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.

Modern Vintage

Recently there are many audio companies is coming out with new product with vintage look and feel. Is really quite catchy if we talk about fitting in your home. Most people probably play their gear in the living room or some in the bedroom. Look of audio gear is becoming more and more important to capture the not so audiophile group. Mission a very old audio brand started back in the 70's is also a well known brand to many. Is not being just good but also affordable. 

Mission had earlier launch the 770 which is base on the older model which debuted in 1978. The most current Mission 700 is the trickle down of the 770. The design look pretty similar and technology use  is also past down from the bigger brother of 770. The Mission 700 has 2 different colours, is either black or walnut. The colour of walnut is a total match to the vintage theme and more over the front face white colour is the perfect match to the bookshelf. It really bring you back in time. 

The speaker has single binding post. Which I will is not a deal breaker. The binding post itself is solid and doesn't feel like entry level. It matches well with the speaker. The post is the standard type which can fit banana or spade. I have user the banana plug which fit in very nicely. 

The speaker also comes with its own dedicated stand. As the stand is design to fit the speaker, from the look at it feel like the stand is part of the speaker. The stand is not assemble ready. This makes it easier to transport. The assembling of the stand is pretty easy, won't take more than 10 mins to assemble both stands. The stand itself weight 14kg. Definitely not slouch in that area. The stand comes with spike feet and footer 

The height of the stand is 48cm, its almost the same height as the speaker. The entire stand is made of high carbon steel. That should keep any rust away but will still avoid humid area I suppose. The black colour stand really compliment well the speaker.

With the speaker on the stand, it just look gorgeous. This is one big thing that really draw me to the speaker. It can easily fit into your home without have to compromise. Just like another piece of furniture to the home. The other good thing is the weight of speaker and stand is close to 30kg. This is a good thing not just for the audio but is steady without much worry it can be down over. 

Of course other than the look the audio quality is something impresses me. In the picture is the Leak 230 integrated amplifier powering the Mission 700. The speaker cable is QED silver XT from source of Asus Tinker board running on Volumio.

Playback from the volumio with hi-res files and streaming from Apple Music are use to try out. The hi-res file playback is generally better than streaming with the streaming sounded more compress. That is to be expected. The first song tested with "Leona Lewis" - Happy. I will describe the vocal to be crispy clear. The sound easily fill the room. Seating 6 feet away from the speaker still gives the feeling how enveloping the sound is. Totally doesn't feel like a bookshelf. The bass is pretty solid too. From 6 feet distance can feel the chest thumping bass.  Although it can hear slightly boomy. Probably is the distance among the 2 speakers is too close. Both speakers are seating just 5 feet apart. 

Next song test with "Michael Jackson" - Black & White. The song is very energetic and the fast pace music is handle well by the speaker. The background music is all well handle, doesn't get muddle up with the vocal. Also the high are just nicely round off, the speaker is consider warm but still give the excitement when listening to pop song.

3rd song play "Adele" - Cry Your Heart Out. Adele is well known for her powerful voice, is just mesmerizing listening to it from the Mission 700. The center staging and imaging of the voice is just so good making the speaker totally transparent. 

Overall wise the speaker is well rounded with different genre of songs. Its also not fatigue in listening for hours. I will say British speaker are well known for being warm sounding and Mission does it well. The speaker is also easy to drive with just 70 watt integrated amp is more than enough to make it sing. The speaker is not quite the entry price point but is definitely won't cost a bomb. Job well done by Mission. 

A kick-ass hifi system for under RM3000

This is something I always have in the back of my head of what is possible if I put my budget just below RM3000 but I want to have streaming, local media play back and a little bit more if I wanted to have CD player to be added to the mix. Well hifi system can be very simple as one amplifier with one pair of speaker and you are done basically. In the old days, usually be CD player or cassette or even a minidisc player. In more recent times of course digital media is kind of the main stream. Keep that in mind, I just wanted something very simple and affordable which I can just set it up to listen in my living room area. It can be family entertainment and as well as for guest coming to visit.

