Happy New Year

Best wishes!

To those who only criticize

Extreme hard glass CDs

Recently, there is debate on the subject of extreme hard glass CD but I realised that many of those who participated in the forum has not even listened to it and just criticized for the sake of doing it.

I was fortunate to own one, the Karajan Symphony No 9. The CD comes with an ordinary CD for one to do an AB comparison. Even though its expensive, I liked it very much as Beethoven's No 9 is one of my favourite symphony with the full orchestra music + choir singing etc. The dynamic and complexity has made the CD one of the "listenable", dramatic and enjoyable. Hifi is always a question of choice and personal reference. Take the LS3/5a as an example, the Gold Tag versus the black tag versus the11ohms, I can say that the Gold tag sounded the best but the differences is small. However, the "smallness" may be major for those who care. Thus, its like drinking wine, one can choose a simple red or an expensive vintage red..the differences may not be great, but prices are, but the level of enjoyment for those who care is beyond words ..

Live life to the fullest! Enjoy what gives you the most pleasure! For me the glass Cd is a worthwhile buy a it represents my pursue of music as a hobby as well as my appreciation of Beethoven No 9 plus Karajan .. How many other symphony can have such a wide audience?

Vintage Hifi with modern hifi

I have been using vintage hifi gears for a long time. However, I have also been trying new gears as well as one will have to try the best in both world! Happy Chinese New Year!

TSM 300 again!

I must admit that I have not been so excited about any speakers for quite some time until my recent purchase of the TSM 300. Given the size advantage, price versus performance ratio, the dynamic and detail sound stage, this is one of the "best buy" speakers in my opinion, for those who want to listen to music with space constraints.

Considering the price TSM at of HK$8,500 versus the over HK$13,000 for a pair of 15 ohms LS3/5a or HK$11,000 for a pair of  Mini Tannoy, it is a real bargain! 

The TSM 300 being a studio monitor will bring out the best (or worst) from your system. Given the fact that it has the horn, the music sounded so real!

There are 2 versions of the speakers i.e. the Export (or US Version TAD TSM 300) or the Pioneer S-LH3 (domestic Japanese market version). TAD is basically owned by Pioneer.

There is a 3rd version which is the limited edition using solid wood as cabinet selling around HK$15-18,000 (second hand price). There are two school : one saying that the basic model sounded better as it follows the original design. The other school's view is that with solid wood cabinet, the base will be tighter. I must admit that the limited edition is a beauty but considering almost double of the price, I prefer to keep it simple (and economical, given the economic condition) and just get a pair of simple TSM300. Afterall, speakers are meant to be used for "listening" ..unless, I can find some excess cash : )

监听喇叭 TSM-300

The TSM 300 speakers have really out performed my expectation in many ways. Firstly, as mentioned earlier, the severe space constraints in  Hong Kong has limited my choice of speakers. The usual bookshelf speakers are good options but are limited to listening of vocal and light music. 

With the need to play orchestra music with high and low base requirements, these bookshelf will be under constraints and the TSM with its superb technology and suitable size that can fit the living room, made it an ideal choice. I have been reading the past review and have been skeptical so far until yesterday...

The 2 hours of playing require some warming up of speakers as these have been left idle for months. After running in for several hours, I then set myself to have some proper "serious" listening and I was listening to 張學友-Private Corner, and immediately, I can see the sound stage and when closing my eyes with a dim lights, I can visualize him singing in front of me. Remarkable details in the various instruments as well as the stereo effects of instruments moving from left to right and vice versa. In short, it was a wonderful experience! It also brings out the best in the Western Electric 124b amplifiers where the speakers merely represents the amplifiers itself with no artificial colouration.

Many would compare the TSM with LS3/5a but I would say that these are two completely different characteristic products. The LS3/5a is strong in its Mid for vocal but has no high or low. Of course one can exercise room coupling to maximize the potential and bring out its best. However, this action would require one to bring the speakers forward for a couple of feet from the wall and in my current living room, these would just be impossible as it will obstruct the walk way. Moreover, when listening to the LS3/5a, the sweet spot is quite narrow.

The TSM 300 is a much User friendly product as it has its natural high as well as base making listening a much relax task (yes, I am lazy and I do not wished to have so much stress when playing with hifi as hifi main duty is to help one relax and enjoy the music. So, for those who wants instant good music with minimum efforts, these speakers are for you..haha enjoy!

Product characteristics from the net:

• 兩音路的錄音室近場鑑聽揚聲器
  TSM-300 秉持TAD喇叭在生真實聲音的技術哲學。採用最新研發的超高音壓縮式圓形號角高音單體，並以對稱類點音源之方式上下各置一顆六吋的無懸邊式低音單體,能再聲傳統喇叭所無法提供的真實聲音。
• 高音採用鈦金屬振膜的壓縮式單體，能再生35KHz超高音域，並以精確的相位調整技術，大幅減少音訊號轉換所造成的音色損失。
• 採用AFAST-SZ技術製作最佳音色的號角
  號角採用TAD所研發的AFAST-SZ (Acoustical Filter Assisted System tuning) 技術，此導因管能吸收號角發聲時所造成的共振，避免聲音模糊不清，因此能使喇叭再生更清晰且豐富的高解析音質。
• 低音採用最先進的E.L.P.D.設計方式
  採用TAD獨家開發E.L.P.D.( Edgeless Linear Power Design )方式，除了提供更寬的頻率響應與在生超低頻率，其無懸邊式低音結構(Edgeless Structure)並不會限制紙盆震動距離，因此能承受大功率的輸入而不失真。此外，更能完全消除傳統喇叭在懸邊振動時所造成的雜訊，進一步降低失真提高S/N比的表現。

TSM 300 speakers

I have always believed that when there is a will there is away. 

