HIFI PIG’S REPORT FROM THE FIRST HIEND ASIA SINGAPORE HIFI SHOW

Last weekend, HiFi PiG’s Asia Correspondent, Gyula Weeber, visited Singapore for the first HiEnd Asia Singapore 2023 show.

You can now enjoy his HiEnd Asia Singapore 2023 Report…

Please note, all content and photos are the copyright of HiFi PiG Magazine/Big Pig Media LLP and must not be copied or reproduced in any way without the prior, written consent of HiFi PiG/Big Pig Media.

I’ve just returned from an action-packed weekend in Singapore, where I had the privilege of attending the inaugural HiEnd Asia exhibition. And we had a great time! The show was held in the Sofitel City Centre Hotel, located at the heart of Singapore’s bustling business district.

The folks behind this event are on a mission. They want to turn HiEnd Asia into the go-to destination for audiophiles in Asia, both the passionate enthusiasts and the businesses that make it all happen. And from what I’ve seen and heard, they’re onto something big. Over the weekend, I had a blast exploring some of the world’s finest audio systems and rubbing shoulders with industry insiders and brand owners from around the globe.

HIEND ASIA LECTURES

Louis Chew was the mastermind behind the whole thing, and they brought in some real experts, like Richard Mak, who gave an insightful lecture on cartridge setup and introduced us to the analogmagik system he developed.

LIVE PERFORMANCES

In addition to the captivating professional lectures and jaw-dropping audio setups, HiEnd Asia went the extra mile to treat attendees to live performances. The stage welcomed talents like Jacintha, Yao Ying Ge, EB Duet, Ozzy Wong, Linion, and OOPIIB, each delivering performances that tickled the audiophile’s soul. What made these moments truly special was the thoughtful touch: the organisers prepared LPs and CDs, and the artists were on hand to autograph them, allowing fans to take home not just a musical memory but also a cherished memento of their encounter with these exceptional performers. It was a delightful fusion of music and community, making HiEnd Asia an event that truly catered to the passions of audiophiles and music aficionados alike.

HIEND ASIA SINGAPORE 2023 REPORT

So without further ado, let’s dive in together as I recount the audio adventure at the first-ever HiEnd Asia exhibition. It’s a journey that promises to hit all the right notes, and I can’t wait to share it with you.

BALLROOM FLOOR

TEMBUSU ROOM: Shark Wire, Analogue Playground, Audio Line, Audio-Technica, Accuphase, Acoustic Signature, Diesis Audio, TAD, Nagra, Signal Project, Artesania Audio, Cary Audio, Falcon Speakers, Genesis, Ikeda, PEAK

They had two really nice system setups next to each other and also introduced the new Audio-Technica Narukami headphone system. The Narukami is a very impressive-looking and beautiful-sounding headphone rig, and for the demo, they used an Acoustic Signature Tornado Neo Turntable with an ATH-Art20 cartridge and Sutherland 20/20 phonostage.

The first day, we had the opportunity to listen to the Italian Diesis Audio’s flagship open baffle horn speaker, the Roma, with the Bonham Tribute subwoofer. The power amplifiers were the Nagra HD amps in mono, with the ATH Narukami used as a preamplifier and the newly released TAD D700 CD player and DAC as the digital source. On the analogue side, they had an Acoustic Signature Invictus Neo Jr. with an AT-ART1000 MC cartridge.

The next day, I listened to the TAD Reference Series setup. The mighty-looking and sounding Reference One was driven by TAD-M700 monaural power amplifiers; the rest of the setup was the same as detailed above.

Shark Wire and Signal Project cables were used throughout both systems. The Signal Project Poseidon S40, a very impressive product that I first encountered in Singapore, handled the power management and distribution.  