Now to be realistic with limited budget , it is quite obvious to look into the used market. After all, used hifi gear does have quite many variety to offer. Since this is going to be in the living room area I will pick something not too space consuming. So for speaker, the ideal choice is a bookshelf speaker. It's quite a bit of searching for something that I like and need to be low cost. After some months of going through the search, I came upon a nice pair of Monitor Audio Gold 7. This speaker is the top bookshelf back for its days back in the 90's. Definitely is a very old pair of speaker. The speaker is discontinued back in 2009. I like this speaker very much for the high which makes vocal in music very prominent and not ear piercing at the same time. Well being a bookshelf although the lower end is not comparable to floor stander but it does it very well. The condition of speaker is really good given the years this speaker has seen. I got a good offer this pair for RM600. Quite a fair price to pay.

After picking up this pair of speaker , than the next important part is the amplifier. What should be a good amplifier for it. Being a British speaker is also means is quite the warm sounding speaker. Of course the gold metal tweeter is a bit more forwarding. Probably I am thinking of some British amp probably or even Japanese amp which is more neutral. The selection for me is, I wanted an amplifier that has everything in it with DAC, USB, Coaxial, Optical, RCA. Most old school amp will be rule out for sure. Have to be something a little into the millennium to fit the bill. Most newer generation amp with all build in doesn't come cheap and also not many choices as well to fit the budget. After some long searching, decided to get this little amplifier. The Sony UDA-1  USB DAC amplifier. This unit was launch in 2013 and is discontinued back in 2018. This is a shoebox size amplifier. Is has 2 USB input, one in front and one at the back. The DAC can support up to DSD128 and support hi-res as well up to 192khz. The back it has another USB, with coaxial, optical and 1 pair of RCA input. There is also a pair of RCA output as well. The standard speaker binding post can be use with bi-wire or banana plugs. It has a credit card size remote as well which is pretty cool. This little cost me RM1300.

Now the final piece will be the speaker cable. I am keeping in mind that the speaker is kind of forwarding with the metal tweeter and now with the Sony amplifier it will be on the neutral side. I was thinking a little bit of mix in the cable with copper and silver should be nice. I found this used unit of DH Labs T-14 speaker cable. It is copper cable with silver coating to it. I have this similar cable for my home theater setup which I really like the vocal the cable produce which is clear and sharp. The cable is 2.5 meter pair and it cost RM500 for this pair. Is probably quite a bit of spending here. 

With amplifier and the speaker, I can simply hook up a laptop or even my Ipad / Iphone to the USB and I am ready to play some music. The good thing is it can support hi-res which is good for me as I am using Apple Music which recently have launch the hi-res audio. The total cost of all 3 components cost RM2400. Pretty much it is ready to rock and roll. To make things a little more , I have added into the mix a Asus Tinker board S (Single Board Computer) install with Volumio player as a media player which I can use for streaming spotify, apple air play or even listening to internet radio. This little unit cost less than RM500 which will bring my total cost to RM2900. 

Overall, I am very happy with this setup. It fulfilled all I wanted to get it for listening to music with different sources. Probably I can add in CD player in the future. For now it is covering all that is needed. The overall sound quality is pretty awesome. A short recording of the sound. Recording

Bryston B-135 SST2 Integrated Amp Is Now Here!

Bryston B-135 SST2 integrated amp front.

Rear view of the Bryston B-135 SST2. My only gripe? No balanced or XLR inputs!

No amplifier manufacturer wants to be caught without a high end integrated amp in their line up these days, and Bryston is catching up. With today's homes being more compact, most urban folks have learned to do more with less. That's why the high quality integrated amps such as Bryston B-135 SST2, which is rated at 135 watts @ 8 ohms and 180 watts @ 4 ohms load, seems like a good solution to saving space while offering optimum sound quality of audiophile grade.