This afternoon, I have managed to find my pair of the TSM 300 speakers after several weeks of hunting. Since the TSM 300 has been discontinued, the only way to get them is via collector. My set of TSM comes direct from Japan and is, therefore, the Pioneer version of the TSM 300. The TAD TSM 300 is export version while the Pioneer version is for local Japanese market. The overall condition is 99% as the Japanese has always been careful in taking care of their items and everything is in its original condition with no modification. As the speaker was sold individually, I was fortunate to find these in close running serial nos.. 

The speakers have been left untouched for many months and after nearly 2 hours of continous playing, the sound began to open up....

After several hours of playing, I must admit that the performance & quality versus price ratio is truely amazing. The sound is so real and natural and you get to hear so much more details. For those who wants to get a bookshelf speakers that can play focal and orchestra music, the TSM 300 is it! Go find them! You will not regret it!

理性率直的号角音箱TAD TSM-300

在音响爱好者当中，就玩音响的风格流派而论，大体上可以分为这么几类。一类是以求真为方向，偏好无音染，忠实重播音乐的器材，这其中当然以 “丹拿党”最为知名。在求真这一派之外，还有着唯美派的发烧友们，这一派的朋友最典型的当然要算是单端直热的300B、2A3推BBC的LS3/5a了，他们试音室里的座上客，自然多是沿袭原BBC风格的几家英国品牌，象Spendor，Harbeth，Rogers与KEF等等。对这一帮烧友来说，指标并不是不重要，但它绝不会是第一位的，最重要的是器材重播出的乐声是否真正打动了你，拨动了你心灵的小开关。除了这两种玩机以外，其实还有一种以胆机推号角箱的玩法，这种玩法在我国台湾、香港与日本是较为常见的，特别是日本，可以说主流的玩法就是胆机加号角，这股风气近年来逐渐地传入了大陆，不少发烧友慢慢也迷上了号角之声，走进了号角箱的世界，让玩全频单元与号角箱的烧友队伍一天天壮大起来。

　　笔者借各种各样的机会也试听了不少号角式设计的喇叭，象德国三件头的喇叭花，美国的JBL与Klipcsh等等，总的来说，号角箱的确有它迷人的地方。那么真正号角设计的音箱有什么优点呢，第一，效率肯定提高了，单元振膜只要振动一点，就能利用压缩驱动器与号角以较大倍数传出去，因此灵敏度可以做得很高，事实上许多号角箱都超了100dB；第二，由于振膜振动的幅度不大，单元的失真就可以做到很小；第三，它的细节非常多，规模感也很大，听来声音直接，未经多余的渲染，是录音室监听的好帮手；第四，它的声音具有一种开放性，动态没有压缩感；第五，它的瞬态反应非常好，速度感也快得不得了，对音符的强弱变化有着清清楚楚地捕捉。之所以号角音箱有这么多优点，主要是此种设计效率高，推动振膜空气的速度快，质量大，因而喇叭再现的动态范围与能量都很大，所以能表现出庞大的规模感与细节量，听来音符鲜活动人，有一股迷人的味道。当然，上面所谈的都是号角箱的优点，实际它也有着一些先天性的局限，比如声音虽直接，相比球顶高音来说柔润性就有不足，还有低频的弹性与下潜深度通常都会比较有限，而高、中、低三个频段的量感做不到非常平衡等等，这些负面的影响，都是用家在功放搭配与摆位方面需要特别留意的地方。

　　在一般两分频的书架式号角箱中，高音号角而中低音单元用传统倒相式的设计较为多见一些，不过在高音与中低音单元的整体速度感与量感的匹配方面有一定的难度，做得好的不多。前段时间有机会试听了一对来自日本先锋旗下品牌TAD的TSM-300书架式号角箱，觉得是一款非常不错的设计，就结合试听与搭配的情况作一番介绍。

 

　　先来看看这款TAD TSM-300的外形，它的体积比一般的书架箱显得要大一些，尺寸为236mm×517mm×309mm（宽×高×深），因为它的中低音单元用了两只6英寸喇叭，在面板上下各一只，与高音呈哑铃式排列，这种单元对称式排列法应该是求得类似点音源的发声，达到良好的声像定位效果。在高音的设计方面，TSM-300采用了一只1英寸钛金属膜的压缩驱动头，使高频的延伸能达到35KHz，比起以往的小号角箱高频通常受限的现象有了不小的提高。与钛金属膜驱动头配合使用的是以“声过滤辅助系统调音”（Acoustical filter assisted system tuning）技术制造的高音号角，这种造型特殊的扩散管能吸收号角发声时的共振，避免声音模糊不清，因此能使喇叭再生清晰且丰富的高音。前面说过它的中低音用了两只6英寸单元，这两只6英寸喇叭与一般的中低音单元还有些不同，它是采用TAD独家无悬边线性功率设计（Edgeless linear power design）技术的单元，按TAD自己的说法，这种技术除了能够拓宽频率响应外，无悬边单元结构并不会限制纸盆震动的距离，能承受大功率而不失真，此外，还能完全消除传统喇叭在悬边振动时的噪声。

