from my ear and packed to send back to the factory to mold the actual ear-piece in silicon. ACS offers a range of colour option, I decided on a two colour combination for easy identification – a bright luminous red for right and blue for left. Thirty minutes later, I am out of the shop, $1688 poorer.
Putting in the ACS T1 takes a bit getting used to compare to ear buds, I need to properly ‘seat’ the T1 into my ear canal to achieve the comfort
on Windows 7 of course and comes with the latest Intel i5 processor, DVD drive and a large 640 GB HDD. That should be enough to store a lot of music, movies and photos. What separates the N5 from the others is its suite of software geared towards the sound people – SonicMas ter audio technology with ‘True to Life Surround Sound’ and a one click ‘Music Now’ start up without having to boot up the computer. The latter isn’t exactly new, it has been done before in HP laptops. It is a convenient feature when you want to employ the N5 for music playback only.
The Asus N5 and B&O
do not have anything in common, at least on the surface – Asus makes computers and B&O makes some nifty sound systems, especially adept in the aesthetics department. Bringing the two together and we have the N5, a laptop computer for audiophiles? Maybe not but it is a start.
A couple of weeks later, I got a call from Jaben to pick up the unit. It comes sealed in a small brown package. Inside the package is a grey leatherette hard case pouch, a smaller soft case zip pouch and an instruction sheet. The hard case pouch stores the In-Ear phones, a small tube of ear lubricant ACS calls, ahem… comfort cream, a small wire loop wax remover and a 3.5mm to 5mm adapter. The cream is a transparent grease with just a hint of mild fragrance which is hardly noticeable unless you put the cream up your nose. Use sparingly and the small tube will go a long way, unless you have other applications... Do note, the wire loop wax remover is for the In-ear phones, not your ear drums!
The N5 is an attractive looking laptop – perhaps the prettiest on the side of Windows. It has to be, within the form factor of a notebook, B&O chief designer David Lewis (incidentally an Englishman) wrought a designer laptop for Asus. Obviously B&O wouldn’t leave the audio department alone - Asus intend this to be a laptop geared for users who want a better audio video experience.
The hard case pouch houses the In-Earphones, a tube of lube and a 3.5 to 5mm adapter.
The T1 is molded with a soft silicon rubber. With careful cleaning (no washing though) using a little comfort cream and putting back in the protective case after use, it will last a lifetime. They even add a nice touch by laser engraving my initials on it. The T1 feature a three-way driver, which promises a very extended frequency response.
The N5 dos not subscribe to the latest fad – ultrabooks - but a proper laptop and it weighs it. It is however, very well built with a very solid in feel despite the all plastic casing. It makes the other laptops we have feel flimsy in comparison. The screen/lid has a nice steel trim around it and it feels good every time I lift up the screen to start up the computer. It runs Continued from previous page level and seal. I need to insert it in and then do a ‘turn’ to push the ACS up the ear canal. Perhaps after a couple of times, it should come as second nature. Properly seated, I am amply rewarded with a beautifully refined and detailed sound. Initially I was surprised at the lack of bass extension, after some adjustment to the ear phones restored the missing bass. The sound staging is as good as it gets – headphones users have it good compared to using normal speakers! The frequency response is pretty extended, most headphones, save the best, are not able to extend much above 10 kHz.
The wire loop wax remover
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The limitations of sound from a laptop is simply there isn’t much space for speakers and what speakers they can squeeze in aren’t able to play loud enough to fill a room. The N5 got around the problem by offering an external ‘subwoofer’ or in Asus/B&O terminology – Sonic Master Subwoofer. Here they can fit a larger drive unit in a standalone enclosure working in conjunction with the SonicMaster software and internal speakers, enables the N5 to play significantly louder, cleaner and with much less distortion. In that, the N5 clearly stands out from the crowd. This is a music lover’s laptop. In absolute terms, the N5 plays louder but still not quite the loudness level achieved with say, a mini audio system – ICE power not withstanding. The surround sound added a sophisticated touch of spaciousness much like virtual surround. Very classy indeed. With the N5, Asus wants to build your life around the computer – listening to music, watching movies and doing homework. It's a good compromise for, say if you are staying in a dorm and you shouldn't really play you music too loud or take up too much space with another set of gear – a sound system. Even if the N5 is not a trend setter, it is no doubt, the best sounding laptop around – for now! the way into the ear canal. I have not have anything, not even a cotton ear bud deep in my ear canal so I must admit, it's a bit disconcerting at first. It reaches right to the end of the ear canal and I can feel it touches the ear drum (I’ve checked wikipedia on the cross section of the human ear!). The T1 with its snug fit, certainly do not put any pressure on the sides of the ear canal. Tugging the cable isn't going to dislodge the ear piece, in fact ACS discourage that as that it is more likely you will break the wire which is non-removable. That may entail a return trip to the factory to refurbish your unit. So far I am quite pleased with the T1. Having put some hours, it is opening up nicely. My only quibble is that I am unable to share an ear bud with someone. It might be too loose or too tight for them. Goes to show, if in-ear headphones is to be done correctly, it should be custom fit like the ACS T1. I can understand the cost an arm for a custom fit but how can it be anything as personal as an in-earphones be a ‘one size fits all’?