I had the opportunity to sample the B-135 SST2 powering a pair of PMC PB1i loudspeakers and came away impressed with the degree of bass control and definition in the sound. Fed by Bryston's very own BDP-1 digital media player and BDA-1 DAC combo, with all Wywire cabling, the sound was not only well controlled, but possessed a degree of transparency and rhythmic sure footedness rarely found on lesser integrated amps. Fact is the PMC PB1i loudspeakers are not exactly the easiest to drive, let alone for an integrated to exert control over, which is credit to Bryston for the new found SST2 circuitry and new short signal path pre-amp, which based on the latest SP-3 AV processor's design.

The said system is now on demo at AV Designs showroom, located at Rohas Perkasa in KL.

Please contact James or Tony at 03-21712828 for enquiries or demo appointment.

Bionic-R? Rega Brio-R Integrated Amp.

The Rega Brio-R integrated amp.

For the last 2 months, I've been doing the Rega R series of shoebox budget components. This is the last item of the highly successful series, the Rega Brio-R integrated amp, rated at 50W in to 8 ohms load. Don't be fooled by it's lowly output watt rating, or it's seemingly affordable price of RM$2,621.00/unit, and over look it when power shopping for a starter, second/bedroom, or even down grading in to a retirement music system. This entry level priced amp is rather capable for what it's designed to do.

The Brio-R does look and feel reassuringly solid in build quality and it even comes with a simple and handy remote, which manages to avoid looking cheesy in any way. The whole package just feels well designed, and will likely last many years in service, if well looked after. The front face plate has only two buttons and a largish volume knob. The button on the left is to power ON/OFF and the REGA logo glows red once power is turned on. The middle button is for source selection and the volume knob is on the right. There are no multi function switches to confuse potential users here, just plain functional and no nonsense design. The Brio-R's powder coated metal case is of the same size as the matching Apollo-R CD player used here as it's natural partner.      

I begin to wonder, what's it like to down grade my hifi, if the day comes that I no longer have the means and resources to pursue this increasingly expensive high end audio hobby? I used the Rega Apollo-R  and Brio-R duo to replace my full stack of Bryston and Pass Labs electronics and try to find out if I can still enjoy my music in a simplified, down graded hifi system?

The simplified Rega system, Brio-R(left) with matching Apollo-R CD player for partner.

As usual, I also used my pair of PMC Fact 8 speakers in this review, forming an un naturally speaker heavy biased system in this review, which is usually not the advisable case. The Fact 8s are super revealing speakers and will the Rega duo pass the sonic muster?

As I proceeded to hook up the system, I found that the IEC power receptor in the Brio-R's back panel to be located too close for comfort with the speaker binding post, which rules out the use of chunky speaker cables attached with spade connectors(a.k.a. my Siltech Classic Anniversary). I know Rega's or more accurately, Roy Gandy's touchy feelings for audio cables, so would not elaborate more on the matter. The RCA input/output side of things fare no better for space, which is tight, but still work able for the Chord Crimson Plus that's being put in to service. As for loud speaker cable, I had a spare pair of Ortofon SP-200, terminated with banana plugs lying around which really is suited for the job. The Rega duo sit on top of a dedicated audio stand with glass top resting on leveling spikes(a diy Mana clone if you will).

The supplied remote is a simple and functional affair, but just avoids looking cheap & cheesy. Well done Rega!

The sound of this Rega/PMC combo is robust and energetic. I believe this is partly due to the PMC speakers presenting a light 8 ohm load to the Brio-R amp. The treble response seemed a little rolled off, but still some what liquid in it's presentation. The high mids are slightly emphasized, pushing the vocals a bit more forward in to the room, with immediacy at lower or normal play back volumes. Simple girl guitar tracks are wonderfully reproduced by this set up. The bass is reassuringly solid and tuneful, but lacking somewhat in the lower end grip and extension. In essence, the tonal quality of this amp is neutral if, a little grayish in the back ground. Not bad for a budget amp so far.