其实，无悬边单元并不能算一种很新的技术，市场上以前也曾出现过此类设计的喇叭，比如B&W就有过FST无悬边的中音单元，日本也设计过一些无悬边的小喇叭。到底TAD TSM-300为何要用无悬边单元呢，照我自己的理解，由于它的高音采用压缩驱动头的号角设计，高音的速度是非常快的，钛高音振膜的微动作也能通过号角敏锐高速地传出去，打个比方来说，它的高音速度可以用“喷射”来形容，推动空气的质量也很大。而它的中低音单元并非号角式设计，如果采用普通的单元，那么由于悬边的阻尼性，在音频信号加上去的同时会有一个滞后的效应，比高音要慢半拍，整体的速度感达不到一致。还有悬边在纸盆冲程上的限制，推动空气的质量也会有不足。换用了无悬边单元后，起音的速度会更快，纸盆获得更长的冲程作线性位移，量感上能得到增强，无论是全音域范围内的整体速度感还是量感平衡方面都会得到提高，恐怕这才是TSM-300采用无悬边单元的目的。当然，没了悬边支撑，在纸盆的运动稳定性等等方面就需要厂家另外想办法，不过既然作为一款推向市场的产品，TAD应该找到了解决这些问题的途径。

　　与全号角设计的音箱比，TSM-300灵敏度并不高，只有88dB，阻抗6欧，频率响应35Hz至35KHz，实际听感它的低频下潜力与感量也是可圈可点。试听时用过多台功放进行搭配，老实说在万元以下的晶体机里，能把TSM-300推好的基本找不到，高频通常会显得紧与硬，不够松软柔润。推得好的机器又太贵，如贵丰的2200合并机。不过只要是换上了胆机，也不必300B这一类的单端直热三极管，就是KT88和EL34同样也可以将TSM-300动人的一面发挥出来，符合搭配上胆机配号角的传统观点。实际试听时以Micromega的SACD为音源，用科宝KT88与朱利达EL34、300B胆机驱动TSM-300，以这样的搭配下来，应该说基本对它的特点有一个较为准确的把握。

　　在胆机的驱动下，TSM-300的高频表现出了相当不错的柔润性，听来谐波丰富入耳，特别是高频质感十分强烈，使重播出的音乐具有良好的活生感。用它来欣赏小提琴的演奏唱片，称得上是一大享受，就以帕尔曼的那张电影配乐名篇《辛德勒名单》为例吧，即使在大音量下也能够不吵不噪，细节非常之多，琴弓擦弦的质感异常逼真，它并没有将琴声的尾声余韵进行刻意的延长美化，而是靠高超的高频延伸性与干净的声底将小提琴本身的琴音美感尽力再现出来，让人觉得特别的真切，象碟中第一首主题曲，帕尔曼拉出的琴音纤细而温润，带有强烈的木质韵味，能够很好的将听者带入原著音乐那悲凉、忧伤而又感人的氛围中去。再以人声而论，香港TIS出品的几张老歌翻唱专辑《梦六》与《梦一生》被TSM-300演绎得十分精采，歌手录音时贴近麦克风演唱的细节被它完整地捕捉下来，与英式风味的箱子相比，从TSM-300中传出的歌手可能会少一些甜味，但又另具一股质朴的美感，你可以说它缺乏味道，但这对原本就设计用于录音室监听的音箱也许就要杜绝这种稍加修饰的甜味，还音乐的本来面目才是它的初衷。

　　就TSM-300的中频来说，大体可以用平实来形容，它既没有刻意做得很饱满来凸出肌肉感，也没有追求紧身的效果来表现风姿绰约的骨感魅力，听来与号角高音的衔接平顺流畅，无论是重播歌剧中男声的胸音与鼻音都毫不矫饰，呈现出自然而又直接的音色特点。还是《梦六》里的现场爵士伴奏，爵士钢琴的高音象是抹上了一层滑亮的橄榄油，一颗颗音符都轻盈异常，钢琴整体的气势也相当不错，并且有很好的形体感，琴键的弹奏触键感极佳，那种松软柔润的感觉就象刚刚绕出的绵花糖一般诱人。从聆听搭配时所播过的打击乐录音来看，在胆机的驱动下，它再现出来的鼓声有着沉稳的力道，但点到为止没有强烈的感官冲击，听起来是一种很舒服的音律起伏，而用上大功率的晶体机后，TSM-300的瞬变与动态均会进一步加强，此时不管是重播大鼓，还是爵士套鼓，猛然变得强烈的中低频段，都让再生出来的低频带着几分压迫力，喜欢爆的朋友也许钟情这样的声效，不过老实说它高频的表现会比用胆机要减色几分，这就要看用家的取舍了。号角箱的规模感与条理清楚的层次感同样能从这对TSM-300上感受得到，另外它的摆位也比较容易，不需要做特别的调整才能得到好声，当然，对它进行仔细地调教获得的回报也会多一些。

其实，无悬边单元并不能算一种很新的技术，市场上以前也曾出现过此类设计的喇叭，比如B&W就有过FST无悬边的中音单元，日本也设计过一些无悬边的小喇叭。到底TAD TSM-300为何要用无悬边单元呢，照我自己的理解，由于它的高音采用压缩驱动头的号角设计，高音的速度是非常快的，钛高音振膜的微动作也能通过号角敏锐高速地传出去，打个比方来说，它的高音速度可以用“喷射”来形容，推动空气的质量也很大。而它的中低音单元并非号角式设计，如果采用普通的单元，那么由于悬边的阻尼性，在音频信号加上去的同时会有一个滞后的效应，比高音要慢半拍，整体的速度感达不到一致。还有悬边在纸盆冲程上的限制，推动空气的质量也会有不足。换用了无悬边单元后，起音的速度会更快，纸盆获得更长的冲程作线性位移，量感上能得到增强，无论是全音域范围内的整体速度感还是量感平衡方面都会得到提高，恐怕这才是TSM-300采用无悬边单元的目的。当然，没了悬边支撑，在纸盆的运动稳定性等等方面就需要厂家另外想办法，不过既然作为一款推向市场的产品，TAD应该找到了解决这些问题的途径。

