Tuesday, 30 September 2008

Marantz CD 6002 Review


Over the years, Marantz have consistently churned out fantastic high fidelity audio equipments such as the CD 5001 and it's successor CD 5003 which was well received. Collecting a Star award from WhatHifi is only a testament to the sort of quality, Marantz CD 6002 have to offer for you, music lovers.

CD6002 CD player is the latest new CD player from the Marantz audio product development department. With technologies derived from the highly acclaimed OSE CD player Special series. Sound quality has dramatically improved after a critically look at the circuit concept and to all components, after which it is possible to determine where customization is needed. At the end of this detailed process the power supply lines are enforced and the audio circuitry is tremendously tweaked up. Every change will be proved by a listening session. This custom treatment gives a much more consistent response in entire frequency range. Musical reproduction is characterized by improved transparency and image, as well as tonal accuracy.

Pair it together with the Marantz PM6002 and Mordaunt Short Avant 902i, we have a winning Hi-Fi System.

SPECS
• Compatible with CD DA and CR-R/CD-RW discs
• Playback of mp3 and WMA files
• CD-Text on front display
• High quality DA conversion with CS4398
• Audio circuitry with Marantz HDAMs
• Customized audio components for best balanced audio
• Oversized transformer for stable power supply
• Display off function to minimize high frequency noise interference
• Gold plated stereo audio out
• Coaxial digital and Optical digital out
• Dedicated remote and Marantz D-bus
• Solid metal front and rigid chassis construction

Not sure what's right for you ? Question ? Needing services to build that dream home theatre room?

Pay us a visit at Sound Fusion Sdn Bhd located at 3rd Floor Wisma Satok, Kuching, Sarawak. Malaysia. Or call us at Tel: +6 082-420020 to speak to our sales team.

Listen to music, the way the artist intended it to be....

Monday, 29 September 2008

Harmon Kardon AVR 1550 Review - Affordable Classic AVR


Prior to this, I've never seen the Harmon Kardon brand being anywhere in Malaysia except West Malaysia. Particularly the audio shop at Sungai Wang .. or Harvey Norman would carry HK. I must admit that I'm not particularly familiar with AVR, Speakers or quality cables and stuff. I was more of a photographer than an audiophile freak. But I knew quality stuff when I see it or in this case hear it :)

Let me go way back to my university time, when I first bought a computer that came with a standard sound card and speaker .. I was less than thrilled. Back then I couldn't differentiate what's the fuss with having a quality sound card and speaker would do to enhance the overall enjoyment of the medium. Until I got my hand on counter strike. It was all the rage back then, a game whereby knowing where enemy is audibly makes a difference between life and death (in the game anyway).

I was using consumer level home theater system from Sony and some how the thing just sounded loud .. without clarity. The bass is good .. but I just couldn't hear what the actor was saying with that bass and treble and ultimately killing the mood of the movie. Luckily my friend just opened a HT shop that carry mid to high end HT system which might not be too familiar to hear unless you really are an audiophile freak. Over here general population only know Sony, LG, Samsung .. but when it comes to sonic enjoyment .. the names of Denon, Marantz and HK are synonymous with the terms "high quality sound". It wasn't long before I got my hands on the HK AVR 1550 which suited my tight budget.

The AVR was paired with a 5.1 Epiphany Speakers which looks small but really solid and heavy plus it packs a lot of punches. Each of the Epiphany speakers consist of 2 sub speakers .. so basically you will have 10 speakers and 1 sub woofer in one single package. Pretty neat.

The AVR is fairly simplistic and quite easy to setup. This is a 2002 model so don't expect to see a HDMI connector here. :) I didn't have a LCD .. so obviously I don't need HDMI for now. Astro programming just really sucks on a LCD and Plasma anyway unless they go HD with their broadcasting. We'll just have to wait for Measat 10 for that to happen.

Onced setup I whipped out my favourite movie on DVD, the Matrix Reloaded, upon playing it the AVR automatically set itself to DTS depending on the DVD disc. You will need an optical cable to get DTS to be activated. When I press play, as I sink down on my sofa .. my heart was pounding at the clarity and fantastic boom from the subwoofer whenever Keanu Reeves pulls the trigger on his gun. Hehe .. man I love this movie.

