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.

---------------------------------------------------------

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.

Bass Goes Bigger: Revisiting AV Designs with the Ascendo 32-Inch Subwoofer

 Posted by Tan

After my last jaw-dropping encounter with AV Designs’ seismic subwoofer setup—where a 24-inch Ascendo woofer redefined what “low-end” meant (read it here) - I was invited back for a follow-up session. This time, things had gotten more serious. The 24-incher was replaced with the 32-inch Ascendo subwoofer that I alluded to in my last post.

Yes, 32 inches. And yes, when you thought bass could not have gone deeper and deeper, this hunk of a subwoofer made a big difference - and profoundly so.

The moment the system engaged, the large room was totally filled. There was an unmistakable sense of scale - the soundstage had grown further, with instruments and effects occupying a more expansive, three-dimensional space.

Bass dug even deeper into the floor, the sound effects from Hollywood blockbusters spreading out around, beneath and above, enveloping you fully. And yet, counterintuitively, everything felt more relaxed. I could not imagine myself saying this comparing with my previous experience with the 24 inch sub, but gone was the ever slightest hint of strain that I didn't even know was there until I experienced its big brother here. Bass line emerged with a natural ease that was almost uncanny, with each bass notes unfurled even more effortlessly.

Despite its sheer size, this sub wasn’t overbearing. What truly impressed me was how coherently the new sub integrated with the rest of the system. James Tan and the AV Designs team had clearly spent considerable effort tuning the setup. The balance remained impeccable. The integration of the 32-inch monster into the existing five-subwoofer array (including dual 21s and dual 18s) was executed with excellence. Each was meticulously integrated and calibrated to provide a bass response that’s linear, clean, and enveloping.

Music and movie sound tracks alike benefited. Music was provided with a rock solid foundation, the mid and highs were even smoother than before. Explosive scenes from action soundtracks hit with visceral impact but with none of the muddiness lesser systems suffer from.

AV Designs continues to chase the limits of what’s possible in the home setting, and this latest installation isn’t just about brute force. It’s about control, precision, and not least excitement. Absolutely an experience that should not be missed by any serious AV enthusiasts and audiophiles. 

Contact AV Designs 03-62411237 for enquiries and audition.

3Hz Bass Experience with Multiple Ascendo Subwoofers

Posted by Tan

Yes, you read that right—3Hz bass, not 30Hz or 300Hz. While 3Hz is inaudible to the human ear, its presence can be powerfully felt. Unfortunately, words alone can’t capture the sensation of 3Hz bass, so the next best thing is to let you see it in motion.

In the video clip below, a 24-inch Ascendo subwoofer took center stage, playing a track that plunged into sub-bass frequencies as low as 3Hz. Although the phone microphone may not have captured the deepest bass notes (recording instead their higher harmonic frequencies), the camera revealed the subwoofer driver working hard to deliver these astonishingly low frequencies. At certain moments, I could see the driver’s movement more clearly rather than just a blur, visually indicating how low the bass notes being played was.

Track title - "Critical Havocs - Infrasonic Death (under 3Hz)"

This was also the first time I literally felt “pants-flapping bass” from a home theater or HiFi system. Squatting down in front of the massive sub to film the driver, I was surprised to find my pant legs flapping in sync with the bass. What I had thought was just a figure of speech turned out to be entirely real!

AV Designs has pushed boundaries by installing five Ascendo subwoofers in their main home theater room. This setup featured two 21-inch subwoofers at the front, alongside two 18-inch subs and a massive 24-inch sub at the back. But why so many subs you ask? Wouldn't such overwhelming bass energy drown the space and render soundtracks or music unbearable and unlistenable?

The answer is "No". The goal of employing multiple subwoofers isn’t to add more and excessive bass, but to ensure a smooth and linear bass response. In typical listening rooms, bass peaks and troughs occur due to the physics of bass propagation. Strategically placing multiple subwoofers allows the system better ability and flexibility to cancel those peaks and fill in the troughs. Of course, I am putting this lightly, James Tan of AV Designs explains that achieving this linearity requires both expertise and significant effort to properly calibrate the system. 

This was an amazing experience for me. The system delivered outstanding performance not just for movie soundtracks but also for music.  The bass rumbled and was also impactful and fast, yet it exuded nuances and details that added immense depth to the listening experience when the recording called for. It’s evident that systems struggling with bass issues—such as boomy, muddy, or bloated bass—compromise not just the low-end but also the midrange and treble. In fact, it affects the entire listening enjoyment.

