Hey Everyone, just wanted to share where I got my special cds. If you have not seen the video on the special cds, here is the link. ruclips.net/video/2EMI7R64coM/видео.html
THANKS, Thomas !! Here in Michigan, USA, not so much of that around my area. WOW . To have a mall with all that would be like a dream come true to me. thanks again. NICE !!
Wow. This must be the largest concentration of audio stores on the world. It's like a hi-fi show year round. I would go to Singapore just for this alone. :)
Hi Thomas, first time I have been to this mall(12 years ago) I could not believe my eyes.There were about 20 stores only and I was totally impressed. Then, I came back in 2018 for a business trip with my wife. Wow! The entire Adelphi mall was completely taken by HiFi stores(about 50). Just unbelievable. However, I have to say that I asked them to play all the gear I would not be able to listen here in USA. It was the first time I had the chance to listen some of the finest gears ever made in this world: such as MBL, Gryphon, Techdas, DartZeel and many other brands. I really had a blast!
Nice new addition, I definitely appreciate finding out where to visit when I travel! Thank you for your time and effort! Looking forward to your xrcd vs Redbook comparisons
The shops look very nice, they must have more demo rooms inside right? But you're right, no need to impose. Let me check if the prices are even cheaper here in HK? Enjoy your holidays!
That is insane! I doubt those stores can be profitable..like one of the comments below, i would bet those companies treat that place like a year-round audio show. Probably why it's likely the only place in the world of it's kind. Awesome experience, thanks for sharing!
A preview, of the new film, Crazy Rich Asians? The author/writer was from Singapore! When I was living in Beijing for a year, I had to really look hard to find these kinds of venues. They were more available in Tokyo. My impression was that Hi-End Audio was just being introduced to the upper class in Beijing. That was eight years ago. So things are probably different now!
It's funny I was thinking of saying I wish I was a Crazy Rich Asians in the video! My friend sends me photos all the time of stereo trade show in Asia and they are way bigger compare to Canada.
Ah, so you are from Singapore. You are so lucky to live there, amazing country. I used to study there at Swiss Cottage for 3 years and was really special when I visit it this time.
Thomas & Stereo Swiss Cottage I know that place. We lived in Bishan not too far from there. I’m sure you know it. Loved Singapore and still PR and have my wife’s family there.
Wowser... Thomas!!! I have never in my life seen so much gear in one place. The people in Singapore take their music listening seriously. Can regular people there offord so much ?
I mentioned it in the $200 cd video, the XRCD and CD I got , I could not hear a difference and most likely the cd version (from the same company) is already very good. I think it would make more sense to compare a XRCD to a regular cd from another company.
Wow, I think Ian from HiVyNews goes here, and it's just flat out amazing that many Audio Stores in one spot. There is nothing like this in the States. I think that it should be every Audiophile goal to make it to this place once in a life time. Thomas we really appreciate this, I just can't get enough of this mall, it's CRACK for Audiophiles. Thomas please tell me that you listened to some of the MBL stuff. We only see this stuff in the states at Audio Stores.
Sadly I did not !!! I did not know what it was so did not bother :( Looking at the comment section, apparently, there are other better audio place to go to at Singapore!
Thomas my friend. I got a call last night after watching this, and never got to respond properly. I don't think I'll muster the same enthusiasm I would have, if I posted right after watching. But I'll try. This was a seriously eye opening video! I mean seriously! I've heard of this type of thing, but until you actually see it. It doesn't really sink into your brain. This is nothing short of amazing! I'm very curious about the economy there now, and who's buying this. Also how many units they need to sell to pay the rent etc. This could never happen here in the US. Even in the biggest time of regular consumers buying audio. There were only a few stores around. I've got to take a trip to Asia. It's been on my bucket list forever. And for so many reasons too, but this is the single most compelling reason yet. I would literally get a hotel room near there, and spend 2 or 3 days there at least. That's an amazing opportunity to hear all that gear in one place. I'm a little different then you. I would bug them all to listen to stuff. They're probably board anyway, and would be happy to help me. All I can say is thank you very much. And that I'm truly looking forward to more of these travel videos. No matter the content too. I don't care if it's about audio, or not. It's all good to me. I love seeing new things. Thank you Thomas. 😊
Hi, it's interesting in the sense that Singapore is actually one of the smallest country in the world with a population of only 5.6 million yet they can sustain such a place. There are a few other nice stereo places there at Singapore and someone left the info in the comment section. I was worried people might be bored so I took out some footage. Glad you enjoyed it! My other travel video are not stereo related but might be interesting for people wanting to travel to Asia. There are a lot of big Audio trade shows in the states, have you been to one?