　　与全号角设计的音箱比，TSM-300灵敏度并不高，只有88dB，阻抗6欧，频率响应35Hz至35KHz，实际听感它的低频下潜力与感量也是可圈可点。试听时用过多台功放进行搭配，老实说在万元以下的晶体机里，能把TSM-300推好的基本找不到，高频通常会显得紧与硬，不够松软柔润。推得好的机器又太贵，如贵丰的2200合并机。不过只要是换上了胆机，也不必300B这一类的单端直热三极管，就是KT88和EL34同样也可以将TSM-300动人的一面发挥出来，符合搭配上胆机配号角的传统观点。实际试听时以Micromega的SACD为音源，用科宝KT88与朱利达EL34、300B胆机驱动TSM-300，以这样的搭配下来，应该说基本对它的特点有一个较为准确的把握。

　　在胆机的驱动下，TSM-300的高频表现出了相当不错的柔润性，听来谐波丰富入耳，特别是高频质感十分强烈，使重播出的音乐具有良好的活生感。用它来欣赏小提琴的演奏唱片，称得上是一大享受，就以帕尔曼的那张电影配乐名篇《辛德勒名单》为例吧，即使在大音量下也能够不吵不噪，细节非常之多，琴弓擦弦的质感异常逼真，它并没有将琴声的尾声余韵进行刻意的延长美化，而是靠高超的高频延伸性与干净的声底将小提琴本身的琴音美感尽力再现出来，让人觉得特别的真切，象碟中第一首主题曲，帕尔曼拉出的琴音纤细而温润，带有强烈的木质韵味，能够很好的将听者带入原著音乐那悲凉、忧伤而又感人的氛围中去。再以人声而论，香港TIS出品的几张老歌翻唱专辑《梦六》与《梦一生》被TSM-300演绎得十分精采，歌手录音时贴近麦克风演唱的细节被它完整地捕捉下来，与英式风味的箱子相比，从TSM-300中传出的歌手可能会少一些甜味，但又另具一股质朴的美感，你可以说它缺乏味道，但这对原本就设计用于录音室监听的音箱也许就要杜绝这种稍加修饰的甜味，还音乐的本来面目才是它的初衷。

　　就TSM-300的中频来说，大体可以用平实来形容，它既没有刻意做得很饱满来凸出肌肉感，也没有追求紧身的效果来表现风姿绰约的骨感魅力，听来与号角高音的衔接平顺流畅，无论是重播歌剧中男声的胸音与鼻音都毫不矫饰，呈现出自然而又直接的音色特点。还是《梦六》里的现场爵士伴奏，爵士钢琴的高音象是抹上了一层滑亮的橄榄油，一颗颗音符都轻盈异常，钢琴整体的气势也相当不错，并且有很好的形体感，琴键的弹奏触键感极佳，那种松软柔润的感觉就象刚刚绕出的绵花糖一般诱人。从聆听搭配时所播过的打击乐录音来看，在胆机的驱动下，它再现出来的鼓声有着沉稳的力道，但点到为止没有强烈的感官冲击，听起来是一种很舒服的音律起伏，而用上大功率的晶体机后，TSM-300的瞬变与动态均会进一步加强，此时不管是重播大鼓，还是爵士套鼓，猛然变得强烈的中低频段，都让再生出来的低频带着几分压迫力，喜欢爆的朋友也许钟情这样的声效，不过老实说它高频的表现会比用胆机要减色几分，这就要看用家的取舍了。号角箱的规模感与条理清楚的层次感同样能从这对TSM-300上感受得到，另外它的摆位也比较容易，不需要做特别的调整才能得到好声，当然，对它进行仔细地调教获得的回报也会多一些。

Source: http://news.hifi023.com/audio/20090303/8197.html

Happy Chinese New Year! Celebrate the new year with new toys!

I have read quite a fair amount of good review on the TAD TSM 300 monitor speakers and I have the strong urge to try them.

I have always love buying speakers as different speakers have different sound characteristic and qualities and strength. Currently, I still have my Tannoy Cantebury & Western Electric 755a for listening of Orchestra music and violin music in Singapore.

In Hong Kong, owing to the severe space constraints, I have always been struggling with having the right size of speakers for my living room. I liked my previous JBL L65 but I can only placed them at the spare room which make listening not convenient and practical. Thus, the most difficult and most expensive components in the hifi setting is the size of the living room listening area!

As such, I have recently bought the last new old stock discontinued piano wood Dali Minuet speakers. I have always wanted to find a pair of TAD TSM 300 as the size would fit my living room furniture decoration as well as provide a wide enough sound stage for my living room.

Recently, I came across a pair of limited edition TAD TSM 300 (HK$15000-16000) but it was above my budget. This afternoon, I will have the opportunity to audition a pair that just been found in Japan.. Will update the listening result and the result of my hunt! Someone has once commented that Hifi is not like Wife or husband where you need to have a life long relationship~~ Hifi is just a toy ~ man's toys that bring pleasure and fun~~ ~~ There are some hifi Sifu who take hifi so seriously that it take away so much fun!

