Jack is 50 years old, married to ......, with 3 boys, age 14, 12 & 6; years old. His wife and children love to have music whenever he is at home. His wife is very supportive and enjoys the "high end virus". She actually writes out all the cheques for his hi fi, so she knows how much they all cost (incredible!). He has a small business in designing and supplying of shop fixture to retail chain stores in Hong Kong.

La Luce Centoventi with SpJ arm and Transfiguration Temper, VdH Colibri & Ortofon Jubilee cartridges...

SpJ arm and Transfiguration Temper or VdH Colibri reading the grooves...

Hi fi and music has been my main hobby for more than 25 years. Only the last 8 years that I have been able to upgrade my system to hi end standards. In the past, I have used equipment like Adcom pre and power amps, Rogers speakers, Audio Research LS2 pre amp, Martin Logan Quest, Gryphon pre and power amps, Rowland Coherence and Model 9Ti, Mark Levinson 30.5 and 31.5, DCS Elgar and 972 upsampler, Wilson Watt & Puppies, Grand Slamm X1, Cello Suite and Performance, Oracle Delphi V.

Incredible 'analogue view' ...

My latest approach is to keep things as simple as possible and try to play more LPs. I think, LP is at its golden era. One can get the best hardware and software money can buy.

I am occasionally browsing through ACA.GR website and really enjoying the work been done in promoting hi end audio in this part of the world.

I am a serious audiophile, constantly upgrading equipment and learning different approaches, hoping to get closer to music reproduction. I like to share thinks and ideas with other audiophiles.

Low signal apparatus

The Goldmund Series

I really like to share with your members my thoughts and joy(pain) of this hobby and also hope to learn from them of all the new and old tricks. For example, I recently learned from Ultimate Audio that polarity of music is very critical and for the first time, someone can demonstrate the difference and the reason why. I now can understand and it is giving me a lot of reasons to go back to many CDs and LPs that I thought they sounded very awful before.

I would like other members to share their tricks with me so that I can improve my system and knowledge further.

My system has changed slightly in the last few months. I was very happy with the Wilson X1, but after almost 4 years of the same speakers, I wanted some changes. I noticed Kharma speakers through various channels and decided to order a pair back in May, hopefully I will get them before September.

I find the new VDH + SpJ aluminium arm very unique, dynamic and having very good extensions at both extremes. The FM Acoustics 222 can really shine.

Kharma Exquisite 1c speaker just arrived

My previous speakers

After months of waiting, I have received my new Kharma Exquisite 1c speakers last week. They are very well made and sounded very smooth even straight out of the box. Obviously, they need at least 100 or more hours to burn in. One thing I noticed and by a large margin, is the coherence of the 3 drivers. "They sound very integrated and seamless".

That is the powerful couple at the end of the signal...

Goldmund Millennium amplifier

What about Goldmund Millennium mono power amplifiers!!. I have received them some weeks ago, and I am still trying to get to know them better. So far, these amps are so fast, dense and very dynamic... (Just look at this central panel on the right, is that exquisite design!)

In my record collection I have 500 vinyl records and 5000 CD's, which can categorized as: classical (60%), jazz (20%) and other (20%).

The CD's and Lp's I am using for evaluation purposes are the following:

Side view of my new set-up

• Gershwin Concerto in F Cuban Overture "I got Rhythm" Variations by Boston Pops/Fiedler Earl Wild (LSC 2586)
• Bruch Scottish Fantasia by David Oistrakh (SXL 6035)
• Liszt Todtentanz - Rachmaninoff Concerto No 1 by Byron Janis / Fritz Reiner Chicago Symphony Orchestra (LSC 2541)
• Paganini Concerto No 1 in D major by Michael Rabin (EMI SP 8534)
• Sound Unheard of by Shelly Manne & Jack Marshall (APR 3009)
• Lady in Satin by Billie Holiday (CS 8048)

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Page follow-up... (info entered on 15 November 2001)

The new set-up of electronics

Kharma speaker cables

My system has been slightly changed. The Kharma speaker cables are no long "ordered" but were received and used since I received the speakers. I have also added the Nordost Valhalla interconnects (but i am not using them anymore).

I am using now an active Vibraplane isolation table, size 20 x 30" with Jun Air compressor. The table is for my Linn CD12 & SpJ La Luce turntable.

Active Vibraplane isolation table

Jun Air compressor

Interesting questions:

Q.: How would you describe your system's sound?
A.: Very wide and deep. High resolution and fast.

Q.: Do you think there is room for improvement?
A.: Working to get more lower and tuneful bass.

Q.: Have you got plans for upgrading?
A.: New diamond tweeters and special cables from Kharma. Goldmund Millennium with new JOB 4 upgrades.

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Page follow-up... (info entered on 12 June 2002)

Goldmund Mimesis 22M preamplifier

'Oracle' interconnect by MIT for the Linn CDplayer

First of all, both my wife and I are proud to inform you that we now have 3 boys and the third one is nearly 3 months old.