SAGA ROOM: ESD Acoustics and Simplicity Control

The Chinese ESD Acoustics had one of the most talked-about systems at High End Munich 2023, and they participated in Singapore, introducing many of their more moderate offerings. This time, they introduced the Crane horn speaker with active subwoofers. The build quality of the speakers and the carbon fibre horns is exceptional, and despite their moderate size, they were able to fill the enormous ballroom with great sound. Their distributor brought some unique equipment to match the speakers. The power amplifier came from the Japanese Takatsuki; the TA-S01 is a single-ended 300B tube power amplifier built around their famous tube. They opted for a passive preamplifier from British Bespoke Audio. The digital source was the Taiko Audio Extreme with an Emmlabs DV2 DAC. The analogue source was the very interesting Yuki AP01 Turntable using the DS Audio Master 3 cartridge. The turntable was particularly interesting for me; it has a suspended shaft with a very efficient dual-tension non-elastic Teflon thread drive system. The platter is made of conductive aluminium to suppress static electricity, and the tonearm is stainless steel for maximum dynamic range. The speed control is also unique, with knobs allowing pitch control at each speed setting to adjust speed for optimal results in each record.

I have never heard Giorgio Moroder’s “But everybody calls me Giorgio” sound so cool and engaging as it does on this system.

I could also sample the new headphone from ESD, the Kirin. This over-ear, open-back headphone is incredibly comfortable and lightweight. Listening in tandem with their gleaming gold Cloud DAC-amp was a memorable experience.

They utilised Soyaton and Albedo Silver cables from Poland throughout the room and the CMS Ultra audio rack.

BUNI ROOM: Audio Note Singapore, Airtight, Avantgarde Acoustics

Great sound from the venerable Avantgarde Acoustic. They set up the Trio G3 horn speaker system with 1000W Spacehorns and Airtight electronics. The system was focusing on analogue playback with the Lithosphere Giverny Turntable utilising an Airtight Opus cartridge. The electronics included the new Airtight ATM2211 32W SET monaural power amplifier with 211 tubes, the ATC-7 control amplifier, the ATE-3011 reference phonostage, and the ATH-3S step-up transformer. Jack Miura from Airtight introduced some great records while introducing the brand. The Tricycle album by Flim and the BB went straight to my shopping list. 

LEVEL 7

701, 702, 703: Ong Av Specialist Pte Ltd.: Bowers & Wilkins, Classe, McIntosh, Zensati

They were showcasing B&W speakers paired with McIntosh and Classe gear. In one of these rooms, the Classe Delta pre and power amp combo was working its magic, driving the 805 D4 speakers. They had everything set up with Richard Grey’s Power Company RGPC400 Pro II power conditioner and some fancy Zensati Razzmatazz cables to make sure the sound was as good as it gets.

In the other two rooms, it was all about the McIntosh and B&W dream teams. They had the McIntosh MCD600 CD player, MS500 music streamer, C2700 tube preamplifier, MC611 power amplifier, and a pair of grand B&W 802 D4 speakers, all playing together in symphony.

704-705: Audio Maestro Pte Ltd.: Borresen, Aavik, Ansuz, Axxess

One of the most thrilling highlights at the exhibition was the Borresen X2, the latest addition to AGD’s speaker lineup. This compact tower speaker offers an affordable entry point into the brand’s world of high-quality audio. Sharing the spotlight were the newly launched Axxess Forte 2 all-in-one amplifier, Ansuz A3 power switch, and power distribution, not to mention Ansuz feet and cables. The X2 follows a 2.5-way design, boasting an 88 dB sensitivity and a 4-ohm rating, delivering some of the finest sounds at the show. It’s safe to say I spent the second-most time in this room, immersing myself in the captivating playlist featuring plenty of music that was new to my ears.

Moving on to the next room, it was the big guns of Aavik gear, with the entire 280 series equipment, including a preamp, power amp, DAC, and streamer. These audio juggernauts were paired seamlessly with Borresen Z1 speakers, alongside an Ansuz D3 power distributor, a power switch, and a DTC power box, promising nothing short of an exceptional audio experience.

706: J.K. Corporate Society House 九凱企業社: Audiomis

Audiomis, a HiFi brand with roots in both Taiwan and China, has an interesting story. It was founded by two music enthusiasts, Watson Ye, who is currently the concert master of the Southern China Orchestra, and Jennifer Wong, who was instrumental in iFi Audio’s early success. Their speakers are similar to Audioengine’s designs, but they have better bass control and a wider soundstage.