Have fun and enjoy~~ Please visit below when you are free~ Free poisoning! haha!

Review sources form the net:

• AD TSM-300的高音号角单元是钛金属振膜的压缩式驱动结构，高频可延伸至35KHz，TAD将此高音单元的相位做了精确的调整，以保证其输出效率和音色的准确性，另外，这支高音号角使用了所谓“Acoustical Filter Assisted System Tuning”技术，将高音在号角内产生的振动用特殊导管加以吸收，避免号角效应；低音单元借助了TAD研制的无悬边线性功率响应技术，无悬边结构可消除悬边振动产生的噪声、降低失真并可承受较大功率，为了配合号角高音的发声点，低音的磁铁位置也做得很靠后，而且在高音号角的上、下各装一只6"单元形成对称的点声源布局，音箱外贴PVC材料，是防磁设计。
• 对于发烧友来讲，最大的梦想，无疑是求得一套靓声的器材，而一套器材要靓声，理想的 喇叭自然少不了。 问世间，理想喇叭为何物？直叫无数发烧好汉一生相守。寻寻觅觅，究竟理想喇叭在哪里？爆要爆得，细要细得；配搭随意，左右逢源；还要价格合理，免得荷包羞涩的发烧 友，可望不可及，空生悲切。虽说这世上难得有十全十美的事，但总还是有少数接近完美的，TAD TSM-300扬声器就是其 中之一。 作为发烧友，George Lucas的大名肯定不陌生吧，他对音响的高要求远近闻名，他的 Skywalker Studio（天行者）更是一等一的录音室，就是这个录音室，录过Star War，录 过X-Rex，可是你知道Skywalker Studio用的是哪个监听扬声器吗？ 不错，正是TAD TSM-300！看外表，它平平无奇，PVC的木纹皮，二十几磅的体重，不过却极容易配搭，个中原因自然 与它的音量控制器（High Level Control Switch）有着密切的关系。这个音量控制器有 加、正常、减三档，利用这三档调校，就可以使TAD TSM-300与或大或细的不同功率放大器 配搭默契，游刃有余。 TAD TSM-300的高低频延伸度纵深异常，低到35Hz，高到35,000Hz，张弛有道，轻松自如。 无论地动山摇、和风细雨，还是浪潮滚滚，一样应付自如。 如此卓越的效果，自然有其独到的设计。看面板上的四个小孔，那可是独特设计的低音反 射气孔。喇叭两边还各有两个特制的6寸低音单元。咀则采用A FAST-SZ技术研制，背后有 许多管状物体，可消除谐振，整体具有均衡低频的作用.至于它的价格，绝对是物超所值，如此超群的喇叭，怎不叫人心动呢？

• http://octave-electronics.com/TAD/TSM-300.shtml
• TSM-300是一款是由美国TAD公司设计的扬声器。这家公司以制造世上最优质和最昂贵的喇叭驰名，创办人原是JBL几位设计工程师，所以在TAD TSM-300这款扬声器上保留了很多监听音箱的风格，声音豪放爽快、忠实直白但并不黯淡，富于动感，在表现爵士，ROCK，流行等方面极佳。TSM-300的售价在12000元左右，相对于HI-FI级音箱来说性价比还是很不错的。
• http://tech.163.com/digi/05/1215/10/250P40HK001618TR.html
• http://www.acdc.com.tw/speaker/pioneer_tad/sp_tad.htm
• http://www.hifi-play.com/langman/2008-06-25/92.html
• http://www.avmagazine.com/03/dreaming.html
• http://news.hifi023.com/audio/20090303/8245_2.html

Reiner ~~more~

My liking for Reiner continues with these 2 new CDs. Dvorak New World Symphony has always been one of my favorite.

I was visiting the Review33 and realised that many of the popular threads have been posting photos of nature rather the discussing hifi.  Perhaps, some site should change its name to photographic discussion?

Khachaturian Masquerade Suite, Kabalevsky The Comedians

For those who wants a lively and "happy mood" can choose this CD by Khachaturian Masquerade Suite, 

Kabalevsky The Comedians conducted by Kiril Kondrahin

The stereo effects are great as one can hear the music moving from left to right and right to left...perhaps that was the reason why it was known a "Living stereo" during the 50s..

Vienna : Fritz Reiner

iThis is another great CD

Reiner sound

I have been listening to Reiner Cds last week. This cd contains top recordings of Island of the dead by Racmaninov. It is known for quite a long time as audiophile's favourite and it truly deserves the praise it has received for years among audiophiles.


The sonics are amazing and the Chicago Orchestra could be compared to the best orchestras from Europe. F.Reiner stands on high heels with a devastatingly beautiful Pavane, from Ravel;the Spanish Rhapsody reveals a richly textured atmosphere. Like what someone said:  minimalist leaving the music to speak for itself.. Enjoy!

Greetings from Guam and Saipan

Greetings from Guam and Saipan!

Lovely blue sky, blue seas and friendly people!

Back to Back

Side by Side, is performed by two great musicians The recording is amazing. The sound quality of these discs is the best "stereo"..

Happy New Year

Happy new year everyone! Welcome to 2010!

Started to celebrate the coming of the new year with the hunt for CDs. Enjoy and be happy everyone!

The end of 2009~~

The year 2009 is coming to an end.

This years has been a tough one for many with the repercussion from the collapse of the banks, the uncertainties of the economy, the retrenchment, the losing of confidences in the banking and financial sector, the rebound of the property markets and the stocks etc.

