Sound & Sight Journal

31/07/2024

From a clockwork to a turntable • Tham Chaik Kong
DUAL is a company with a long history, beginning production of spring drives in 1900. Twenty-seven years later, they introduced an electric motor combined with the rear-mounted spring drive, resulting in the so-called DUAL-Motor, and thus the DUAL brand was born.
With the resurgence of vinyl records, DUAL has recently resumed production of vinyl turntables, launching several models, including both manual and fully automatic turntables. The fully automatic models use DUAL’s renowned automatic arm drop and return technology, bringing back the golden age of vinyl turntables.
DUAL turntables are affordably priced, ranging from the entry-level CS-329 ($650) automatic turntable to the CS-618Q ($1,820) manual turntable, with six models in total. The turntables even include a cartridge and built-in phono preamp, making them convenient and cost-effective, perfect for beginners.
Exclusive Distributor: Simplicity Control
Phone: 9747 5123

31/07/2024

DUAL——由钟表至转盘 • 谭泽江
DUAL是一家历史悠久的公司，它由1900年开始生产精密的钟表发条。27年后，为后置式发条驱动加上了电动马达，故称之为DUAL-MOTOR，而DUAL这个品牌便由此应运而生。
随着黑胶唱片的复苏，DUAL近年来重新生产黑胶唱盘，分别推出了手动及全自动等多个唱盘。全自动型号则使用了Dual当年独步江湖的自动落臂及回臂技术，仿佛回到了黑胶唱盘的黄金年代。
DUAL唱盘的价格大众化，从最低价的CS-329（$650）自动唱盘至“高价”的CS-618Q（$1,820）手动唱盘共有六个型号。唱盘甚至还包括了唱头及内置唱头放大器，只需连接扩音机便可直接使用，相当方便、实惠，非常适合初入门的朋友使用。
总代理：Simplicity Control
电话：9747 5123

20/07/2024

International Sound & Sight Exhibition • Tham Chaik Kong
The annual "International Sound & Sight Exhibition 2024" (ISSE 2024), hosted by Singapore's Sound & Sight Journal, is scheduled to take place from November 29 to December 1, 2024, at the Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre, from 11 AM to 7 PM.
Since its inception in 1999, the International Sound & Sight Exhibition has proudly entered its 26th year, making it the longest-running audio-visual exhibition in Singapore. We sincerely thank the exhibitors and audiophiles for their enthusiastic support over the years!
This year, the number of participating AV companies has reached a new high, promising an exciting experience for all attendees. For the latest updates on the exhibition, please stay tuned to this column.
Date: 29.11.2024 - 01.12.2024
Time: 11.00am - 7.00pm
Venue: Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre

20/07/2024

国际视听器材展2024 • 谭泽江
由新加坡《视听艺术》杂志社主办的“国际视听器材展”将于2024年11月29日至12月1日假新加坡乌节路假日酒店（Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre）举行，时间从上午11点至傍晚7点。
“国际视听器材展”自1999年举办至今，已昂然进入第26个年头，是新加坡历史最悠久的视听展。我们衷心感谢参展商及发烧友多年来的热烈支持！
今年参展的音响公司数量再创新高，肯定让与会者耳目一新！欲掌握视听展的最新消息，请继续关注本栏。
日期: 29.11.2024 – 01.12.2024
时间: 11.00am - 7.00pm
地点: Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre

07/06/2024

Wow Factor Records • Tham Chaik Kong
With the surge of music streaming, record companies seem to be fading into history. But surprisingly, Wow Acoustics and Retrophonic Records, originally dealing in records and audio equipment, are thriving more than ever. They’ve just launched Wow Factor Records at Burlington Square, offering audiophiles a new place to explore.
Wow Factor Records primarily deals in vinyl records, as the name implies, and also sells various audio products and accessories like record cleaners, turntables, cartridges, and record sleeves. The store is managed by Mr. and Mrs. Loo, who are likely familiar faces to those who frequently visit record stores. Besides the physical store, Mr. Loo also revealed plans to launch an e-commerce site to enhance the shopping experience for different consumers.
Opening Hours:
Wed – Sat: 12pm to 6pm
Phone: 8011 5123