Adelphi was not the place it was few years ago. No doubt there is a huge concentration of audio shops there, but there are also other high-end boutique shops across the island that are equally if not more impressive. Can checkout Raindrop Audio, High End Research, Xaudio, Horizon Acoustics to name a few that aren't in Adelphi. If you ever come back :)
Hey Thomas, nice to have such a mall in the area, next time I am in Singapore I'll make an effort to get over there for a little look. A request if I may? Would you consider doing a review on the Japanese made Amps, Shindo and Leben in the near future? I am taking a look for myself to put with a VPI Prime wich is also a new aquisition ☺.
This the only place in the planet you can compare different brands in real time. Not even Japan or big cities in USA you find many HiFi stores in only one place.
Did you go and listen to the Harbeth or Avant-Garde horn speakers with the Leben electronics? Very sweet sounds. The other tube amps were Triode amps from Japan. The Avant-garde dealer AV One handles Triode amps as well. I bought my PMC Twenty26 speakers and my Monitor Audio Gold 50’s from these guys. Long time ago now...5 years and 2 years ago. Btw Sim Lim Sq used to also carry HT and some nice new and used amps etc. Bought my first HT there, the Pioneer VSX AX10i. Still have it safely wrapped up. There’s some funky used gear esp PA gear in Sim Lim Tower if you have the time to visit one day. And there are a few other locations for Hi-Fi around Singapore too. But Adelphi is the Centre. Oth you should try and visit Martin Electronics at Burlington Square, before the old man passes away 😎
No but I heard the Avant-Garde horn here in Canada before. I am lucky because of my friend, I can get private audition in a room with no one bothering us. I like horn sound, its nice. Can you buy speakers from the internet or your only option is to go to a store? Will be many years before I go back to Singapore.
Thomas & Stereo I moved here to Saudi three years ago but routinely go back to SG. My wife is Singaporean and I’ve lived there for 20 years. I’m an Aussie originally.
Thanks for sharing your trip to the stores. I wonder what sort of markup they need in order to keep up with the rents... and also the kinds of customers they have given that Singapore properties are generally smaller. Good to know audiophile scene there is strong enough to support the stores nonetheless.
Well I noticed it is a bit more expensive over there but I don't know is it because they need to mark it up higher or the import cost. I am actually surprised because Singapore only have 3% normal houses. Rest are condo / apartment so how many people have the space to really let these shine. I mean not bothering the neighbours.
The apartments and condos are thick concrete. They block sound pretty well. The Adelphi is not exactly a typical shopping mall, and has low foot traffic...so I would assume the rentals are considerably low. And most shops rent multiple units (storage, different setups, etc).
It's a good place to start looking for audio equipment. But like you mentioned the mark up on all these equipment is exorbitantly high and they justify it with taxes, exchange rates and shipping costs. Also, most of the staff have very little knowledge about the equipment they sell and aren't as friendly. Just my 2 cents.
Ah that is too bad that some of the staff have little knowledge about the stuff they sell. I would expect they would be experts, oh well. It's a great place to visit though.
At around 6:00 to 6:30 - that was an MBL store - crazy expensive (and crazy performance, if I'm to believe the reviews). Would love to audition a full MBL system, but I know what you mean - I don't like to bother people either, if I'm not going to buy.
I heard them at AXPONA in Chicago. They had them cranked at the end of the show playing Thriller! You could hear them way down the hall! Sounded amazing at high SPL. They would make good party speakers at minimum, lol.
Do many people audition anything these days? The mall stores usually have gear. out in the open,no actual listening room. Looks like it was a nice trip.
Hi Thomas, what do you think of Audio GD products that are made in China. I found that they are very particular about the quality of power supply circuit in all their design.
Thanks Thomas, there must be a large market there (of high end equipment..), for all these different stores to be so well stocked up with expensive gear! Leaves Sydney (where I live) for dead by comparison.. Very impressive and I believe, Malaysia has a similar high end set up, as well as Hong Kong. Audiophilia is quite widesrpead in that part of the world and there must be quite a few wealthy customers that can afford and enjoy these exotic brands. Well filmed and narrated!
