Shenzhen Audio Show II

Letter from Shenzhen (23-5): SIAV Audio Show, Part II

For Part I and Part III, roll up or down or click link.

Note: Coverage of the show follows no particular logic: Very good is Green; Good is Yellow; and Average is Red. Believe me, I'm very lenient! More so towards others than myself!

***

Horns Canor LampizatOr Sikora This can be termed the East European Tube Room. Slovakian Canor drove the Polish Horns loudspeaker. Horns is a new company to me, but I’ve heard of the others. Despite my reservation in general about plastic round horns, sound was surprisingly decent, smooth and musical (if you ask me, it sounds better than the similar looking Avantgarde). Looking at the size of the amps, I asked if they employed KT150. The sales took a while to remember and replied yes. Now, the most interesting thing to me was the tube thing on top of the rack. No, it’s not an amp, but it has as many tubes. It is Polish LampizatOr DAC! Many readers will be familiar with the name. Writing this article, I researched that this was the flagship Horizon DAC, selling in North America for USD 49,000. Wow, do you spend this kind of money by clicking buy and checking out your cart? Surely, though, it has contributed to the good sound. As I don’t see a CDP (rare for this show) I think files were played through Aurender. I didn’t get to hear the handsome Polish Sikora TT. This is one of the rare cases where 2 Poles managed to screw on the light bulb in my head (with assists from neighbors). Well, to clarify, this is a paraphrase on the old “Polish Jokes” that used to be prevalent in the US (haven’t heard them in a long time). Mind you, I love all things Polish (including Kielbasa) and would love to visit the country, especially to visit the sites that are in Kieslowski’s Ten Commandments and Double Life of Veronika.

Perlisten Canor Given my good impressions of the Canor’s, I was a bit surprised that they had failed to warm up the Perlisten. Indeed, as with so many things, this loudspeaker shows up what is wrong with the US (vs the old world above). Probably some would like the “accuracy” and “neutrality” but music should not sound frigid. Worse, there was also some grain on the top, which I’m sure did not come from the Canor’s. I do reckon the choice of an Esoteric CDP (usually kinda cold) is a mistake here. Doing some research, I see the loudspeaker company is into materials like Beryllium and carbon, both of which in my experience usually do more harm than good right (but when done right, as in the use of beryllium in the immortal vintageYamaha NS-1000). I also read that their loudspeakers have complicated crossovers, another minus in my book. So, Perlisten gets a red flag but Canor not responsible!

ATC Playback KR Audio When I walked in, I noticed the Special Edition of the ATC 100, much taller. Unfortunately, it was not playing, rather a smaller pair was on duty (I prefer the early ATCs; I loved my first gen 20). Digital duties were performed by US Playback Designs (which I suspect is defunct, as there is no recent news and their website is down). The Preamp is interesting. KR Audio P135 uses J-FET input, followed by 45 tube buffer and then transformer output. Not cheap (as with anything KR) at Euro 5800 for just a Line Preamp (ss phono board is optional). Amps were ATC’s own. Sound was decent enough, but small speakers don’t usually light my fire (a few exceptions exist, like LS3/5A or this show’s Ensemble Reference).

Tecsun I have long heard of this company because of their LS3/5A clone (model SP80A). The company is the pre-eminent radio manufacturer in China and possibly the world, though for a long time they have developed a full line of digital products and amps. The boss is a fan of the LS3/5A and he later collaborated with loudspeaker manufacturer Ho (何氏) to develop the SP80A. Most HK readers would have heard of Ho, as he had earlier developed a version of the LS3/5A himself. Well, now the loudspeaker line has fleshed out to include the large horn 1501. When I walked in, they were playing their newest SP60A (despite the name, about twice the volume of the SP80A) with their own electronics. This has a titanium dome tweeter seated in a wave guide, and the woofer is paper come with hard-edged corrugated surrounds (I totally approve). Sound was not bad at all. I asked to play the SP80A (front pair on wooden pedestals which are open in the back) and listened for a while until an irritating fellow sat down behind me and leveled all kinds of critical opinions at the manager, who was trying to ignore him. So I couldn’t say I really got an handle on their stuff. So the rating is provisional.

Impeto Boaacoustic This room is dominated by a white pair of the weird Impeto lacquered loudspeakers, driven by Impeto electronics.  Sound was alright. There is a booklet but the only thing I learned is it’s called Warrior-1 and is 8 ohm and 92db in sensitivity. The website only has a front page. The only Impeto products I could find were a few cables on Amazon. Nada, Nothing else. Searching “Impeto” returns a lot of “Impetigo”, a skin disease. Boaacoustic is a German cable brand that is at least honest in admission that high end cables are basically boa constrictors in look as well as sound effect.

KEF D’Agostino Simaudio Finally I got to hear the LS60. When I walked in, the Blade 2 was playing. Sound was decent driven by D’Agostino integrated. Source was Simaudio CDP. When there was no one else, I asked for the LS60, which they fed not by Bluetooth but by coaxial digital cable from the CDP. Sound was in the same vein, though necessarily proportionately smaller in scale. Nonetheless, not bad. I’d have liked to test out the BT (the raison d'etre of this product really), but I didn’t insist. Should have been yellow but I upped it for its simplicity and decency.

Weeput 小沛知音 This product puzzled me. Supposed to be for AV and Karaoke. It is too clumsy in size to be used on a desktop, and the screen is too small to be used on its own. Didn't really evaluate.

legendsound Pylon Falcon Lab legendsound is is the kind of company I detest. Its glossy booklet has "Canada" prominently featured, and it reprints many articles from Chinese press, of course all waxing lyrics. The inner page, like its website, is a joke in terms of English. You must read and you will laugh, Guaranteed! Just one example: "Fantasy CD drive plus DAC is a combination of a separate set." Now, that's jitter and oversampling in language, which I hope does not extend to its somewhat pricey digital products. Tell you what, these companies (registered or not in a western country) are almost certainly run by Chinese. That may not be a problem, but if you are proud of your products, why not show your face or name somewhere? One will not find any details on the owner, sales and designers of these companies. That said, sound with Polish Pylon loudspeakers (black) was not bad. I'd have loved to also hear the Japanese FalconLab (wood). No relationship to UK Falcon Acoustics. Small Italian Atomica bookshelves were also on silent display. So! Red for the cowards legendsound, and yellow for the innocent bystanders.