Besides movies, I also enjoyed playing my HDD enabled PS2 console. Prior to this, I never hear how Dolby Pro Logic II sound like... lol. Again with the optical cable I could enjoy PL II on certain number of games. Do take note that PS2 games usually have the PL II enabled mostly on cutscenes only. One fine example is the GT4. The sound of roaring VTEC on a 03 DC5 never sound sweeter. =)


Optical Cable(Sold Separately) behind the PS2

AVR 1550 Specs


If you would like to be part of the exceptional acoustical HT family, feel free to drop by Sound Fusion Sdn Bhd located at 3rd Floor Wisma Satok, Kuching, Sarawak. Malaysia to get your audiophile fix today. You know you want one of these.

Call Tel: +6 082-420020 for further inquiries.

Thursday, 18 September 2008

Denon AVR-2309

The Year 2009 Denon AVR-2309 monitors the structural elements of sound sources and uses Audyssey Dynamic Volume to adjust volume without sacrificing dynamic range. This AVR 2309 A/V receiver masterfully controls a variety of media for optimum playback of high-quality audio and video content.


Denon AVR 2309.jpg




Dolby TrueHD and dts-HD Master Audio decoders


Audyssey Dynamic Volume and Dynamic EQ


4 HDMI inputs (Audio and Video)


Versatile Entertainment


Identical quality and power over all 7 channels, 135W x 7ch (6 ohms)Discrete devices for ultimate performance in each block


The AVR 2309 has a new 32-bit floating point high precision DSP


Direct Mechanical Ground for stable drive


Compressed Audio Restorer


Denon AVR 2309 back.jpg



Denon's High Picture Quality Circuitry, to enhance enjoyment of existing DVDs -> Faroudja DCDi Video Processing


Discrete devices for ultimate HD video performance in each block


The Denon AVR 2309 has Digital Media Connectivity (Network Audio/Photo Ready/iPod Audio/Photo and Video playback)


Multi-Zone Capability (2 source/2 zone capability with fixed pre amp output)




The Denon AVR-2309 is available in Premium silver and black

msrp RM 3,999


Place your order now at Sound Fusion Sdn. Bhd. Tel: +6 082-420020. Discount Available.

Wednesday, 17 September 2008

Marantz CD5003 CD Player

Replacement of the Marantz CD5001 (5 Stars What Hifi Award) entry level CD player has been replaced by the new year 2009 CD5003.


The MSRP of this again 5 Stars What Hifi award CD Player is RM 1,299. The design is major change from CD5001 with the new look of Marantz flagship SA-7S1 CD Player that retails at RM 24,999.
Marantz CD5003 Silver-Gold.jpg


The look definately looks more muscular and it weighs 5.1kg as compared to 3.7kg on the CD5001. Other than the look, there a quite a number of changes too.
Marantz CD5003 Black - Rear.jpg


It is using the DV11VF mechanism, TC94A70FG decoder that supports MP3 and WMA format. Utilizing an EI power transformer and consumes 14W as compared to 12W on CD5001. DAC remains the same CS4392. Marantz added the HDAM-SA2 for the output buffer. Channel separation is at 110 dB now as compared to 100dB.


For choice of color, there are Black and Silver-Gold. No more silver color.
Marantz CD5003 Black.jpg
For the msrp of RM1,299, it is definately a BEST BUY item and value for money on all the new features and construction of this new beast!


Why wait? Be the first to own it Now! Place your order now at Sound Fusion Sdn Bhd. Contact +6 082-420020. MSRP is before discount.

Tuesday, 16 September 2008

Loud means Good??

It is funny we always hear people who bought consumer brands sound system for a price ranging from RM699 to RM 5,000 showing off on how loud their system can achieve. They have no clue on what sound system or music system means to them. If they want LOUD loudspeakers, why don't just get those Big Black Box Speakers from P.R.C. that cost them RM199 a pair and blast the ear drums out of their neighbours.


Then comes another set of tiny speakers system that cost you over RM3500 a set that simply asking buyer to pay for their high priced advertisement fee. How can such a small speaker do anything good other than producing high frequency sound? Sorry no mid tone or low bass. All high out with only a subwoofer to conpensate for the mid and low. Why would somebody spends their money in this?


Behind the beautiful black finish with a touch of modern look lies compressed or recycle wood and plastic. They may look big and solid but it is light and hollow. When you send one to the service center, you usually get the same answer "I'm sorry but the main circuit board needs replacement" which usually cost you 60% of the new product. And most of all, they will charge you RM80 to RM120 regardless if you are going to repair it or not. Ouch !!


