Pictures of Winners of Lucky Draw Prize 2011 - Prize Giving Ceremony

Winners of Lucky Draw Prizes 2011

A Touch of Elan

Elan 10

Visitors to the Acoustic Arts rooms at 7001 and 7003, Level 7 of the JW Marriott, KL International AV Show 2012 will experience first hand the new Epos Elan Series of speaker system which comprises four models, the compact standmount Elan 10, the larger standmount Elan 15 and two floorstander, the Elan 30 and 35.

According to Epos the model numbers indicate the speaker cabinets’ internal volume in litres and effectively replaces the older Mi Series. Standard features of the new Elan speaker include a 25mm soft dome tweeter with ferrofluid cooling for high power handling capability and magnetic shielding.

Bass –midrange drivers are a 156mm unit used in both the Elan 10 and Elan 30. The latter features dual 156mm drivers. The Elan 15 and 35 comes with a larger 187mm bass-midrange unit where two are used in the Elan 35.

All Elan speakers are designed for maximum efficiency and sensitivity ratings range from a high 89db from the smallest Elan 10 to as high as 93db for the Elan 35. As such, claims Epos, the Elans can be driven by amplifiers with power output from as low as 10 watts yet accommodate amplifiers with power output as high as 200 watts.

All models also feature simple but affective 2nd order crossover filtering using only the highest quality audiophile grade crossover components .

In living up to its series name which loosely means refined, stylish and gracefulness the Elan speakers are finished in real wood veneers available in either Black Oak or Cherry finish.

Elan 35

Elan 30

 

Elan 15

Home Theatre Heaven

The Bryston SP3 - Taking Home Theatre to The Next Level

For the KL International AV Show 2012 , Audio Visual Designs will be fielding a super home theater demo centred around the vaunted Bryston SP3 pre-amp processor feeding into several ‘blocks’ of Bryston power amplification systems. A 7.1 channel system, the Brystons will be driving a full 7.1 suite of PMC Twenty Series speakers.

The visual aspect of this super high-end home theatre system is JVC’s RS65 D-ILA projector which is not only 3D capable but features JVC’s E-Shift scaler algorithm that will scale all video signals, whether standard or full high def, to a near 4K resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels.

The 4K resolution picture will be fired onto a 140” wide constant height 2.40 .1 projection screen whereby CinemaScope aspect ratio movies will be shown with no letterboxing effect and with almost no loss of resolution.

According to James Tan of Audio Visual Designs the above system was designed to deliver the ultimate in both audio and visual performance.

Tan says that every component in the chain is designed to obtain the purest of performance sonically as well as visually.

To highlight this claim, Tan pointed out that the Bryston SP3 is one of those rare, home theatre audio product that is designed by people who are highly regarded in the world of high end hi-fi.

“As such, says Tan, the SP3 is an audio only (2 as well as multichannel) pre-amp/processor and is essentially devoid of any video processing circuitry to prevent any undesirable interference on the purity of the audio signal.

The SP3 does however allow pass through of a video signal, say from a Bluray Disc player, but with no processing or scaling whatsoever. 

The Bryston B135 SST² C Integrated Amplifier

“With the Bryston SP3 the user is automatically assured of two important advantages’ says Tan. “One , as there is no video section the audio is the purest there is and two, with no processing the video signal remains equally as pure as when it is first output for the sources”. 

BHA-1 Balanced Headphone Amplifier

Also on display at the AV Design’s room are the latest series of amplification systems from Bryston which include the “fresh from the oven” B135 SST² C series integrated amplifier and the BHA -1 Balanced Headphone Amplifier.

   

The B135 SST² is a formidable looking beast of an amplifier being solidly constructed in the renowned, no-nonsense Bryston manner with a hefty 13.6 kg weight.

A full range of PMC speakers from the U.K. will also be on display.

The Chord Company Mains Cable

Do cables make a difference in shaping the sonic qualities of your audio and AV system? There was a time, well, a few million years ago, you would have been laughed off the face of the earth or worse, hung by your ‘you know what’ from the nearest yardarm if you thought so !

Today it has been fairly well proven that cables do contribute to the sonic characteristics of an audio or video system not just through speaker cables or interconnects but through mains power cable as well.