Ologe Unusual and small multi-national loudspeaker maker Ologe comes with flight case. Sound was pretty good. Equipment used was ad hoc: vintage TT, Lyngdorf, etc. And they were featuring Wonder Audio Labs phonoamp (not played), said to be designed by HK legend William Tam, but I'm sorry to say I don't know who he is! The sales was waxing lyrics, and so I asked him what this WT had designed before and he just could not answer me, but that maybe just his limitation. Maybe someone can educate me. I suddenly recall I have previously seen Ologe in HK shows on display. For the small size, a bonus upgrade from yellow.

Shanling Triangle Veteran Shanling still has a tube-buffered CDP, except it has gone from the first gen's WE2C51/396A/5670 to 12AX7. That brings back memories. I had one of those, and even after rolling in WE 2C51 I concluded that bypassing the tube buffer was the best sound! LOL! Sold it! Now, Shanling has branched into amps and other digi products. Sound with Triangle was not bad. Incidentally, Shanling had acquired French YBA long ago, and there's one on display, but it seems nothing much is happening on that front.

Shenzhen Audio Show I

Click Pics to enlarge. Top, Analog Sound, Foshan division of Line Magnetic. Text below.

Letter from Shenzhen (23-4): SIAV Audio Show, Part I

Part II and Part III have been published. Roll up or click link.

In terms of audio, Shenzhen is in an awkward position. Being one of the world’s tech cities, SZ has long been an IT and manufacturing base (and heavily influenced by HK; but due to cost constraints, manufacturing bases have moved inland, and north, steadily). But, as an echt immigrant city and erstwhile sleepy town, SZ has lacked cultural identity, though the local government has done a lot to promote it in this aspect over the years. But there is no denying that the power centers in audio in China remain in nearby Guangzhou and faraway Shanghai and Beijing, all cities with stronger cultural heritage. The density of audiophiles in SZ is far behind Guangzhou and HK.

I reckon this is one of the few SZ audio shows, and the first organized by the Shanghai group SIAV. It is an ambitious organization that hosts shows in several cities, one after another - Shenzhen is just one stop. The hotel is a a large one, but not the largest. There were 3 floors of audio stuff, and one floor of dismissible AV stuff, which I did not cover.

It is free. And imho (in a way) better than the HK shows I’ve previously attended, for the simple reason that there were not so many attendees, and I could wallow in the sound if I like. I have previously reported on annual HK shows, and they were basically hit and run. So crowded, and I hate that! HK shows charge you a small admission, but you get a CD/SACD in return. Confession: since shows are imho great for exposure but not so good for us demanding audiophiles in terms of sound, I’m not a devotee. So, I have never attended a US show (very expensive too, unless you are VIP)! One reason is that, after I have been in HK and elsewhere, the US offerings seem rather limited and, sorry to say, mostly not interesting (MAGA notwithstanding).

Chinese readers can scan the UR code at the lower left of the poster for more info. For those who can read Chinese, here are Part I and Part II of the Report of Chinese Magazine New Audiophile. They have a lot more pics than I do, so perhaps you may just want to browse the pics even if you can't read it. So why read my report? Well, I'm critical, and they are not - that's elementary, my dear Watson!

A lot of audio companies are from nearby Guangzhou. And several HK distributors are there, as they handle China too. I was impressed by the average level of the sound, better than in HK (can the power be cleaner?) I was impressed too by the professionalism (and eagerness) of the sales forces. As there were not many people (by show standards) I could discuss certain aspects of the sound (or trade) with ease, and have them honor specific requests, be it a choice cut or moving to another loudspeaker. Good! I enjoyed the show. I went around noon on Friday, not many people. The next day I went back to meet my friend Humphrey from HK (he was featured in Virtual Home Visits before).

One thing you need to know when reading this report: CD is VERY MUCH ALIVE in China. Most exhibitors use CDPs, not files nor streamers (though some are present). Analog too is everywhere of course. There are almost ten rooms selling second-hand LPs and CDs (a high proportion for this relatively small show)! And they are priced quite high because of import difficulties.

Coverage of the show follows no particular logic. As before, I’m going to grade the sound. Best is simply Bold Black, in a category by themselves. Others are shaded: Very good is Green; Good is Yellow; and Average is Red. Believe me, I'm very lenient! More so towards others than myself!

***

Analog Source 安歌 (Line Magnetic Foshan Division) See Top Pic. This is going to be confusing for many people. Most have heard of LM. For whatever reason, Line Magnetic has split into two, The Zhuhai Division (covered below) is what most of you think of as LM. On the other hand, now named Analog Source, products of the Foshan Division look very different, as you can see from the top pic. Vintage Hammertone looks, almost military, and quasi-Western Electric. Products are a bit more daring, and priced a little higher. On both days I heard the system and it was great. The 2A3 Preamp (top of rack) has many tubes. The CDP (bottom of rack) is also tubed. The 212 amp is the black one (2x power, for about 25 watts; 2x for full-wave rectification.) Yes, we only heard the Chinese 212, as the WE D or E versions are just astronomically priced, much pricier than the amp itself. On Saturday, when I went again to meet Humphrey and friends, we listened for quite a while! The sound was really very good, smooth and analog, with tube sheen. IMHO, much credit must be granted to the Ensemble Reference, one of the greatest "bookshelves" of all time! Ah Fung (Choice, HK) was the host, and we were treated to single-plated RCA 2A3; sure, the sound improved further. Incidentally, in this blog you have met one of this company's previous amps before (here). For top to bottom coherence, on the whole, this room had the best sound of the show. 

