Best Of
Re: Audio Exotics Singapore!
Dylan Ryche’s Playtime is already a masterclass in precision fingerstyle guitar—but through horn speakers, the experience becomes visceral.
The track opens with percussive clarity and tonal nuance that horn-loaded drivers elevate to another level. Each pluck, tap, and harmonic snaps into the room with lightning-fast transients, yet there's no harshness—just unfiltered immediacy. The Cessaro Horns capture the crisp articulation of Ryche’s right-hand attack with pinpoint dynamics, while the warmth and wood of the guitar body resonate with astonishing presence.
The midrange—where much of the guitar’s expressive character lives—is rendered with holographic realism. You don’t just hear Playtime; you feel the strings bend, the wood vibrate, the air move. The low-end body thumps subtly but with authority, adding grounding without ever muddying the mix.
What’s most striking is the scale and energy: horn speakers don’t just reproduce sound—they project it. The listening (and recording) position is about 5m away from the speakers. Playtime becomes a live performance, playful and intricate, unfolding just a few feet in front of you. The room disappears, and it’s just you, the guitar, and the air between.
Re: Audio Exotics Singapore!
Posting a track on Facebok that always brings back good memories as a kid glued to the TV watching this show every week! Hope you enjoy it! - Mohan Veloo
1) DaVinciAudio Labs GmbH Gabriel turntable with Miyabi Fuuga cartridge
2) JMF Audio PHS 7.3 phono pre-amp
3) Robert Koda K15EX pre-amp
4) Robert Koda K160 amps
5) Cessaro Horn Acoustics Liszt
Re: 資本 Capital 2024年 十月號: 御品音響 劃時代音響哲學 塑造極致體驗
無言感激
我選擇了日本藝術家 ”早川克己”（Katsumi Hayakawa)的作品給予Aaron為今年的生日禮物。早川是畫「光」的能手，這幅名為《Signal 》的作品，設計概念原自他的香港演唱會其中一個造型。從他的欣悦反應，我估計Signal已經觸動了他的藝術感知。
我也帶了兩本Capital雜誌，給他作為留念。如果沒有遇上他，AE的發展將會變得平淡。他為《御品》題字的一幅書法，一直掛在發跡的上環展示室內，以作策勉之用。他對我的啟發與鼓勵，成為了強大的精神支柱，增強了信心不停突破，走上一條新的路線，所以我一直心存無限感激。
昨天Aaron對我說：”Chris，今次這個封面，是你的一個里程碑，大家繼續互相勉勵。”
當我要求他在雜誌內的專題報道上簽個名時，我萬想不到，佢先拿了支筆給我，請我在他那本上，簽我的名字作為留念。
這一刻的感動，並非文字可以表達到。
梁兆基
Re: The Fuuga - long live the King !!!
Hi all
Just wanna follow-up my 1st review with a quick & short update.
In my last review - I said that at the 33.5-hour mark - almost everything "snapped" into place. Then, as I continued to use the Fuuga, the cartridge showed more "goodies" and evolved until the 100-hour mark or so, I thought. Most cartridges that I have used - usually "stopped" evolving around the 100-hour mark - but NOT the Fuuga. In fact, it still gives you the good stuff, until around the 130-hour mark (though, the evolution is a lot less, after the 120-hour mark). So, be patient and have patience when you run-in the Fuuga. It provided me with plenty of surprises (good ones) along the run-in journey.
Whatever I have said in my 1st review has been reinforced time and again during the run-in process - the PRAT, the "rightness" of the start-stop of notes (from drum bass, guitar bass, shimmering cymbals, etc) to the dynamism of the whole music & soundstage, and the crystalline quality of vocals (esp. female ones) - remains the same, from the first impressions.
For full disclosure - my Fuuga tracks at 2.03g; with 66dB gain and lowered to 75 ohms (from the previous100 ohms loading), from my tubed phono stage.