The Chunky, Top-end Chord Sarum

Britain’s The Chord Company, a reputable manufacturer of cables with more than 20 years of acquired knowhow in cable design and manufactures makes a dizzying selection of cable, including some mains power cords.

Top the range is its Chord Sarum which feature a unique design foil braid shielding of silver plated, precision finished conductors insulated by Chord’s proprietary Foamed Teflon insulation jacket. Plugs are in IEC standard with either 13 amp, Euro or U.S style connector plugs.

Superbly made, the Chord Sarum retails for RM8,600 for a standard 2 metre length model and is intended for use in high performance, high end audio and AV systems.

For audio and videophiles with a less ambitious budget Chord also offer the Power Chord with similar plug configuration options, high purity copper conductors and high density vibrations damping outer jacket. The Power Chord retails for RM1,000.

The Tamer Power Chord

The Chord Company claims that both the power chords are designed to effect different levels of sonic and visual benefits but will assuredly return a significantly increased level of transparency and detail with improved dynamics and definition.

Check out the extensive Chord cable range of Wo Kee Kong Electronic’s booth at room Mayang 1 Lower Level Three, JW Marriott Hotel, KL International AV Show 2012, July 20 – 22.

Dared Valve Amplifier

Flagship Series T-88

Last minute entry to the KL International AV Show 2012 and ‘new kid on the block’ DARED, a highly regarded original equipment manufacturer of consumer amplification electronics is making a grand entrance at the Malaysian AV market with its unbelievably wide range of valve amplifiers (last count 21 models ! )

All valve designs, you can have your pick from the range which include a digital FM receiver, 10 integrated amplifiers, 6 power amplifers, 2 pre-amplifiers, 2 tuner-preamplifiers and 1 headphone amplifier.

Flagship Series T-300PP

According to Joehan Tohkingkeo who heads DARED’s South East Asia Sales office in Singapore the DARED valve amplifier range is a direct legacy of its many years of technical expertise in designing and manufacturing similar amplification systems that are sold under some of the most well known names in the world. Joehan says that the company hopes to make a favourable impression on Malaysian and Singaporean audiophiles through its DARED range. While obviously designed to meet critical 2 channel audiophile needs Joehan says the DARED valves amps, particularly the monoblock power amplifiers are also ideal for a high performance home theatre systems.
In this regards the highly powerful T-.88 and the T.300pp with power outputs of 250 watts and 160 watts respectively are particularly suitable.

For entry level 2 channel audio Joehan recommends the MP-5 and MP-60. The more fastidious audiophile may want to check out the Class A MP-15 and MP-2A3c integrated units.

MP Series MP-5

MP Series MP-60

To audition the entire DARED valve amplifier range at the KL International AV Show 2012, July 20-22 proceed to booth Bintang 3 at Level 3, JW Marriott Hotel, Kuala Lumpur.

Visiting AV Luminaries

Every year the KL International AV Show will attract visitation from the International AV community.

We have confirmation that the following personnel will be attending the KL International AV Show 2012 in support of their products sold here in Malaysia.

You may want to talk to them at their respective distributor’s booth/room. They are :

Todd Garfinkel, MA Recordings (USA),
OceanWay Audio 8001 - Level 8

Aurelie Gonzalo, Triangle Electroacustique (France),
Maxx Audio Visual 8031 – Level 8

Frank Denson, Well Tempered Labs (New Zealand),
Electrades Audio 7031 – Level 7

Ansgar Sperling & Michael Bonninghoff, Sperling Audio (Germany),
Swedish Statement Starhill 4 – Level 4

Gao Longyi, Dared (Hong Kong),
 Luen Hing Electrical Bintang 3 – Level 3

Bosko Pjescic & Adrijan Sabolcki, Beyong Frontier Audio (Serbia),
Acoustic Alchemy 8033 – Level 8

Bartholomeo Nasta, Opera Speakers (Italy),
Audio Perfectionist 8037 – Level 8

Mario Binner, Audio Note (UK),
Audio Note 8008 - Level 8 AND 7007 – Level 7

Audio Perfectionist

Audio Perfectionist Sdn Bhd, distributor for the renowned McIntosh range of high end hi-fi and AV electronics from the U.S and Focal, one of France’s largest manufacturers of high performance speaker system will be fielding a super system centred around the fabled Focal Grande Utopia EM Speaker.