Line Magnetic 丽磁 (Zhuhai Division) Above Pic This is what most of the readers will know as LM and it has retained the logo. It still has the aluminum dominated looks. It still makes many amps with various tubes. Readers know the 845 amps that HR and others reviewed in Stereophile. But my heart belongs to the first LM amp that I have heard, the mammoth (and spine-breaking) LM-219IA, which has a new PLUS edition. The tube complement: 12AX7, 310A, 300B driving 845. But what I heard was the Cary-like 805 amp. Sound was quite good with Eggleston (not among my favorites).  But it lacks the magic that its Foshan sibling is producing with the great Ensemble reference.

Somehow, I forgot to take a photo of the Hanowa. Above is from New Audiophile/

Hanowa Eizz 艺致 The expensive German Hanowa Mercury 4-piece System (said to be dipole) comprise AMT and Ribbon arrays on Panels and separate double 12” woofer modules (in the back). As with most of this kind of thing, the bass just seemed a bit discordant, though the highs and mid’s were quite smooth and listenable as driven by Greek Pilium electronics. More interesting was the SZ local Eizz Analog rig. The designer was there, and I spoke with him. Definitely a dedicated guy, he was a likeable fellow and totally unassuming (not a given designer trait). This TT, with its Pneumatic equipped stands, sells for the princely sum of RMB 190k, and the double chassis (with meters) phonoamp, which employs 6x ECC802S, sells for RMB 250K. The Gary Karr album playing was not the best, but then I don’t like Karr (I don’t even think they were the best recorded)! No musicality. Then, I went through the pile and asked to play the Jennifer Warnes Blue Raincoat and it was very good! The phonoamp was silent as a lamb. I consider it a good job! It’s too bad I didn’t even notice the hot Moon II supertweeter was on silent display!

Pocket King 薄小强 This is an amazing product. My 淫媒 source icefox had long alerted me of it. Indeed, it was eye- (or ear-) opening. The sales asked me first to experience it as “earphone”. So, I sat down on the comfortable chair and was, no kidding, mesmerized by the sound-field created by the pair that flanked me - No shit, on top of, and right behind, my head there were so much info it was thoroughly entrancing. Who needs open back earphones? Of course, I ain’t no headphone fan, but it merits a place if you consider open back (or closed, for that matter), in terms of ultimate comfort. What's more comfortable than not having to wear anything on your head? Then, they were shifted to in front of me, and sound was good too. I’d like to test it out more, if I can. Simply put, this is much better than wearing cans!

XinShi 新时 From Guangzhou, sifu Xin 辛 is now the premier WE replica artisan of China. He has long employed WE-derived transformer metal cores to re-wind trannies. His products are much hyped by a HK magazine. Models include the 106, 141 and 129 Preamps, the 86, 91, 124, 212 amps as well as many others (including Leak 12.1). At the show, a Studer A730 was employed. Loudspeaker was mostly the "WE 22", using vintage drivers. In front are his "WE LS3/5A" using "WE" replica trannies. I heard only the horns and they were very good, but not perfect. Also, it was better to sit at the right, where the sound was more balanced than at the left, near the door. I asked Sifu Xin whether he prefers 300B in SE or PP mode, and he says the PP, which I agree with (in my auditions, 86 is better than 91). Notice the passive "597" horn tweeters on top of the horn loudspeaker cabinets. Sifu Xin and his wife demonstrated for me - they were well choreographed, removing them instantly dulled the sound a little. I have known about this gadget from my friends, and I capitulated and got a pair. Report to follow.

Totaldac So far, despite my friend having the 4-block version, I’ve totally failed in my effort to appreciate Totaldac (Yes, TotalFail). For R2R I’d rather have old Philips TDA chips. Sound with Nuprime transport and Audiovector loudspeaker was just average. I was surprised that the amp used was Korean heavyweight Allnic (T-1800 Mk II, EL34x4). Looks like a Chinese amp. Colorless. 

Liangge 靓歌 Not good, even bad, with audible distortion, driving the ATC100.

Sommer SC Club Mk II Studer Revox Tricone Galileo Belden 8428

Photos by ELO.

Sometimes, Things just Happen Again and Again, Part III

Letter from Hong Kong (23-3): ELO and Friends Report on their "Studer" Cable

It all started a while back. I always welcome new things, ideas and accessories that do not hurt my wallet and that could improve the sound. My buddy Kwong and I always share information, like good buys on Review 33 [Ed: the foremost HK second-hand forum], tease and taunt each other into buying them. He bought his JMR speakers, Lumin streamer and Holo Spring DAC based on my recommendations. At the same time, he had introduced me to a lot of cheap yet highly effective and wonderful gadgets, like cheapo graphite blocks made to order for use under equipment, some OEM tiptoes, the H-10U Bluetooth device etc.

We used to call each other in the morning to exchange information on cheap tricks and plans, before we got busy at work. He's lucky, since he bought a flat in China and that gave him a super and convenient excuse to acquire another system from scratch!

The TB Offering that likely Kwong first saw. Aside from waxing lyrics, it said that the cables were used in Studer studios, were second-hand and bought from German studios, of limited supply. Selling for RMB 150 per meter, much more than that of the clothed or unclothed Sommer Club Mk II. (See below DJ's section).

One day while surfing Aliexpress and Taobao, he discovered a “Studer Cable” which the seller said is from Germany and raved about, to the point of saying that you ain’t heard nothing yet until you tried it. As the price was relatively affordable, I said what the heck, I’ll tag along.

Later Kwong told me the cable is really good, and so I have some level of confidence, as we know each other's music preference. I finally bought it home and hooked it between my WEA streamer and my Eleekit TU-875 and immediately felt the virtues of the “Studer Cable” that came with a nice tweed sheath of yellow with black dots. The music now started to flesh out and become a little bit warmer. But that was not all - I gradually noticed a significant increase in musicality which made it highly enjoyable to listen to without fatigue. To describe it, it sounds organic, smooth while not giving up PRAT, and it has very good imaging and portrayal of the actual size of instruments (unlike many others’ needle-like images which I cannot bear). Timbre of instruments is accurate, and decay and attenuation are among the best that I have heard, which is important as it gives a sense of connection between music notes and make things sound more fluid and real! Imagine a system that portrays music notes as individual dots that barely connect to each other vs those painted in large circles that overlap with each other to form a complete chain! That’s how we play music with natural timbre and harmonics, and "Studer" portrays it so well. I actually picture the notes as the overlapping eddies created by raindrops on a lily pond that form a complex yet fascinating scene!