707: Hon-Chen Hardware Co., Ltd 虹筌五金有限公司: Obit, Falcon Acoustics, Rodgers, Shark wire

The focus in room 707 was on Obit Audio’s resonance control products. These audio pads, the result of a decade of material research and development, were presented alongside Falcon Acoustics speakers, the Rodgers EHF-200Mk II amplifier, an Audio Research CD player, and Shark Wire Bull Shark cables. Obit’s innovation lies in their unique blend of brass alloy and proprietary silver-based materials, expertly fused through a specialised welding process. With multiple applications and an easy upgrade path, these products can be an ideal and affordable solution for many of us with less-than-ideal room acoustics.

708: PH Audio: Paragon Harmony, TAD, Sharkwire, Signal Project

Paragon Harmony, an emerging brand hailing from Denmark, displayed one of their initial gems, the PH5, with an exciting MkII version on the horizon, set to make its debut in just a few months. The PH5 stands tall as a 3.5-way floor-standing speaker that features impressive SEAS graphene drivers and a sophisticated Beryllium tweeter. With an 89 dB sensitivity rating and a nominal impedance of 4 ohms, it also has impressive performance specs.

 However, the real magic unfolded when it was paired with the remarkable TAD Evolution series of electronics. The outcome was nothing short of extraordinary—a sound that’s both sweet and comfortable, capturing the very essence of your music. Paragon Harmony’s PH5 is undoubtedly a brand to watch as they continue to make their mark in the audio landscape.

712: Audimaxim Audio Co., Ltd (Simplicity Control) 音樂大師股份有限公司: Audimaxim

Audimaxim, a captivating Taiwanese brand, drew attention to their latest product, the compact S5 active monitors. These sleek speakers are equipped with an AMT tweeter and a 5″ woofer, all elegantly housed within an eye-catching aluminium chassis. The S5 boasts 150W of class D power on both sides and provides connectivity options via RCA and XLR, thus establishing itself as a versatile choice suitable even for professional studio applications.

The Audimaxim team complemented the S5 with their new VT-1 hybrid tube DAC and preamp, along with the NP8 music server. The result was nothing short of impressive—a rich and captivating sound.

713: Longyu 隆宇

Longyu is a power conditioner and distribution company with a robust audio background and a commendable reputation within Mainland China. At the show, they presented a selection of their products alongside a Roger’s bookshelf speaker and an older McIntosh tube amplifier. While their products speak of quality, their marketing efforts could benefit from further refinement.

714: HK Sound Electronics Co., Limited 香港德音電器有限公司

HK Sounds is a well-established OEM and ODM manufacturer that showcased an array of their in-wall products and home theatre speakers at the exhibition.

715: Yu Tatsu Technology Co., Ltd 郁達科技有限公司: Fischer&Fischer, Audionet

In a modest setup that defied expectations, the Fischer & Fischer Klein speakers delivered an incredibly emotional and authentic sound. The heavy slate speakers only look tiny, but they use an external crossover, and paired with the Audionet DNA1 integrated amplifier, an Art G1 CD player, and a Mudra-Akustic power strip, the audio experience was nothing short of awesome.

716: Welchen Publishing House Co., Ltd 瑋秦出版社有限公司: AAA Audio, Celia & Perah

Welchen, a highly regarded Taiwanese music publisher, attended the event with a diverse collection of Asian masterpieces available in both CD and LP formats. Their presentation included an impressive AAA Audio 5/7a speaker, a compact integrated amplifier from Celia & Perah, and a CD player from AAA Audio.

717: Joint Media System 普立視影像科技有限公司: Diva, Boulder, Sonus faber

Diva Device is a relatively new player in the industry and specialises in network devices. Their current product lineup comprises two switches, one featuring an external power supply and the other equipped with a highly specialised built-in power supply. Their commitment to introducing these products was evident as they presented the switches in combination with a Sonus faber Sonetto bookshelf speaker and a Boulder 866 integrated amplifier.

