Sonus Faber Cremona M SE and Auditor M SE

Today, i have officially edited my blog title from vintage hifi experience to Vintage & Modern hifi experience. This is especially true now where my power a,Olivier, per amplifier, and now speakers are all modern, while still keeping the vintage Philips CD player, the vintage Western Electric CD isolation transformer.

The evolution from vintage to modern hifi was natural as with the improvement of science and technology, the demand for realistic sound has also heightened. While the vintage gears have its merits, there are many smaller details that are missing..

One day, when I move to a bigger apartment, I shall upgrade to a bigger floor standing speakers...




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Location:Princess Margaret Road Link,,Hong Kong

Chario sonnet and Sonus Faber

My love for Italian speakers come about as a result of the Chario Sonnet superb workmanship. I have seen the photo from the web and was attracted by the design.

Following which, I have tried to audition the Chario Sonnet without much success as many of the hifi shops in Hong Kong only carry the other cheaper Chario models. Even thought, I have bought the Sonus Faber, another Italian brand,there is always a question marks with regards to Chario Sonnet sound in my heart.

Last time, I went to TST and has managed to find a shop who has a pair of Sonnet. The workmanship is really nice but the size of the speaker is much bigger then what I imagine and seen from the photo. Given the size, there will be a need to get the original speaker stands as the depth of the Sonnet is much deeper then the other bookshelf speakers. The appearance and look of the Sonnnet is superb and now comes the sound.


I have asked the shop to connect and let me audition both the Chario Sonnet and the Sonus Faber auditor M SE. The first audition is on the Sonnet and I must say that the music is nice with a stronger base. Then came the auction of the Sonus Faber Auditor M SE. Upon AB comparison, I have immediately known that I have made the correct decision as the sound of the Sonus Faber is much clearer and more analytical and has a clear soundstage. Phew, lucky, I have made the right choice as my previous audition was with the other range of the Chario. IMHO, Chario is also a good pair of speaker but it's strength is in the pop music where the strong bass is important.

For Violin music, jazz and classical music, the Sonus Faber will be there for you. I have asked the shop sales what is the different between the Sonus Faber Auditor M version versus the newer the Auditor M SE version besides the tweeter.

According to the sales, since HK is being distributed by Sonus Faber Asia limited directly and not via a distributor, they tend to launch the latest Sonus Faber Cremona M, Auditor etc with their latest innovation. The ribbon tweeter with its ability to reach higher frequencies and better control, the speakers will be more "accurate"' faster and and dynamic then the older version where there is tendency of being warmer but slight sluggish.

I was formerly a user of vintage speakers but with the improvement in science and technology, I am now starting to open up my mind to accept newer things and allow myself to explore the new equipments. The advantage of the Sonus Faber is that the design of the speakers is still "traditional" in design, with superb craftsmanship (like a violin) with modern technology in term of drivers and tweeters. 

I have realized the different between vintage watch collection where I appreciate the old technology and the play with vintage nostalgic. For hifi, the equipment is supposed to bring out the realism of music and make the home system sound like "live" music, the advancement in term of science and use of materials etc is inevitable.

The sound of vintage amplifiers is a different kind of fun and if the chase is for realism in terms of music and clarity of sound stage and presentation of symphony orchestra music, perhaps one should take another look. If I intend to upgrade, I will move up to the next level of Sonus Faber...haha...







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Ribbon tweeter

My new toy Sonus Faber Auditor M SE version is using the Ribbon Tweeter. What is it? From the web, Ribbon tweeter is
A ribbon tweeter uses a very thin diaphragm (often of aluminum, or perhaps metalized plastic film) which supports a planar coil frequently made by deposition of aluminium vapor, suspended in a powerful magnetic field (typically provided by neodymium magnets) to reproduce high frequencies. The development of ribbon tweeters has more or less followed the development of ribbon microphones. The ribbon is of very lightweight material and so capable of very high acceleration and extended high frequency response. Ribbons have traditionally been incapable of high output (large magnet gaps leading to poor magnetic coupling is the main reason). But higher power versions of ribbon tweeters are becoming common in large-scale sound reinforcement line array systems, which can serve audiences of thousands. They are attractive in these applications since nearly all ribbon tweeters inherently exhibit useful directional properties, with very wide horizontal dispersion (coverage) and very tight vertical dispersion. These drivers can easily be stacked vertically, building a high frequency line array that produces high sound pressure levels much farther away from the speaker locations than do conventional tweeters.
I was told by the salesmen that Sonus Faber will be using these new Ribbon tweeter to replace their existing models. The advantage is that the music produced will be more dynamic and less sluggish....

There are many different types of ribbons with different resistances, thicknesses, responce times etc.. but in general they have a much lower mass then any cone or dome tweeter, respond faster and stop faster then any cone or dome driver and lack coloration. They can have a very high powerhandling with no audible distortion on good designs with good magnets..

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Sonus Faber Cremona auditor M SE

After some running in, my new speakers began to sing! With the speakers and the stand, I can listen to much more then my previous set up.
I have auditioned the violin music and I must say that the presentation is so real! Initially, I was looking at the Chario ( because of its superb wood craftsmanship).