I can hear the shimmer of instrument far better in brass, guitars and string instruments as well as the body of piano and the attack of each note. pppp vs ppp vs pp vs p and ffff vs fff vs ff vs f all become easy to follow, which helps to makes the music far more interesting and exciting. Its dark background accurately reproduces silent passages, which is important in creating contrast in music.

High, mid and low are fairly flat. There is a bit of emphasis in midrange which is welcome (at some points even lush and sexy). Bass has authority, slam and quickness. While highs may not reach the sky like many exotic cables, it is more than adequate with good details and delineation but without any edginess and glassy feel. That is of utmost importance, as I find too many setups are far too brittle and edgy in highs due to the digital sources.

So far, I am waxing lyrics on this cable, are there any drawback? Is it just me and Kwong's illusions?

I have then lent the cables to many friends, and they were all positive about it. One said it compares admirably with his silver cables but only lost to the extension at the highs; another friend said it compares well to his Siltech cables for the price (while not besting it) and, given the price, it’s a bargain. Another friend also got good results. So, I’m pretty sure we struck gold in finding this gem in the sea of hifi accessories!

Next, I begin to replace my cables gradually with the "Studer" cable and the result was absolutely scintillating - definitely the more the merrier!!!! And considering its price, it is an absolutely no brainer.

Cables sold by Revoxman in Germany

However, the story does not end here. I have been chatting to DJ and he knew about this all along and also suspected it’s not “Studer” after all. But what the heck, if it sounds great and cheap, I will be happy to oblige! Then one day, a reader left a comment that it looks exactly like a Sommer SC Classique cable. This aroused the curiosity of DJ and I and we immediately went into sleuthing mode. See DJ's report below. So, at this point, we were pretty sure that it’s Sommer cable from Germany. I have also traced it to a website that sells refurb classic Studer/Revox equipment which also sells this as high-end professional cable (without mentioning Studer name though). I guess the Chinese vendor called it “Studer” as he may have purchased from this website. The price of Studer sold is almost 3 to 4 times as much as the Sommer!! However, it’s still peanuts compares to many other so called exotic high-end cables! So, I’m content totally as I would have never thought it’s actually Sommer at all at the beginning and would have missed the treasure. In the end, I need to thank the Chinese vendor selling it as "Studer" cable who waxed way more lyrics than me in order to attract Kwong to purchase it in the first place. I also thank Kwong for introducing it to me!!

Honestly speaking, my system has reached another whole new level because of the introduction of the cable and the Entreq Micro Kit and I’m content, even now I’m just using the stock PS for my WEA while waiting to service my DIY PS . The overall sound is grainless, natural, organic, exciting, yet with no lack of details and musicality, and is so much fun to listen to. I treasure that it has loads of details, but not distracting . I now can settlec down and simply enjoy music, just press the play button and let it play continuously without thinking what I’m lacking or missing. Of course, I know what is missing, but adding those would just be icing on the cake, as I think I have finally gotten the fundamentals right. Another significant thing is, I now listen to a lot more classical music!

My friend RC came over the other day; he also said my setup has changed significantly and has improved a lot. I credit it to the use of Entreq and "Studer"/Sommer cables! He then went home and listened again to his setup and it took him a while to get used to it, LOL. He said there’s a huge difference between the sound at my place and his. He described it as passion vs tranquility. But for me, I think I would describe my system with the Chinese saying: “calm and tranquil like a virgin, agile and quick like an unleashed rabbit"!

My conclusion and recommendation: Buy! Whether it’s "Studer" or Sommer!!

Doctorjohn Reports on Sommer SC Club Mk II, aka "Studer" Cable

This is a really interesting story. When ELO informed me of the Chinese TB vendor selling vintage "Studer" cable I was really skeptical! Yes, they are covered in tweed cloth, like of-yore, but they look so new, as do the connectors. I happen to know a fair bit about Revox and Studer, having used several of their incomparable CDPs (still have the Studer A730, Revox 225 and C221) and here in China I still have the Revox A720/722 Preamp/Amp. Not only that, being a friend of (HK) comm-buddy, a Revox-Studer devotee, I have been exposed to all manners of Studer and Revox, including mixing consoles! And never once have I heard about a "Studer" cable. So, when a reader wrote that he lives in Switzerland and has never heard about a Studer cable, I would have to agree! But that still did not solve the problem, until...

From Seng via DJ (see section below) Available from TB, clockwise from top left: bare wire Clothed SC Club Mk II you can see the skin under the cloth; SC Club Mk II terminated with Sommer's own Hicon plugs; much cheaper unclothed SC Club Mk II.

A reader with Eagle Eyes observed that from ELO's picture it looks like the Sommer SC Classique., which is marketed as a guitar cable and for its "60's sound". We all immediately dived in (I kid you not!) and did some detective work. I looked at the SC Classique: it is a 1 conductor coaxial cable and cannot possibly be used for XLR (the "Studer" comes in both XLR and RCA versions). I asked ELO to take a pic of the connector with shell removed. It shows 2 conductors, one red and one blue. I then identified it as SC Club Mk II. Now, this is a 2-conductor cable (red and blue) and comes in both naked and tweed-clothed versions, the latter identical in looks to the SC Classique (besides yellow tweed, there is also green color). I can't say I have looked through all Sommer cables, but at least of what I looked at that day few models have conductors colored red and blue, and none except the Club have a cloth version. My friend Seng and I looked at the spec’s and found the clothed and unclothed versions to be identical though the naked version is substantially cheaper, which is what I opted for, and I managed to source it here.

ELO also did his part. He found German seller "Revoxman" offering these cables (see above). AND, I noticed from the mailing addresses that the same person is selling on Ebay under different seller names. On Ebay the titles include the names Revox and Studer. But that's par for the course. Sellers often include names that may attract other customers. Like someone selling the KT77 tube will include EL34 in the title. I do the same with the post titles. I know it's Sommer, but I include the names Studer and Revox there as there is some relationship and interest.