Despite the tough market and the need for constant business travel, I have managed to find some time to listen to my music, source for many first edition Cds, as well as further streamlined my hifi collection and learnt more about the music that I have listened.

In addition, the year 2009 has also been a busy one with the selling of my Singapore property during the height of the property boom as well as the buying of a new property yesterday. The search has been a tough one as location, design, direction facing and convenient are major consideration.

Nevertheless, during the December month, I have also managed to take a nice holiday to Egypt followed by home leave back to Singapore and another short trip to Malacca with my family. 2009 has also been a year for the revival of my vintage watch collection~~

Enjoy the festive period and the music! Cheers from Singapore!

純音樂 -《夜闌人靜之一~二-2CD

中文名稱：夜闌人靜
資源類型：APE転MP3
發行時間：2002年
專輯歌手：純音樂

語言：普通話
簡介：

專輯介紹：

　　從hi-fi角度而言，這真是世界級錄音，稱其為天碟毫不為過，低音厚實，高音清脆，樂器周圍的空間感，樂器的前後層次，全部都足以比美，任何最靚的外國天碟，內容則是香港一班中樂高手用民樂演奏的比較文靜的中國樂曲，適宜夜闌人靜時獨自細細品嚐，此碟的二胡與中阮錄得最夠立體感，錄音師黃啟光確實本領非凡。如果你只聽效果及爆棚的東西，你不要買這張CD。

　　如果你的個性是熱鬧豪放一族，你也不需要買這張碟片，這裡也沒有紅燈綠酒的感受。但是如果你會有時靜下來，獨處一室時，想有一刻悠閒，一刻清靜，舒一身累氣，舒一日的戾氣時，你聽聽這張百分百的音樂錄音，你會頓時覺得到底人生是美好與高尚的，你會獲得無比的恬靜寧謐。

專輯介紹：

　　《夜闌人靜2》是一輯十分受歡迎的音樂，每次補訂來的貨都很快便銷售一空。這會再接再厲，來多十來首同樣性質的音樂，這次有中也有西好把這《夜闌人靜》的意境擴展開來。更多品種讓發燒朋友們好好听償。

　　這裡有一首西洋古典作品，PAVANNE,老朋友DAVID PACKER改編為口琴既二胡重奏。這個組合及安排在《辛小紅》二胡已成功地嘗試過，是駕輕就熟，口琴的清脆跟二胡的憂怨是很「配親」的對比。

　　最後一首是正宗的「土炮」，一首爵士的作品，諸旋律美極了，各位樂手以即興演奏也受旋律的美態所感染，可聽性很高。作者本來想把這作品命名「1997」，但很多聽過這作品的朋友都覺得這美麗的樂章應有一個較「詩意」的名字，那麼就命它「FAREWELL」，這麼也可反映「1997」的情懷呢。

　　

　　夜闌人靜是香港資深的發燒錄音師黃啟光先生一手製作而成,是九十年代最受發燒友愛戴的天碟錄音,以最傳真、最靚聲的錄音效果,將二胡、洋琴、笛子、琵琶、中阮、低革胡及敲擊等多種不同類型的中國樂器,一一收錄下來,音色的清晰純厚程度表現極為像真,令中外發燒友讚譽不絕.演奏的曲目全是歷來最經典的中國傳統樂目,首首耳熟能詳,可聽性極高,令人百聽不厭.

http://bbs.javaws.com/viewthread.php?tid=21055

Home trip~~

After my Malacca trip, I was back home in Singapore busy meeting the house agent and went to law firm to confirm the purchase of my new apartment. It was truly a tiring day~~happy one too~~

In between my rushing, I have also managed to visit an old CD shop and managed to find the old CDs by the late comedian 梁醒波~~Don Mclean and an old Chinese instrument music

夜闌人靜之二 ~~

My new apartment shall be ready in the middle of the year and my porject of setting up a simple hifi room shall commence then..In the mean time, just relax..

Merry Christmas

Wishing everyone a belated Merry Christmas!

I have not updated my blog lately as I was busy traveling to Egypt, following which a business trip to Shanghai and then back to Singapore and Malacca for Christmas break with my family.

While in Malacca, I have managed to find an old casette and CD shop. In the shop, I was lucky to be able to find some new old stocks Nat King Cole CDs, Frank Sinatra CDs, as well as some nice classical Cds.

It was a really fun trip!

The US$2000 CD Made From Glass

The $2000 CD Made From Glass

http://www.avguide.com/blog/the-2000-cd-made-glass

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http://news.u-audio.com.tw/newsdetail.asp?newsid=392

在數位唱片製作「工藝」的世界裡，我們不得不承認Fine N&F的工程師福井末憲確實是一位「藝術家」。玻璃CD版卡拉揚指揮柏林愛樂「貝多芬第九號交響曲」（1962年版）在日月音響舉辦發表會，我們再次見識到Fine N&F堅持唱片藝術的精神與毅力。

將福井先生視為藝術家，自然有著驚人之舉。兩年前Fine N&F推出了前所未見的「玻璃CD」，原廠的專利名稱叫做「Extreme HARDGLASS CD」，內容還是標準CD 44.1 kHz的規格，但採用光學玻璃做為材料，以全手工製作，一張要價日幣98,000元，折合台幣將近3萬元。福井先生也說：「無論我走到哪一個地方，都有人跟我說玻璃CD的價格真是昂貴，但價值實際上是因人而異的。很多人說貴，但Fine N&F卻是為了唱片藝術的價值來製作玻璃CD。」