The sound staging elements are all there, if a little flatter in depth compared to my multi box, many times more expensive reference system. For some strange reason, I also found that I only have a very limited use able volume range, as if I turn the volume knob above 11 o'clock setting, the slightly forward high mids becomes slightly pitchy and at times, ear pinching even. On the flip side, I know there many happy Maggie Mini users using this Brio-R amp as a partner without suffering the same experience. Could it be that the Rega Brio-R thrives with a bit of a though speaker loading?

Real estate is tight in the back panel.

The simplified Rega/PMC combo made for a system that is music genre unfussy and will allow the music lover to enjoy his/her music if the audiophile performance is not of paramount concern. There is no pretension here about been the super detailed and analytical hifi beast so prized by the audiophile community. It just simply presents music in the most unadulterated way possible for those with either space, or budget(perhaps even both?) limits.  Nevertheless I still found music some what enjoyable, if less technically accomplished sounding.

More so, when all the necessary connections are wired up. Note the almost touching IEC power plug and the speaker terminals! No chunky high end spade terminated speaker cables will be accommodated here, neither will chunky audio jewelry RCA design plugs!

For the money, it's hard to get made in UK quality these days, and Rega should be applauded for not being seduced by higher profits going the way of the MIC(Made In China). Let's be honest here, I find no shame in MIC goods at all, because they actually can produce some very good products under OEM arrangements. However, nothing beats proudly made in the country of design origin. Since we are talking about perceived values here, I shall state that the Rega Brio-R amplifier is no giant slayer like the Apollo-R CD player, but there are elements of musicality at work here, that should warrant it's consideration, if one is the market for some budget "hifi work horse".

Rega is sold by Asia Sound Equipment, contact Eddie Tan at 03-79552091.

Best Amplifiers 2010.

Amplifiers did not change as much like digital sources in year 2010, most still worked in analog domain and the so called class D assault in to high end audio dom' seemingly lost momentum, if only for a while. In the mean time, tubes never really went away and the return of the VTL brand to our shores is a warm welcome indeed, musically speaking of course! Mean while, integrated amps continues to trend further up market.
Ayre MX-R mono blocks are the best sounding amps this year without a doubt!

The Ayre MX-R is surely the most deserved winner this year in the best amplifier category this year. Nothing came close to it's sonic charms of supreme refinement, un-coloured mid range beauty and beautifully balanced all round capabilities. It's only slightly weak on the dynamics side when powering too demanding a speaker load. It's jewel like finished clamp shell case design, milled from a piece of solid aluminium ingot is a sight to behold, as should be for an ultra high end product.


This VTL tube combo offers tubey sonics charms with the slam bang of modern amps! One can have it all, nearly.

Taking the runner up position this year is the VTL TL 2.5 pre & MB 125 tube power combo here. The beguiling tonal qualities of tubes aside, it portrays a huge dimensional sound stage with spatial cues highly apparent, plus no shortage of dynamics slam bang, despite it's modestly rated power output! What more can an audiophile or music lover want?
The Usher Reference 2.5s is a work horse amplifier that will drive and drive any speaker load!

The Usher Reference 2.5s power amp is the epitome of frugal(cost only RM$13k) muscle power amp. It clearly reminded me of the vintage Krell KSA series muscle amps of yester years, with it's un break able power to drive any speaker load, yet does it with a healthy dose of the transparency, and low noise floor of today's power amp technology. It's a no brainer if one wants to rock the neighbour hood or just plain feeding juice thirsty speaker loads!

The Coda CSI B is a balanced one box beast.

The Coda CSI B integrated amp combines huge class A/B power/current on tap and convenience in to one box solution. It's surprisingly neutral and transparent sounding, yet offers some of the lowest noise floor in amplifier design today. It's not cheap at RM$21k, but still worth a special mention here.

De Tonemeister, ATC SIA2-150 Integrated Amplifier.

The ATC SIA2-150 integrated amp is all UK made, and feels built to last forever.