I completely agree with you Thomas - I never bother a dealer when I know that trying to freight anything larger than a portable DAC or a pair of headphones home would be prohibitive, That said, I was extremely disappointed when I couldnt find a proprietary cable in Sony's flagship Ginza store in Tokyo, despite the extreme efforts staff went to trying to find one for me. I completely get that high-end dealers have far more tyre-kickers than buyers but Japan is the only Asian country where I found the sales staff to be friendly and willing to help. I'm sure its very different for Singaporeans in the Adelphi or Koreans in Seoul but I wasnt impressed by the 'what the hell do you want ?' looks I got from some of the dealers - ffs, why go into business if you cant deal with customers ? The few times I tried to audition anything I had to deal with everything from the dealer talking on the phone to an entire family of Thais rocking up and greeting the owner like they hadnt seen him in twenty years - memories I'd rather forget. Thanks for the video.
That's really unfortunate. You are right that Japan had very friendly staff. I remember Japan Airline had great Staff and was really impressed with their service.
They have a culture that says 'Whatever my job, I will strive for perfection every single day' - imagine the world we'd have if we could all live to that standard.
Cool Mall. I could be wrong but I don't think there is a KEF brick/mortar in the US...just dealers. I used to hate malls when I was younger and this video makes me wish choices for physical stores were better.
What is the difference between a brick/motar and a dealer? One has a physical location while the other might not? In Montreal, we do have stores that have some of the stuff you can listen to but no where near this kind of variety.
Bad wording by me. I was trying to say a physical store devoted completely to KEF (brick & mortar). Like an Apple or Sony store. The dealer store being an owner devoted to multiple mfgs. We have a lot of those as I'm sure Canada does as well. Any fear of conterfeiting over there?
Ah I get it. If you are talking about Asia, it's interesting you bring up counterfeiting. They do make clones by the way, for example, you can find amps that specified they copy the marantz 7 for example. Yes, there are counterfeits, for example, Siltech cables. You can get them online actually these counterfeit.
Interesting. I don't think I'd have an ethical problem with "clones" if they were rebranded and upfront about trying to replicate an original. However, I have a feeling one might find corner cutting if you opened them up.
Ahhhhh! I was in Singapore not so long ago and this place was totally not on my radar! I did get a tattoo in a tattoo mall though. Singapore is amazing.
@@ThomasAndStereo yes, there was a street/district that had a ton of open air street foods. Some of the best fresh seafood I have ever tasted (and I'm originally from the Baie Des Chaleur in the gaspesie and grew up on a lobster boat)!
@@ThomasAndStereo pretty great in the gaspesie but the cooking methods and spices took it to another level in Singapore! I do miss living by the ocean though. Montreal is an island but there is no sense of connection to marine life....it's weird! Have a great evening Thomas, I'm off to read books to the kids.
Very cool - candy store, indeed. Me myself, I don’t mind asking salespeople for a demo if they’re sitting around and I’d consider buying something from them; otherwise I just “hover” while they’re helping someone else.
Thank you so much for watching this valuable video and consoling me very quickly in this difficult time when the world is desperately hoping that the vaccine will come out soon and the corona virus 19 will end. We sincerely support you to become an extra large channel.
Thomas & Stereo not really sure. i think they record the albums and directly 1:1 copy to the CD. Man the quality is actually the most awesome cds i ever listened to. I am not a cd guy btw.. my boss is. so i listened at his house with his crazy expensive system. Btw, do u if a DAC from a CD player like esoteric K1X is better than a standalone DAC? i actually a vinyl guy and trying to play some download hi res music. I am thinking to either get a CD player with DAC or a standolone DAC with a music streaming player. I understand that a CD player has good quality DAC but i don't use CDs anyways and also i dont think it's better than a standalone DAC. what do u think? any experience with this?
Very cool. What did you think about the Wilsons. They are 15K and better than Focal? Certainly have to go to Singapore again. I did not have a chance or even knew about those stores.
It's hard to say because they had the Mcintosh C1100 and MC601 driving them so they sounded divine. I don't have anything as good driving the Focal Kanta so it's normal the Wilson sounded better.
@@ThomasAndStereo Love Montreal visit it at least once a year to enjoy the food. You actually have better food there than in Toronto with the exception of chinese food. I actually have a pair of Wilson Audio Sophia 3's paired with Bryston 7bsst2. Very revealing speakers and very sensitive to equipment/cabling. I am like you, where if I don't hear a difference than I don't care and won't spend the money. Currently looking for a good DAC, do you have any recommendations? Love your videos very neutral and honest.