So, think twice before you consider buying these consumer brands simply because they are "cheap"? or "CHEAP"??

Denon AVR-1909 (5 Stars WhatHifi)

Denon AVR 1909.jpgFinally, a budget AV Receiver that supports DTS HD by Denon is out ..The Denon AVR-1909 is priced at RM3,299 msrp is a 7.1 channels AV Receiver that supports DTS-HD with video up-conversion to 1080p.


It supports not only Pro-Logic II, IIx, Dobly Digital EX, DTS Neo:6, DTS-ES, DTS 96/24, Dobly Digital Plus but also DTS HD, Dobly TruHD and DTS Master Audio.


The AVR-1909 features Faroudja DCDi video processing and up-conversion, breathing new life into standard definition sources. With 3 HDMI v1.3a input, it supports video upscaling up to 1080p from composite, s-video and component video source.Denon AVR 1909 Rear.jpg


An extra feature in the AVR-1909 is the Audyssey Dynamic Volumne automatic volume-leveling system where it helps eliminate irritating swings in volume between TV shows and commercials. The Audyssey Dynamic EQ also ensure rich bass and smooth tonal balance, even at low volume levels.


Denon AVR-1909 is being rated with 5 stars by WhatHifi.


So? Why wait? Get it at Sound Fusion Sdn Bhd located at 3rd Floor Wisma Satok, Kuching, Sarawak. Malaysia. Tel: +6 082-420020

Denon AVR-1509 (Year 2009 Model) is HERE !

Denon AVR 1509.jpg The all new Denon AVR-1509 (Year 2009 model) is here. When it comes to home cinema sound, Denon is one of the best in the home theater brands. Denon has been awarded with many WhatHifi awards (whathifi.com) with its high end receivers and amplifiers. Nevertheless, Denon has never neglected the lower end market and by providing entry-level models such as this AVR-1509 at an affordable price of RM1,799 msrp, most of us can enjoy quality sound from this solid built AV Receiver without worrying a bigger hole in our wallet.




Like the previous model AVR-1508, this is a 7 channels AV Receiver that produces 75watts (8 ohms) x 7 channels power. You get to enjoy DTS surround sound, Digital EX, ProLogic II/IIx, ES Discrete6.1 and ES Matrix 6.1 sound. It supports 2 HDMI 1.3a input and 1 HDMI 1.3a output for your LCD, plasma or project with HDMI input. Denon AVR 1509 Rear.jpg




The only downside of this AVR-1509 is that it does not come with the video upscaling features as compared to the higher model AVR-1709. There is no audio transfer via HDMI from your Bluray dvd player. The component video bandwith is also rated at 30Mhz only and there is no bi-amp supports for your speakers.




However, at a price tag of RM1,799 msrp, this is a highly recommend equipment for entry-level user. So? Why wait? Get it at Sound Fusion Sdn Bhd located at 3rd Floor Wisma Satok, Kuching, Sarawak. Malaysia. Tel: +6 082-420020




Monday, 15 September 2008

Why Sound Fusion?

Buying a set of new home theater system is a big decision, and with so many options and brand names available, how do you decide which one is right for you?










At Sound Fusion Sdn. Bhd., we can provide the information you need in finding the most suitable home theater set according to your budget.










An expensive home theater does not always out perform a cheaper one. The formula is how to match the speakers with the amplifier or receiver.










I have seen and known too many people who have spent their hard earned cash into consumer brand, didn't realize they are just wasting their money in buying those all-in-one system. I will go into more details on why those systems are totally a waste of cash and investment.










Problem with most consumer brands all-in-one system is over heating problem with the amplifier and the build in dvd player. Most of them are having heat issue where user cannot use it for extended period of more than 3 -4 hours. You will notice image degration and sound distortion after 3 -4 hours. Some dvd will start to skip chapters or experiencing occassional pauses throughout the tracks. Continue to operate will cause serious damage to the system.




That is why audio specialist chooses standalone av receiver/amplifier/dvd for durability. You pay a little more BUT you use it longer (more than 10 years on most cases).




This blogspot brings your awareness on why you should save enough for your next system rather than throwing your money into the drain when the all-in-one system goes into waste after couple of years.




Do the math !