LEVEL 8

801: Project Perfection Pte Ltd./Horizon Acoustics: Bayz, Grandinote, Totaldac

Room 801 delivered what I consider to be the standout sound of the entire show. Featuring the exquisite Hungarian Bayz Courate 2.0 carbon fibre speakers, paired with Grandinote Demone monoblocks, a Genesis Preamp, Totaldac Streamer and Reclocker, and the Triunity Dac. The omnidirectional speaker created a captivating audio experience, filling the room with astounding clarity and control, even when listening from one side of the room. While these speakers are expensive, they are undeniably audiophile treasures.

802: Tien Audio (Simplicity Control): hORNS, Luxman, Tien Audio, Tombo Audio

In Room 802, Tombo Audio brought a dynamic presentation to the scene. The setup featured a pair of hORNS 5degree No110 speakers, the new Luxman L-509Z integrated amplifier, and a Wiim Pro streaming DAC, delivering an affordable, real-world example of high-quality audio. Complementing this lineup was a turntable from Tien Audio, a Taiwanese manufacturer well-known for their top-notch turntables. They showcased the TT-1 turntable equipped with their Golden Tonearm and a DS Audio W3 optical cartridge.

Tombo Audio, founded in 2008, has a mission to provide user-friendly solutions that optimise sound systems. They specialise in acoustic products, with their flagship grounding product, “Meow,” as well as resonance-control feet and other acoustic tools like the Lotus Enhancer. The demonstration in this room made a lasting impression, especially the Lotus Enhancer, which significantly improved the focus and detail of the soundstage. “Meow,” their endearing grounding product, not only has a cute appearance but also seems to effectively address grounding issues.

803: KEC Sound & Vision Pte Ltd:

The room showcased a home cinema setup, complete with custom-installed B&W speakers, a Denon AVC, and an Epson LS12000 projector. To enhance the cinematic experience, they played a Blu-ray of Chris Botti’s 2008 concert. However, due to the dimly lit room, capturing photographs was particularly challenging.

804: Sower Audio Co., Ltd. 索耳有限公司:

Sower Audio, a distinctive Taiwanese brand, left a memorable impression at the show. Their collaboration with PEAK Consult Sonora speakers and a TAD D1000 CD player resulted in an extraordinary listening experience. The mono-integrated amplifiers, boasting 90 watts per channel, come with a unique design philosophy. Featuring a non-conventional A/AB design, they house an impressive 24 MOSFETs each and utilise a non-regulated power supply. The PEAK Consult Sonora speakers had a lively and expansive sound; they created an open and immersive soundstage that I enjoyed very much.

805: Sound Decisions Pte Ltd: Amphion, Merason, Atoll, Perreaux, Innuos, Synergistic Research, JL Audio

The focus in room 805 was on a well-matched set of equipment. The new Amphion Krypton3X speakers, along with the Atoll SDA300 all-in-one and Synergistic Research Power Cell SX, delivered an impressive audio performance. These components worked seamlessly together to produce a captivating and balanced sound. They also showcased some Merason and Innuos products.

806: MU6 Audio: Consonance, Shark Wire, Diesis Audio, Equal Tempered Acoustics

Room 806 was a sonic delight, featuring the striking Equal Tempered Acoustics Aria bookshelf speakers in vibrant yellow. These speakers boast ceramic drivers housed within a hefty 21kg integrated enclosure. The sound system was completed with Shark Wire Blue series cabling, a Consonance Streamer DAC, and CD player. Despite the unusual setup, the room delivered a wonderful sound that left me impressed.

807-808: High-End Research: Pass Lab, Wilson Audio, Goldmund, Metronome, Live Cable

Rooms 807 and 808 presented audio powerhouses from the United States, France and Switzerland. In Room 807, the spotlight was on a formidable setup that included Wilson Audio Sasha V speakers, Pass Labs XA 100.8 mono amplifiers, an XP22 preamp, an XP power supply, Metronome Audio AQWO 2 speakers, and Live cables.

Room 808 hosted a fully-fledged Goldmund system, complete with their new Tethys speakers, Telos 440 monoblocks, and a 37S preamp. The source was handled by a Metronome AQWO 1 CD player and an Aurender x100 with Live Extreme cables.

