The Ultimate Audiophile Reference Test Disc

This test CD, the "Ultimate Audiophile Reference Test Disc", is a Malaysian production by COI Records. The package consists of  2 CDs and an extensively written 20+ page booklet. 

Let's cut to the chase - I found this CD to be of very good value. In addition to the technical aspects of an audiophile test CD, you also get music tracks and HiFi knowledge write-ups. You can find it on Lazada for RM79.90/pc - https://s.lazada.com.my/s.4t9Pt or better still get it from this coming weekend's KLIAV Show 2022 (28/10 - 30/10) at a special price of RM59.90/pc.

The accompanying Guide Book starts off with a list of definitions - on what "HiFi" means, on HiFi terminologies that we audiophiles use to describe aspects of sound performance, and the writer's take on good sound from a HiFi system. There is also good information on how to set up of a system, including speaker positioning and finding the listening sweet spot. It also has an extensive section on room acoustics, which will be very useful for any audiophile who is looking for a primer in this critical area for good sound performance in a listening toom. 

CD 1 is labelled as "Technical" and consists of 99 tracks (click on the track listing to read a higher definition version). You can find further explanations of the content and the purpose of the tracks in the Guide Book. I believe many will find the burn-in track to be useful whenever new equipment or cable is inserted into our system. Another good use I found during my test sessions was the bass tone tracks (20Hz-200Hz, tracks 2 to 13), which could be used to gauge, by ear, the evenness of the bass region in my listening room. 

CD2 is labelled as "Showcase" (click on the track listing to read a higher definition version). It starts off with 8 tracks of various music. Don't expect some simple audiophile-approved music among them like a slow female vocal solo with sparse instrument backing. Rather, almost all of the tracks display wide dynamic range,  fast attack and tonal complexity. If you liked a good challenge, play these tracks and see whether your system would pass muster or not. The CD goes on to provide multiple tracks for you to gauge various aspects of your system's performance, such as soundstage width/depth/height as according to the Guide Book. The last section of the CD showcases recordings of various instrument allowing the listener to learn about the timbre of these instruments. 

All in all, an audiophile will find much use for the CDs and the Guide Book. Recommended. 

More Power For HT! Frank Doepke Cryo 32 Amp MCB & ABL Sursum Cryo 63 Amp ELCB

The MCB box in my HT room, if you zoom in, you'll see the cryo label on the Doepke MCB(in the middle) & ABL Sursum ELCB(on the right side)

When Frankie was in my house to install the Frank PE-35 Ground Loop EMI Filter, I also took the opportunity to ask him to check out my HT MCB box, just to see if there's anything he could do with it. Upon checking, Frankie identified he needed to do 3 things to make it perform better.

First, he said he will have to isolate the actual MCBs powering my AV equipment from the others in the circuit that powers all the other appliances in other parts of the house which includes refrigerator, washing machine, ovens, hot water pumps, and various other stuff. This is to reduce interference between all those said appliances from my AV equipment in the HT room.

Next he'll replace the standard MCBs that I was using for the Audio & Video circuits with Doepke Cryo 32 Amps MCB for cleaner power safety contact point.

Last but not least, he will replace the standard ELCB unit with an ABL Sursum Cryo 63 Amp ELCB unit.  

This box helps Frankie's team of electricians to confirm grounding and circuit connection by flashing lights and a loud beeping sound! It's a great tool

Frankie came back to my place about 2 weeks later, and it took his team of trained electricians about 2 hours to complete the job. Frankie confidently told me to have a better movie time! As soon as he left, I couldn't wait to start my new movie experience.

I played my usual Dolby Atmos reference movies, including San Andreas, yes that earthquake movie, & Unbroken, with lots of American bomber vs Japanese Zero dog fight actions and major sound panning effect in the opening scene. Also played 13 Hours to have fun in all the infantry battle scenes.

I immediately found better separation between the center & the main channels. Dialogue becomes distinct & easier to follow, especially during the noisy scenes, which can easily drown out dialogues in the past. Next thing I noticed was tightened bass grip, where the sub woofers are much more well controlled, less looseness coming from the sub woofer movements, which indirectly contributes to improved macro & micro dynamics, making each gun shot & every bomb blast that much more filled with impact. The surround sound panning effect becomes more distinct & dramatic. All without even resorting to any adjustments on the Denon AVR menu settings.

On the picture front, I see crispier and sharper quality, it's like as if someone did a lens focusing adjustment. Overall, the movie experience is much improved on a visceral level. 

Total cost for the transformation is as follows:

1) 2 units Doepke Cryo 32 Amp MCB = MYR1000

2) 1 unit ABL Sursum Cryo  63 Amp ELCB = MYR850

3) Installation and labor = MYR350

TOTAL COST = MYR2,200

Like my previous Franks PE-35 experience, Frank's power supply products & expertise do bring about genuine sound & picture quality improvement via any audiophile's power supply box. That improvement is usually at least worth while, or in my case worth more than Frankie's asking price. 

Well done Frankie!