@@ThomasAndStereo If you have the opportunity go and listen ...for me the best speakers in the world ...all the system just disappear in front of you ...come to California for the next The show audio international show
@@ThomasAndStereo I did watch the whole video & I have to turn the volume much higher (almost at max!) compared to other YT videos wherein I only set the vol. at 25%. You have a very interesting content it's really worth having a good & sensitive directional mic. Cheers!
Hey Thomas, I bought some of the "Best Audiophile Voices" cds, It says 24 bit/192 kHz on the cover but the disc is decoded in 16 bit/44 kHz...are yours the same ??
Yes, all cd should be 44k from my understanding. I dont' remember why it is written 192 infront but I think if you read up on XRCD manufacturing process, it touches on it...I remember something like that. I know yours might not be XRCd but it will touch on it, How do you find the recording?
For me, I could not hear a significant difference for the 'Best Audiophile Voices'. As I mentioned in the $200 cd video, perhaps the recording is more important.
There are over 150k millionaires in Singapore and those from neighbouring countries like Indonesia often visit Singapore, hence these High end Shops are popular similar to luxury boutiques here.
Hey Everyone, just wanted to share where I got my special cds. If you have not seen the video on the special cds, here is the link.
ruclips.net/video/2EMI7R64coM/видео.html
THANKS, Thomas !! Here in Michigan, USA, not so much of that around my area. WOW . To have a mall with all that would be like a dream come true to me. thanks again. NICE !!
Wow. This must be the largest concentration of audio stores on the world. It's like a hi-fi show year round. I would go to Singapore just for this alone. :)
You are most welcome to visit Singapore. The garden city and HiFi lovers listening centre.
Hi Thomas, first time I have been to this mall(12 years ago) I could not believe my eyes.There were about 20 stores only and I was totally impressed. Then, I came back in 2018 for a business trip with my wife. Wow! The entire Adelphi mall was completely taken by HiFi stores(about 50). Just unbelievable. However, I have to say that I asked them to play all the gear I would not be able to listen here in USA. It was the first time I had the chance to listen some of the finest gears ever made in this world: such as MBL, Gryphon, Techdas, DartZeel and many other brands. I really had a blast!
Nice new addition, I definitely appreciate finding out where to visit when I travel! Thank you for your time and effort! Looking forward to your xrcd vs Redbook comparisons
The shops look very nice, they must have more demo rooms inside right? But you're right, no need to impose. Let me check if the prices are even cheaper here in HK? Enjoy your holidays!
Yes, I only film a few stores but most of the store have a demo setup.
That is insane! I doubt those stores can be profitable..like one of the comments below, i would bet those companies treat that place like a year-round audio show. Probably why it's likely the only place in the world of it's kind. Awesome experience, thanks for sharing!
These store have been there for many years. And the price is very high. I have heard selling one set of speakers would cover the whole month expenses
I was blown away by that Mall.
Hifi heaven!
Welcome to SG Thomas :) . I got my Onkyo 575 from Alpha Audio last Dec. The uncle helped me to set it up in the store, friendly guys.
I enjoyed watching this video... Thanks for sharing this experience (that I will likely never have). :)
This is audiophile Mecca! Gotta make a pilgrimage sometime in this lifetime.
That place looks Amazing!!!!
I like these kind of video's! Thx .
oh wow phenomenal sound love it thanks, Sir
A preview, of the new film, Crazy Rich Asians? The author/writer was from Singapore! When I was living in Beijing for a year, I had to really look hard to find these kinds of venues. They were more available in Tokyo. My impression was that Hi-End Audio was just being introduced to the upper class in Beijing. That was eight years ago. So things are probably different now!
It's funny I was thinking of saying I wish I was a Crazy Rich Asians in the video! My friend sends me photos all the time of stereo trade show in Asia and they are way bigger compare to Canada.
Nice to see you visiting my home town Thomas. I look forward to watching this vid. Best wishes John
Ah, so you are from Singapore. You are so lucky to live there, amazing country. I used to study there at Swiss Cottage for 3 years and was really special when I visit it this time.
Thomas & Stereo Swiss Cottage I know that place. We lived in Bishan not too far from there. I’m sure you know it. Loved Singapore and still PR and have my wife’s family there.
Wow great collection in this mall
Wowser... Thomas!!! I have never in my life seen so much gear in one place. The people in Singapore take their music listening seriously. Can regular people there offord so much ?