There is only 1 more thing to say - I will be getting a spare Fuuga - hopefully soon !!!
You getting yours ? soon ? 🤣
Just wanna follow-up my 1st review with a quick & short update.
In my last review - I said that at the 33.5-hour mark - almost everything "snapped" into place. Then, as I continued to use the Fuuga, the cartridge showed more "goodies" and evolved until the 100-hour mark or so, I thought. Most cartridges that I have used - usually "stopped" evolving around the 100-hour mark - but NOT the Fuuga. In fact, it still gives you the good stuff, until around the 130-hour mark (though, the evolution is a lot less, after the 120-hour mark). So, be patient and have patience when you run-in the Fuuga. It provided me with plenty of surprises (good ones) along the run-in journey.
Whatever I have said in my 1st review has been reinforced time and again during the run-in process - the PRAT, the "rightness" of the start-stop of notes (from drum bass, guitar bass, shimmering cymbals, etc) to the dynamism of the whole music & soundstage, and the crystalline quality of vocals (esp. female ones) - remains the same, from the first impressions.
For full disclosure - my Fuuga tracks at 2.03g; with 66dB gain and lowered to 75 ohms (from the previous100 ohms loading), from my tubed phono stage.
There is only 1 more thing to say - I will be getting a spare Fuuga - hopefully soon !!!You getting yours ? soon ? 🤣
Re: Divin Laboratory visited by Stereo Sound of Japan
Roman兄，十分精采嘅分享，從文字感受到你當天的興奮。自己和老媽也親身體驗過，明白那一種震撼，雖然我們是聽粵劇，但係一樣是藝術。我喜歡你的寫作。
RE: PRANAWIRE GROUND INTERCEPTOR LEVEL TWO
Harprit (AE Singapore) installs new cartridges on my Da Vinci analog rig (Unisone TT/Grandezza Ref tonearm). When he came to install a newly repaired Koetsu Blue-Lace Platinum cartridge - he innocently suggested I audition the PranaWire Ground Interceptors. He had a pair of Level Two interceptors which he connected to the negative terminals of my Tidal speakers. I was pleasantly surprised.
The Interceptors improved the sound significantly. Background was "quieter". Music was subjectively "louder". The highs/trebles were more prominent without sounding harsh. I was getting separation and hearing details that I didn't notice before. At the same time - the midrange was denser and richer. In short - it made the listening experience much more enjoyable.
AE Singapore is a purveyor of great looking, impressive sounding but often very expensive audio gear. I can't afford most of the stuff that they sell. They also sell a range of remarkably effective accessories. These aren't inexpensive by any means. However - they are not restricted to those who own GCBs, drive Bentleys or who have private bankers looking after their wealth.
PranaWire Interceptors are "grounding devices". Apparently they "clean" the system by draining away harmful RF and EMI. They are not mainstream high-end audio devices. Some "technical experts" remain unconvinced. One skeptic wrote ... these devices work "tremendously well" for audiophiles looking for "emotional support" to validate they were doing something to "clean up their grounding and improve their system". If you are looking for published measurements to validate their benefits - I doubt you will find them. One critic alleges that the grounding device that he tested ... even added noise by acting as an antenna.
However - there are enthusiastic reviewers who are impressed with grounding devices - claiming they were remarkably effective in "cleaning-up sound", "lowering the noise floor", "opening up the soundstage" and "making instruments and vocals more full and realistic". One reviewer even wrote that the grounding device that he tested unpacked low frequencies from congealed symphonic passages revealing "unsuspected subterranean lifeforms".
PranaWire website claims the improvements from these Interceptor include "lower noise, more decay and openness" and "greater bass energy and drive" making listening more "immersive and involving". I can attest to these benefits. I have had the Interceptors Level Two in my system for 1-2 weeks. I am very pleased with them. The background is "quieter" and "darker". The highs are more pristine. The mid-range sounds richer and more saturated. Listening to music ... has become much more enjoyable.