07/06/2024

Wow Factor Records • 谭泽江
随着音乐串流的普及，唱片公司几乎已走进了历史。出乎意料的是，以经营唱片及音响器材起家的Wow Acoustics及Retrophonic Records却越战越勇，最近还在Burlington Square开了一家Wow Factor Records，喜欢音乐与音响的朋友又多了一个好去处。顾名思义，Wow Factor Records的业务以黑胶唱片为主，同时也销售一些音响产品及配件，如：价廉物美的洗碟机、唱机、唱头及唱片袋等周边产品。
Wow Factor Records由Mr & Mrs Loo主理，常逛唱片公司的朋友相信对他们不会感到陌生。除了实体店之外，Mr. Loo表示还会推出电子商业网站，以满足不同消费者的购物体验。
营业时间：
星期三至星期六：12pm - 6pm
电话: 8011 5123

30/01/2024

Focal Powered by Naim Singapore • 谭泽江
近年来，多个国际知名的音响品牌相继易手重组，而大家所熟悉的Focal与Naim亦已被Vervent Audio Holding拿下，并授权AV One（S）Pte Ltd为总代理。
在“国际视听器材展2023”上，Vervent Audio Holding的首席执行官Cedrick Boutodier特别飞抵狮城参与盛会，并为笔者介绍了集团最新的行销策略及理念。
据Cedrick表示，他在年轻时就从事名表、珠宝及名牌服饰等奢侈品的销售，具有丰富的零售经验。自从他加入Vervent Audio Holding之后，发现当今音响行业的营销方式过于保守及墨守成规。Cedrick接着举例说明，当你是第一家在世界各地拥有相同的制服、服务、产品的专卖店时，那肯定是件好事，原因是你众不同。可是当所有竞争者都跟着模仿之后，就完全破坏了消费者的购物体验。因为无论在新加坡、巴黎、纽约或世界的任何角落，消费者得到的是一成不变的服务与体验，那是毫无意义的。事实上，在欧洲行得通的，在美国和亚洲可能就行不通，因此不能照本宣科，可惜很多厂家都不明白这一点。当我首次去一个国家时，我会阅读该国的文学、诗歌，聆听他们的音乐、品尝当地的食物。这有助于了解当地的文化，方便与人们建立联系。如果我们不了解这些，我们就会失去竞争力，因为一刀切的营销方式已不适用。当然，身为厂家，我们会向代理商提供指导方针。因此，我会说75%的专卖店在布局方面是统一的，但其中25%是与合作伙伴一起商讨的。由于我们的合作伙伴了解当地的市场及文化，因此更能满足消费者的要求。我们目前有60家专卖店遍布世界各地，如：韩国、法国、印度、美国、日本、马来西亚、泰国、越南、欧洲等。单单在中国，我们就开设了将近10间之多！而新加坡的专卖店Focal Powered by Naim Singapore也已经开始营业，欢迎各位参观指教，相信会给大家带来全新的音响体验。

Focal Powered by Naim Singapore
(managed by AV One)

9 Raffles Boulevard, #01–35
Millenia Walk
Singapore 039596

26/11/2023

This year’s ISSE features a number of companies showcasing attractively priced mid-range products, with Infinite Sound being one of them. In the exhibition room, we saw the long-lost EPOS speakers. It turns out that EPOS has been acquired by a German company, and the sound has become more lively and vivid from the previous delicate and elegant. Paired with the integrated amplifier from Moonriver Audio in Sweden, it is enough to push it to a whole new level!”
今年视听展中有多家公司展出价格亲民的中价产品，颇具吸引力，Infinite Sound就是其中的一家。在展房里，见到了久违多年的EPOS喇叭，原来EPOS已被德国公司所收购，音响也从以往的细致优雅变得更加活泼生动，配搭来自瑞典的Moonriver Audio合并式放大器，已足以将它推到天翻地覆！
Room No. / 房号：816