Before I describe what I heard, I must say that I have a "bias": I've not been enthusiastic about Sommer in the past, and I relayed this to ELO. Here is my old brief report on the Tricone Mk II (and the very expensive Epilogue). In the article I mentioned the Galileo. Actually, although I haven't written about it, I did terminate it in HK (lockdown time) just before I returned to China at the end of 2020; it is better than the Tricone Mk II but still no bananas - and, to let the cat out of the bag, despite being pricier, in my sonic memory, not even close to the SC Club Mk II.

So, how does it sound? Why? Just as ELO described! I could not have done better! Quiet background, even-tempered, good all-around, but with a tinge of lushness in the midrange, sometimes even opulent 华丽. Now, that is a rare trait in cables. It's not something you can easily buy - not at all. I mentioned to ELO that I don't like Siltech's artificiality, and I've heard them all in a friend's completely top-end Siltech system. And this Sommer cable has a hint of the expensive sound proffered by some of these expensive brands, but yet maintains a reasonable neutrality. It plays everything well.

https://m.tb.cn/h.ULLM2rV?tk=JyS7d73Zsgg

I agree with ELO's view that, even via the tortuous route (via "Studer", Germany and Chinese TB sellers) it's a very worthwhile cable. You owe it to yourself to try it out. Of course, if you can terminate you should opt for the el-cheapo unclothed Sommer Club Mk II. It's very soft (a big plus in my book) and very easy to work with - a pleasure. But, even if you don't solder, unlike some of the other professional cables we cover here, you can still buy them terminated. HK and regional Chinese readers can buy the terminated cloth version sold in TB (link, pic above). And the same cables (both XLR and RCA) can be easily found on Ebay.

More twists. I finally terminated the stiff Belden 8428 (recommended by reader Attila) and I did some comparisons with the SC Club Mk II. Like the Sommer, the 8428 is also highly listenable and smooth and just right in the critical midrange. Bass is about the same, but I find the Belden to have slightly more air on top and it is just a tad more neutral (but it also doesn't have the potentially addicting occasional sheen of the Sommer). For my system, in the position of DAC to 1:1 Reisong Transformer though, I just prefer the Belden by the smallest of margins - so far. But then, just now I slotted in my SC Club Mk II in the position of Preamp Out to 2nd Reisong Transformer (removing the Belden 8451) and I got a little more. It's staying in there, so now I have both Belden 8428, Sommer SC Club Mk II and Belden 8451 in the system. Subject to change, I say! 

There is another important mitigating factor that one must take into consideration. I am using ALL tube, AND my USB DAC (RMB 200 1-bit double TDA1305, + <200 Weiliang 5V LPS), splendidly musical as it is, is likely not the last word in resolution - at least in this parameter it should not be in the league of ELO's Emerson used with Ethernet. Also, ELO and Kwong and friends are using mostly solid state, which I can see as being even more receptive to the SC Club Mk II. Mind you, for a tube lover, my system is on the neutral side and I've long used more neutral professional cables but the divide between tube and solid state is there nonetheless. So, don't take me wrong - the Sommer SC Cub Mk II is a very fine cable, and I may get a little more yet (I only got 2m this round to test it out). Maybe again and again and again?

Streaming Classical

Streaming Classical (23-2)

While it’s true too much HiFi gets in the way of listening to music, my case is mild as I religiously sample a lot of new albums every day. What is true though is that the more I write about Audio the less I write about Music. It’s been months (close to half a year) since my last long streaming article! Not that there are that many readers in that sector, but I know there are a few loyal friends.

Orchestral
In this interval, I have to say the most-fun orchestral album was Suppe’s obscure Around the World in 80 days from Janacek PO under Dario Salvi (Naxos). with the very colorful music and playing befitting the subject. Nielsen Symphonies are personal favorites, and the new cycle by the Danish National under Fabio Luisi started with the most famous ones, 4th and 5th, in dynamite performances and sound (DG)! A second luxuriant and refined Ravel album from Robert Trevino and his characterful Basque National O (Ondine) has become one of my test discs. A highly Satisfying Mahler 3rd from the very reliable team of Tonkunstler Orchestra under Yutaka Sado (orchestra’s own label) rivals my favorites, LSO/Horenstein (oop) and previously recommended Berlin RSO/Rogner (Eterna). And I have listened to a lot of always interesting Marcus Bosch, mostly with the Aachen SO and the more period-informed Cappella Aquileia (Coviello, CPO etc).

Pianists
The most remarkable solo album during this time is Leif Ove Andsnes’ Dvorak Poetic Tone Pictures (Sony), a marvelous and unorthodox and little-known cycle with moments of almost orchestral splendor. A Two-Piano recital by Aimard and Stefanovich (Pentatone) centers on Messiaen’s almost hour-long masterpiece, Visions de L’Amen. Great sound! For lighter, but not trivial fare, Nicolai Kapustin’s Piano Concerto etc played by Frank Dupree and friends (Cappricio) are a rollicking joy, particularly suitable for those into jazz.
I came to know William Youn, whose solo Mozart (Oehms) imho has more depth than the feisty and well-reviewed Mao Fujita (Sony). Youn also has recorded the complete Schubert Sonatas in excellent performances (Sony). I also played many albums of under-appreciated Kun Woo Paik (DG, Decca, but I think not universally released). Another find is pianist Herbert Schuch who seems to be good in everything (Oehms).

Violinists
Tops is Vilde Frang’s impeccable Stravinsky and Beethoven Concertos, sensitively conducted by another eminent violinist Pekka Kuuisto (Warner). This has become my test disc. Hilary Hahn continues to confound with her too overly controlled playing, less and less fresh as years passed by, but her new album is notable for the not often recorded Ginastera, with the excellent Frankfurt RSO (their youtubes are uniformly excellent) under Orozco-Estrada (DG, sound not the best in the Dvorak). I am very impressed by the musicality of little-known Natalia Lomeiko, in a variety of music and on a variety of labels! Finally, I have previously recommended Swedish Cecilia Zilliacus, and her recent Saint Saens album is just wonderfully enticing (BIS).