I have had some changes recently but they might not be so obvious:

Electronics on the left, giving signal not only to the left speaker ...

... but also to the right one!

Goldmund Mimesis 22M has replaced the old Mimesis 22. Internally, the pre amp is completely changed and fitted with the latest A20 modules. The soundstage is much wider and deeper. The Linn CD12 CD player has been replaced by Linn CD12 with the latest 24bit version. Again, side-by-side comparison proves that the latest version sounds more dynamic and has better extensions. MIT's latest 'Oracle' RCA interconnects are ideally matched with the new Linn CD12 24bit. I have moved my speakers to a different location in the room. The speakers are now firing down the short wall. The improvement is quite substantial.

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Page follow-up... (info entered on 20 September 2003)

Kharma 'Enigma' speaker cables

Koetsu Rosewood Platinum cartridge

Ortofon Jubilee cartridge

This has been my greatest upgrade of all! I have moved to a new appartment after living in the old one for 8 years. Now my listening area is 5 m. wide, 10 m. long and 2.9 m. high. (pictures are shown at the bottom of this update section)

Metronome C2A signature DAC in 2 pieces on the left

My titanium arm on the SpJ

First thing I noticed when I switched on my system in the new place was a more balanced frequency response. Highs, mids and lows are now more linear and evenly distributed. I also had an expert to help me positioning the speakers and now I believe it is nicely set-up. With the speakers coupling well with the room, I am getting very good sound stage and holographic effect.

After using Linn CD12 for more than 3 years, I added an external DAC the Metronome C2A signature.

I am now getting extra dynamic and extensions in both high and low frequencies while not losing CD12's magical vocal quality, musicality and pace. Just perfect match for me.

My Kharma Exquisite 1C speakers are singing day and night, I just love them more and more as they mature tonally. I have replaced my MIT Oracle with the Kharma 'Enigma' interconnects and upgraded my Kharma 'Grand Reference' speaker cables with the Kharma 'Enigma' as well.

On the analogue side, I added the Koetsu Rosewood Platinum cartridge and the SpJ titanium arm (to put it on), keeping the SpJ aluminum arm as well for my VdH 'Colibri'...

My system set-up in my previous appartment

My present listening place

Closer look of my listening room - chair

My small boy Wesley learning how to become an Audiophile...

Apart from these, I am just enjoying buying CDs and LPs...

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Page follow-up... (info entered on 21 September 2004)

I had some photos taken on my latest setup and the only major change i have done is my Linn CD12 transport, which has now been changed to the 47 Lab's PiTracer (using 47 Lab cable as digital, with excellent results). It is the latest 04 version, with 2 power transformers. I am using 2 sets of particular Parallel hi fi racks and a Burmester 948 power conditioner. Except Goldmund power cord, I only use Belden, DIY and stock power cords.

Koetsu Platinum mounted to Titanium arm tube	La Luce Centoventi TT taken from an unusual angle	FM Acoustics 222 phono pre amp, sitting below the t/t	Goldmund Mimesis 22M preamp.
47 Lab's PiTracer spinning away	Latest 04 version, with 2 power transformers	La Luce Centoventi t/t etc from the side	My hifi corner, with the shelves full of CDs and LPs

Enjoy the music! (and the equipment...)

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Page follow-up... (info entered on 30 October 2005)

Recently, I have made the following changes to my system:

My current electronics set-up

Kharma Ceramique subwoofer (with internal power amp and EQ)

- Added a Kharma Ceramique Subwoofer, with internal power amp and EQ.
- Substituted the Burmester 948, with the Equi = Tech Model 2QE Balance Power System.
- Substituted the Metronome C2A DAC, with the 47 Lab Gemini DAC (+ twin power transformers).
- Substituted the Kharma 'Enigma' digital and interconnect cables, with the 47 Lab Ota, for Dac to transport and Dac to Preamp.
- Added one more Kinetic Benchmate active isolation table for Goldmund 22M preamp.

With the very simple and direct design of the 47 Lab digital combo and Ota cables, I am hearing a lot more direct sound from the CD's. Everything sounds more direct, fast and full. It is like removing a lot of filters and smog off the lens. Music is played with more emotion and pace. Once you have listened to these, you will know the difference is huge.

Full 47 Lab digital setup on isolation table

Equi=Tech Model 2QE Balance Power System

Close-up view of 47 Lab Gemini Dac and Ota digital and ic cables

Kinetic Benchmate active isolation table, for the Goldmund 22M preamp

I added the Kharma Ceramique Sub in order to squeeze the low frequencies from my set-up. With the extra help from the Sub, my system is sounding warmer and silkier. With organ and double bass, the extra body and weight make the soundstage more realistic.

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Page follow-up... (info entered on 09 September 2007)

First of all, I have moved to a new house with the listening room being about 5.5 x 14 x 2.8m.