25/11/2023

Listening to "Love in the Snow" from the ISSE 2023 sampler disc, the sound is lively and brisk, and the bass is flexible and extended, showcasing the characteristics of a floor-standing speaker.
LUMINA III是Sonus Faber新系列喇叭，在意大利制造，售价为$3,860，相当吸引人。听ISSE 2023试音碟里的“雪中情”，音响活泼明快，低频弹跳自如，颇具大喇叭风范。
Room No. / 房号：819

25/11/2023

The sound quality of Revival Audio speakers is delicate and elegant, with a hint of nostalgia. Its twelve-inch bass driver delivers rich and powerful low frequencies. In a speaker market where prices often start in the tens of thousands, Revival Audio is priced at only $7,200, making it a truly affordable and benevolent product.
Revival Audio喇叭的音色细致典雅，具有丝丝的怀旧色彩。它的低音单元直径十二寸，低频饱满有力。在动辄叫价万元的喇叭市场里，Revival Audio只售$7,200，可说是佛心产品。
Room No. / 房号：811

25/11/2023

The HLP3 ESR XD is a timeless classic model from Harbeth. This year, Harbeth has specially designed a subwoofer named Nelson for it. In the picture, just below the HLP3 ESR XD speaker is the newly launched Nelson. It serves as both a subwoofer and a speaker stand, making it a two-in-one product. According to the boss of CD Acoustic, Jimmy, what’s on display is the first pair of Nelsons in all of Asia! It can be paired with any small speaker, and is a must-hear for friends who are currently using small speakers and feel that the bass is insufficient!
HLP3 ESR XD是Harbeth旗下历久不衰的经典型号。今年，Harbeth特别为它设计了一款名为Nelson的超低音喇叭。图中，在HLP3 ESR XD喇叭之下的正是刚刚推出的Nelson。它既是超低音喇叭，同时又可当作喇叭脚架，可谓一物两用。据CD Acoustic的老板Jimmy宣称，正在展出的是全亚洲第一对Nelson！它可配搭任何小喇叭，目前正在使用小喇叭而又觉得低频不足的朋友当然非听不可！
Room No. / 房号：822

25/11/2023

The Master Line Source 3 speakers from Swiss brand PIEGA can be described as “towering” in the small hotel room. Surprisingly, its sound is comfortable and composed, without the booming sound that is common with large speakers in small spaces. It’s a mystery what kind of “black magic” Mervyn Augustine, the CEO of TriTone AV, used. For those who are suffering from the booming sound, it might be worth it to visit Mervyn for some advice.
来自瑞士PIEGA的Master Line Source 3喇叭，在狭小的酒店房间里几乎可以用“顶天立地”来形容。令人讶异的是，它的音响舒适从容，丝毫不见一般大喇叭在小空间里肥胖臃肿的音响，不晓得TriTone AV的老总Mervyn Augustine用了什“黑科技”。正在饱受“肥胖臃肿”音响之苦味的朋友，不妨上门向Mervyn取经。
Venue / 展厅：817

25/11/2023

Ong Radio International Pte Ltd has been participating in exhibitions for many years. This is the first time I have seen their CEO, Malcolm Ong, personally present and provide insightful explanations about their products as well as the optimal pairing of environment and equipment. It was highly beneficial and definitely worth a listen!
Ong Radio International Pte Ltd参展多年，这是我首次见到其老总Malcolm Ong亲自上阵介绍旗下的产品以及深入浅出地讲解了环境与器材的配搭，获益匪浅，值得一听！
Venue / 展厅：Boardroom