Pioneer launches a quartet of affordable AV Receivers VSX-1122K
AVNavigator – For VSX-922-K and VSX-1122-K consumers, Pioneer simplifies the installation process by providing an interactive owner’s manual that uses a consumer’s PC or iPad to communicate directly with the receiver, walking the user step-by-step through the home theater set-up procedure. The AVNavigator software is available on a CD included in the box and as an app freely downloadable for iPad. High-Quality Audio and Video to Please Any Enthusiast Pioneer’s newest receivers provide consumers with a variety of features that enable high quality audio and video from any source. High-Resolution Playback – The new receivers can reproduce high-resolution WAV and FLAC files up to 192kHz / 24-Bit from both the front USB and network on the top two high-end models. Auto Phase Control Plus – Available on the VSX-922-K and VSX-1122-K, Pioneer’s proprietary Phase Control automatically adjusts the time delay of the subwoofer output so consumers hear a more accurate, robust and fully balanced 7.1 and/or 7.2 multichannel set-ups. Direct Energy Amplifiers – To deliver the highest quality audio possible, Pioneer leverage its nearly 75 years in amplifier design. Direct Energy amplifiers are designed to minimize the signal route between signal inputs, amplification, and speaker outputs, reducing internal and external distortions to produce a cleaner sound with high dynamic range.
Four new entry level Pioneer 5.1 and 7.2-channel AV Receivers will be hitting the stores in June. The 2012 receivers line-up offer the connections and operability options consumers are accustomed to with their iPad, iPhone and iPod touch.
Advanced HDMI Features – All new Pioneer receivers support the latest HDMI specification and offer more HDMI inputs than ever before, with the VSX-1122-K offering seven inputs for a wide range of connectivity options.
ControlApp & iControlAV2012 App – Pioneer’s new ControlApp and latest generation iControlAV2012 App give users even more control of their receivers and home theater settings from the convenience of their iPad, iPhone or iPod touch. With ControlApp, available for the VSX-822-K, users can turn the receiver on and off, adjust sound modes, change inputs and control Internet radio and DLNA streaming content. The new iControlAV2012 app featured on the VSX-922-K and VSX-1122-K provides additional receiver control on the iPad, iPhone or iPod touch. With this app, consumers also have access to the receiver’s advanced sound features such as Sound Explorer, which displays more than 13 of Pioneer’s unique sound adjustment functions on one screen, and Virtual Speakers, which allows users to create their ideal sound field, even when real speakers are not set up. Both apps are available for free from the App Store on iPad, iPhone or iPod touch or at www.itunes.com/appstore.com. Video Processing – The VSX-922-K and VSX-1122-K deliver great pictures from any source with Pioneer’s Advanced Video Adjust suite of high definition video adjustments and 1080p/24fps video conversion as well as Pioneer’s exclusive Stream Smoother feature that enhances low bit-rate video sources. The new models are designed with a new modern brushed finish to match any home theater and will be available at authorized Pioneer retailers in June 2012.