The Interceptors improved the sound significantly. Background was "quieter". Music was subjectively "louder". The highs/trebles were more prominent without sounding harsh. I was getting separation and hearing details that I didn't notice before. At the same time - the midrange was denser and richer. In short - it made the listening experience much more enjoyable.
AE Singapore is a purveyor of great looking, impressive sounding but often very expensive audio gear. I can't afford most of the stuff that they sell. They also sell a range of remarkably effective accessories. These aren't inexpensive by any means. However - they are not restricted to those who own GCBs, drive Bentleys or who have private bankers looking after their wealth.
PranaWire Interceptors are "grounding devices". Apparently they "clean" the system by draining away harmful RF and EMI. They are not mainstream high-end audio devices. Some "technical experts" remain unconvinced. One skeptic wrote ... these devices work "tremendously well" for audiophiles looking for "emotional support" to validate they were doing something to "clean up their grounding and improve their system". If you are looking for published measurements to validate their benefits - I doubt you will find them. One critic alleges that the grounding device that he tested ... even added noise by acting as an antenna.
However - there are enthusiastic reviewers who are impressed with grounding devices - claiming they were remarkably effective in "cleaning-up sound", "lowering the noise floor", "opening up the soundstage" and "making instruments and vocals more full and realistic". One reviewer even wrote that the grounding device that he tested unpacked low frequencies from congealed symphonic passages revealing "unsuspected subterranean lifeforms".
PranaWire website claims the improvements from these Interceptor include "lower noise, more decay and openness" and "greater bass energy and drive" making listening more "immersive and involving". I can attest to these benefits. I have had the Interceptors Level Two in my system for 1-2 weeks. I am very pleased with them. The background is "quieter" and "darker". The highs are more pristine. The mid-range sounds richer and more saturated. Listening to music ... has become much more enjoyable.
If you have an opportunity to evaluate the Interceptors in your sound system - I suspect you will like the effect that it will have on your sound system.
cchua1
2
Re: Skogrand and USB cables
I got a Hemingway Audio USB cable to try out and it just blows away any of the other cables I have and my reference. The YFS Custom Reference and Albedo were both very good and close to each other (both broken-in) but the Hemingway brand new out of the box just left everything else in the dust. Some serious South Korean engineering going on inside this cable. Top to bottom, for me everything was perfect and not lacking in any area (speed, attack, width/height/depth, neutrality, presentation). Interested to see what it can do after 2 days which is the expected break-in time.
yhajtko
1
Re: 2024 Munich High-end Show - My impression
2024 M. O. C. High-end Impression - Epilogue
Welcome back, perhaps some of you are still eager to read what more I have to share about my experiences at this high-end show which ends today.
Kudos to those professional folks in some of the rooms especially those die-hard vinyl junkies who insisted on playing LPs only to visitors and needed to change one record to another from 9 to 6, this is highly appreciated by fellow vinyl junkie listeners.
Now that I have left Germany and am sitting comfortably in Northern England, my favorable recollection of last few days in Munich still lingers on.
I asked the waiter of this Italian restaurant to take a group photo on day 1 and found out he took a few more of himself for me to keep.
Actually, I would urge those serious audiophiles to visit the 2025 show if you have never been there as it offers excellent opportunity to hear the speakers or systems of your dream. The main reason for this is you can listen to whatever fancies you for as long as you like without any pressure and then make direct or most likely, indirect comparison by listening against other comparable equipments, I'm certain you will encounter both excitements as well as disappointments.
Actually, I would urge those serious audiophiles to visit the 2025 show if you have never been there as it offers excellent opportunity to hear the speakers or systems of your dream. The main reason for this is you can listen to whatever fancies you for as long as you like without any pressure and then make direct or most likely, indirect comparison by listening against other comparable equipments, I'm certain you will encounter both excitements as well as disappointments.
