H4S Hi-Fi Gallery - The Fun Corner

llsaw wrote:Clearaudio Clearline speaker cables with Clearaudio Genius plugs. Biggest difference ever from cables upgrading from QED Silver Anniversary. Its like having a new source and amp!

llsaw,

Hehehehe...you also upgraded from QED...To me QED..for its price...is actually good ....BUt after I started to use Siltech IC and power cable....something was missing in the QED...

A very lot is missing from the QED SA XT compared to the Clearaudio Clearline Bro. Not only "something". The QEDs sound sharp etched yet lacking in detail and bass. And that is with the Scorpio. I can imagine how bright things will sound with the holographic imaging and transparency of the Scorpio 25's cone tweeter.

nice speakers llsaw. any changes in your set up besides the speakers?

Lamkochai wrote:nice speakers llsaw. any changes in your set up besides the speakers?

No Sir. My new year resolution is not to upgrade my hi-fi this year. The only change this year is running a direct power cable from db to my hi-fi power outlets. I also ordered Furutech wall power sockets quite some time back which I've yet to collect.

llsaw wrote:Scorpio Front Driver Array



Scorpio 25 Front Driver Array


The Scorpio is more source and poor recording quality friendly. The Scorpio 25 is better everywhere else. What a tweeter! Wanna hear if the singer is a wee bit too close to the mike? No problem. "No Loss of Fine Detail"

On the 2 occasions I heard Audio Physics, I have been most impressed. Once with tube & the other solid state. Both sounded very good. Nice one !

Regards,
Joe Ling

Now feeling itchy to go and audition Audio Physics....heheheh. Who is the authroised dealer in KL?

Audio Image
7 Jalan 19/29
46300 Petaling Jaya
Selangor

phone

+60-3-79563077

Look for Adrian.

elhefe wrote:Now feeling itchy to go and audition Audio Physics....heheheh. Who is the authroised dealer in KL?

once audit the next step is go to the bank and the next step is advertise proac on sale

that's what i do. i sold my proac and harbeth and abandoned my home theater project just to get the virgo 25.

Wah lau, one stone kills 3 birds......super Kheng!

I also want to take a listen to the Virgo. So, AI is the sole distributor?

llsaw wrote:Audio Image
7 Jalan 19/29
46300 Petaling Jaya
Selangor

phone

+60-3-79563077

Look for Adrian.

ooohhhh AI is the distributor....thanks bro.

fizi wrote:

elhefe wrote:Now feeling itchy to go and audition Audio Physics....heheheh. Who is the authroised dealer in KL?

once audit the next step is go to the bank and the next step is advertise proac on sale

No need to put for sale lah proac...arrange delivery direct to your houselah...price kira kaw tim RM 10K lah hehehehe

They are mighty fine speakers indeed... Big bad but beautiful....

Sharing some system updates ...


Setup @ 13/05/12 with speakers raised & addition of a sub.

HI kychoo,

Thanks for sharing, mind telling what improvement or sound change those marble slab made?

Regards,

Adrian

adrian4454 wrote:HI kychoo,

Thanks for sharing, mind telling what improvement or sound change those marble slab made?

Regards,

Adrian

Dear adrian, those are not marble slabs. Its made of sand ... Improve transparency, details & openness of the overall sound as well as slightly increase headroom. U have to hear to believe but then again, what works in my system might not be the same for another's system...ahhhh...the mystery of hifi, some of which not so easily measure & explain.

No worry, kychoo; I also love tweaking too, been playing around with chopping board, vibrapod, Black Diamond racing cone, Brass spike, rubber feets.. I totally agree with u on un-explained "strange phenomenon" of the tweak to make the sound~

elhefe wrote:

fizi wrote:

elhefe wrote:Now feeling itchy to go and audition Audio Physics....heheheh. Who is the authroised dealer in KL?

once audit the next step is go to the bank and the next step is advertise proac on sale

No need to put for sale lah proac...arrange delivery direct to your houselah...price kira kaw tim RM 10K lah hehehehe

10k can get used scorpio lol

Testing out these little fellows:

D_Y2k.9^ wrote:Testing out these little fellows:

Thah looks like Focal....care to gove some comments on the sound quality?

Yeap they are Focal Bird. Personally own one of these not only because of its looks but mainly the sound it produces. It represents an astonishingly capable and refined all in one box that is close enough to satisfy most hi-fi enthusiasts.