VSX-922K
The new receivers seamlessly integrate with the music and entertainment capabilities of iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. The new AV receivers, the VSX-522-K, VSX-822-K, VSX-922-K and the VSX-1122-K comes with a powerful feature set that include Apple’s Airplay®, DLNA® 1.5, 3D HDMI connectivity and Internet radio. Pioneer’s 2012 receivers offer the connections and operability options consumers are accustomed to with their mobile devices, as well as access to high-quality audio regardless of source. Connection Options – All models are equipped with a front USB input. The VSX-822-K and above models include a USB/video cable for easy, out-of-the-box connectivity, battery charging and quick access to music libraries in iTunes. AirPlay – Starting with the VSX-822-K, consumers can wirelessly bring their entire iTunes library into their home theater system using the receivers’ built-in Apple AirPlay1 technology. The music from iTunes can be quickly accessed through a Mac, PC or an iPad, iPhone or iPod touch, and the album art and audio metadata can be displayed on a connected monitor/TV2. DLNA Certified (1.5) – With the exception of the VSX-522-K, the new line of receivers are also DLNA Certified (1.5), enabling music content to be shared from a networked Mac or PC, iPad, iPhone or iPod touch via the consumers’ home network, either through an Ethernet connection or optional wireless LAN converter for VSX-922-K and VSX-1122-K owners. Internet Radio – Adding more music options to the lineup, the VSX-822-K, VSX-922-K and VSX-1122-K include vTuner Internet radio for accessing thousands of web-based radio stations around the world. The three models are able to play high bit-rate stations and can be controlled by Pioneer’s remote apps. Audio Streaming with Wireless Bluetooth Technology – Starting with the VSX-822-K and up, consumers can stream music from their Bluetooth wireless technology enabled devices (optional AS-BT200 Bluetooth adapter required). In addition, Pioneer’s Air Jam app, available from the App Store on iPad, iPhone and iPod touch, lets users pair up to four devices via Bluetooth. Once connected, each user can cue songs from their music libraries to create a collective playlist to play back on their AV Receiver. 70 MOD AV
The VSX-922-K and VSX-1122-K also feature a new HDMI Standby Through mode that allows high definition audio and video to pass through the receivers while in the Standby mode. Pioneer receivers also include an Audio Return Channel feature to accept audio signals sent from a compatible TV’s tuner back to the receiver via a single HDMI connection.
MOD 71 AV
Airplay
RX-V573 7.1 channel AV Receiver
for Yamaha V73 series AV Receiver
Yamaha has just launched a quartet of entry level AV receivers (a fifth model will be due towards end of the year) in the ‘V’ series with cutting edge features such as Apple’s AirPlay, Network function, 4K Upscaling and advanced auto tune system. All the new models come ‘green’ features such as lower power consumption via its new ‘ECO’ mode compared to previous models.
The basic RX-V373 5.1 channel AV receiver is designed for affordability and ease of use. Despite its modest price tag, Yamaha employs high performance Burr Brown 192 kHz/24 Bit processors for optimal sound quality and HD Audio decoding capabilities. Rated at 5 x 100 watts RMS (6 ohms, 1 kHz, 0.9% distortion), the amplifier design is capable of driving low impedance loads with high dynamic power. With the next generation 4K high resolution video, the RX-V373 allows 4K pass through to the display. The 4 user assignable HDMI inputs/1 HDMI output comes with Audio Return Channel is 3D compatible, with 24 Hz refresh rate and comes with auto lip sync function. The front panel USB (iPhone/iPod direct in) and 3.5mm mini jack input allows music playback from your portable devices to the system. Finally, through Yamaha’s adaptive Dynamic Range Control (DRC) and adaptive DSP level, all your music and video sources are reproduced with superb clarity and naturalness. The next model up, the RX-V473 5.1 channel AV receiver adds Apple‘s AirPlay, network, DLNA and AV controller capabilities. The Apple iPod/iPhone/iPad is also compatible with the front panel USB input of the RX-V473. The RX-V473 also introduces Virtual Presence Speaker function without the need for additional speakers. With slightly higher power rating of 115 watts RMS x 5, the V473 brings more music than ever into your system. For a truly immersive surround sound, you will need the RX-V573 for its 7.1 channel capabilities. Using a discrete amplifier output stage, the seven channel, 115 watt RMS amplifiers sound better and able to drive low impedance loads. If the additional 2 channels are not needed, they can be used to power an additional pair of speakers in a second room. Like the two smaller models, the V573 comes with Audio Return Channel and 3D capabilities. The next model up is the RX-V673 7.1 channel AV receiver brings a whole new meaning to high performance in an affordable AV receiver. It comes with an advanced YPAO auto tune system called Reflected Sound Control or R.S.C. which takes into account not only sound from the speakers but also sound reflected off the room. The RX-V673 upsamples 1080P to 4K when used with a 4K display. To improve dialogue and vocals, the RX-V673 comes with ‘Dialogue Lift’ and ‘Dialogue Level Adjustment’ for perfectly clear dialogue and voice reproduction. Rated at 150 watts rms per channel (6 ohms, 1 kHz, 0.9% THD), The RX-V373, RX-V473, RX-V573 and RX-V673 are now available at all authorized Yamaha dealers.