After having AB comparison, I have found the Sonus Faber having much more clarity and clean. The Chario has a much stronger base ( and the sales person has pointed out that Chario with a strong base may be suitable for the playing of AV system where strong base is key).

From the hifi forum, there are some audiophiles who is afraid of this special edition for HK and China. Since I do not have the opportunity to do a comparison, I can only compare the Sonus Faber with the Chario Cygnus to get a feel of the sound characteristics. The Chario having its strength of more base also sounded quite "boxy" while the Sonus Faber sound is more open.

Given the differences in the tweeter, I have emailed Sonus Faber and i have received the confirmation that this special edition having the ribbon tweeter is also made in Italy (and not China) with individual serial number. I have managed to get a very nice 1833 number, which is a bonus..

Given the stand alone costs around,HK$9k+, the promotional price is really exceptional and there are only 30 sets per shops making a total of around 150 sets of the Auditor and 150 sets for the Cremona M ( I guess).

After searching for so long, I have finally able to find a pair of speakers which can give me much more and enable me to listen much more details. I know that there are many who love vintage speakers for nostalgic reasons but IMHO listening to hifi is also about listening to the details and the the Sonic and tones of the various instruments..

So, if you really want to enjoy music, please don't self imposed such limitation. Have a few pairs of different speakers so that you can enjoy vocal, light instruments, and orchestra music. There is no need to keep many pair of the same kind as the differences will not be huge.

The most important thing is to progress and enjoy! To put it in simple language. It's like removing the cloth that has wrapped around the ears and the sound is absolute clarity, clean and with much details..moreover, the workmanship, the speakers touch and feel, attention to details are remarkable!




























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Location:Princess Margaret Road Link,,Hong Kong

2013: start of a new hifi journey : Sonus Faber Auditor M SE

Happy New Year everyone!
I have started the new year with a casual shopping at the hifi shops. Originally, I was looking to listen to the Italian made Chario Sennet. (I was captured by its good wooden craftmanship) However, the shop only has other Chario models. During the audition, my ears were captured by the sound of Sonus Faber Auditor M SE, another Italian speakers maker, where the budget for these are much higher then the Chario.
For many years, I have been using vintage speakers from Rogers and Chartwell LS3/5a, Tannoy Cantebury, full range speakers including the famed Western Electric 755a. While the sound of the vintage speakers sounded sweet for vocal, I have wanted to try new things..

Following which, I have switched to new speakers such as the Tannoy Mini, and twice the Dali Royal Menuet speakers (both small book shelf speakers) hoping to find the details, and more analytical sounds and detail. 

With the improvement in science and technology, I am now willing to try with new technology, the new speakers will have better presentation in term of sound stage and clarity and analytical sound. With the Sonus Faber Auditor, it gives me the clarity, analytical and sound stage that I want when playing the symphony!
Happy new year !
























I have bought the latest Sonus Faber Auditor M SE version where there is a different in the tweeter (using 8/70mm high speed, high definition, pleated ribbon tweeter) instead of the 25mm tweeter. There are not much information on the new SE version on the net as these special edition are made fro HK& China. My initially listening is that it has a very clean musical with good clarity and sound stage. Since I want to change my speakers, I might as well get the latest.. (At one stage, I was even thinking of the old Chario 1, 2 and the Millenium & Old Sonus Faber Coneetino and Concerto..which in retrospect, doesn't make much sense as these weree over 10 years old models)



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Location:Metropolis Dr,,Hong Kong

VIntage Hifi versus other Vintage collectables

Some of my friend has asked why I have stopped collecting vintage hifi gears and have instead focusing on vintage watches.

One key reason is due to the space constraint in HK and with the need of constant move of apartment, it will increase the probability of damage. In addition, with the need for business travels has also shortened the time for listenig of music.

One of the key reason is also due to the retirement of good repairman for vintage hifi gears. Previously, in Mongkok, one can easily find 3 or 4 repairman for vintage gears. Now, I can hardly find one. Moreover, with the scarcity of parts, it has made repair and keeping the amplifiers with orginal spareparts difficult.

Moreover, electronic items have a cetain lifespan. Watches, being mechanical can last s fir several hundred years with proper usage. Without the need for more space, it has also made storge easy.

Instead of collecting vintage gears, I have ,in fact, spent more time listening to good recording and search for good recording first edition CD..

Merry Christmas!

Year end

Having been playing with hifi for several years, I must say that the hifi fever in Hong Kong has decreased a great deal following the financial crisis as well as the closing of the vintage hifi shops. Many of the master sifu as also retired making playing with vintage amplifier a challenge.
To maintain a vintage amp, it will also required spare parts that are difficult to find nd costly...

Given the above, plus the lack of time, my low FI system is serving me well.. Best wishes!

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Location:Thalang,Thailand

Korean pop

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To each his own

Music is very individual. Hifi system is the same. There are many who love to impose their like to others..in the end, it's a personal choice..just do the things that you like and listen to what pleases your ears...