I find it rather unfortunate, that I have to use a German term, to describe a very English product. However, that is exactly how I felt after giving the ATC SIA2-150 integrated amplifier a spin. Kenny of Hi-Way Laser, the local distributor of ATC tells me that the amplifier range is still all England made, unlike some of their economically priced speaker models. ATC speakers have a reputation of requiring a lot of quality watts to sound great, and this amplifier is designed to drive such speakers. My PMC Fact 8's load factor is a stroll in the park for this ATC amp.

I first came across the description of a Tonemeister, from the CD inlays of Deutsche Grammophon recordings. The Tonemeister's job, is to ensure the accuracy of tonal quality is reproduced on the final mix process just before the CD stamper making stage, as he heard it during the recording session.

The ATC SIA2-150 integrated amp is a beefy design, weighing in at 26kgs! The bulk of the weight is located just aft off the aluminium front panel, where a huge power supply transformer is located. This amp certainly looks like it's built to last, based on the reputation of ATC's pro-market roots. All switches operate with an re-assuring solid "click" and all sockets are of high quality and setting up the amp is a cinch. I must say that I did find all the black plastic vertical lines decorating the front panel quite un-necessary, serving only to clutter up what is otherwise a relative clean(or perhaps plain) looking face. As it's model no.SIA2-150 would suggest, this amp puts out 150W x 2 chanel at 8 ohms. I also some how suspect this amp is probably happier driving 4 ohms speaker loads, of which my PMC isn't.

The model no. says it all!

The ATC amp takes unbalanced RCA signal from my Marantz CD 7 player via a pair of DIY-ed interconnects, whose cable stock originated from Belden(another pro-market application fav). My usual Siltech Classic Anniversary 330-L pair of speaker cables connects the ATC to my PMC Fact 8 loud speakers. A big red JPS In-Wall power cord completes the complimentary of cable line up in use for the ATC amp. A rear power switch puts the amp on standby mode and from there on all the front panel functions are duplicated on a sheepishly cheap looking, if functional in use remote made of grey plastic.

The first thing that struck me about the sound of this ATC amp is that mid centric beautiful tonal quality. The highs are smooth and laid back, complete with subtlety. The warm, rich mid range gives vocals an excellent sense of presence and body. Bass is relatively tight, if a little lite. There are no lumpy, or fat, unwieldy bass lines to complain about here either. I did find the kick drums, like the high hats and cymbals sounding a little more distant(or laid back) than usual. I suspect this ATC amp running on some sort of high bias class A/B topology, which contributes to the rich, warm tonal palette. The heat sink ventilation slots on both sides of the top panel, and the whole amplifier casing runs rather hot, after a long musical work out session, so make sure to place this amp with good air flow in mind.
The ATC SIA2-150 allows RCA inputs only. The speaker terminals are silver coated and very grippy! I found the roundish ventilation slots on the top panel making the styling a little more fuzzy than it needs to be, just like the front panel black vertical plastic stripes.

The ATC amp is capable of giving good sound staging and imaging properties, even if the separation of musical instruments at the back end of the stage are less then convincing. It's transparency factor, frequency extension at the extremes and dynamic contrast factor is competitive for a component with high end aspirations in the sub $20k price range. Noise floor is rather low too, which is good. I also like the fact that the ATC amp exerts total control over the cone driver movements of the PMC Fact 8 speakers. I've rarely seen such tightly regulated cone movements on the PMC speakers, which I could attribute to perhaps, the excellent damping factor of the amplifier.

The beauty of this ATC amplifier, lies not so much on each of the individual hifi parameter of averaged qualities mentioned above, but rather, how it's all summed up in the final presentation. Aside from the beautiful tonal quality, there is utter coherence from the sound that is seemingly cut from the same cloth, making it easy to appreciate the music. It's poise and musical balance is never in doubt.
The headphone socket is at the back panel, an odd choice of place. The ATC amp has 5 inputs, a pre out and a sub out, plus a record out RCA socket in pairs.

There was a time when made in UK integrated amps from the era of Audiolab 8000A, Mission Cyrus 2 and the original Exposure Classic Series used to cost no more than RM$5k in the 1990's hey days of British hifi. General inflation and escalating hifi prices in the last few years have pushed the price tag of all the above mentioned products(of which none are now UK made) markedly up wards and this ATC SIA2-150 integrated amp does not escape that cruel reality as it retails for RM$17k today.