RX-V373 5.1 channel AV Receiver
5-channel - 100W x 5 (6 ohms, 1 kHz, 0.9 % THD) 4K pass-through for next generation super high resolution images HDMI (4 in/1 out) with 3D and Audio Return Channel Front panel USB Digital Connection for iPod and iPhone YPAO sound optimisation for automatic speaker setup HD Audio format decoding: Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio; Dolby Digital Plus and DTS-HD High Resolution Audio 192 kHz/24-bit Burr Brown DACs for all channels High dynamic power, low-impedance drive capability Multi language colour OSD for improved visibility (English, German, French, Spanish, Russian and Chinese) ECO mode operation for about 20% less power consumption
7-channel - 115W x 7 (6 ohms, 1 kHz, 0.9 % THD, 1 ch driven) Network functions such as AirPlay and AV Controller app 4K Pass-Through and upscaling for next-generation high resolution images HDMI (4 in/1 out) with 3D and Audio Return Channel Source selection on HDMI Standby mode Front panel USB Digital Connection for iPod, iPhone and iPad YPAO sound optimisation for automatic speaker setup HD Audio format decoding: Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio; Dolby Digital Plus and DTS-HD High Resolution Audio Discrete amp configuration Burr-Brown 192 kHz/24-bit DACs for all channels Direct Mode for high quality sound reproduction Low jitter PLL circuitry helps optimise sound imaging Assignable amplifiers for bi-amp connection Multi language colour OSD (English, German, French, Spanish, Russian and Chinese) Speaker Zone B Function ECO mode operation for about 20% less power consumption
RX-V673 7.1 channel AV Receiver
7-channel - 150W x 7 (8 ohms, 1 kHz, 0.9 % THD) Network functions such as AirPlay and AV Controller app 4K Pass-Through and upscaling for next-generation high resolution images High quality video processing with precise deinterlacing HDMI (6 in/1 out) with 3D and Audio Return Channel Dialogue Lift and Dialogue Level Adjustment for natural dialogue and vocals Source selection on HDMI Standby mode Front panel USB Digital Connection for iPod, iPhone and iPad YPAO Reflected Sound Control (R.S.C.) sound optimisation for automatic speaker setup HD Audio format decoding: Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio; Dolby Digital Plus and DTS-HD High Resolution Audio Discrete amp configuration Burr-Brown 192 kHz/24-bit DACs for all channels Pure Direct Mode for high quality sound reproduction Low jitter PLL circuitry helps optimise sound imaging Assignable amplifiers for bi-amp connection Multi language colour OSD (English, German, French, Spanish, Russian and Chinese) Versatile Zone control such as Zone 2 on/off and control on front panel ECO mode operation for about 20% less power consumption
RX-V673 RX-V373
RX-V573
RX-V473
All models available in Silver or Black
RX-V473 5.1 channel AV Receiver
5-channel - 115W x 5 (6 ohms, 1 kHz, 0.9 % THD, 1 ch driven) Network functions such as AirPlay and AV Controller app 4K pass-through for next generation super high resolution images HDMI (4 in/1 out) with 3D and Audio Return Channel Source selection on HDMI Standby mode Front panel USB Digital Connection for iPod, iPhone and iPad YPAO sound optimisation for automatic speaker setup HD Audio format decoding: Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio; Dolby Digital Plus and DTS-HD High Resolution Audio Discrete amp configuration Burr-Brown 192 kHz/24-bit DACs for all channels Direct Mode for high quality sound reproduction Low jitter PLL circuitry helps optimise sound imaging Multi language colour OSD (English, German, French, Spanish, Russian and Chinese) ECO mode operation for about 20% less power consumption
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MOD 73 AV
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MOD 75 AV
The cabinet houses the AV Receiver and Bluray player hidden behind the sliding cover when not in use.
Feature wall to housed the Definitive Technology UIW55 LCR In-wall Speakers The Onkyo receiver can be slide out for easy servicing. The cabling is allowed to dangle below the shelf (se insert picture).
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MOD 77 AV
Motorized projection screen rolls up when not in use
Another pair of Definitve Technology UIW55 for the ceiling mounted surround channels The Epson TW8000 Projector has its personal cubical, safely tucked away when not in use
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"...here the EH-TW8000 really goes to the next level is the contrast level. At a whopping 200,000:1 it offers inky blacks for fantastic shading and will really take a dedicated home theatre room to the next level..." Projector Reviews
$3999
+ 2 pairs 3D glasses
"...Epson's Home Cinema 5010 is a 3D projector done right..." Projector Central
Special $2599!
The High Performance 3D LCD Projector!
EH-TW8000
Best Value 3D LCD Projector!
EH-TW6000
Full HD 1080p 2,200 Lumens 40,000:1 Contrast Ratio Split Screen feature
Full HD 1080p 2,400 Lumens 200,000:1 Contrast Ratio 2D to 3D conversion Split Screen feature 480Hz Active Shutter Technology Fine Frame Interpolation for judder free image
KEC Sound System Pte Ltd 1 Coleman Street The Adelphi #01-25/#04-36 Singapore 179803 Hotline: 6564-3188 www.hifibargain.com