Yes, the standard of living there is very high. I think the average income is higher than the States.
An amazing place. Thanks for sharing.
Really happy you enjoyed it.
I have several XRCDs and I"m very impressed with the sound quality. I look forward to hearing your review comparing the XRCDs and regular CDs.
I mentioned it in the $200 cd video, the XRCD and CD I got , I could not hear a difference and most likely the cd version (from the same company) is already very good. I think it would make more sense to compare a XRCD to a regular cd from another company.
just amazing music
Welcome to Singapore Thomas , please go to basement cafe, their 'Chee Cheong Fan n Siew Mai' very nice.
Darn, next time.
At the minute 8 the speakers are Avantgarde and Audionote gear. if I'm not wrong. Should be a very good review!
A circular polarising filter will help with the reflections
Yeah, did not realize they have it for phone.
They might do
Wow, I think Ian from HiVyNews goes here, and it's just flat out amazing that many Audio Stores in one spot. There is nothing like this in the States. I think that it should be every Audiophile goal to make it to this place once in a life time. Thomas we really appreciate this, I just can't get enough of this mall, it's CRACK for Audiophiles. Thomas please tell me that you listened to some of the MBL stuff. We only see this stuff in the states at Audio Stores.
Sadly I did not !!! I did not know what it was so did not bother :( Looking at the comment section, apparently, there are other better audio place to go to at Singapore!
Thanks for sharing. Wish I was such mall where I live! amazing!
Thomas my friend. I got a call last night after watching this, and never got to respond properly. I don't think I'll muster the same enthusiasm I would have, if I posted right after watching. But I'll try.
This was a seriously eye opening video! I mean seriously! I've heard of this type of thing, but until you actually see it. It doesn't really sink into your brain. This is nothing short of amazing!
I'm very curious about the economy there now, and who's buying this. Also how many units they need to sell to pay the rent etc.
This could never happen here in the US. Even in the biggest time of regular consumers buying audio. There were only a few stores around. I've got to take a trip to Asia. It's been on my bucket list forever. And for so many reasons too, but this is the single most compelling reason yet.
I would literally get a hotel room near there, and spend 2 or 3 days there at least. That's an amazing opportunity to hear all that gear in one place. I'm a little different then you. I would bug them all to listen to stuff. They're probably board anyway, and would be happy to help me.
All I can say is thank you very much. And that I'm truly looking forward to more of these travel videos. No matter the content too. I don't care if it's about audio, or not. It's all good to me. I love seeing new things. Thank you Thomas. 😊
Hi, it's interesting in the sense that Singapore is actually one of the smallest country in the world with a population of only 5.6 million yet they can sustain such a place. There are a few other nice stereo places there at Singapore and someone left the info in the comment section. I was worried people might be bored so I took out some footage. Glad you enjoyed it! My other travel video are not stereo related but might be interesting for people wanting to travel to Asia. There are a lot of big Audio trade shows in the states, have you been to one?
What a dream. I’ll have to put this destination on my list
yeah, check out the comments below, apparently, there are better places at Singapore for hifi shopping.
Oh wow. Would love to have something similar near me. Thanks for the video.
Excellent guide to Adelphi. Thank you!
Adelphi was not the place it was few years ago. No doubt there is a huge concentration of audio shops there, but there are also other high-end boutique shops across the island that are equally if not more impressive. Can checkout Raindrop Audio, High End Research, Xaudio, Horizon Acoustics to name a few that aren't in Adelphi. If you ever come back :)
Darn, I wish I knew about all these places you mentioned before I go! Next time :)
Hey Thomas, nice to have such a mall in the area, next time I am in Singapore I'll make an effort to get over there for a little look. A request if I may? Would you consider doing a review on the Japanese made Amps, Shindo and Leben in the near future? I am taking a look for myself to put with a VPI Prime wich is also a new aquisition ☺.
I don't know those amps, I would keep an eye on it.
Interesting store. Rare to see such a mix of brands.
This the only place in the planet you can compare different brands in real time. Not even Japan or big cities in USA you find many HiFi stores in only one place.
Did you go and listen to the Harbeth or Avant-Garde horn speakers with the Leben electronics? Very sweet sounds. The other tube amps were Triode amps from Japan. The Avant-garde dealer AV One handles Triode amps as well. I bought my PMC Twenty26 speakers and my Monitor Audio Gold 50’s from these guys. Long time ago now...5 years and 2 years ago.
