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.

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.

Experiencing the Designer’s System – Frank AB2 Tower Sub

 Posted by Tan

It’s rare to have a chance to listen to a HiFi designer’s own system, but if one ever comes along, we should seize it, as it offers us an insight into the designer’s personal listening preference and, not least, how far the designer’s own product could be pushed.

So when Frank Voon, the owner and designer of Frank Acoustics invited me to listen to his system in his new home, I jumped at it. Frank’s system was set up in a dedicated rectangular listening room, with the main focus on his Frank AB2 Tower Sub.

The Frank AB-2 is essentially a passive subwoofer in tower form, mated to a bookshelf loudspeaker of your choice. There is a 'cutout' in the middle of the tower to accommodate the bookshelf speakers (you can get more information on the Frank AB2 Tower Sub here and here).

Frank’s system was straightforward, consisting of a TEAC streamer, a Marantz disc player, a preamp and a power amp. Of course, he also had a few Frank Powerbanks installed, though they were placed close to the distribution box rather than in the listening room. From the photos, you can see that getting the room acoustic right was also important to him, thus the absorbers and diffusers that were placed at various strategic positions.

The loudspeakers were placed well apart from each other and well into the room, slightly more than halfway of the room’s length. This created one of the most memorable characteristics of this system, which was its soundstage. The soundstage was detached from the loudspeakers, wide and deep (with more sensation of depth). Centre imaging and solo voices were placed far into the stage with their positions almost right at the front wall, and the ambient details extending beyond the front and side walls. This would be an uncanny sensation for those who are unfamiliar with such an experience, especially among the non-audiophiles.

Image focus was well defined, and imaging was well delineated, and with excellent depth perception, layering was very well done too. The sound was not voluptuous or fat despite the bass and volume capabilities of the towers.

Overall, the music delivery was, well, musical, with a grain-free treble region and an articulate midrange. It could do sultry vocal and dynamic attack. The bottom end created a solid foundation for the rest of the spectrum to play on. I appreciated this balanced approach Frank applied to his system, avoiding the temptation to boosting the bottom end just to showcase the AB-2’s bass prowess.

The power amp Frank made for his own use. Unfortunately, Frank has no plan to commercialize it yet.

Indeed, I believe these Frank AB-2 bass towers could extend the performance envelope of any bookshelf loudspeakers they are paired with (you can also request for Frank’s custom made bookshelf speakers to mate with the AB-2, which was how I heard them during this visit). If you want floorstander performance but loath to give up your favourite bookshelf speakers, consider the novel Frank AB-2 Sub Tower perhaps. You may be pleasantly surprised!

Contact Frank Voon for enquiries, +60122981011.

TAD-C700 Pre-amp and TAD-GE1 loudspeaker Launch Event at AV Designs

Posted by Tan

AV Designs recently held an event to introduce two latest products from TAD (Technical Audio Devices), the TAD-C700 preamp and the TAD-GE1 loudspeakers. 

The TAD-C700 is TAD's top-dog pre-amp from its no-holds barred Reference Series. Just like the TAD-C600 pre-amp that it replaces, the TAD-C700 is a two-box preamp, with a substantial outboard power supply and a main body for the control and amplification functions. The TAD-C700 list price is RM209,000.

Glossy, silky smooth finishes on the TAD-GE1

The front firing bass reflex port is located at the bottom of the loudspeaker

The TAD-GE1 loudspeakers, on the other hand, comes from TAD's Evolution Series, which has now grown to be a 5-louspeaker-model line-up. The TAD-GE1 floorstander is the top model, its enclosure design is stunning - refined and an instant classic with its impeccably finished glossy wood grain surface, photos don't do them justice. Compared to the more massive and squat stance of the Reference Series speakers, I believe the TAD-GE1 (and all the loudspeakers in the Evolution Series for that matter) would be much more friendly in the domestic setting, with its high-end-furniture like finish, slimmer profile and smaller footprint. The list price of the TAD-GE1 is RM194,500/pair. 

As I listened to a complete set-up without A/B comparison with other components, it was not possible for me to isolate the sound of each component. However, what I heard from the TAD-GE1 was cut from the same cloth, sharing the same traits with TAD's top reference the TAD-R1TX loudspeakers. The sound was transparent with a lot of well resolved details. Dynamics were excellent, music was fast and impactful when it is called for. The TAD-GE1 also conjured up a soundstage that easily filled up the very big space in the showroom. Bass was the best I heard from all the Evolution Series models, being deep and well defined.  

In fact, if I may say so, all of the loudspeakers from TAD that I ever heard (which includes the R1, CR1, GE1, E1, and the ME1) carry the same house sound and core characteristics, the differences are a matter of degree in terms of the performance envelope - you just get more as you move up the ladder and you'd never get disappointed even as you move downwards. These TAD loudspeakers would always satiate your musical appetite. 

Credit, of course, must be given to the TAD-C700 preamp and the TAD-M700s power amp, which exhibited a fine grip on the proceedings - being of the proverbial iron-fist-in-a-velvet-glove type. I can't vouch how much improvement there was moving from the prior generation to the current as I never heard them side-by-side, but someone who had heard a TAD-C600 before told me that the new preamp sounded much more open and more resolved. 

The team at AV Designs

The TAD stack will be on demo in AV Designs showroom, give them a call at 03-6241 1237 to arrange a listening session. 

Listening to the Imposing Frank AB-2 Tower Sub Loudspeakers

Posted by Tan 

Our very own Malaysian hifi maven Frankie Voon, the head honcho of the Frank Acoustics outfit, rolled out his Frank AB-2 Tower Sub loudspeaker system in late 2020. I have always wanted to have a listen to these loudspeakers personally, but due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation then, I never had such an opportunity. Until recently that is. 