以製作最高品質唱片為職志

第一次見到福井末憲已經是四年前的事了，當時福井先生才剛創立Fine N&F，由代理商韻順唱片邀請前來宣傳。在創立Fine N&F，福井先生在日本Philips服務了三十年，專職錄音工程師，就在2000年前後，他開始接觸SACD的新規格，認為數位錄音技術真正有了突破性的發展，所以和好友西?義訓，一起創立了Fine N&F，以製作全世界最高品質唱片為職志。

福井說：「日本環球唱片旗下有許多著名的唱片品牌，每個月新發行的唱片專輯大約500張，但Fine N&F一年勉強可以達到2張的水準。」他笑說，這顯示Fine N&F是一家非常非常小的唱片公司，但他卻很執著於唱片製作的每一個環節。要做全世界最好的唱片發行，Fine N&F不求多，但求精。要照顧從錄音到發行的每一個細節，福井說，一年推出兩張專輯已經是非常繁重的工作量了。從2001年創業到2008年，目前Fine N&F總共只有14張專輯。

既然立志做全世界最好的唱片，Fine N&F自然選擇SACD作為主要發行的規格。回想當年，福井說他們是第一家研究出Hybrid SACD的唱片公司，後來大唱片公司發現，Hybrid SACD可以兼容傳統CD，是打開SACD市場的好辦法，所以群起效尤。

演奏廳直接錄音 捕捉空間自然殘響

福井手上拿的長岡京室內樂團在京都的現場演出CD，便是Fine N&F推出的第一張專輯。

Fine N&F這第一張專輯是長岡京室內樂團在京都的現場演出，福井表示，Fine N&F不在錄音室錄音，而是要求全部在演奏廳裡面錄製，這樣才能同時捕捉空間自然的殘響。錄音的方法則是福井獨創，改良Decca Tree的福井式麥克風擺放方式。這是三十年錄音功力的累積，也是Fine N&F的珍貴智慧財產。

經歷7年的時間，累積14張專輯，Fine N&F思考著製作「精選集」的可能性。福井說，曲目挑選不難，但在發行一張精選SACD，似乎意義不大，而當時他研發十多年的玻璃CD，已經接近完成的階段，於是Fine N&F決定採用全球獨一無二的「Extreme HARDGLASS」CD發行精選集。

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http://news.u-audio.com.tw/newsdetail.asp?newsid=388

全世界最「昂貴」的單一CD專輯 － 卡拉揚指揮柏林愛樂演出的DG版「貝多芬第九號交響曲」玻璃CD，將於2008年6月2日（一）下午3時30分至5時，在台北市日月音響現場展示播放，同時並邀請到日本N & F公司社長福井末憲 先生與日本環球唱片公司關素志先生現場解說及介紹。

日本環球唱片於2007年12月15日正式上市的「貝多芬第九號交響曲」，以1962年卡拉揚指揮柏林愛樂演出的DG版重新發行，意義非凡。這張唱片由日本環球特別與Fine N&F合作，採用玻璃CD（Extreme HARDGLASS CD）製作，日本環球的官方網站上標示定價為200,000日幣（含稅），換算為台幣超過6萬元，絕對是目前世界最昂貴的單張CD。


以「Extreme HARDGLASS CD」製作的1962年版「貝多芬第九號交響曲」，採取「完全預約受注」限定生產。根據台灣代理商韻順唱片表示，玻璃CD是全手工製作，Fine N&F一天僅能製作出兩張玻璃CD，所以每一張玻璃CD訂購之後，需要1個月的製作期，這也是售價如此高昂的原因。不過，國內樂迷仍有幸親耳聽到這張玻璃CD，而且是透過台北日月音響的Hi End器材做展示喔！但因現場聆聽空間有限，試聽會採限量報名方式進行，有興趣的樂迷或音響迷請與韻順唱片聯繫。

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http://news.u-audio.com.tw/newsdetail.asp?newsid=755





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http://news.u-audio.com.tw/newsdetail.asp?newsid=380


「Karajan 2008」在全球古典樂迷之間，已經成為熱門討論的話題了，為了紀念「指揮帝王」卡拉揚100年冥誕，唱片公司無不紛紛推出套裝再版，或是稀有演奏的唱片全新發行。其中，日本環球唱片與Fine N&F合作的「玻璃CD」，將是全世界第一張以玻璃製作的卡拉揚唱片，也是全世界最「昂貴」的單一CD專輯。

日本環球於2007年12月15日正式上市的「貝多芬第九號交響曲」，將1962年卡拉揚指揮柏林愛樂演出的DG版，重新發行，但意義非凡。日本環球特別與Fine N&F合作，採用玻璃CD製作，日本環球的官方網站上標示定價為200,000日幣（含稅），換算為台幣超過6萬元，絕對是目前世界最昂貴的CD。

從日本環球官方網站的說明，以「Extreme HARDGLASS CD」製作的1962年版「貝多芬第九號交響曲」，採取「完全預約受注」限定生產。根據台灣代理商韻順唱片表示，玻璃CD是全手工製作，Fine N&F一天僅能製作出兩張玻璃CD，所以每一張玻璃CD訂購之後，需要1個月的製作期。而每一張玻璃CD不僅有生產編號，消費者若將原廠說明書裡面的回函寄給Fine N&F，原廠還匯寄送正式的玻璃CD保證書，在一年之內如果玻璃CD在非外力影響下損壞，提供直接換新的保固服務。

趕在2008年卡拉揚百歲的前夕上市，這張全世界最昂貴的「貝多芬第九號交響曲」，也將在台上市。Fine N&F錄音師福井末憲將與日本環球的唱片企畫一同來台，解說「Extreme HARDGLASS CD」的特點，並由日本環球說明發行卡拉揚版玻璃CD的緣由。此一說明會行程仍由韻順唱片規劃當中，預計商借台北日月音響二樓之專業聆聽室，舉辦「Extreme HARDGLASS CD與卡拉揚」之深入介紹活動，但正式舉辦說明會的日期尚未敲定，韻順唱片正積極籌辦當中，敬請期待

TAS THE Absolute sound

Over the weekend, I have manage to take out and listen to the TAS CDs..