In fact, I felt this amp pretty much follows the sonic path laid by the above mentioned classic British designs, but executed in today's modern interpretation which results in a much more refined, authoritative and powerful sounding product. A British amp designer used to say that "the mid range is key to musicality, once you get the mid range right, everything else will fall in to place!" I think that kinda sums up the ATC SIA2-150 very nicely.

ATC amps and loud speakers are sold by Hi-Way Laser, contact Kenny at 019-2813399.

Magico Q5 Speakers And Devialet Digital Amplifiers. Now On Demo In Audio Image.

The Magico Q5 speakers are stunning indeed. A must listen!
Audio Image is revitalising their high end audio product lines. The absolutely gorgeous and rich tonality of the Magico Q5 speakers powered by Soulution electronics must be heard if one appreciates good sound.
Devialet amplifier represents the latest thinking in digital amplification topology.

While you're there, you can also marvel at the latest digital amplifier topology design, courtesy Devialet Amplifiers. This French made and designed amplifier is certainly avant garde looking. It's designed to be hanged as the center piece on your wall decor. An RF(radio frequency) remote is provided for whole house signal reception. As this is an integrated amp, all you need is source and a pair of high quality speakers. The amp is rated for 50W RMS out put.
The Artemis SA-1 turn table set up is special. Too bad the demo set is sold.
Adrian also had the latest Frank Schroeder designed Artemis SA-1 tun table on demo too fitted with a tone arm bearing the same desginer's name and an Air Tight PC-1 cartridge last week, but is now sold. If interested, please enquire at 03-79563077.

An Affordable Audio Note System. Now On Demo In Absolute AV Gallery.

Audio Note CD Zero.

"Affordability" is a relative term. Our regular readers will know by now, my skewed(or is it the high end audio's?) sense of the said term. Well if you must, then add Audio Note UK to that insane list! Here's their entry level system and "affordable", by Mr Peter Qvortrup's standards, may I introduce the Audio Note Zero series of components. Now on demo in Absolute AV Gallery in Amcorp Mall.

The CD Zero integrated CD player is made up of a Philips VAM1202 transport, the ubiquitous non-over sampling TDA1543 DAC chip set, and a 6111WA based tube output section.
Audio Note I Zero integrated amp.

The tube based(what else do you expect from Audio Note?) I Zero integrated amplifier is an 8W design using ECL82 triode/pentode operating in class A/B mode.

Audio Note AZ Two speakers, front and back view. Interesting design that deserves to be heard.

Rounding up the demo system is a pair of AZ Two high efficiency speakers. The 93db sensitivity speaker design is based on an 8 inch driver and tweeter pairing, operating inside what seems like a semi OB(Open Baffle) and transmission line combo box.

How much does this afford able system cost any way? If you have to ask, according to Ong, the whole system on demo cost a little over RM$20k, excluding cables.

Best to call Absolute AV Gallery, Ong at 012-3210488 for an audition appointment, to avoid disappointment.

The Musical Coda. Coda CSI B Integrated Amp.

Coda CSI B integrated amplifier.

Coda Technologies is a company that's been around discreetly for a long time now. It's run by some of Nelson Pass ex-colleagues from the glorious Threshold days. Coda's presence on these shores have being spotty in the past and has recently made another attempt to re-establish a position in Malaysia's high end audio scene, made possible by Audio Impression.

The first product to arrive is the Coda CSI B(Balanced) Integrated amplifier. This hunk of an amp boast 330W output @ 8 ohms and 600W @ 4 ohms speaker load. If one has a pair of Magnaplanar 1.6 QR for speakers, which are notoriously difficult to drive, this could well be your ticket to audio bliss, based on what I heard in the Audio Impression showroom, where this amp is mated to a pair of Eminent Technologies LFT 8 panel/cone hybrid speaker is any thing to go by.
Again, the Coda sits nicely on my amp rack. Note the acoustically de-coupled feet for isolation purposes.