Violists
Exceptionally musical is Nils Monkemeyer, whose Walton Concerto disc with the excellent Bamberger SO under Markus Poschner is a winner (Sony). The fillers are great too! And then there is the Timothy Ridout’s Elgar Concerto (composer sanctioned transcription that is not often recorded). The fillers are good too (Harmonia Mundi).

Cellists
Crossover prone Maya Beiser has an interesting Glass album (Islandia). Previously recommended Christian La Marca’s new Legacy album is centered on the Haydn Concertos and nicely filled out, with impeccable support by the usually excellent Concert de la Loge under Julien Chauvin (Naive).

Recorder
Now, I don’t often listen to the recorder (outside of baroque formations), but young virtuoso Lucie Horsch’s latest, Origins (Decca), is incomparably programmed and a joy!

Chamber
A winning Dvorak Album comes from Jan Vogler and friends (Sony). His no-name colleagues (many young Americans) are amazingly good! I also urge you to sample Mozart with Friends (Sony) - you will find names mentioned above, Monkemeyer and Youn, as well as Julia Fischer and Sabine Meyer etc - stars all!

Chamber Orchestra
Arguably, this category has the most interesting offerings. There is a relatively recent trend of featuring chamber orchestra reductions of big works. Although less hefty, the more transparent texture often brings insights (if the arrangement is good). A case in point are some recent Dutch Het Collectief offerings (Alpha). They are a formidable ensemble. All their albums are worthwhile. Most poignant is Mahler Das Lied von der Erde, transcribed and recorded by their long-time leader, the indefatigable Reinbert de Leeuw just before his death (there used to be a time when most new European music passed through his hands). Their earlier Janacek disc is superb too. The ensemble lives on, and the most recent album concentrating on the Second Viennese School, Transfiguration, is also splendid. Another Dutch offering, from the superb Camerata RCO (meaning players from the formidable Concertgebouw), Sennsucht (also Alpha), features a superb reduction of Mahler’s 4th Symphony, filled out by Berg songs. These albums are by musicians who, despite concentrating on modern works, have deep ties to the past. Another interesting album is offered by Marianne Picketty and Le Concert Ideal, L’Heure Bleue (Evidence), that juxtaposes Hidegard von Bingen with more modern composers, centered on Klaus Amadeus Hartmann’s Concerto Funebre.

Modern Music
There are just too many slow moving “minimalist” music out there, also too many Baltic and Icelandic “phenomena”. Myself, I’d rather take the always interesting Caroline Shaw. I recommend her latest The Wheel (Alpha).

Vocalists
A surprising number of vocal discs engaged me (aside from the Mahler etc mentioned above). Heading the list would have to be Julia Bullock’s Walking in the Dark (Noneuch). Barber’s Knoxville, Summer of 1915, has always been a favorite. Here she unusually juxtaposes with many popular tunes that fit with her sensibility, and it works. I’ve long been a fan of Veronique Gens, and her latest Poulenc album, La Voix Humaine (Alpha), is a gem for the center piece. If you are into more static and dark pieces, I’d recommend Ruby Hughes’ Echo (BIS), a collaboration with pianist Huw Watkins. And I must recommend Diana Damrau in Strauss Four Last Songs (Erato; with the BRSO under Jansons) as one of the few that can go up to classics, like Schwarzkopf.

Historical
Although it is slotted into here, Nelson Freire’s Memories - The Unreleased Recordings (Decca), derive from European radio archives, and most cuts are in very decent sound. The Bartok PC1 and Brahms PC2 are just gems. A must. As a Ruth Slencynska fan, I’m glad some of her old recordings (on Orpheus, similar to MHS, have been re-issued by Musical Concepts) have been re-issued.

Eastern Transmission Audio 6N3 SRPP Preamp

Click pics to enlarge. The left-most red caps are the output coupling caps.

Review: Eastern Transmission Audio 6N3 Preamp, Part I
Letter from Shenzhen (23-3): Second Spring

Note: 12/4/23: Due to the recent Failure of the Volume Pot, this Preamp is now not recommended!

Part II, on Mods (Cap and Cable change) had been published. Revelatory!

Part III, however, covers a serious failure of the volume pot. Highly annoying!

Part IV, on JAN GE 5670 tubes and more.

Now, the story of this Preamp is kinda interesting, with a major twist that involved Cable Change. The Cables involved were detailed in my last article (use link, or just roll down).

https://m.tb.cn/h.UnRH3zA?tk=KwLKdhIUl7t

Seller I have noticed this seller for a long time. The offerings are classic in looks and interesting electronically. The logo says Eastern Transmission Audio (ETA from now on). I was actually primarily interested in one of their more expensive preamp offerings, the one using the unusual 3A5 direct-heated triode (one great-value option is packaged with an exceptionally interesting solid state 1969 Class-A amp; during the winter I almost hit the button, but now it’s spring already...). I decided to test out this very low-priced offering first. As I have a pair of brand-new Russian 6H(N)3 from another device, I bought it without tubes for RMB 255.

About The Heart of the Preamp is the circuit board (only amplification). For those who like to DIY, they can just buy the circuit board for less money than a good beer. The 2x 6N3 (double triode) are used in an SRPP configuration. There is an upgrade option, which replaces the 2x 0.33 uF, 400V, Rifa caps with upmarket Mundorf’s. I stuck with the basic version. The board is connected to a very basic solid state PS. There is only one input and one output, and a very small volume knob.

Sound and Issues When I first slotted it into my regular system (in lieu of the 6J4/6P6P Preamp and using the BRZ FU-50 amp), I was immediately shocked by the sound. The gain is even higher than the regular 6P6P Preamp, not surprising given that it’s SRPP. The Gain is such that it would be unusable for a lot of people. But, as I use SET amps and they all have a volume knob, I dialed down the volume of the BRZ amp (yes, if not maxed, that changes the impedance a little) and that helped. The sound was a bit on the aggressive side and a little lean, not unusual for a Russian double-triode. After much run-in, it smoothed out a little but still sounded more one-dimensional and I missed the richness of my 6P6P Preamp.