Great recording and for those who spent huge amount of money upgrading gears, speakers wires, etc..don't forget the software, i,e CDs..

• TAS The Absolute Sound 2007 : 詩歌寄情．讓瞬間變成永恆 TAS給你無法抵抗的美好! 德國發燒大廠《老虎魚》原版母帶後製
• TAS The Absoulute sound 2006: 跟上吉普賽女孩的舞步 抓住無法抵抗的音符 煽動自由熱情的靈魂 TAS給你最渴望的感動!! 《德國發燒大廠【老虎魚】原版母帶後製》

• TAS The Absolute sound 2005: 凱撒大帝說：「我來，我見，我征服」--如同西班牙鬥牛士的專注與熱情--TAS嚴選各國最完美的聲音--再一次征服你最挑剔的耳朵--

• TAS The Absolute sound 2004: 獻給音樂偏執狂,挑戰最挑剔的耳朵.
  不只是耳朵最優奢侈品，更是取悦人生的絕對必需品
  縱橫英法美俄等國，嚴選各類音樂Top One，16首經典一次衝擊!
  為了呈現更完美的錄音品質，不惜砸下重金，遠赴德國，力邀國際知名發燒大廠Stockfisch老虎魚為此專輯錄音監製.......堅持不放過每個細節的極光，如此絕對，只為了呈現最好的音樂給....音樂偏執狂。
  封面女郎跳的Jalco舞蹈是源自於佛朗明哥界一種特殊曲調，代表表演到最激昂時，歌者、吉他手與舞者的鼓掌彈指聲，以及觀眾的呐喊交錯，澎湃互動，到了是最激昂、最狂熱的境界。
• 
  

玩管機→最高境界→就想玩玩的是WE ，想擁有WE-124B 當左右護法嗎？

I was reading through some of my old threads..

This is interesting articles which I have found on the net to share:

好的器材、又什麼算好的器材呢？只要報出來或上網一搜、馬上就知！好東 西不會便宜、貴的→有錢人才有閒錢買、尤其世界經典的古董機‧就算閒置、有錢人也不差那些錢、甚至覺得賣出被朋友知道了以為他要跑路‧所以整個國際市場 上、好東西愈來愈少，當然愈來愈貴，有錢還不見得買的到！再加上拍賣場子、網路行銷更加便捷，我問您→一樣的東西上次１萬成交，而您有一樣的東西，您要賣 多少呢？當然是一萬！而上次一萬元大家搶著下標，而您沒買到、這次當然多加個１仟元，加果買到了、勢必得多花上空運費、關稅等等費用、如此滾雪 球．．．．．就算您不賺錢賣出好了！成本是不是一手轉一手的愈來愈高！所以看到好的器材→早買才是省錢的路‧

My Marantz 7C has become my Vintage Rolex 5513 gilt dial submariner. ( http://vintage-watch.blogspot.com/) Lucky, I still have my Western Electric 124b 當左右護法..haha..

My search for the WE124b has been an interesting one as I have to go to Taiwan to search, order, await restoration and then hand carry them back to Hong Kong.

The WE amplifiers was expensive and will continue to do so as all vintage items are gaining in values: LS3/5a, Leaks, Mcintosh etc..No choice..worldwide demand. 所以看到好的器材→早買才是省錢的路‧haha. Sounded like advertisement but its true. Bought my first LS3/5a at US$400 (HK$3200) and now outside selling $10,000 above for 15ohms. For those of you who is keen on getting one pair should try to get them as soon as possible. Instead of trying to keep so many hi fi gears, just sell away all and keep the ultimate Western Electric. After years of playing, when you sell them, you will definitely make $$..

絕版的皇太子

Many of you may wonder what happened to my newly bought 絕版的皇太子 since I bought them. Haha!

Its not with me as I have loan it a CD shop as the shop's speakers were faulty. Thus, the shop now has a temporary "replacement" speakers while I will have the opportunity to let the speakers ran for continuous 12 hours a day for several months!!

Win-win situation for both!

My only fear is that the shop keeper may like it so much that he wants to them..

Like Waves against the Sand CD

For Chinese light music, there are 3 must have Cds and this is one of them..

http://logic.csc.cuhk.edu.hk/~b402755/waves.htm

CDs

Went shopping for Cds this evening ..

Ansermet conducts

Dali Minuet Piano Wood ~~絕版的皇太子

I used to have a pair of Dali Minuet several years ago when I first started to play with hifi. Recently, I came across a shop selling the last remaining pair of the NOS Royal Royal Minuet in Piano wood. I have decided to take it without hesitation as I can still remember vividly the great sound from these little pair of speakers.

I was told that the Dali Royal minute series were discontinued owing to the discontinued parts and there are collectors started hunting for these little speakers. Will these speakers become the next collectable speakers?

Enjoy!

http://dali-speakers.com/display_content.php/INT/speakers.html/190/1959