Acoustic Solutions Solves Bass Problems

 Posted by Tan    

Any audiophile who had spent enough time in this hobby would realize that room acoustic is that one factor that can make or break the performance of your HiFi system, regardless of how high-end your system may be. It thus makes sense for us to put in effort to solve our room issues, rather than to get on a never-ending equipment upgrade spiral.

Among the many possible room acoustic issues, the one most affecting listening pleasure is bass boom. That is when bass energy reflected from the walls causes the bass region to be excessively boosted and to also linger too long in the room after the music has passed. The effect is not only muddied and ill-defined bass but it may also affect the overall clarity in the midrange and highs, music just turns to mush.

Bass boom is a most difficult acoustic problem to solve. As bass frequencies have very long wavelength, their travel is hardly affected by small objects, such as those we use for tweaking. Therefore, as we always see, in-room bass treatment solutions are necessarily and invariably big and bulky (here, I mean passive treatment solutions. There are also active treatment solutions which is of the size of a bookshelf speaker for example, and there is also the DSP way, but those are discussion for a different day).

Comes an audiophile friend of mine, Mr. Beh. Bothered by bass issue in his own listening room, Mr. Beh did his research and built his own bass treatment solution based on a public domain BBC research paper. He called his creation Acoustic Solutions membrane resonator. On the outside, it looks like a rectangular wooden box measuring 2ft x 2ft x 7in (58 x 58 x 18cm), the inside is partially stuffed with absorptive material, it is said to be most effective at treating room mode in the 50-150Hz range.

The resonator is to be placed at the walls where the bass energy is the strongest (which will require the owner to do some experimentation to find the best spots), with the front of the resonator (i.e., the membrane panel) facing out. Multiple units are usually required to achieve the best results.

I joined a room treatment session where Mr. Beh used his resonators to treat the room. His approach was not just subjective listening but also rooted in objective measurement. At the beginning of the session, he used the REW acoustic measuring software to identify the acoustic behavior of the room, and pinpointing the problematic bass frequency ranges. Then, the resonators were placed at strategic places (corners, middle of wall, single box or multiple boxes stacked), then room measurement was done again. The process was repeated multiple times to ensure that the greatest effect was achieved.

We could see that on the measurement graph the RT60 (reverb time taken for sound to attenuate 60dB) was reduced by more than half from 1sec to 300-400 ms, the bass peak at 60+Hz on the frequency response curve was also cut down, meaning that bass would now sound tighter and cleaner, an excellent outcome.

We confirmed in our subsequent listening session that bass notes indeed were better defined, and bass response sounded more linear, which also improved the overall clarity of the sound. The one not-quite-expected effect for me was that I found listening now was more comfortable, less fatiguing, maybe it was due to my brain not having to compensate for the disturbances in the bass region, regardless of how subtle or prominent they were. A quick experimentation in my own room also revealed that the resonator could add some richness to the mid, and round out and smoothen the highs a bit.

The following photos show the use of the Acoustic Solutions resonators in Mr. Beh's own listening room: 

Further details on the design and use of the resonators:

If you are bothered by bass issue in your listening room, and you are uncertain about the efficacy of room treatment products in the current marketplace, consider a Malaysian home-grown approach then. Who knows, may be Mr. Beh would be happy to visit you and help you with finding the solution. He has helped quite a number of his audiophile buddies solve their headache already.

List price RM980/pc. Special introductory price RM800/pc for a limited period. Contact Mr. Beh Thuan Wei +6012-5222453. 

Great Bargain on Telarc CDs – Classic Erich Kunzel Boxset

Posted by Tan   

Are you still playing to CD? If you, like me, still do, then you will find this offering from Telarc exciting. Telarc is the recording label known to produce albums of excellent recording quality with great dynamic range, many of which are perennial reference demo discs for audiophiles.

I discovered on my usual go-to site for classical CDs, Prestomusic.com, that Telarc has some of their CDs packaged as boxsets. The pricing is a great bargain, at GBP16.46 (MYR89) for a pack of 5 albums it is just about what we’d pay for just 1 Telarc CD here. Each CD works out to MYR18, plus postage, it is cheaper than buying used.

Link - https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/8862359--classic-erich-kunzel.