Btw Sim Lim Sq used to also carry HT and some nice new and used amps etc. Bought my first HT there, the Pioneer VSX AX10i. Still have it safely wrapped up. There’s some funky used gear esp PA gear in Sim Lim Tower if you have the time to visit one day. And there are a few other locations for Hi-Fi around Singapore too. But Adelphi is the Centre. Oth you should try and visit Martin Electronics at Burlington Square, before the old man passes away 😎
No but I heard the Avant-Garde horn here in Canada before. I am lucky because of my friend, I can get private audition in a room with no one bothering us. I like horn sound, its nice. Can you buy speakers from the internet or your only option is to go to a store? Will be many years before I go back to Singapore.
Thomas & Stereo I moved here to Saudi three years ago but routinely go back to SG. My wife is Singaporean and I’ve lived there for 20 years. I’m an Aussie originally.
For those lamp looking speakers check out"how its made omnidirectional speakers"on you tube.It shows how they are made,really interesting.
William : Are you referring to the omnidirectional MBLs ? They are handmade in Germany. Yes, I've seen the video. Thanks.
Thank you , really enjoyed that
Those speakers in the cd store are Hyperion ...very nice look 👍
Yeah, that rings a bell
Thanks for sharing your trip to the stores. I wonder what sort of markup they need in order to keep up with the rents... and also the kinds of customers they have given that Singapore properties are generally smaller. Good to know audiophile scene there is strong enough to support the stores nonetheless.
Well I noticed it is a bit more expensive over there but I don't know is it because they need to mark it up higher or the import cost. I am actually surprised because Singapore only have 3% normal houses. Rest are condo / apartment so how many people have the space to really let these shine. I mean not bothering the neighbours.
The apartments and condos are thick concrete. They block sound pretty well.
The Adelphi is not exactly a typical shopping mall, and has low foot traffic...so I would assume the rentals are considerably low. And most shops rent multiple units (storage, different setups, etc).
Great video Thomas, infact I was at Adelphie just a week ago and bought xr cds from the same store at 45SG$ a pop. Definitely got conned 😥
Lol...that store is dangerous for the wallet :)
It's a good place to start looking for audio equipment. But like you mentioned the mark up on all these equipment is exorbitantly high and they justify it with taxes, exchange rates and shipping costs. Also, most of the staff have very little knowledge about the equipment they sell and aren't as friendly. Just my 2 cents.
Ah that is too bad that some of the staff have little knowledge about the stuff they sell. I would expect they would be experts, oh well. It's a great place to visit though.
Welcome to Singapore!
Yeah, super clean city and I really miss it. Lived there for 3 years when I was young.
At around 6:00 to 6:30 - that was an MBL store - crazy expensive (and crazy performance, if I'm to believe the reviews). Would love to audition a full MBL system, but I know what you mean - I don't like to bother people either, if I'm not going to buy.
Yeah, those MBL speakers look very unconventional. Unfortunately I did not get a chance to listen to it.
I heard them at AXPONA in Chicago. They had them cranked at the end of the show playing Thriller! You could hear them way down the hall! Sounded amazing at high SPL. They would make good party speakers at minimum, lol.
Japanese song: Koji Tamaki
Chinese songs: random HiFi artists. Voices don't ring a bell.
Welcome to Singapore.. are you here for holiday?
Yeah, that was in Feb, went to Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore. I used to study at Singapore Swiss cottage primary school actually.
thats interesting, thanks for reply!
Do many people audition anything these days? The mall stores usually have gear. out in the open,no actual listening room.
Looks like it was a nice trip.
I see a lot of audition room when I was there and I see people bringing their cds there. Was a great trip
Hi Thomas, what do you think of Audio GD products that are made in China. I found that they are very particular about the quality of power supply circuit in all their design.
I have never tried them but am curious.
Thanks Thomas, there must be a large market there (of high end equipment..), for all these different stores to be so well stocked up with expensive gear!
Leaves Sydney (where I live) for dead by comparison.. Very impressive and I believe, Malaysia has a similar high end set up, as well as Hong Kong.
Audiophilia is quite widesrpead in that part of the world and there must be quite a few wealthy customers that can afford and enjoy these exotic brands.
Well filmed and narrated!
Thanks! I was actually worried people might be bored with this video so I kept it to about 10 min. Glad you liked it.