Take this real life case for instance, I bumped into a dealer from Down Under who imports the Wilsons and Advantgarde. After hearing the Cessaro Zeta for the first time, he and his entourage were absolutely "blown away" by the dynamic and life-like sound. Like me, they visited the showroom on 3 consecutive days.
For those who have not heard many good speakers or systems before, they may be disappointed with the sound of their dream systems after visiting M. O. C. You may find both the Kharma and big Wilsons sound anemic and artifical (perhaps hi-fi for a more diplomatic description) after listening to my 4 preferred systems reported above. This experience will actually be excellent as your visit helps you focus on the product you like best.........
Below is a new (to me) pair of speakers which I find superior to Wilsons and the big JM Lab, they are good at both hi-fi and av reproduction with a sensivisity of 100 dB and built like a German Tiger tank!
On the other extreme, Gobel launched a pair of tottlers, I think they were designed to challenge Wilsons Watts but the application of only one subs on either left or right side gives an overall unbalanced sound. I get this aural experience at least once a week when I forget to turn on one of my two large subs. Some inexperienced audiophiles recommend placing single subs on the right side because in most modern orchestras, the cellos and double bass are positioned on the right hand side. For those who argue for the left side placement, the bass string of a left channel acoustic guitar will sound like a bass guitar and concert piano will be less transparent and has bass heavy tonality. I let you figure out the middle placement if you don't follow what I mean....
More pics to share...... The two systems below have overpowering bass leading to loss of clarity, coherence and musicality.
More pics to share...... The two systems below have overpowering bass leading to loss of clarity, coherence and musicality.
The manufacturer invited a saxophonist to play with a piece of recorded music in order to impress the audience, however, the monotone bass from these speakers actually detracted listeners from enjoying a semi-live performance.
The speakers above are for bass freaks in my opinion.
There were also some unusual looking and exciting products on silent display.....
I was led to believe this is a sun lamp for audiophiles to keep warm while listening.
The above is for serious female audiophiles who owned lots of LVMH goods and want something more unusual!
These very bulky speakers sound anything but impressive, perhaps unengaging is the appropriate description.
Don't they look exciting, very very large triode and big and heavy chassis. I asked about the price and was told between $80k-100k a pair.
This is the biggest system in the show costing 1.2 million euros, not sure whether the person introducing these horns is a laddie or lassie, no further comments.
There were also some unusual looking and exciting products on silent display.....
I was led to believe this is a sun lamp for audiophiles to keep warm while listening.
The above is for serious female audiophiles who owned lots of LVMH goods and want something more unusual!
These very bulky speakers sound anything but impressive, perhaps unengaging is the appropriate description.
Don't they look exciting, very very large triode and big and heavy chassis. I asked about the price and was told between $80k-100k a pair.
This is the biggest system in the show costing 1.2 million euros, not sure whether the person introducing these horns is a laddie or lassie, no further comments.
Last but not least, the main takeaway from this 2024 M. O. C. show is to shop for the equipment(s) which sounded best to your ears, if you cannot afford them in most cases, go for the cheaper model as price won't come down.
Most of the serious audiophiles at M. O. C. looked to me in their 50s and older, so I reckon in 20-25 years from now, some may not have proper hearing or in good health and some of the manufacturers will retire or not be around anymore. I saw a guy sitting in front of me in his 70s and occasionally, he put his hand on his left ear. Later, I noticed he removed his hearing aid to listen to the system for a short while b4 putting it back in. I cannot envisage what 2044 M. O. C. would be like. I hope I have another 10 years of normal hearing by way of daily exercise plus special massage treatment to my ears and kidneys.
My next endeavor when returning to my hi-fi den later this month is to tweak my room as well as positioning of my horn system so that the sound will be more musical and can easily shake the floor on dynamic recordings without compression (hardness).
Happy listening and hi-fi shopping.
Mr Z (Zanden or perhaps Zeta one day!!!)
