Experiencing the Dan D’Agostino Progression Amplifier at HiFi Creations

Posted by Tan

Have you been looking to audition Dan D’Agostino amplifiers in Malaysia but never could? Now you have a dedicated place to go to.

Hifi Creations is now a dealer for the prestigious brand. To mark this addition to their portfolio, owner Victor Pheh has assembled a reference-level system with the Dan D’Agostino Progression power amplifier as its centrepiece.

At 350w per side and with its output power doubling all the way down to 2 ohms (@1400w), the Progression S350 is a beast of an amplifier, but it comes with a jewel-like construction, the build quality was exquisite with all rounded-edges, and the beautiful display meter in front simply adds to the overall high-end vibe of the piece.

Victor invited me to visit his new showroom set-up, I spent an afternoon listening and enjoying the newly curated system. The demo system consisted of the following top of the range components from the brands HiFi Creations carries:

• Streamer: Pink Faun 2.16 Ultra (RM 160,000)
• DAC/Preamp: Playback Designs MPD-8 (RM 135,000)
• Power Amplifier: Dan D’Agostino Progression S350 (RM 145,000)
• Loudspeakers: Qualio IQ30 Semi-Open Baffle (RM 70,000)

In the current configuration, the Playback Designs DAC drove the Dan D’Agostino power amplifier directly without a dedicated standalone preamplifier. Victor said that a matching Dan D’Agostino preamplifier will be brought in in the near future to complete the system. 

While evaluating an unfamiliar combination of components presented a challenge for me in identifying the contribution of individual component, the collective performance of this setup was immediately apparent. The presentation was remarkably large, open, and unconstrained. This expansive soundstage, I believe, can be attributed to the inherent characteristics of the Qualio loudspeakers' open baffle design, combined with the substantial power and control exerted on them by the Dan D’Agostino amplifier.

The system excelled in rendering an airy, atmospheric top end. The Progression S350 amplifier demonstrated a vice-like grip over the loudspeakers. Complex dynamic passages never flustered the system, which handled large-scale orchestral crescendos with absolute composure.

During the audition, Victor utilized a wide selection of piano recordings to show off the system's capabilities. Piano is widely regarded as one of the most difficult instruments for a HiFi system to reproduce accurately. Achieving a convincing piano presentation requires an exceptionally even tonal balance across the entire frequency spectrum to ensure the instrument sounds cohesive from the lowest to the highest registers, such that the notes are produced from the same piano. Additionally, a system must possess high resolution to untangle complex harmonic structures, and also be able to handle the wide dynamic range necessary to transition effortlessly from subtle pianissimo to explosive fortissimo passages.

The HiFi Creations system successfully met these demands, rendering piano notes with impressive realism and technical accuracy. Victor was obviously very pleased with this set-up’s performance in this regard, and I very much agreed.

The Progression S350 proved highly capable across multiple musical genres. It delivered the speed and impact required for high-octane tracks, yet easily turned around to deliver the intimacy and nuance of y female vocals.

The overriding impression of the Dan D’Agostino Progression S350 was one of boldness, expansive soundstaging and powerful dynamics. It avoided a sterile, analytical presentation in favor of a tonally rich and engaging character that prevented listener boredom. While it was more than competent at handling delicate details, the amplifier is at its most confident when delivering scale, authority, and musical presence.

Victor has set up a top notch demo system with the Dan D’Agostino Progress power amp at its core.  Interested in a Dan D’Agostino experience? Call Victor 012-296 2799 and arrange an audition at HiFi Creations.

AV Design Introduces JBL Summit Series to Malaysian Market

Posted By Tan

AV Designs recently launched the new JBL Summit Series in Malaysia.

The launch event showcased three high-end loudspeaker models designed to cater to premium audiophile systems. There were two floorstanding models, named the MAKALU and the PUMORI, alongside a compact bookshelf option designated as the AMA.

More design details of the JBL Summit Series can be found on its website here : https://www.jbl.com/summit.html

Their list prices are as follows:

JBL Summit AMA – RM72,000/pair

JBL Summit PULMORI – RM 118,000/pair

JBL Summit MAKALU – RM 168,000/pair

First impression - the Summit Series immediately impressed with its build quality. All three models utilize heavily braced, beautifully finished cabinets. The wood veneer variants were a key highlight, featuring a deep gloss finish that rivalled or even surpassed many flagship loudspeakers out there.

The beautifully glossy venner on the Summit Series, my photo does not do it justice

With the listening session going on in earnest, the floorstanding JBL Summit Makalu matched with a Mark Levinson amp immediately wowed us with its dynamic range and scale. The speakers delivered a wide frequency range and extensive low-frequency extension. Even the AMA bookshelf model maintained the Series’ big sound and deep bass capabilities despite its smaller enclosure size. The entire lineup is engineered to project a large soundstage and a substantial presence, depending on the size of your listening room, they would fill it up with pulsating and exciting music.

The sonic signature of the JBL Summit Series is such that they are totally at ease with transient-heavy and impactful material. They are particularly exceptional with rock and highly dynamic music genres, where speed and attack are critical.

However, the design has also balanced this high-energy presentation with midrange fidelity. When reproducing simpler arrangements such as a vocal track, the speakers remained capable, delivering clear and realistic voice and imaging.

The JBL Summit Series is now available through AV Designs, call 03-6241 1237 to arrange an audition.