The 5 albums included in this boxset are:

·       Ein Straussfest

·       Pops Plays Puccini

·       Verdi Without Words

·       1812 Overture & Wellington's Victory

·       Ravel: Bolero

The CDs are labelled as either “Made in EU” or “Made in Austria”, and each CD comes in a cardboard jacket with the original CD's cover art, no jewel case here. One disadvantage is that you don’t get the CD liner notes, but if you are building up your CD library, this is a quick and cost effective way to go. .

Since I already own the “Ein Straussfest” album on a single CD (made in USA), I did a sound quality comparison between the 2 versions. The single CD version has a slightly more open sound on the top, while the boxset version sounded a little warmer, nothing to lose sleep over. I wouldn’t be able to tell if I walked into the room not knowing which version was playing.

While you are on Prestomusic.com, check out the other offers they have on classical music and jazz. They offer music downloads and streaming subscription too.

WAVE AV Experience 2025 Show – a) My Top 5 Systems & b) Malaysian Innovation

Posted by Tan

The WAVE 2025 Show (10/10/25-12/10/25) has concluded. Here, in no particular order, are the five systems that impressed me most. 

1. The Majestic Statement : MSB, Vitus, Marten

The Swedish Statement room was a clear crowd-pleaser. It must be one of the most popular room at the Show and had gone onto the favorite list of many of my HiFi buddies. The combination of MSB and Vitus electronics driving Marten Mingus Septet loudspeakers was quite spectacular. Playing in a large conference room, the system showed exquisite refinement and effortless resolution. At the same time it delivered a room-filling soundstage and immense scale. Whatever acoustic challenges there might be in such a big room, the musical enjoyment delivered by this system was never diminished, It was a performance that appealed to both the head and the heart.

2. Italian Soul, Swiss Precision: Nagra and Sonus Faber

Perfect HiFi showcased the new Sonus Faber Amati Supreme loudspeakers, with technology adopted from its flagship loudspeaker the Suprema in the mid and high sections. Paired with Nagra's impeccable electronics, the system showcased Sonus Faber's legendary musicality - especially a midrange that rendered vocals that were beguiling and palpable. Yet it could unleash dynamics and scale when the music called for, proving itself to be quite the all-rounder. 

3. A Refined Partnership: Luxman and Audiovector 

Audio Perfectionist acquired the distributorship of Luxman recently. This is the first time I heard the Luxman-Audiovector combination, and the synergy between them was a delightful surprise.. This system, consisting of Luxman electronics and Audovector R6 Arrete loudspeakers, wasn't the type that shout for attention, it did not highlighting certain aspects of the sound to grab the listeners’ attention, instead it invited deep listening. The sound was refined, nimble, and highly resolved, allowing the music to unfold naturally and reveal its details at its own pace. 

Worthy of mention too was the Audivector flagship R10 Arrete loudspeakers paired with Soulution amplification in a bigger adjacent room. They sounded formidable, though I found myself personally drawn to the more intimate and utterly coherent performance of the Luxman and Audiovector R6 Arrete combination just a tad more.  

4. Unbridled Power: ATC

Many exhibitors focused on delivering refinement and smoothness from their sysems, in contrast HiWay Laser's demonstration of ATC gear was a thrilling jolt of raw energy. The ATC SCA2 preamplifier and SCM100ASL active loudspeakers delivered music with unbridled impact and lightning-fast dynamics. This system wasn't just playing music; it was recreating the visceral excitement of a live performance. It was a powerful, exciting, and utterly compelling reminder of music's primal forces that would startle many listeners. Impressive and exciting.

5. A Rich Tapestry of Sound: Rega, Melody HiFi, and Canton

Choy Audio Visual weaved a uniquely attractive sonic tapestry. Was it the British Rega CD player, the tube-driven Melody amplifier, or the German Canton speakers? It was impossible for me to pinpoint. The result was a combination that produced slightly voluptuous imaging, and rich, saturated tonal colors. The overall presentation was simply attractive, offering a warm, musically enjoyable experience that was easy to love.