The owner of a Frank AB-2 Tower Sub installation invited a few of us for a visit to his home for a live listening session of his system. Finally my years-long wait was fulfilled.

When I first came across the Frank AB-2 Tower Sub system design, I was definitely impressed by its versatility. It is a pair of tower loudspeakers incorporating two 9in Scanspeak woofers per side. The towers are tall, at 6ft 6in (almost 2m), they are taller than any person I know (An audiophile friend of mine likes loudspeakers that are taller than him, these Frank AB-2 towers would surely fit the bill 😜). 

The Frank AB-2 has a built-in cavity at its mid-section for the owner to place a bookshelf loudspeaker of his choice (as seen in the photo above) to cover the mid and high frequencies. Frank Acoustics can also supply you with a pair of their monitors if you so preferred. 

A built in crossover routes the bass part of the audio signal to the woofers, and the mid and high to the bookshelf loudspeaker. You can also choose to run the bookshelf loudspeakers full range, i.e., not have the AB-2 crossover filtering out the bass frequencies to the bookshelf speakers, in which case the AB-2 would be adding bass on top of the bookshelf speakers to augment and extend their bass performance. There is also an ambiance tweeter at the back of the tower to convey the air in the recordings.   

The Frank AB-2 Tower Sub's height and size gives it an imposing presence in any mid to even large size listening room.  I bet any visitor would be mighty impressed seeing them in your listening room, I know they did that to me during my visit. 

"Wow, this is a big sound." that was the first thought that popped into my head at my first listen. Yes indeed, like its imposing stature, this Frank AB-2 based system conjured up a big sound, with a soundstage that covered wall to wall. I was surprised that having the mid and highs handled by a pair of bookshelf speakers but the bass played through the bass towers, it seemed to have freed up the sound tremendously. This loudspeaker system could play a volume level that would definitely stress almost all if not all bookshelf loudspeakers. This system also sounded dynamic, speed and attack were handled with aplomb. It was an exciting listen on drum and electronic music with lots of bass line. 

On the other hand, this system also showed a saturated and vivid tonal color, rather than the somewhat bleached tonality that plagued some modern HiFi equipment. Vocal, may it be male or female, was served very well. 

I believe the overall sound of a Frank AB-2 based system would be influenced by the bookshelf loudspeakers you choose to pair with the Frank AB-2, therein lies the versality of this design. You can retain the use of your favorite bookshelf speakers by incorporating them into the Frank AB-2. 

I am sure the Frank AB-2 Tower Sub approach would give you an excellent upgrade path if you are a bookshelf speaker user. Given how hifi equipment is priced nowadays, this is definitely a bang-for-the-buck upgrade too.

Interested to know more about the Frank AB-2 Tower Sub loudspeakers? Click this link to the Frank Acoustic website to get more design details, pricing and contact info -> click here.

TAD Technical Audio Devices and Innuos Launch Event at AV Designs

Posted by Tan 

AV Designs recently held a launch event for new products from TAD and Innuos.

For TAD, the primary focus was on its flagship loudspeaker, the TAD-R1TX, which was the first pair AV Designs brought into Malaysia. The TAD flagship loudspeakers are now in their third iteration, from the first-generation TAD-R1 to TAD-R1mk2 and now the TAD-R1TX. The TAD-R1TX largely retained the key design features of the series, being a 3-way design using a concentric mid-tweeter driver made of Beryllium and dual 10-in woofers, but also went through internal design improvements and subtle changes to its look.

The woodwork of the TAD-R1TX enclosure, which feels luxurious and looks excellent even on very close inspection, is now a collaboration with Tendo Mokko, a renown Japanese furniture maker, who on its website says that “when we at Tendo consider excellence in furniture, we imagine family assets original owners can hand down to the next generation. Tendo delivers furniture that parents will want to pass on to their children, who will in turn leave it to their own children”. So now TAD loudspeakers can also be considered heirloom.

In the case of Innuos, a digital music server and streamer brand from Portugal that AV Designs took on as distributor, we saw the introduction of its top-of-the-line Statement music server. AV Designs also put some of its entry level models on display. The Statement is a beautifully made 2-piece machine, consisting of the streaming electronics in one chassis and the power supply in another. The Statement is idiosyncratic as it is an all-USB affair, it does not provide RCA or XLR input or output.

The supporting cast of the demo system was no less impressive. It consisted of the TAD-D1000TX DAC, TAD-D700 CDP, TAD-C600 pre amp and TAD-M700S power amp, wired throughout with Wywires Diamond series cables. The TAD-M700s power amplifier was perched on a massive hifi stand from made by Bassocontinuo of Italy, called Gargantua. I believe we’ll hear more about the Bassocontinuo line when the full range arrived in the near future.

Joki leading the attendees through the varied music selection in the demo session

This listening session confirmed with no doubt for me that moving up TAD’s product hierarchy consistently brought added sonic improvements. You can name any hifi performance parameter, such as details and resolution, frequency extension, dynamic range, soundstage size, loudness capability etc. the higher in the range you go, the more you’ll get. The performance envelope simply expands in all directions.

At the end of the listening session that saw music of multiple genres played, I was left with one simple word in my head. That word was ‘COMPLETE’. The music I heard from this system did not require my brain to have to work to fill in any blanks, nor the sound I heard needed me to, consciously or subconsciously, interpret as to what it is. I enjoyed the musical presentation tremendously at the same time. This was a realization that I hardly ever had in any listening session with any other systems in the past. Absolutely impressive!

Innuos Pulse and Zen Series on display

TAD Evolution Series on display

Sharing a couple of video clips from the demo session (videos taken on an iPhone SE):

Nicki Parrott's "Fever" 

Jeff Beck's "Space for The Papa"

Call AV Designs James Tan at +603 62411237 to arrange a listening session.