JBL L100 Classic 80th Anniversary Limited Edition Loudspeakers Available for Audition Now

 Posted by Tan

AV Designs have teamed-up with Atlas Sound and Vision to showcase and demo the JBL L100 Classic 80th Anniversary Limited Edition together with the entire JBL Classic Series product line-up at Atlas Sound and Vision’s new showroom in The Gardens Mall (Lot T241, Level 3). 

The JBL Classic series (Retro-styled design) includes:-

• SA550 integrated amplifier

• CD350 CD player

• MP350 network streamer

• TT350 turntable

• Classic loudspeakers: L100, L82 and L52

System will be on demo from now until first week September.

Calling all JBL fans and audiophiles —head over to Atlas Sound and Vision now to savour the ultimate JBL experience!

New TAD Integrated Amplifier and Loudspeakers at AV Designs

Posted by Tan

AV Designs recently hosted the launch of TAD’s latest offerings: the TAD-A1000 integrated amplifier and the TAD-E1AX floorstanding loudspeakers.

The TAD-A1000 joins the Evolution Series as the first-ever integrated amplifier in the lineup, inheriting its signature design language of robust build quality paired with understated refinement. The chassis is deeper than it is wide and it is also taller than the other components in the Series. Its dimension together with its substantial 29kg weight give it a commanding presence on any audio rack. Delivering 250W into 4 ohms, the A1000 is listed at RM111,300.

The TAD-E1AX represents the third generation of the Evolution One model (following the E1 and E1TX). Effectively a "younger brother" to the Evolution Series' flagship the TAD-GE1 (Grand Evolution One), the E1AX features a beryllium diaphragm tweeter crafted via TAD’s proprietary vapor deposition technique—a technology shared with the Reference Series. In a significant design shift, the bass reflex port has moved from the side to the bottom of the front baffle, mirroring the GE1. This 3-way system utilizes a concentric midrange-tweeter driver and dual 6.5-inch bass drivers, and comes in with a list price of RM112,800.

The demonstration featured an Innuos streamer and TAD-DA1000 DAC as the frontend, feeding the TAD-A1000, which in turn drove the TAD-E1AX loudspeakers. 

True to my expectation, this system demonstrated the TAD ethos in spades.The system delivered a wide frequency response with bass extension that would knock many listeners’ socks off. It had effortless dynamics and impact that belied its size, the soundstage was huge. The sound was clean even when playing at very high volume level. Compared to its predecessor, the TAD-E1AX is a significant leap forward—offering a larger, more transparent sound that inches closer to the RM200,000 GE1. 

Of course, the contribution of the TAD-A1000 must not be discounted. Throughout the demo session, the integrated amplifier was simply unfazed, exerting control on the loudspeakers over the entire proceeding, regardless of the demand from the music.

TAD-E1AX (left) and TAD-GE1 (right)

Together, the pairing of TAD-A1000 and TAD-E1AX proved remarkably versatile, it is a combo that is comfortable with all music genres—handling delicate vocals with finesse, then unleashing full power on more bombastic tracks without hesitation. Most importantly, the system stayed true to the musical message, delivering high-resolution sound that was consistently engaging and enjoyable.

Here are 2 videos I captured of the system during the event:

Queen Mary by Francine Thirteen

Cantique de Noel (O Holy Night) from the album "Cantate Domino"

Contact AV Designs (03-6241 1237) to schedule your personal audition.

What a Difference a Year Makes – How A Mighty System got Mightier

Posted by Tan

I visited Mr. Soo’s system about a year ago—you can read about that visit here. Recently, I paid him another visit, after knowing that the system had undergone a major transformation. The changes were not limited to equipment; the room’s acoustic treatment also went through a major rework.

The front end is now driven by a Taiko Audio server, while amplification from CH Precision has been fully upgraded to flagship models. The setup includes the L10 preamplifier in mono configuration with separate power supplies, resulting in a stereo preamp housed in four chassis (two preamp units and two external power supplies). The power amplifier is the two-chassis M10, a stereo amp with external power supplies. The trusty Magico M6 speakers and the 2 JL Audio subwoofers remain in place.

CH Precision L10 preamplifier in mono configuration with separate power supply for each each channel

CH Precision M10 power amplifier with separate power supply

Taiko Audio and TotalDac digitial frontend

Equally significant was the overhaul of the room acoustics. The ceiling and walls are now fully treated with diffusers and absorbers, and Mr. Soo told me rockwool has also been added to the cavity between the ceiling and roof.

Diffusers and absorbers on the ceiling

The impact of these treatments was immediately noticeable. The acoustic environment had improved significantly—I found that having a conversation in the room was easy and natural, among the best I’ve ever experienced. We could speak at normal volume without straining to hear, and every syllable was clear, free from smearing or disturbance.

Performance-wise, the system had advanced a few notches. Dynamics were more expressive, giving the sound a muscular, impactful character. At the same time, the refinement I admired during my last visit was not only preserved but enhanced—the sweetness and smoothness in the highs were a particular highlight. Overall clarity and background quietness were exceptional, no doubt aided by the successful acoustic treatments.

Mr. Soo’s approach to bass management with the Magico M6 and JL Audio subwoofers (as described in my previous report, where he used an active crossover to send bass to the subs and mids/highs to the main speakers) continued to deliver excellent results. There was no hint of bass boom; instead, the low frequencies were supple and seamlessly integrated with the mains. It was impossible to tell where the Magico ended and the JL Audio took over, very well done indeed.

As for what comes next, I’m not sure how Mr. Soo will push his system further. But our hobby is about pushing the boundaries, so, who know, my next visit may reveal yet another big leap forward!