25/11/2023

The speakers from Poland’s QUALIO have a unique design, with mid and high-frequency drivers embedded in a thick acrylic panel, producing a sound that is natural and unoppressive, much like a panel speaker. It uses an AMT tweeter, which provides excellent high-frequency extension without being harsh. In addition, the manufacturer provides five different resistors, allowing users to adjust the tone by plugging them into the terminals on the back of the speaker.
来自波兰的QUALIO喇叭设计独特，中、高音单元装嵌在厚厚的亚克力面板上，音响有如屏风喇叭般的自然而又毫无压迫感。它采用了AMT高音单元，高频延伸出色而毫不刺耳。此外，厂方还特别提供了五个不同的电阻，让用家插在喇叭背后的端子上以调整音色，
Room No. / 房号：823

24/11/2023

In an effort to be the first to showcase it, Wow Acoustics has become the global pioneer in acquiring the MoFi Masterdeck turntable. Designed by the renowned Allen Perkins, the Masterdeck comes pre-fitted with a 10-inch carbon fiber tonearm and a MoFi UltraGold moving coil cartridge. Upon startup, the turntable measures the load on the platter (including the record clamp) and automatically adjusts to the required speed, reflecting the designer’s commitment to precision and stability.
为了抢先展出，Wow Acoustics是全球第一个取得MoFi Masterdeck黑胶唱盘的商家。Masterdeck出自名设计师Allen Perkins的手笔，10寸的碳纤维唱臂事先装上MoFi UltraGold动圈唱头。唱机启动时，它会测量唱盘的负重（包括唱片铗），然后自动调整到所需的速度，反映出设计师对精确及稳定的追求。
Room No. / 房号：818

24/11/2023

Mr. Raiken Takahashi, from Yamaha Corporation Japan-Home Audio will be hosting the Yamaha YH-5000SE + HA-L7A seminar today (25.11.2023) from 11:45am to 12:15pm. This will be his last seminar, so don’t miss out if you’re interested in learning more about Yamaha products.
来自日本Yamaha家庭音响耳机部的市场经理Mr. Raiken Takahashi，在今天（25.11.2023）11:45am – 12:15pm将主持Yamaha YH-5000SE + HA-L7A seminar / Yamaha YH-5000SE + HA-L7A讲座。这将是他的最后一场讲座，有兴趣深入了解Yamaha产品的朋友请勿错过。
Room No. / 房号：813

24/11/2023

This is a low-key yet luxurious exhibition room. The owner, Kenny, silently plays music for the audience using an iPad, without uttering a single unnecessary word. The audience is so engrossed in the music that they are reluctant to leave. From the selection of tracks, the quality of the recordings, and the content, one can sense the touch of a master. This system just won the Best Sound of the show Award for a USD$50,000 system at Capital Fest USA held last week! The towering Borresen X6 speakers, priced at only $39,000, were a surprise and are worth a listen!
这是一间低调而奢华的展厅，老板Kenny默默地用iPad为观众播放音乐，全程没有半句废话，而听众亦听得如痴如醉，久久不愿离去。从播放的曲目、录音的质量及内容，可以感觉出自高人之手。这套系统上个星期刚在美国举行的Capital Fest USA中，荣获$50,000系统中的最佳音响大奖！而牛高马大的Borresen X6扬声器只售$39,000亦令我大跌眼镜，值得一听！
Venue / 展厅：Cavenagh II

24/11/2023

J. Sikora Turntables presents the highly exclusive Standard Max Bronze edition. Only one or two units were ever made, and one of them is on demo today at ISSE 2023.
这部来自波兰的Standard Max Bronze Edition黑胶唱盘，是J. Sikora的特别型号，全球限量生产一至两部，其中一部目前就在视听展上！
Venue / 展厅：Cavenagh I