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Spotlight on Malaysian Innovation: It was inspiring to see homegrown talent making making its presence felt. I’d like to give two Malaysian designers special mention:

1. CCY Engineering

CCY Engineering designs and manufactures class A power amplifier. Their SS300B-25C amplifier, specifically designed for full-range loudspeakers, delivered a sound that was creamy smooth through the midrange and highs. Despite a small driver on the fullrange speakers, the system produced quite a prominent bass. The overall result was a relaxed, a little laid-back and musical presentation that will delight full-range enthusiasts and many audiophiles alike. https://www.ccyengineering.com/

2. JW Speaker Lab

I finally got to listen to a JW Speaker Lab’s HiFi loudspeakers in this Show as I only managed to catch their AV setups previously. This experience did not disappoint.  Utilizing drivers from SB Acoustics' Satori line, including a rare Beryllium tweeter at this price point, their MTM loudspeakers were sounding clean and detailed, especially in the mids and highs. Coupled to 2 of their own subwoofers, the system also sounded strong in the bass. Overall, it was a well-balanced and musically coherent performance. For those who are looking to go beyond entry-level, JW Speaker Labs is definitely a brand worthy of your consideration. https://www.jwspeakerlab.com/

PMC Prophecy Loudspeaker Line Launch at AV Designs - Pushing the Boundary of Transmission Line

Posted by Tan. 

The recent launch of the new PMC’s Prophecy loudspeaker line at AV Designs aimed for both audiophiles and home theatre enthusiasts alike. Held in acoustically optimized settings for home theatre and stereo music, the PMC showcases offered the attendees a close look into the British brand’s latest innovations, with the Prophecy series testifying to PMC’s latest innovative pursuit of sonic perfection.

At the heart of the Prophecy line is PMC’s groundbreaking Laminair X vent, a precision-machined evolution of their Advanced Transmission Line (ATL) technology. PMC’s ATL designs have long been known for their ability to deliver deep, controlled bass. With Laminair X, PMC has advanced the transmission line design further. As the company explains, “ATL designs involve air moving at high speeds and complex fluid dynamic, and introducing the precision machined ultimate aerodynamic control of Laminair X negates turbulence and drag which in turn reduces resistance, reduces harmonic distortion by up to 3dB, eliminates air noise and provides bass with superlative timing and an unparalleled dynamic range.”

The Laminair X vent not only improves airflow efficiency but also adds a structural advantage. Its all-metal and weighty construction, acts as an anchor, enhancing cabinet stability and reducing unwanted resonances. This dual-purpose design—acoustic and mechanical—underscores PMC’s inventiveness and engineering prowess.

A Versatile Lineup for Music and Movies

The Prophecy range, comprises of five models: one bookshelf (Prophecy1), three floorstanders (Prophecy5, 7, and 9), and one centre speaker (ProphecyC), is clearly designed to cater to both stereo music lovers and home theatre aficionados. AV Designs made this dual-purpose line-up evident in the demo sessions, with the different models used for HT and music duty.

Price list of the PMC Prophecy Range

In the midsize home theatre setup that AD Designs demo'ed, the Prophecy7 and ProphecyC centre speakers were paired with PMC surround speakers and atmos speakers to deliver a thrilling movie experience. I found that explosive action scenes were handled with ease and dialogue was crisp and intelligible. Dynamics and attacks were rendered impactfully, even scary at some points. It was a clear demonstration of how the Prophecy line can anchor a serious home theatre system without compromise.

In Prophecy1's stereo music demonstrations, the speakers were set up in a smaller room. Driven by PMC’s own integrated amplifier, I found the Prophecy1's delivery outstanding. It delivered a performance that was imbued with warmth and musicality—hallmarks of British loudspeaker design philosophy, vocals were rich and emotive, instruments well-defined, and the bass output was quite surprising for such a modest cabinet. It’s the kind of speaker that would disappear into a room.

PMC Prophecy1 demo session

If you were looking for bigger scale, more depth, and greater authority, then just move up to the Prophecy1’s bigger brothers, the Prophecy7 and Prophecy9. Both proved to be a significant step up in these parameters yet retaining the warmth and musicality so evident in their smaller brother. The video below is evidence, showing the Prophecy7 set up for home theatre purpose, playing 2-channel stereo:

The PMC Prophecy line reaffirms the brand’s commitment to delivering emotionally engaging sound. Whether you’re building a reference-grade stereo system or a high-performance home theatre, the Prophecy range delivers.

Contract AV Designs at 03-62411237 to arrange an audition.