I removed it from the system and re-installed the 6P6P Preamp and lived happily with the system for quite a while. I opened the ETA and contemplated mods. Yes, I could change out the caps with Oil Caps (my preference is for the Russian ones, though they are a little too pricey now). Maybe the signal wires. There is not much room for a larger volume pot. I left it opened and put it in a carton box under the table.

Sometime later I discovered the Belden 8451 (see Cable article link on top). The sound is similar to the Canare L-2B2AT, but a little warmer. After comparisons, I changed out the Canare one-by-one, and the system became completely cabled with Belden. I don’t want you to misunderstand, the system did not sound that different than before. Whatever extra warmth was very subtle, but it benefited the BRZ FU-50's slight inherent leanness. 

Recently, not sure what’s the next step, I put back the ETA’s bottom plate. I said to myself, what the heck, let me listen to it once more before modding it. So, I slotted it back into the system. Holy! For the second time, I was shocked by what I heard.

Of course, the Gain problem is exactly what it had been before, just that it has become less annoying. The tonal quality with the Russian tubes is still slightly on the lean side, but no longer somewhat frayed at the edges. Images are more solid. That it is highly listenable is shown by the fact that violin music, especially baroque violin without vibrato, has become highly sophisticated. This is aided considerably by the superb rhythm and pace. Compared to the 6P6P Preamp, it shows a faster transient, a leaner but tactile bass, at least as much resolution, more rhythmically alert and perhaps slightly more clarity, and all this from what is basically a stock tube.

What happened? I had to really scrutinize this question. Obviously, the synergy with Belden 8451 contributed significantly. But I think the nature of the 6P6P preamp is also a factor: its sweeter and likely less dynamic nature makes less of the difference between Canare and Belden. These two cables are like my two hands - I know them so well. At least so I thought, but now I know even more.

It’s been almost one month since the ETA went back in, and I feel no compulsion at all to change it out. For the measly sum, it has allowed me to learn more about my system. The funny thing is, 2 days ago, I re-opened up the 6P6P Preamp and studied for ways to modify it! It shall take some work but is on the agenda.

(added 2/20/23) Here is an anecdote that serves as a cautionary tale. Just yesterday I had an accidental discovery. One channel of one pair of 8451 went out and I discovered at one end the + was not even soldered (such was my skill and haste!). Miracle that it had played by just sheer minimal contact (well tugged into the trough) for so long! I swapped in a pair of Canare and, guess what? Before this I was puzzled that I was lukewarm to Amanda Beyer's new Biber album (Harmonia Mundi). Puzzled because she and her ensemble Gli Incogniti have long been favorites of mine. Today, I re-listened and had a totally positive experience! It's more rhythmically sophisticated now. So, cabling makes a difference, and titration is complicated sometimes by different effects on different musical material. There is no perfection, but perhaps it's not a good idea to use just one type of cable throughout. Such are the vagaries of cable swaps!

Tube Rolling Haven’t done any so far. The most obvious would be the 5670, which are not expensive. If you really want to splurge, you can use WE2C51/396A. For starter, I’d recommend the Russian 6H(N)3 rather than the Chinese 6N3. Although the latter is very good, and smoother, I’m confident the Russian one is a fine tube and it’s sold by others on TB for as low as RMB 10 each (you have to put up with running them in). At some point, I shall get some 5670.

A Word on SRPP As PP implies, it works the tube hard and some say may shorten tube life. SRPP usually has high gain, which goes to say that it has drive, but could be overdone for many systems. SRPP has long been favored by the Japanese (likely my Wavac PR -X2) and the Chinese seem to like it too. Westerners use SRPP less. There are a few other 6N3 SRPP preamps on TB. The minimalist one from Hubei that sells for RMB 189 tempted me, as it also uses a tube rectifier; but then there are just too many interesting things on TB (including the same seller’s 6J1/6P1 transformer output headphone amp/preamp) and one cannot have them all.

Is this for you? The VERY HIGH Gain is the question you have to answer. If you are a cellphone or BT guy whose source output is on the puny side, it may work well. If you are a regular audiophile with a decent system though it will take work to integrate it. If your amp has no volume knob, your options are limited. The ETA likely is very revealing (and demanding) of cables. The big question of gain aside, I’d think it is much more suitable for warmer systems than leaner ones.

Nothing is perfect, right? Now I have not one but two imperfect but lovable Preamps. Now, where’s my perfect preamp? Or, for that matter, perfect cable?

Canare L-2B2AT Belden 8451 1309A Rean Unitek

Click pics to enlarge. The Preamp that necessitated me to write this article first. Belden 8451 in and out. Behind is the 6J4/6P3P Preamp.

Taobao Talk: Cheap Cables

Letter from Shenzhen (23-2): Wired!

Amendment 2/20/23: In haste of editing, I left out some important sentences in my writing on Sommer. Duly corrected. The new sentences are in italics.

I actually wanted to write about the very cheap Preamp pictured above. But the thing is, the story of this Preamp has an interesting twist behind it that involved cables. So, to prep for that, I’m “forced” to write about the cables first. So be it, it’s time anyway.

The story about my cables here in China is pretty much similar to tubes. When I first bought the Aiyima T9, I had barely enough cables to connect things, just making do. It was after I revamped my main listening room (the study, chronicled here) and acquired the Beydas LS3/5A that by necessity I started to buy things, including cables. There may be minor overlap with my previous diary-like articles chronicling my journey here, so bear with me.

My reasoning for choosing the cables I did was similar to what I did for tubes (explained here). Here in China, I don’t have my go-to cables, none! All I have are leftovers (described in my Aiyima T9 article). No Gotham (GAC-2,4, DGS, 2111, 50025,40, etc); no Belden (9497, 1810A); not even Mogami (2534, 49). I’d not like to buy them again. And whatever has to be cheap. And are they cheap and good!