23/11/2023

‘International Sound & Sight Exhibition 2023’ UPM Limited Edition Sampler Disc • Tham Chaik Kong
Every year at the International Sound & Sight Exhibition, attendees have the opportunity to receive a special mastering sampler disc, and this year is no exception.
The sampler disc for the ‘International Sound & Sight Exhibition 2023’ comes in two versions: a standard CD and a limited edition UPM CD. UPM stands for Ultimate Professional Mastering. In the production of the glass master, it is meticulously engraved at an extremely time-consuming 1x speed, preserving the musical details in their original form. The metal master for each UPM CD is limited to pressing only 1,000 copies, after which it will be destroyed. Despite the high cost of this technique, it ensures flawless printing of each UPM CD, with high sound energy density and improved clarity. The UPM CD is made using Copper Alloy, presenting a captivating golden disc surface.
The above details highlight the meticulous production of UPM CDs. The essence of this technology lies in the personal re-mastering of each recording by the renowned Hugo Laoyi, a process impossible to replicate externally.
Attendees purchasing a 2-day pass will receive a complimentary limited edition UPM CD. Due to its high production cost and limited quantity, it will be available on a first-come, first-served basis until supplies last.

23/11/2023

“国际视听器材展2023”UPM限量版试音碟 • 谭泽江
每年视听展，观众都可获得一张精心制作的试音碟，今年亦不例外。
“国际视听器材展2023”试音碟分为普通CD及限量生产的UPM CD两种。UPM是Ultimate Professional Mastering的缩写。它在制作玻璃母模时，以极为耗时的1倍速进行刻制，将音乐细节原汁原味地保留下来。每个UPM CD的金属母模只限压制1,000张UPM CD，过后即将它销毁！这项技术虽然成本高昂，但确保每张UPM CD的印制完美无瑕，音响能量密度高、清晰度也更佳！UPM CD采用Copper Alloy制作，黄澄澄的碟面流光溢彩，非常诱人！
以上只说明了UPM CD制作之严谨，而这项技术精华所在则是每个录音都由雨果老易亲自处理母带，这是外界所无法仿效的。
凡购买两天套票的观众可获赠限量生产的UPM CD一张，由于它的制作成本高昂，数量有限，因此先到先得、送完为止。

23/11/2023

22/11/2023

Yamaha YH-5000SE + HA-L7A seminar / Yamaha YH-5000SE + HA-L7A研讨会
Speaker / 主讲：Mr. Raiken Takahashi
24 Nov 1400 to 1430hrs
25 Nov 1145 to 1215hrs
Room No. / 房号：813

22/11/2023

ISSE 2023 Live Performance • ISSE 2023签唱会
In honor of the 25th anniversary of the ‘International Sound & Sight Exhibition,’ we are delighted to offer a complimentary ticket to the concert for visitors who purchase a two-day pass (Friday + Sunday, or Saturday + Sunday). This offer is available until our complimentary tickets run out. We also warmly welcome attendees who purchase a single-day pass for Sunday, or those without a concert ticket, to join and enjoy the event. Please note that entry is subject to the availability of seats or standing space. We look forward to your participation in this grand event.
为了庆祝"国际视听器材展"25周年纪念，凡购买两天套票（星期五+星期日，或星期六+星期日）的观众将免费获赠签唱会入场券一张，赠票送完为止。购买星期天单日票的观众或没有签唱会入场券的观众，只要现场有空位或站位亦欢迎入场欣赏。

22/11/2023

EB Duet, Faithful to Music • Tham Chaik Kong
EB Duet can be considered one of the most well-known and active Duets in both Singapore and Malaysia. Many audiophiles around me are their fans. In March of this year, EB Duet held a concert at Singapore’s iconic music venue, ESPLANADE, and the response was enthusiastic! Following that, they released a new album - SIX, much to the delight of their fans.
This year, we are honored to have invited EB Duet to participate in the “International Sound & Sight Exhibition 2023” concert, despite their busy schedules. I use the term “busy” because singer Eve has an important exam in December, and her participation in such a grand event amidst this tight schedule is truly appreciated!
It's worth mentioning that Billy, who playfully grimaced in the video, was suffering from a severe cold during the filming. Despite this, he managed to put on a brave face and smile for the camera, which is truly admirable. We wish him a speedy recovery.
The two sessions by EB Duet can be seen as a selfless contribution by the two artists. We hope everyone cherishes and enjoys them thoroughly.
Date：26.11.2023
Time：1:45pm / 5.30pm
Venue：Maharajah Suite