Flagship of the four model Utopia Series the Grande Utopia EM is a hi-fi enthusiast’s wet dream come true. A mammoth of a speaker the Grande Utopia measures an massive 2012 x 654 x 880mm and weighs an unbelievable 260 kg!

According to Kenny Lim of Audio Perfectionist the Focal Utopia Speaker Series is designed for a cost no object loudspeaker performance that will cause even the most hardened audiophile to drool. The Grande Utopia will undoubtedly also cause some to weep!

A refinement of the original Grande Utopia first launched in 1995 the current model is a third generation design with significant improvement in both enclosure and drive unit technology.

Lim described the unique aesthetics of the enclosure of the Grande Utopia as an acoustical sculpture where 5 separate tiers individually houses 5 separate, custom built drive units. The largest of the tier at the bottom houses a powerful 40cm (16 inch) woofer of a proprietary design.

The other four tiers house a 27cm bass/midrange, two 16.5cm midrange and a 27mm beryllium tweeter. Inspite of its impressive bulk that exudes an immense aura of unlimited power and capability the Grande Utopia is surprisingly easy to drive. It’s high sensitivity rating of 94 db sound pressure level means amplifier compatibility level is high, says Lim who adds that in reality a speaker of the Grande Utopia’s status usually demands an amplification system of near equal status.

That explains the choice of McIntosh amplifiers in providing an optimum drive for the Grande Utopia’s demo at this year’s KL International AV Show 2012.

In addition to Focal, Audio Perfectionist will also be fielding the complete range of amplifiers, processors and universal disc players from McIntosh and Opera speakers from Italy.

To experience this rare moment of audio Utopia proceed to Audio Perfectionist’s booth at Starhill7, Level 4, JW Marriott Hotel, KL International AV Show 2012, July 20 – 22.

McIntosh MX121 AV Control Centre + MC8207 Power Amplifier

Just a little over a week ago we wrote about the legendary 50th Anniversary MC275 power amplifier for McIntosh. If you are an audiophile and Mc fan that classic amp is a must have.

But what about those whose taste include not just high end music but home theatre as well. 

A Control Centre Worthy of its Name

To address that issue McIntosh will be displaying their MX121 AV control center and the matching 7 channel MC8207 power amplifier at the coming KL International AV Show 2012 at the J.W. Marriott Hotel from 20 – 22 July at their room in Starhill 7, Level 4.
3D compatible, the MX121 features up to six HDMI 1.4 inputs, 4 component video inputs, 5 composite video inputs, 2 HDMI and two component video outputs. There are also 3 optical and 2 coaxial SPDIF digital outputs.

Important feature includes Audyssey audio processing. Airplay wireless streaming through iTunes, dual zone operation, a USB input and a moving magnet phono input.

7-way Power Distribution

As a matching power amplifier the massive MC8207 power amplifier measures 44.45 x 24 x 53.3 cm and weighs a colossal 45kg.

According to McIntosh the MC8207 is capable of delivering an effortless 200 watts per channel into either 4 or 8 ohms all channels operating from 20 hz – 20 khz. It achieves all this power delivery at only 0.005% total harmonic distortion. Aesthetics of the MX 121/MC8207 is pure McIntosh, massive and solidly constructed with large LED type power meters (on the MC8207).

The MC8207 Power Amplifier

The MX121 Control Centre

Retail price for the MX-121 and MC8207 is RM29,200 each.

Triangle Color Speaker System

Flawless Floorstanders

Maxx Audio Visual will be showcasing, among others, the exciting new Triangle Color speaker range which include a pair of Floorstander Color, Bookshelf Color and a Center channel Color.

Designed to compete in the busy entry level speaker market the Triangle Color exudes quality in both looks and performance.

Flawlessly constructed and finished the Color range is engineered to perform optimally in a hi-fi as well as home theatre set-up. They are available in selection of colors which include Red, Black, White and Yellow. Top of the Series, the Color Floorstander is a moderately large floorstanding unit measuring 965 x 188 x 275mm. It weighs a solid 16kg.

Dual 160mm mid-bass drive units sit directly below a titanium tweeter. Both mid/bass drivers feature separate, individual grilles while the tweeter is shielded from damage by a protective cover.