This amplifier is very well built, but without extravagant finishing. Everything is form follows function and sensibility of use. A few nice points to note on the external side of things is the acoustically de-coupling feet on each bottom corner. The WBT style speaker cable binding post offers excellent contacts, safety and ease of use. On the inside, the amplifier benefits from mill spec PCB boards, over sized 2KVA toroidal transformer and 80,000uF Black Gate storage/filter caps for power supply section. Audiophile grade resistors and capacitors are used thru out the audio signal path. A programmable remote control rounds up the convenience package, which was unfortunately, not supplied for this review.
The Coda allows individual input level adjust. I found that having the input levels set to full at 99 setting gave a slightly harsh sound. Setting the input levels to 90 will reward with balanced and dynamic sonics, which is what this review is based on. Your system may respond differently then mine. Do explore this setting with care.

I initially found the front panel navigation a little confusing, but a few referrals to the very clearly written manual and with added familiarity along the review period, I eventually got the hang of it. The main power ON/OFF switch is located in the back panel, and the amplifier is put in to "standby"mode once this is switched ON. Next, press the button labeled "power" on the front panel and the "bias on" LED lights up, indicating amplifier is now really ON and ready to sing. My Marantz CD 7 is the balanced source used, and the amplifier outputs it's juices via my resident PMC Fact 8 pair of speakers.
The rather busy back end. Note the excellent speaker cable terminals. Inputs on the right and pre outs on the left. Note this amp allows a pair of stereo sub woofer out, which the levels can be adjusted from the front panel. Cool feature for those who can't live without a sub woofer or two in his musical pleasures!

From the very first tune played, I found myself admiring this integrated amp's transparency factor. For a pre amp section design utilising the famous BB2310 volume control chip in balanced dual mono pair configuration, I must quantify that it is certainly the most transparent sounding implementation, compared to the utilization of the said BB chips in other pre amp designs, including one of my own DIY pre amp projects. However, when compared to other pre amp sections using methods of more sophisticated volume control, the Coda is still somewhat a little short, compared the very best high end examples that I've heard.

As with most current solid state high end class A/B biased design, the CSI B is incredibly quiet with virtually no noise, just dead silence. The tonal balance is well judged and strictly neutral, in keeping with today's high end amplifier design trend. The top end, is smooth, grain free and generally tidy if not the most extended. The mids are un coloured and will present vocals in a very clean and sibilant free manner. The bass is again not the most extended, but what ever low notes reproduced, is clean and free from note to note smearing. The Coda build quality, note the over sized 2 KVA toroidal transformer, top PCB(dark blue) is the pre amp section where a pair of BB2310 volume chip is mounted. Just below that is the power supply PCB(lighter blue colour), note the bridge rectifiers and the big bad Black Gate storage/filter caps mounted in reverse. Lastly, look at all those transistors attached to the heat sink on the side, that's the power amp section!

The sound stage reproduced as wide and as deep as my usual system will do, only with some what less hall ambient when playing "live" recordings. I did however felt that the Coda did anchor images within the sound stage more effectively than my usual Pass Labs pre/power combo. Unlike the Pass combo, the Coda does not introduce any sort of bloom, or colouration to enhance the musical interpretation, rather it allows the music speaks for it self. If I may further the theme a bit, I did felt like as if the Pass combo effectively make over the musical presentation for more perceived beauty, where else the Coda confidently allows the music's true self to show without make up, no matter how plain Jane it may appear to be.
The programmable remote, which was not supplied for the review.

In summary, I would put the Coda CSI B integrated amplifier as an over achiever within the context of it's price/product category. It's the sort of 80/20 philosophy product that so many companies touts, but never truly suceeds. Why would I say that? Here's why, retailing for RM$21K, this amp comes very close to offering nearly 80% the performance of some very much more expensive pre/power combos out there in the market(including those that we have wrote much about recently). So unless one is looking for the ultimate sound experience with no regard to cost, here's an alternative that offers so much sound performance in the package and convenience of an integrated amp.