22/11/2023

忠于音乐的EB Duet • 谭泽江
EB Duet可说是新马两地最为人知及最为活跃的一个歌唱组合，我身边很多发烧友都是他们的粉丝。今年三月，EB Duet刚在新加坡的音乐殿堂ESPLANADE举办了演唱会，反应热烈！紧接着又推出了新专辑——SIX，令粉丝们喜出望外！
今年，我们很荣幸地邀请到EB Duet在百忙中参与“国际视听展2023” 签唱会。我之所以说“百忙”的原因是，歌手Eve在十二月就得参加一个重要考试，在如此紧逼的日程中还特别拨冗参与盛会，实在令人感激不尽！在视频中挤眉弄眼的Billy更是值得一提，原来在拍摄期间他患上重感冒，在镜头前还得“眉来眼去”地强颜欢笑，真教人不舍。在此，祝他早日康复。
EB Duet的两场签唱会可说是两位艺人的无私贡献，希望大家好好珍惜、细细品味。
日期：26.11.2023
时间：1:45pm / 5.30pm
展厅：Maharajah Suite

22/11/2023

The ‘Champion of Champions’ of Malaysia’s Astro CGM – Ena Hon • Tham Chaik Kong
In my younger years, I was a professional Chinese and classical musician. At that time, I must confess, I didn’t fully appreciate the unique charm of pop music. It was a different musical landscape that I was yet to explore. However, under the constant exposure from radio and television broadcasts, I became familiar with the popular songs of the time. Now, as I approach my seventies, I occasionally listen to these popular songs from the 1970s and feel a sense of nostalgia. After all, they are the memories of an era.
Recently, I listened to a CD titled ‘My Favourite 70s Chinese Classics’, which contains classic songs from the 1970s. Both the singing and the accompaniment are very exciting! The singer Ena is the ‘Champion of Champions’ of Malaysia’s Astro CGM (Chinese Golden Classic) in 2012, which explains her outstanding performance! It’s worth mentioning that the accompaniment is equally exciting, especially ‘Not Going Home Today’. The jazzy accompaniment makes people want to dance, it’s truly a feast for the ears!
What’s even more precious is that this year’s ‘International Sound & Sight Exhibition’ 25th anniversary concert has the honor of inviting the ‘Champion of Champions’ to participate in the live performance, which is indeed a blessing for everyone’s ears! If you, like me, have a special fondness for the songs of the 70s, I believe you will decide ‘not to go home today’ after the concert.
Date：26.11.2023
Time：12:15pm / 3.15pm
Venue：Maharajah Suite

22/11/2023

马来西亚Astro CGM终极冠军——韩依纳 • 谭泽江
笔者年轻时从事华乐及古典音乐工作，对当时的“靡靡之音”——流行音乐不屑一顾，当然更不会是“青蛙王子”或“苹果花歌后”的粉丝。虽然如此，在电台及电视广播的疲劳轰炸下，对当时的流行歌曲还是耳熟能详。如今年近古稀，偶尔听到这些上个世纪七十年代的流行歌曲，反而倍感亲切，毕竟那是一个时代的记忆。
最近，我听了一张名为“我的70年代”的CD，里头收录的尽是些上个世纪七十年代的经典曲目，无论演唱或伴奏都非常精彩！原来演唱者韩依纳（Ena Hon）是马来西亚Astro CGM（中文经典）的终极冠军，又名“王中王”（我承认，这个头衔总是让我很没出息地联想起榴莲），难怪演唱如此出色！值得一提的是，伴奏也同样精彩，尤其是“今天不回家”，爵士色彩的伴奏，令人听得手舞足蹈，绝对让您耳目一新！
更难得的是，今年“国际视听器材展”25周年签唱会很荣幸地邀请到“王中王”参与盛会，实在是大家的耳福！如果您也和我一样，对七十年代的歌曲情有独钟，相信您听了之后也会决定“今天不回家”。
日期：26.11.2023
时间：12:15pm / 3.15pm
展厅：Maharajah Suite