The best feature of the Focal Bird 2.1 would have to be its wireless playback capability with the Focal iTransmitter. This feature would be ideal for those who would like to use their iPhone or iPad around their rooms without the need to
sit their device on a dock. All I need to do is connect the iTransmitter to my device and it will automatically transmit to the Power Bird in wireless mode with no compression or loss to sound quality up to 10 meters.

Sound it produces is smooth and rich, giving a very natural sounding nature without being overly bright. Sound stage is large and I must say, these little bird satellites are capable to push towards my ears despite sitting around 8 meters away. Playing Filippa Giordano' Bizet: Carmen was really enjoyable with the vocal being "voiced out" rather than shrieking, drums were deep and responsive thanks to its flat subwoofer (6.5" driver, they can sound deep!). Violin and other instruments sounds rather well separated as they sounded rather wide and clear without intruding the vocal's centre imaging.

Next I tested with my favourite, Livingston Taylor's Isn't She Lovely. Vocals are deep and rich, giving me the sense of involvement. Again, the Bird Satellites shines with the capability to manage seperation well. Guitar notes are well produced with exceptional clarity.

Despite having a high price for a multimedia range, I would highly recommend this product.

*Setup:
Room Size 15 x 24 meter bedroom
iPad 2 32gb (Golden Sound application with FLAC files through Focal iTransmitter)

After a long consideration here I go. My humble high fidelity setup.

Made a agreement with wifey that the stone-age TV will only leave the spot when its really dead and then be replaced with a flatscreen. The damn thing is still going strong and I am really considering pouring water over it.

My setup is in the hall. Hopefully can share with you guys as better space makes way.

Anyways, enough said.

Will accept all comments.











Prometheus Balanced Power Supply & Energizer powered with XLO Reference 2
Rega Planar 3 with Ortofon Blue
Marantz 94 mkll powered with PS Audio Statement Cord
Audible Illusions Modulus 3 powered with Shunyata
Bryston 4B ST powered with Audioquest
Castle Howard S2 Speakers

Nordost custom Gold Flatline for Rega
Nordost Frey Interconnects for Marantz + Audible + Bryston
Audience AU 24 or Nordost Blue Heaven for Castle
Nordost Gold Flatline custom Jumpers

All equipments sited on Norstone Bergen 2

Nice bro. A very clean looking set up.

Any reason why there are no spikes on the Castle?

I can see you put much effort in power supply.

Care to share on the sound signature of the set up?

elhefe wrote:Nice bro. A very clean looking set up.

Any reason why there are no spikes on the Castle?

I can see you put much effort in power supply.

Care to share on the sound signature of the set up?

Bro. How are you man? Lama tak jumpa.

Castle no spikes coz its easier to move them around. Since I'm "sharing" the spot with the family, with the tv being right behind the setup its easier without, for now.

Power, yes I really wanted to know to what level it had effect on the sound and every investment on that section was worth every cent. All that you see on power works, are not my original ideas. I had opportunities to listen to other systems with the same works then I decided to also get them done for mine after careful advice and consideration. Main power works from MCB with 10mm cables and dedicated controls really brought out all the lost low bass, even on my previous Epos ES14. Got better with the Castles, of course. Yes, I am a true believer on power works.

Sound. The Howard S2, as you might already know is really good when it comes to imaging with its top drivers facing the ceilings. Staging is no problem as the placement works of the speakers are close and results are deep. With the 94 mkll (Mr.Ho's own collection, which I had the opportunity to 'kebas') combination along with the Frey and help of Prometheus BPS, highs are perfect because they sound really clean and does not loose the "warmness". The Modulus and Bryston has full control over the slams I need with its 250w, especially when 'layan ing' my favorites from Ride The Lightning and The Black Album. "...thhht thhhhtheed thhht thhhhtheed...you...you're my mask, you're my cover my shelter...youuuu...!"

Hahahahahah!

Rega was fully modded by Micheal Lim. No regrets on the investment made.

I believe everyone has their own judgement over production of sound and I am happy with my setup so far because it gives me no stress in worrying and analyzing about what lacks. I spend more on records and albums for now. Will have more work when I have a sound room ready, soon. Only then will I have more analyzing works done. Till then, I'm going to enjoy music bro!

Dear All,

i am currently upgrading my system and i was wondering is this set up ok, i m still hunting for a Pre-Amp. Please do comment. Thanks

https://servimg.com/view/17569638/2


Reg,
Zaku51

Zaku51 wrote:Dear All,

i am currently upgrading my system and i was wondering is this set up ok, i m still hunting for a Pre-Amp. Please do comment. Thanks

https://servimg.com/view/17569638/2


Reg,
Zaku51

Dear Zaku,

Nicely setup~care to share the components used? How's the sound like? Rgds.