If the price is no chump change, I think very few integrated or pre/power combo amplifiers would rival the sensible performance to value ratio offered by this Coda. This amp will drive most loud speakers loads in the market nicely, although I would hazard a guess that, it'll sonically mate superbly with warmer sounding speakers, like a pair of Sonus Faber Grand Piano, Vienna Acoustics Beethoven, ATC SCM 40 and perhaps even the earlier mentioned Magnaplanars or Eminent Technologies LFT-8B. Lastly, Coda offers 10 years product warranty which I believe, is the second longest effective period in the industry, after Bryston's 20 years warranty on their non digital products.

Coda Technologies product is sold by Audio Impression, contact Roy, tel: 012-3890333

Coda & Eminent Technology Shows Up.

Coda CSI B integrated amp. Look out for it's first Malaysian review here soon.

Coda Technologies has re-appeared in the Malaysian high end audio scene, courtesy of Audio Impression. Roy Wong, boss of the establishment located in the Summit USJ recalls one of very his own Coda amps in the late 80's. They gave great sound, reliable, and best of all, excellent value. Therefore, when offered the chance to represent Coda Technologies here, he confidently step up. The first product that Roy had brought in is the CSI B integrated amp. This 300w @ 8 ohms rated amp doubles up it's output in to 4 ohms! I have been given the honour to review this great product.
Eminent Technologies LFT-8, hybrid planar/woofer design.

Along with the Coda amp, came Eminent Technologies hybrid panel/woofer loud speakers. The first model in is the LFT-8. When I heard the Coda/Eminent combo, fed by a capable source like a Krell CD player, I thought this is pretty good too. When I heard that the Eminent speakers retailed for just slightly below RM$12k a pair, my jaw dropped! This is seriously good sound for the money.
Back view of the LFT-8, note the sloping rear box design for non-symmetrical panel surface to aid woofer back wave dispersion.

However, going thru the spec on the Eminent Technologies www, I realised this pair of speakers are pretty taxing on amplification. The fact that an integrated like the Coda CSI B can power it to satisfactory levels of performance and volume, says a lot about the amplifier design.
The LFT-8 allows bi-amping. Plenty of up grade options to shape the sound of your system, I am thinking tube power for the mid/tweeter input and Krell power for woofer input, for heart melting tonality and superior bass control. Hmmm.............

When in Summit USJ, do pay Audio Impression a visit, even if it's just to browse. Roy and David are very, very friendly and enthusiastic fellas.

Contact Roy for an appointment at 012-3890333

Strange Love! Audio Physic Spark and Bewitch KT88.

The Audio Physic Spark is no longer available. It has been since superseded by the Sitara, which is unfortunately, not brought in to Malaysia by the local distributor.
For the past week or so, a friend has been raving about the Audio Physic & Bewitch partnership he had heard, and hoped to emulate the very same qualities in his musical system.

Today, we've experienced the very unlikely combo that worked like a dream! My resident Audio Physic Spark was matched with a tube amp, a Bewitch KT88 integrated. This combo, played in my audio cave, sourced by my Marantz CD7(all connected with silver RCA interconnects and speaker cables by Prometheus Audio) resulted in great bass control, emotive vocal rendering, and excellent harmonic and timbre colours reproduction of string instruments like violin, piano and even acoustic guitar. Highs were smooth and airy, as it should with tube power.

The beer budget Bewitch KT88, is China made I believe, but boy...., did it sound like a million bucks when partnered with the AP Spark above!

The really unexpected thing was that when the 90db @ 4 ohms rated Spark was connect to the 8 ohms speaker output tab of the Bewitch, the sound mellowed and it was a musical experience bathed in goose bumps moments. I've never heard the Audio Physic Spark sang with such a gorgeously warm touching tone.

Just hoping to share with our readers an experience of very unlikely strange bed fellows that can sound like magic.