Note that TB prices vary a bit, and some of the prices I got might have been a bit lower than now as I did order quite a few things during 11.11 and 12.12. The difference most of the time though is not significant.

https://m.tb.cn/h.Un3PHPh?tk=sJlLdSfydjW

Canare L-2B2AT This was the first one I got. At the ridiculously low price of RMB 3.70 per meter, I got 15 m, and wired my whole system basically with it. This is a slender, soft and very well-made cable. I had the slightly more expensive 2T2S before (here) and the 2B2AT surprisingly has more resolution. In fact, I was very satisfied. Good and clean transients, very even tonal balance and good rhythm. I previously also had another pair of Canare cables, the ones that came with my Softone CDP, a coaxial cable that sounds close to the 2T2S, both on the warm side. The L-2B2AT is to be preferred.

Recently, I opened up the BRZ FU-50 amp, and was delighted to find that it uses the L-2B2AT as signal cable! Cheap, but good! I shall one day re-wire my 6J4/6P3P preamp (here) and perhaps I shall use this cable.

https://m.tb.cn/h.UNLIl0k?tk=Q9HjdhIUGih

Belden 8451 I was happy with the Canare but, one day, as I was surfing TB, I accidentally came across my old friend Belden 8451. And man, this one I know well! Although I really haven't written about it, in NYC I have used it as interconnect as well as signal and hook up cables in various projects (serach 8451 in the blog if u like). I know its sound shall be a little more textured than the Canare I’ve been using and shall benefit the FU-50 amp (whose sound is a little leaner than the APPLause 300B). At the even lower price of RMB 2.80 per m, I ordered 17 m. In fact, if I had encountered it before, this would have been my first buy. Too bad I didn’t think of looking for it. In fact, this is an obscure Belden that I’m surprised to have found on TB. One bad thing about TB algorithm is that the bigger and more trafficked stores and items show up much more often than smaller ones (browsing gets boring after a while); perhaps there is a TB fee for giving stuff prominence too. So, sometimes it’s a matter of luck. The inner construction of the Canare L-2B2AT and Belden 8451 are very similar, but the skin of the Belden is quite a bit stiffer and more unwieldly (as per usual). This is genuine Belden.

For the 2 above cables, I’d recommend you first try out a little of both and compare before buying larger quantities.

A Surprise and Dark Horse Those 2 are what I mainly use for interconnects. I thought everything was well, but audiophiles always get surprised, right? Well, as ELO repeatedly waxed lyrics about his “Studer” cable (latest here), a reader astutely commented that it looks like the Sommer SC Classique. We all dived in and did some detective work. I looked at the SC Classique: it is a 1 conductor coaxial cable and cannot possibly be used as XLR (the "Studer" comes in both XLR and RCA versions). I asked ELO to take a pic of the connector with shell removed. I then identified it as most likely SC Club Mk II. Now, this is a 2-conductor cable and comes in both naked and tweed-clothed versions, the latter similar in looks to the SC Classique. My friend Seng and I looked at the spec’s and found the 2 versions to be identical though the naked version is substantially cheaper, and I managed to source it here. It proves very good. Sorry, this is a bit of a teaser, but full report shall come later from ELO and his friends (I'll chip in).

https://m.tb.cn/h.Un3lc94?tk=QM76dSfzSTY

Belden 1309A This is the curiosity. There are variations. I actually got 5m of the thicker 2.5mm x2 version before I even got the Canare loudspeaker cables I recommended previously (here). During 11.11, when I got the bargain Weiliang LPS (here), I noticed they also have the 1.5mm x2 version, and I got another 5m for RMB 9.80 per m. This was to enable me to bi-wire the Beydas LS3/5A.

The Canare’s (2 or 4 conductors) are faster but have less depth and flesh than the Belden. The Canare’s fare better with my floorstanding Sansui. But with the Beydas, I prefer the Belden for its organic sound. Bass goes deeper and is more tactile. This does come at a cost, as the Belden is a little darker sounding. In fact, aurally it reminds me of my go-to bi-wire cable, the Belden 1810A. They even look and handle similar.

But! Big Issue! If you look at official info of the Belden 1309A, it doesn’t look remotely like this cable. Plus, there is only one official 1309A, but here there are 3 versions of this “1309A” (professional cable companies won't catalogue as such). Beside the two I mentioned, there’s even a 4-conductor one! It is known that there are counterfeit Belden cables around, so like ELO’s mis-appropriated “Studer”, this one is better designated as “Belden” and “1309A”. But, if you ask me, it sure sounds and feels like Belden (especially the darker 1810A), and I do recommend it for people whose systems are too bright.

https://m.tb.cn/h.UMIgntb?tk=8m95dSfShNW
Rean RCA Connectors For RCA connectors, there is no greater bargain than Neutrix subsidiary Rean, which I have long used. There are high quality gold-plated ones as well as non-gold-plated ones. Both are very good, but personally I’ve always tended towards non-gold ones (nickel-plated would be even better). At RMB 2.55 per connector, I bought dozens.

https://m.tb.cn/h.UnWCHh2?tk=WER1dSf8kBU

Unitek USB Cable Since we are on cables. For the longest time, I have used Unitek (read this article where it went against another supposedly budget champ, Belkin). For the longest time I used my 1m USB B to Mini with my Meridian Explorer. And then when Aiyima T9’s stock USB cable, which looks good, proved unsatisfactory, I resorted to the Unitek again, with adaptors (here). Then I got some B to A from the official TB store in Shanghai. The only problem is that the shortest length (reason is people buy them as Printer Cables, which are usually longer, even very long - the hifi use is just incidental) I could find at a good price is 1.5m (I’d prefer shorter 1m), for a measly RMB 5.80. It proves very close in performance to my go-to 1m + adaptors. Some of my other devices, like my 1-bit TDA1305 DAC, came with USB cables. I always tried them out, but none can get close to the Unitek. Highly recommended!

Aside from the Sommer, there are others coming up. Reader Attila recommended the Belden 8428 and I procured some. I was shocked how unwieldly its construction is (the cotton strands are positively nuisance), and so I haven’t terminated it. Next time...