I completely agree with you Thomas - I never bother a dealer when I know that trying to freight anything larger than a portable DAC or a pair of headphones home would be prohibitive, That said, I was extremely disappointed when I couldnt find a proprietary cable in Sony's flagship Ginza store in Tokyo, despite the extreme efforts staff went to trying to find one for me. I completely get that high-end dealers have far more tyre-kickers than buyers but Japan is the only Asian country where I found the sales staff to be friendly and willing to help. I'm sure its very different for Singaporeans in the Adelphi or Koreans in Seoul but I wasnt impressed by the 'what the hell do you want ?' looks I got from some of the dealers - ffs, why go into business if you cant deal with customers ? The few times I tried to audition anything I had to deal with everything from the dealer talking on the phone to an entire family of Thais rocking up and greeting the owner like they hadnt seen him in twenty years - memories I'd rather forget. Thanks for the video.
That's really unfortunate. You are right that Japan had very friendly staff. I remember Japan Airline had great Staff and was really impressed with their service.
They have a culture that says 'Whatever my job, I will strive for perfection every single day' - imagine the world we'd have if we could all live to that standard.
Cool Mall. I could be wrong but I don't think there is a KEF brick/mortar in the US...just dealers. I used to hate malls when I was younger and this video makes me wish choices for physical stores were better.
What is the difference between a brick/motar and a dealer? One has a physical location while the other might not? In Montreal, we do have stores that have some of the stuff you can listen to but no where near this kind of variety.
Bad wording by me. I was trying to say a physical store devoted completely to KEF (brick & mortar). Like an Apple or Sony store. The dealer store being an owner devoted to multiple mfgs. We have a lot of those as I'm sure Canada does as well. Any fear of conterfeiting over there?
Ah I get it. If you are talking about Asia, it's interesting you bring up counterfeiting. They do make clones by the way, for example, you can find amps that specified they copy the marantz 7 for example. Yes, there are counterfeits, for example, Siltech cables. You can get them online actually these counterfeit.
Interesting. I don't think I'd have an ethical problem with "clones" if they were rebranded and upfront about trying to replicate an original. However, I have a feeling one might find corner cutting if you opened them up.
I hear people mentioning in the Chinese forums that some of them sound very good. I am definitely curious.
Ahhhhh! I was in Singapore not so long ago and this place was totally not on my radar! I did get a tattoo in a tattoo mall though. Singapore is amazing.
Yes and the food is great there.
@@ThomasAndStereo yes, there was a street/district that had a ton of open air street foods. Some of the best fresh seafood I have ever tasted (and I'm originally from the Baie Des Chaleur in the gaspesie and grew up on a lobster boat)!
Seriously? Lobsters and seafood are like the best where you are!
@@ThomasAndStereo pretty great in the gaspesie but the cooking methods and spices took it to another level in Singapore! I do miss living by the ocean though. Montreal is an island but there is no sense of connection to marine life....it's weird! Have a great evening Thomas, I'm off to read books to the kids.
Great place for records as well
No reason to go xrcd when sacd is an option. I only get xrcd when sacd doesn't exist. Try to get direct from original master tape CDs.
Omg. What a mall 🤩
Very cool - candy store, indeed. Me myself, I don’t mind asking salespeople for a demo if they’re sitting around and I’d consider buying something from them; otherwise I just “hover” while they’re helping someone else.
Ah, then you will have a blast there.
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XRCD, K2 CD , SHM-CD & Blu-Spec CD are manufacturing enhancements. They may or may not bring better sound.
Yup, infact I would say it sounds worst in some systems.
Thanks Thomas
U should get some direct cut 1:1 CDs at roxy’s. Pretty good ...
Its it in the same building or elsewhere in Singapore?
Thomas & Stereo the first CD shop u went. They have pretty good 1:1 Direct Cut CDs... about SGD$120/ea. expensive but it is damn good.
$120!! I have a hard time spending $30 on a cd already :) 1:1 direct cut, do you mean not mastered and uncompressed?
Thomas & Stereo not really sure. i think they record the albums and directly 1:1 copy to the CD. Man the quality is actually the most awesome cds i ever listened to. I am not a cd guy btw.. my boss is. so i listened at his house with his crazy expensive system. Btw, do u if a DAC from a CD player like esoteric K1X is better than a standalone DAC? i actually a vinyl guy and trying to play some download hi res music. I am thinking to either get a CD player with DAC or a standolone DAC with a music streaming player. I understand that a CD player has good quality DAC but i don't use CDs anyways and also i dont think it's better than a standalone DAC. what do u think? any experience with this?