My last system set-up

My old set-up in my new room

- Substituted the Goldmund Millennium mono-blocks, with the Kondo Ongaku.
- Substituted the 'Colibri' Gold, with the 'Colibri' Platinum cartridge.
- Substituted the FM Acoustics 222 phono stage, with the Kondo M7 & SF-Z step up transformer.
- Substituted the Goldmund Mimesis 22M, with the Kondo M7 preamplifier.
- Substituted the Kharma Exquisite 1c speakers, with the Avant Garde Trio & the Tannoy Westminster.

I decided to make the big step and spoil myself with the Kondo Ongaku amplifier. Since then, I have been trying more Kondo products and decided to add M7 preamp, M7 Phono and SF-Z step Up Transformer to my Ongaku. Without saying, I am more than happy with the new toys.

New Kondo M7 Phono and SF-Z Step up transformer

Kondo M7 Line pre + Kondo Ongaku sitting on Vibraplane

After almost a year of searching, many gears have been in and out of my room. No more Goldmunds, no more Kharmas, no more FM Acoustics. Kondos and Tannoy are in. 47 Labs are still here and so is the SPJ TT. VDH Colibri Gold is gone and new Platinum is in. Oh, even the room is new.

Another search had started trying to locate the proper speakers for those Kondos. Tannoy GRF was the first newcomer and after that, Tannoy Westminster and Avant Garde Trio. I am planning to keep both Westminster and Trio. With the tubes, especially single ended, I have been able to hear music more direct. Kondo presents music in the most 'live' form. Music envelops the space and the listener. Even with my old Kharma speakers.

Tannoy GRF with the Custom DIY Bass trap shown in the corners

Tannoy Westminster Royals. Finally they have displaced GRF's...

Tannoy and Avant Garde are 2 speakers that I want to match with the Kondo Ongaku. Prior to acquiring the Westminster, I had the opportunity to try the GRF, which is a great speaker too. Since I had to make a choice between GRF and Westminster, sadly, GRF had to go.

With the tube Kondo M7 preamp and M7 Phono and Kondo SFZ MC Transformer + VDH 'Colibri' Platinum cartridge, my analogue setup is now better matched. With Trio driven by Ongaku, music is free from compression, full range and effortless.

More pictures from my stereo gear are listed below:
Kharma didn't stay for long in his new house	Tannoy GRF	Nice view along the room	Listening...	Ongaku & Westminster	Imposing Tannoys!	More imposing Trios!

We will be moving back to Sydney in September and my boys will go to school there. Right now, I am trying to find the right house for my speakers. I am not too keen on making a treated room for my hifi. I want to live with my music but not in my hifi. This will be my last update from Hong Kong.

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Page follow-up... (info entered on 27 December 2008)

I have moved to Sydney from Hong Kong for over a year and life is great here. With the huge move and for the family to get settling in, I have taken easy with my audio. Since I have taken lots of gears with me when I moved, I have more than enough gears to play with during my spare time:

My old system set-up in Hong Kong

My old system set-up in Hong Kong

A good friend visiting...

A good friend visiting...

- Speakers: Avant Garde Trio, Tannoy Westminster, Roger LS3/5a and Oceillia Calliope 3.0 Silver
- Amps: 47 Lab Gain Card, Almarro 318a, Quad 33 + 303, Kondo M1000 MK2 with M1000 Phono, Kondo Neiro, Kondo Gakuoh, Oceillia Quaero.
- Analogue: SPJ La Luce Centoventi, 47 Lab Koma.
- Cartridges: VDh Colibri Platinum, Koetsu Rosewood Platinum and Kondo IOM.
- Digital: 47 Lab PiTracer + Progressive Gemini DAC, 47 Lab Shigaraki CD/DAC.

The SPJ La Luce Centoventi turntable is still my favourite after more than 10 years.

The SPJ La Luce Centoventi turntable is still my favourite after more than 10 years.

47 Lab Koma turntable.

47 Lab Koma turntable.

The room is very open and has a high ceiling. Its dimensions are about 6 x 8 x 4m H being raked ceiling. With wooden floor and French windows on 3 sides. Speakers are 2m from rear wall and 2.5M apart. Sitting position is approx 4.5m from speakers. Still got the Equi=tech Model Q AC Power and no special electrical installation added.

Listening comments coming soon...

More pictures from my stereo gear are listed below:
Avant Garde Trio has been my main system since I moved to Sydney Avant Garde Trio has been my main system since I moved to Sydney	Kondo M1000 MKII with built in Phono, Kondo Neiro 2A3 AND Gakuoh 300 push/pull mono block. Kondo M1000 MKII with built in Phono, Kondo Neiro 2A3 AND Gakuoh 300 push/pull mono block.	47 Lab PiTracer still in service since 2004. 47 Lab PiTracer still in service since 2004.	My new toy, Oceillia Calliope speakers. My new toy, Oceillia Calliope speakers.	Close up of the Ocellia Quearo amp. Close up of the Ocellia Quearo amp.	My vintage Quad 33 + 303 solid state amp and FM tuner. My vintage Quad 33 + 303 solid state amp and FM tuner.	Tannoy Westminster Royal and Quad 33 + 303, perfect match. Tannoy Westminster Royal and Quad 33 + 303, perfect match.