Hey KyChoo,

The System consist of a Sony DVP-NS700V (SACD Player), a Cambridge Audio DAC Magic Plus (operating as a Pre-Amp at the moment, while waiting for my new Pre Amp), Plinus SA-250 MK VI Power Amp, Eggleston Works Diannes Loudspeakers, Isotek Aquarius Power Conditioner, SINE Power Extension and a mixture of Slitech, JPS and HiDiamond Cables and Cardas and Golden Sound Tweaks.

The Sound is quite Linear and Sound Stage is good, a little on the warm side but not too tubey.

I will post more pictures of it tonight.

Regards.

P/S: Btw i am given a choice of the CJ ET2 and the Audio Research LS 17, from your opinion which one is better?

Hi Zaku51,

I used to have these 2 brands of pre amp but different series...and I prefer CJ. For me CJ makes the music more relax and ease on my ears. My two cents for now.

Hi jimel71,

I have read reviews on the CJ unit, and generally the outcome of the reviews are the same, but they all have one drawback as compare to ARC pre amp, it is that CJ's Pre-amp only run on RCA and not Balance output, i was wondering since you have personally used both Pre-amps, is the difference huge between an unbalance and a balance output?

Regards.

Hi Zaku51,

That's true...CJ's drawback is it has no balance output...personally, I prefer balance to RCA...the difference is there definitely...I can't say it is huge...but it depends on the equipment itself...a good pre amp will sound good no matter which output you use...but if you have a pre amp with both outputs, then it's better to use the balance...some people may disagree with this view but that's what make hi-fi interesting...the best way is to let your ears decide...

Zaku51 wrote:Hey KyChoo,

The System consist of a Sony DVP-NS700V (SACD Player), a Cambridge Audio DAC Magic Plus (operating as a Pre-Amp at the moment, while waiting for my new Pre Amp), Plinus SA-250 MK VI Power Amp, Eggleston Works Diannes Loudspeakers, Isotek Aquarius Power Conditioner, SINE Power Extension and a mixture of Slitech, JPS and HiDiamond Cables and Cardas and Golden Sound Tweaks.

The Sound is quite Linear and Sound Stage is good, a little on the warm side but not too tubey.

I will post more pictures of it tonight.

Regards.

P/S: Btw i am given a choice of the CJ ET2 and the Audio Research LS 17, from your opinion which one is better?

Dear Zaku,

Thanks for sharing, nice equipment . Btw, mind to further share on how big the different that the Isotek conditioner did to your system? As for your pre-amp - afraid that i am unable to comment since both unit are beyond my tight budget , nevertheless i always believed in the power of synergy between equipments & components used. So much so that a pretty expensive amp that sound extremely mellow & transparent in someone's system might not sound so attractive or suitable in our own system, hence if situation permits, it is best to try linking in the equipment in our own system for an audition prior to buying (if only, the real world is so ideal and accommodating ). Cheers & enjoy the music. Rgds.

Hey Guys,

Thanks for your feedback and i have decided and committed myself to the CJ Pre-Amp, and be receiving it on friday. Btw i have took a few more pictures of my system (without the pre-amp) for posting. Please comment. Tq...

https://servimg.com/view/17569638/3][/url]

Dear KYChoo,

With the Isotek on i felt as if there are more focus through out the entire spectrum of the sound, as if clearer and the noise floor drops quite significantly. I don't know whether is it a psychological factor or is it something else.

Hi Zaku51,

May I know where do you acquire the CJ from? I can see a lot of your stuffs are from Centre Circle Audio. Am I right?

Hi JiMel71,

I got most of the kits from Kuching, except for the DAC (which is from CMY). the CJ Pre-amp is also from my Dealer in Kuching, and expected arrival of the Pre-amp is on friday. and i m looking forwards to it.

There is another system i wish to share.

The Bookshelf System For my Smaller Room:-


Naim System and Focus Audio FS 68se

A System of a Friend:-


Focus Audio FS888


A Host of ARC Electronics

just thougt ought to update my setup photo's (KLIAV inspired), thanks...

mrquery,

so what is the set up consist of? cant figure out from the picture.

What are those panels behind the speakers?

elhefe wrote:mrquery,

so what is the set up consist of? cant figure out from the picture.