This is the first time I hearing about xrcd. Is there a noticeable difference between a normal CD and XRCD?
It's a regular cd by remastered. Usually, it sounds more clear.
To bad we don’t have anything like this in the US!😢
Yeah, they have it at China and Japan too.
a few months after i go back to jakarta?!!! daaaaaannnggggg
Good vid. Always like to see how other countries do things.
Very cool. What did you think about the Wilsons. They are 15K and better than Focal?
Certainly have to go to Singapore again. I did not have a chance or even knew about those stores.
Yeah, this was in Feb and i only have time to edit the video now.
It's hard to say because they had the Mcintosh C1100 and MC601 driving them so they sounded divine. I don't have anything as good driving the Focal Kanta so it's normal the Wilson sounded better.
So where do I buy online the $18 XRCD's?
I don't know. That is why I bought a bunch when I saw it at good price.
haha These are not Wilson Speakers! Hey you in Toronto?
Yeah, first store no but second store, they are. Always wanted to get a pair. I am in Montreal. You lucky to be at Toronto, good chinese food there.
@@ThomasAndStereo Love Montreal visit it at least once a year to enjoy the food. You actually have better food there than in Toronto with the exception of chinese food.
I actually have a pair of Wilson Audio Sophia 3's paired with Bryston 7bsst2. Very revealing speakers and very sensitive to equipment/cabling. I am like you, where if I don't hear a difference than I don't care and won't spend the money.
Currently looking for a good DAC, do you have any recommendations?
Love your videos very neutral and honest.
Thanks, you have a very nice system. Sorry for the late reply, what dac are you currently using? Budget?
Ohh man you don't know MBL ...it is amazing sound made in Germany
Never heard them but very expensive
@@ThomasAndStereo If you have the opportunity go and listen ...for me the best speakers in the world ...all the system just disappear in front of you ...come to California for the next The show audio international show
can you speak a little louder? The background noise is sometimes louder than your voice..Invest in a good directional mic please
Not sure if you watch the whole video but it was only one part for about 2 min where the audio was really bad.
@@ThomasAndStereo I did watch the whole video & I have to turn the volume much higher (almost at max!) compared to other YT videos wherein I only set the vol. at 25%. You have a very interesting content it's really worth having a good & sensitive directional mic. Cheers!
Thanks, are my other video volume too low too? I mean the new ones since I am using a mic on those.
@@ThomasAndStereo I did a quick random check just now, some of your videos have good full bodied sound, some are like this one in Adelphi...
Thanks for checking.
Hey Thomas, I bought some of the "Best Audiophile Voices" cds, It says 24 bit/192 kHz on the cover but the disc is decoded in 16 bit/44 kHz...are yours the same ??
Yes, all cd should be 44k from my understanding. I dont' remember why it is written 192 infront but I think if you read up on XRCD manufacturing process, it touches on it...I remember something like that. I know yours might not be XRCd but it will touch on it, How do you find the recording?
Thomas & Stereo I have both XRCD and CDDA of the “Best Audiophile Voices” and prefer the CDDA. XRCD not worth the extra money.
For me, I could not hear a significant difference for the 'Best Audiophile Voices'. As I mentioned in the $200 cd video, perhaps the recording is more important.
MBL omnidirectional speakers that look like lamps. Major on imaging
I wonder if you need a big room for those.
I listened to mbl speakers at a show. Everyone was blown away by the imaging.
6:54 which bookshelf speakers are those two?
Not the one with the yellow cone, the other ones are most likely MBL speakers.
I think it's these. A store demo cost $12k cdn!
www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/649457540-mbl-126-speaker-with-matching-stand-in-matte-black-finish/
So this is the place you want to go if you are an audiophile and a thief 😂😂
So help me God if I ever won the lottery.......
Yup, me too.
Nice video but u got the Chinese music wrong. It's not Chinese,it's Korean. I am Chinese.
huh, i am chinese too, part of it was in chinese and part in japanese(maybe korean since i am not korean so not 100% sure) .
@@ThomasAndStereo 👍
4:40 old 805?
No idea, sorry :(
There are over 150k millionaires in Singapore and those from neighbouring countries like Indonesia often visit Singapore, hence these High end Shops are popular similar to luxury boutiques here.
That many? Wow. I used to live there, love the country.
Who would give this video a thumbs down????😡
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