Triangle claim a high 90db sensitively into nominal 6 ohms which is above average and theoretically presents an easy load to most competently designed amplifiers. 

Small, but packing floorstander tweeters

For those with more modestly sized rooms Triangle Color offers the more compact Color Bookshelf, a two way unit with a similar tweeter. Dimensions are 290 mm 165 x 240mm.

The Color Floorstander retails for RM5,900 per pair while the Color Bookshelf goes for RM2,800 per pair .

A Perfect Finish

Completing the Color range is the Color Centre Channel where two similar bass/midrange drives flank the same titanium tweeter. The Color Centre measures 175 x 480 x 262 mm and retails for RM2,500 each.

Maxx Audio-Visual will also be fielding exciting new products from Rythmik Audio, Audyssy Audio and Exposure H-Fi at Room 8031 at the KL International AV Show 2012, on July 20 – 22 at the JW Marriott Hotel, Kuala Lumpur.

JVC New Lifestyle Audio Series

JVC, after what appears to be a long self imposed hiatus is back this year with a brand new range of gorgeous lifestyle audio systems that will give the likes of Bose and B & O a true hard run for their money.

Expect to see a one (1) box audio design such as the floorstanding BX system that has a large table like top with an integrated dock for the iPod, iPhone or even an iPad. There is also a composite video output.

Available in Gloss Black or White Finish

Available in either an attractive white or black the BX system also features an optical input, an coaxial input and a pair of good old fashion RCA style analogue input. Driving a pair of full range speakers is a built-in 60 watts stereo amplifier.

The BX system measures 500 x 550 x 400mm.

For those where styling, compactness and performance are crucial requirements of a personal audio system the NX – SA7/SA1 maybe just the system they should seriously be looking at.

With a unique form factor that almost resemble a ‘coffee maker’ the NX – SA7/SA1 features an easy set-up system with a very small ‘footprint’ designed to take up precious little space.

Music with your coffee, anyone?

In addition to iPhone the NX – SA7/SA1 also provides playback capability for USB devices, FM radio and CD.

As a ‘go anywhere’ modular unit the NX-SA7/SA1 features the use of up to three full range speaker drive units located at the upper top end of its module to provide an almost 360º sound Field dispersion. Bass extension is aided by a built-in downward firing subwoofer driven by a built-in 4.1 channel amplifier

Perhaps, its most interesting audio product is the TH-LB3. Essentially a compact soundbar designed primarily to enhance the limited audio performance of slim digital TVs the TH-LB3 can be described as a cross between a traditional soundbar and compact sound system.
Measuring 60cm wide the TH-LB3 features four 6.5cm full range drive units driven by a built-in 60 watts amplifer. In addition to its duty as a soundbar the TH-LB3 also comes with a dock for iPods/iPhones and comes with two HDMI inputs and one analogue output and is available in either black or white.

JVC's Reference Series 4K Projector

For the serious big picture videophile JVC will also be fielding its full range of 4K projectors featuring its unique E-Shift video upscaling technology that’s designed to optimally upscale 1080p image to look sharper and crisper at a 4K mode. According to JVC its E-Shift technology is able to scale a 1080p signal (BluRay or Astro B’yond) four times to display at a 3840 x 2160p resolution. The models in display will include the DLA –RS55 and the DLA –RS65.
To audition JVC’s new lifestyle audio system and E-Shift 4K projectors at the KL International AV Show 2012, from July 20 – 22, proceed to Lower Level Three at the JW Marriott Hotel, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur.

Pioneer BDP-3110 BluRay Disc Player

Available in Black and Silver

For both music loving audiophiles and movie fans Pioneer’s reputation as a leader in the field of optical technology is almost unassailable. It’s list of achievements goes a long way back to the pioneering days of the laser disc and DVD.
That will perhaps help explain why Pioneer’s crop of BluRay Disc players have always commanded a premium price compared to similarly rated players from the mainstream AV manufacturers.

That ‘Pioneer is always more expensive attitude ‘ seemed headed for a change when Pioneer introduces its latest entry level BD player model the BDP-3110 at the coming KL International AV Show 2012.

Set to retail at RM 430 an almost unheard of price range for a Pioneer BD player, the BDP-3110, according to Pioneer, is designed to finally bring the fabled Pioneer optical disc performance to a much wider reach of the critical mass market.