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Dali royal minuet II

This is my third pair of Dali Minuet speakers. The first pair was sold when I was posted to work in HK. Following which, when I arrived in Hkg, I bought myself a pair of Piano wood. Owing o the move of apartment, I regretfully sold the pair. I must say I m lucky o have found a
Air of mint condition discontinued Dali with full packaging, Manuel and even the gloves..






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Dali piano wood

I am in the process of getting ate piano wood Dali....Haha











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Update

I haven't add any new hifi gears lately after I have done a major streamline of my vintage gears. I was at Mongkok and SSP the other day and found my vintage hifi shops disappearing signaling the decline of the trade owing to eBay and taobao, perhaps.

I often missed the time where I find new vintage gears but after having several horrific moving of apartments, such thoughts quickly vanished.. Now, I mainly devote my limited time listening to my lo FI gears and listening o simple music using my Music First Pre + Elekit power, which is convenient to operate and relatively easy to maintain. Owing to the flexibility of being able to switch power tubes from KT 66 to EL34 to 350c tubes to any 6L6 tubes, it still gives me the joy of having the varieties without the need to change gears, a good compromise I guess...




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Location:T1 Departure Crescent,,Singapore

Rolex 1016 gilt

This is the latest transaction or Rolex 1016 gilt dial



Just sent in my nearly found Rolex 1016 gilt dial to Rolex center for servicing...

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Rolex embossed crown

Theses are 1950s Rolex with embossed Rolex crowns. Really love the textured dials.


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Location:Buckley Rd,,Singapore

Vintage Rolex 1930s-40s-50s

These lovely watches are from the 1930s,40s, and 1954..


















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Location:Princess Margaret Road Link,,Hong Kong

LS3/5a

I have just reconnect with my hifi buddies Richard and KY and it bring back fond memories of the nice time..I remembered clearly when I came to Hong Kong 7 years ago, my initial set up was the simple Elekit with the Rogers LS3/5a. Perhaps, I should try to find one set for old time sake?


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Location:Cheong Tung Rd S,,Hong Kong

優客李林: 昨日。今日。永遠

1995 年，你們在那裡？我剛出來社會工作幾年。如今，重聽優客李林的昨天。今日。永遠，想起了昨日剛進入社會的我，也想一想今日的我，從新加坡到越南，又到柬埔寨，台灣，到香港，一轉，十幾年己過。雖然，人事全非，但是，慶幸，好聽和能共鳴的音樂卻能保留到今。希望有一天，優客李林能回來。




發行專輯
1991年出版首張專輯《認錯》，銷售達100萬張。
1992年出版國語專輯《黃絲帶》。
1993年出版國語專輯《少年遊》及英文專輯《Ocean Deep》。
1994年出版國語專輯《捍衞愛情》。
1995年出版英文專輯《Perhaps Love》、《昨日、今日、永遠》精選輯。
1997年出版國語專輯《未完成的優客李林》精選輯。
2002年出版國語專輯《優客年代》精選輯。




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Location:Metropolis Dr,,Hong Kong

Andy Williams RIP

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Location:Princess Margaret Road Link,,Hong Kong

Music

Waiting for departure...but flight delayed due to late arrival of aircraft..

Give me music


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Location:Airport Ave,Xianyang,China

Abba -my favourite band

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Full range speakers

Even though my hifi journey has slowly evolved into low-fi, I am still having much fun with the newly acquired Fullrange speakers made using solid maple wood and speakers with huge magnet.





I have always love the pure sound from the fullrange speakers especially fornthe listening to vocal music. Look at the size of the magnets..





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Location:Princess Margaret Road Link,,Hong Kong

林志炫

林志炫細緻精美的嗓音, 給了"離人"更詩人般的風味, 優雅而淡淡憂傷, 讓人感動而回想再三.

　妳的心事三三兩兩藍藍　停在我幽幽心上
　妳說情到深處人怎能不孤獨　愛到濃時就牽腸掛肚
　我的行李孤孤單單散散惹惆悵

離人放逐到邊界　彷彿走入第五個季節
　晝夜亂了和諧　潮泛任性漲退　字典裡沒春天

　離人揮霍著眼淚　迴避還在眼前的離別
　你不敢想明天　我不肯說再見
　有人說　一次告別天上就會有顆星又熄滅




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林志炫一擦聲而過2

Just received this cd from my Taiwan team..
正如專集的名字“擦身而過”，這些歌曲都是林志炫做為一個歌手沒有成為這些歌曲原唱的遺憾，而這些遺憾的歌曲正是精品中的精品！



this is one of the best cd. Every songs are full of emotion and meaning..enjoy
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Location:Metropolis Dr,,Hong Kong

Music continues with 優客李林，林志炫

Even though I am without all the fanciful vintage gear, with only a simple tube amplifier set up, my enjoyment of music continues with 優客李林，林志炫.




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Location:Metropolis Dr,Kowloon,Hong Kong

A poorly managed web forum R33

I have been participating in the Hong Kong Review33 forum for the past years. However, last night, my membership has been terminated as I have remarked to Jacky that : "being a moderator, you should not be biased and should not use vulgar language" in the forum

As a result of my comment to the moderator, my membership has been terminated. What a shame! Talking about freedom of speech and expression? How sad that a forum can be so dictatorial in management..


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