MoFi SourcePoint V10 Master Edition Loudspeakers — A Sonic Giant

 Posted by Tan

When it comes to loudspeaker design, Andrew Jones is one of the few names that commands enormous respect and admiration. Having followed his work since his tenure at Technical Audio Devices (TAD), which produced the TAD-CR1 and TAD-R1 (now in TX guise) loudspeakers that have long served as my reference loudspeakers, I’ve come to expect a certain level of sonic excellence from anything bearing his signature. So when I heard that Centre Circle Audio had set up a demo pair of the MoFi SourcePoint V10 Master Edition loudspeakers, the latest iteration of Jones’ design at Mofi, I had to experience them firsthand.

First Impressions: Big Ambitions, Bold Execution

At 48.8" high, 19.9" wide, 15.5" deep, and a weight of 160 lbs.  The SourcePoint V10 Master Edition is a physically imposing loudspeaker. This is no thin-and-slim-column design beloved by many high-end loudspeaker marques. The design is ambitious: a coaxial driver handles the midrange and highs, pairing a 10-inch midrange with a soft dome tweeter. Delivering at the low end are two 10-inch woofers and, rather than conventional reflex ports, two 10-inch passive radiators are used at the back. This configuration hints at a performance focused on coherence, scale, and dynamic capability.

The Mofi SourcePoint V10 Master Edition (right) and the next model down, the SourcePoint 888 (left). Size wise, the V10 is a substantial step up

Close-up of the coaxial driver

On my first visit, the speakers had only been unboxed for a couple of days. As expected, they weren’t fully run-in. Yet even in this nascent state, the V10s’ strengths were unmistakable. The scale was enormous, the dynamics impressive, and the mid-to-high detail was already shining through. It could convey emotion of a solo voice and also let rip with rock music. It was clear that these speakers had serious potential. There were areas to be further improved on - the bass was undeniably powerful, though I could detect a slightly ponderous side—lacking the agility and definition I associate with Jones’ work. The overall presentation felt slightly congested, as the drivers were still stretching their legs.

Second Encounter: Transformation Through Time

Fast forward to a month later, I returned for a second listen. What greeted me was nothing short of a transformation. The V10s had matured beautifully. The congestion had lifted, revealing a soundstage that was even more open, expansive, and immersive, one of the best if not the best at this price point, and easily rivalled others selling at multiples of the V10s’ asking price. The bass had undergone a complete metamorphosis—now tight, punchy, and fast, with impressive depth and control. The passive radiators were doing their job with finesse, delivering low-end authority without the boominess that could plague ported designs.

What struck me most was the coherence in the V10s’ musical expression. From top to bottom, the V10 delivered a seamless sonic picture. The coaxial driver ensured that the midrange and highs were perfectly aligned, resulting in a natural, lifelike presentation that conveyed musical nuance with clarity.

Play It Loud: Clean, Lively, and Addictive

One of the most delightful characters of the V10s was how well they handled high volumes. They practically begged to be played loud, and when we obliged with the volume knob, they responded with clean, distortion-free output that retained its composure and its communicativeness. Whether it was orchestral crescendos or driving rock anthems, the V10 made everything sound exciting and alive.

This liveliness is also a hallmark of Andrew Jones’ designs at TAD. I could recognize similar shades of performance traits —the openness, the scale, the speed and the dynamic punch. While the TADs could pip the Mofi V10 in terms of top-end crispness and micro-detail resolution, the latter is still a highly satisfying listen in these respects, especially for those who do not prefer a warts-and-all presentation.

The 2 passive radiators situated at the back of the V10

A toggle to tweak the tweeter level is situated above the binding posts, allowing the owner to match the highs better to the room

SourcePoint V10 Master Edition : A Triumph of Design and Value

The MoFi SourcePoint V10 Master Edition is a triumph. It’s a loudspeaker that punches far above its price class, delivering scale, dynamics, and coherence that rival far more expensive offerings. 

If you’re in the market for a loudspeaker that thrills, engages, and delivers a taste of reference-level performance, the SourcePoint V10 Master Edition deserves your attention. This is a great loudspeaker, period.

Mofi SourcePoint loudspeakers are carried by Centre Circle Audio, call 03-7728 2686 to arrange an audition.