The slim and compact BDP3110 measures 360 x 39 x 208 mm and weighs only 1.4 kg. Designed for optimum digital audio and video performance the BDP-3110 eschews any form of onboard decoding and feature only a HDMI, coaxial digital, one set of analogue audio output with composite video out and an Ethernet input.

To audition the BDP-3110 and other Pioneer AV products proceed to Mayang 3 and Mayang 4 rooms, at Lower Level Three, at the KL International AV Show 2012, from July 20 – 22 at the JW Marriott Hotel, Kuala Lumpur.

Sharp Aquos LC-80 LE 940X LED Backlit LCD TV

Sharp, quite understandably, is basking in its glory as the leader of consumer big screen technology when it recently launched its mammoth 80” diagonal width LC-80LE 940X LED backlit LCD TV.

The Sharp big screen stable now consists of several versions of 60” LED/LCD TVs, a 70” behemoth launched last year and now this 80” super screen.

While big screen TVs are not a new development, remember the huge rear projection TV and other even bigger flatscreen designs? , the current Sharp big TVs are paving the way because they are all remarkably affordable.

Could you have imagined a 60” digital flat panel TV going for below RM6,000 just a couple of years ago? Or that the Sharp 70” LED/LCD TV can be had for below RM17,000 ?

These prices realistically suggest that high resolution big screen TVs are no longer the domain of the rich and are now available to the common man.

The new LC-80 LE 940X retail for RM28,999. If you have a fair sized living or home entertainment room and find a two piece front projection system a little too tedious, the LC-80LE 940X would prove to be the ideal big screen candidate. No replacement lamps or room ambient light control to worry about.

According to Sharp the high 1920 x 1080p resolution of its big screen TVs will enable viewers to sit closer then usual for a perfect view.

This means, says Sharp, that even a big screen TV such as its 70” LC-70LE735X, with an optimum viewing distance of only 2.5 metres can quite readily fit into most medium cost Malaysian terrace or condominium homes.

Its 80” LC-80LE940X, with more than double the screen area of a 55” TV would be ideal for slightly more premium accommodations.

Sharp’s family of big screen LED/LCD TVs can be auditioned at the coming KL International AV Show 2012 at Ballroom 2, Lower Level 3, JW Marriott Hotel, July 20 – 22.

KL International AV Show 2012 Limited Edition Commemorative Audiophile CD

Virtually all of the great  Hi-Fi and AV Shows around the world, particularly in the Far East, produces a CD to be given away as door gift.

This year at the KL International AV Show 2012, July 20 – 22, the organizer, celebrating 19 years of organizing Hi-Fi/AV Shows for the AV Industry says a specially compiled Limited Edition Commemorative CD will be given to every paying visitor.  The special CD is not for sale nor has the entry ticket price been raised.  It remain at RM10.00 as it has been since  1994.  Organiser  Dick Tan says, “ The Commemorative CD is a long time coming.  It is not that a special CD hasn’t  been in our mind but the sheer logistics involved in actually acquiring one has, quite  honestly, put us off, year after year “.

According to Tan, that sad scenario would have remained quite unchanged had it not been for one man,  Joseph Ki -  architect, music lover and audiophile extraordinaire.  Known to friends affectionately  as  Jo  Ki  (pronounced   Jo Kee), Jo is also  the founder of the LS3/5A club where proponents and lovers of the famous small speaker hold court.

Jo Ki, in his calm and collected manner energetically handled all issues that had previously plagued any attempts to produce this Show CD and  these included following up doggedly on difficult copyright issues, painstakingly assessing and writing each track’s audio synopsis and following through with the actual production of the CD.

Inspite of the ‘load’ that was on our shoulders,  we were agreed that if we are to give a CD away we will have to make it the best possible.

All tracks found in the Commemorative CD are sourced  from the highest possible resolution master before being down sampled to CD redbook 16 bit/44.1 khz CD standard.

Every track is carefully selected for their astute music content,  high standard of recording  and are thus excellent materials for testing and gauging audio systems.

The Limited Edition Commemorative CD, the organizer hopes, will be the first of many and in the years to come will be a much sought after collector’s item among audiophiles.