812: MU6 Audio: Showfeel

In Room 812, they showcased the neat Showfeel A2 Bluetooth speakers. They are a small wireless plug-and-play setup that can play in stereo. They delivered a decent bass thanks to their unique diaphragm technology. They look great in any home, thanks to their stylish wood finish and minimalistic design.

813: Divini Audio Design Co. 天樂音響有限公司 (Sky Audio): Divini Audio, Acoustic Solid, Aurorasound, Coherent Audio

Room 813 had a very appealing visual aesthetic as well as a matchingly beautiful sound. The auditory experience in this room was driven by two fantastic turntables: the Acoustic Solid Solid Wood MPX with a Hana Umami Blue cartridge and the AS Aluminium Solid Edition with a Hana Umami Red cartridge. Ensuring top-notch audio quality, the phonostage came from Aurorasound in the form of the Vida Supreme, accompanied by the highly esteemed Aurorasound HFSA-01 integrated amplifier. The Coherent Model 18 speakers, artfully crafted in Ontario, Canada, proved to be a delightful surprise. My first experience with these speakers left a lasting impression—they delivered a captivating sound that effortlessly complemented the room’s striking aesthetics. To round off the audio setup, the new flagship model from Taiwan’s Divini Audio, the Trans Z cables, I am sure played a vital role in ensuring that every sonic detail was brought to life.

814: EAhibrid Inc. 音格瑪混合動聲有限公司: LuKang Audio, EAhibrid, Metronome

Lu Kang Audio made an impressive debut at the Singapore audio show in Room 814, showcasing their Spoey-155 two-way bookshelf speakers for the first time in the city-state. These relatively compact speakers attracted a lot of interest because of their dynamic, well-balanced sound. Electrocompaniet power amplifiers and preamps, a Metronome CD player, and an EAhybrid PureDC-B1H and PureDC-B1 Battery Linear Power Supply rounded out the audio system.

815: Nirvana Audio 超凡之声: Nirvana Audio, Heed Audio, Boenicke, Mytek

Nirvana Audio unveiled their Chronos Optimizer at the show, which takes the form of a USB drive and promises four significant enhancements: power purification, improved audio quality, spatial audio processing, and time sequencing. While the intricate science behind it remained a bit mysterious during the short demo, the sound quality was impressive. The setup included a Heed Obelisk si3 integrated amplifier, a Mytek Brooklyn Bridge streaming DAC, and a Boenicke W5 speaker, elegantly displayed on a Mystj rack.

816: Sound Gallery/JBL:

Room 816 was all about the classic and the contemporary. JBL unveiled a new line of Bluetooth speakers with a cool retro vibe, demonstrating that retro is still in fashion. Along with these, they displayed the active speakers 4312M II and 4329P, as well as the timeless L100 Classic passive speaker. The electronics were a JBL TT350 turntable, an Arcam CD550, and a JBL SA750 all-in-one amplifier that powered the L100 Classics. They played nicely even without the Dirac room correction feature being activated, and the compact 4329P in particular can be an excellent choice for many aspiring audiophiles.

817: Advanced Audio Acoustics Co. 樂霸數位音響科技: AAA Audio, Delight

Taiwanese audio specialists, Advanced Audio Acoustics (AAA Audio), proudly showcased their latest creation, the 5/7A speaker. This speaker has a 1″ silk dome tweeter and a 6.5″ carbon fibre midbass driver, with a sensitivity of 90 dB and a frequency response of 37-30000 Hz. The 5/7A’s design may look familiar due to their extensive OEM experience. They utilised their in-house D2000 Intelligent amplifier, equipped with a sophisticated proprietary AI-driven switching power supply similar to the technology found in Chord amplifiers. With a Delight CD player as the music source, this setup made sure that the 5/7A speakers presented a great sound.

Please note, all content and photos are the copyright of HiFi PiG Magazine/Big Pig Media LLP and must not be copied or reproduced in any way without the prior, written consent of HiFi PiG/Big Pig Media.

Gyula Weeber

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