This demo highlighted how a clean, well-balanced bass foundation can transform audio quality. A precise bottom end opens up the sound, enhances dynamic expression, improves the music’s flow, and anchors the soundtrack and music, allowing it to truly flourish.

AV Designs was not stopping here in their quest for even greater bass. After this, the 24-inch subwoofer will be replaced by an even larger 32-inch Ascendo subwoofer. An even more amazing bass experience awaits.

The 32-inch Ascendo sub that will take up residence in AV Designs' main HT demo system next

Contact AV Designs 03-62411237 for enquiries and audition.

CCY Engineering SS300B - Malaysia's Own Class A Power Amp

Posted by Tan.

Many regard Class A as the finest-sounding amplifier topology, and I wouldn’t argue with that. Sure, Class A has its disadvantages – heat generation, bulk, and cost, to name a few. But hey, as a dedicated audiophile, I like to live a little dangerously. Ever since my first encounter with Pass Labs’ Aleph 3, that charming little porcupine (nicknamed for its chassis covered with protruding fins) of an amp and smitten by its beguiling sound, all my subsequent amplifiers have been full Class A designs from Pass Labs. I’d characterize Class A sound as transparent, natural, and comes with a touch of richness and warmth. The Class A amplifiers are also exceptionally quick and dynamic, even more so than many Class A/B designs with higher power output ratings that I've encountered over the years.

Class A designs are increasingly rare nowadays. Their relatively higher cost, low power rating, and high electricity consumption make them less appealing compared to Class A/B and Class D amplifiers. However, there is a Malaysian company and amplifier designer who is bravely forging ahead on the Class A path - CCY Engineering. I wrote about their earlier Class A amplifier, the CCY F7, which you can read about here and here. Now, CCY Engineering has released a new full Class A power amplifier, and I took it in for a listen.

The new amplifier is called the SS300B. Is CCY hinting at a sound reminiscent of the famous 300B tube? I didn’t ask. But with the SS300B’s 25W output, it’s more powerful than the typical 8W of a 300B tube amp, which would make it more versatile in loudspeaker matching.

I paired the SS300B with my TAD TSM-2201 bookshelf studio monitor (rated at 86dB/W/m), its revealing nature would expose any flaws upstream. The front ends, consisting of the TAD-D600 disc player and Pass Labs XP20 preamp, was admittedly an overkill, but I hope this setup would make the SS300B show how far its performance envelope could be pushed. So, I put the SS300B through quite a challenging pace in fact.

The SS300B rose to the occasion admirably. It possessed all the qualities one would expect from a Class A design. It sounded transparent but not in the lean and thin way that many modern amplifiers veer towards, the sound had good body especially in the midrange, and details were not obscured. It was articulate, musical nuances were portrayed beautifully. The musicality typical of a Class A amplifier was evident.

Vocals were definitely its strength. On track 8 of the 2v1G CD “不愿一个人 Don’t Want to Be Alone,” the emotion in the vocal was excellently resolved, one could hear the longing and despair expressed in the singing. The accompanying guitar was crisp with adequate attack in each pluck.

Switching to “Belafonte Sings the Blues” album, track 7 “Cotton Fields,” the sense of pace was even more pronounced. The bouncy bass notes were clear and free of muddiness, with the music swinging along with toe-tapping rhythm. Belafonte’s diction was clear, making it easy to follow the lyrics word by word. His voice’s tonal color added to the listening enjoyment. The rendition became more frantic during the second half of the song, and the SS300B did an excellent job bringing us through the dynamic changes.

For classical music, I played “Nimrod” from Elgar’s Enigma Variations, my favorite version being Norman Del Mar’s with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra on DG. Although this CD doesn’t have the best recording quality from an audiophile perspective, I love the emotive music, the conducting and orchestra. The SS300B maintained the inner tension of the music well, from the hushed opening, through the buildup in the middle, then on to the let-it-rip crescendo at the end. It allowed me to focus on the moving musical message despite the recording's sonic imperfections, thus confirming the SS300B's music making ability.

If you would like to get a taste of what Class A amplification can do but found Class A choices hard to come by or the cost prohibitive, I suggest you give the SS300B a listen. You may be charmed by its tonal richness, detail resolution and the humanness in its music delivery. While pairing it with a revealing studio monitor like my TAD TSM-2201s might not be the best choice for less than perfect recordings unless you are the type who like a warts-and-all presentation, I think offerings from early day Sonus Faber and British marques like Harbeth or Spendor would be fabulous matches for long term listening pleasure. Please contact CCY Engineering to arrange an audition – website: https://www.ccyengineering.com/home; Email: chong@ccyengineering.com.