What are those panels behind the speakers?

oh.. this is very inexpensive setup and very minimal based on functionality.

setup consist of
integrated amp - arcam delta 290
source - pc + v-dac
speakers - castle clifton / Acoustic Research AR98LS (used as sub-bass system)
speaker cables - qed silver anniversary (bass) / ecosse cs 2.2 plus (fronts)
ic / usb cable - xlo / klotz / wireworld

and a big tv to control everything 3~5 meters away using logitect wifi keyboard

very very happy... thanks for the interest

Hi MrQuery.. Haha, I got 1 piece of my speaker very much facing the same situation like urs.. block by the bolster of the cushion chair~

hi adrian4454,

this is a temporary arrangement since im currently using 18inch ikea stool.

i plan to get a 24inch/29inch stand made of wood and this will definitely bring the front speakers to view (if not ear level). although my need is very specific, where in it should be 4pillars or 1big chunk, good finishing and good built (same color as my speakers) like below photo.

i do believe in stands but previously wasn't able to source a good value for money... thanks for the comment

Mrquery,

Have you tried ATS stands?

elhefe wrote:Mrquery,

Have you tried ATS stands?

if not mistaken this is at amcorp right? if i can't find the stand in used market will definitely check ATS store. thanks

yes its in amcorp mall. They were t KLIAV show as well.

WongKN wrote:Finally have the chance to shoot some photos. The photo-montage below is amateurish but is the best I can do. Hope it motivates others to share as well.



Despite not so positive experiences by some, my Rega P2 has been giving me quite good sound. I suppose the use of a relative high-end Grado TLZ catridge helped things. It's biggest problem is the power supply and the RB250 tonearm cable is captive. Cannot upgrade easily.

Ever since I heard an SP8-D70 Mk2 pair in my friend's shop years ago, I have always been planning to build a system around ARC tube amps. I don't think I can actually find used SP8/D-70s for sale now but the SP9 Mk2 / Classic 60 is a good stand-in. Not as tubey/sweet as the SP8/D70 and quite a bit more accurate sonically but it is nevertheless able to play my not-so-pristine LPs very well. Which in the end, music is what matters most.

I am a fan of ribbon speakers, mainly Apogee speakers and so this system uses a pair of Centaur Minors.

Powertrans and dedicated power outlets (one pulled directly from each phase using heavy duty wiring) ensures the system gets plenty of juice. For analog fans, a record cleaner is an absolute must and the Clearaudio Smart is one of the best cleaners I have come across.

Hope its worth your while to read this post. Hope to see more forumers sharing their system.

WongKN,

What wall power connectors are those you are using ? Can you state the Brand and model ? It looks like nothing i have seen before. Did these help improve the sound considerably ?

Some how i could not enter any text along with the picture i just posted. never mind, never mind. I'll get the hang of it sooner or later. Thanks muchly to Tkhoo for showing in great detail how to post pictures. So... finally able to show my system off.

A pair of modded maggies MMG hooked up to a Vincent 330 power amp, fed by a home made (not by me... one of the leading hifi Guru's in Malaysia made it for me.... and it is by far the sweetest tube pre-amp i have heard up to 40K. Seriously.) tube pre amp, getting signals from Buffalo II dac. The Esound cd player is doing only transport duties as it's dac is not as good as the Buffalo II. Sound abfussor behind the speakers, and one wall is curtained with double thickness curtains for absorption of standing waves. The picture was taken with me sitting in the sweet spot where my couch is.

The MMGs are fantastic speakers for the money. About 4k to bring in from yankie-land. The drivers are excellent, but wrapped around crap mdf and poorly secured to the mdf board as well. So i ditched it and used wood boards to make a slightly better frame. You will note with ease that my carpentry skills are almost as good as a 7year old's. As are my painting skills, hence the odd color scheme. I will eventually get round to making better frames, right now they look like a pair of homeless hobo speakers with missing clothes, but they sound spectacular. So much so that i find it hard to sacrifice listening time to go get them new frames. I changed the capasitor and coil as well, to V caps. Chucked out the solens they came with. (solens are screetchy as sin).

MOst evenings around 9 you will find me infront of them.

Bal:flower:

Hi Bal,

Finally I can see the proper set-up since the last trip I went over your place. Nice & simple.

The third system from top, to me, is the most subtle and elegant looking. The last set up, I think the speakers are too big for the room.

bal wrote:

Bal,
So you are the lucky one to own the 6h30 line output preamp.
Cheers,
Cheah