home products services news reviews pre-owned payment testimony gallery links contact us

News Journal
Welcome to the Audio Note Singapore's online news journal. This is where all future news, product updates and event announcements will be placed. We decided on this format instead of periodical newsletters so that we can get the news out faster to you and keep things fresh all the time. [Bookmark this page.] Last updated: 30 Aug 2010


Audio Note’s New Zero Series
30 August 2010

Click for larger view

Click for larger view

Click for larger view

Click for larger view

Click for larger view

Some of the above images have larger
versions, please click over the images.
Audio Note’s own vision of what an audiophile quality ‘midi’ system should be like, the new Zero series consists of a very compact integrated amplifier and an equally diminutive CD player, both operating with vacuum tubes of course!

The CD-Zero CD player features an in-house custom modified Philips front loading CD mechanism, Philips TDA1543 DAC in non-oversampling digital filterless mode, 6111WA valve based analogue output stage and a power supply equipped with 2 mains transformers. They are available with brushed aluminum or classic black acrylic faceplates.

The I Zero tube integrated amplifier is a minimalist design featuring 4 pcs of ECL-82 output tubes in Class A/B mode. On the left of the faceplate, is the selector that allows switching between 4 signal inputs, and to the right is the volume control. No frills but more importantly, no unnecessary features that will adversely affect the sound quality!

This amazingly compact combo has a clean and classic look that will look and sound good in any application, be it as a 2nd system in your study or bedroom, or even as an office system to help you make those working hours more interesting!

For our showroom demo, we have partnered the Zero system with ANUK’s own AX-2 bookshelf speakers for an impressively synergistic match that is as musically involving as it is dynamic! Come and hear what you can achieve if you need to stretch your dollar a little…

Related Links:
  • Audio Note UK website   



  • Revolutionary Power Cord Measurements!
    19 August 2010













    After more than three years of development and in conjunction with lead engineers at Techtronics, scientist Caelin Gabriel has come up with perhaps his most profound accomplishment.

    Shunyata Research is proud to introduce DTCD (Dynamic Transient Current Delivery) ANALYSIS -- a scientific methodology for measuring differences in AC power products such as power cords, outlets and power distributors.

    For the first time objective, repeatable and verifiable test results are revealed that will end the long-running debate over the efficacy of high-end power products.

    Is DTCD different than conventional measurements?

    Conventional AC power testing methods and equipment are not designed to detect the volume of current delivered during the brief conduction period (microseconds) or the corresponding impedance during the period of conduction. Multi-meters measure voltage and current averaged over a period of one or more AC cycles. Common current probes are too slow to give an accurate reading of current delivery during a single current pulse that has a period of only a few microseconds.

    The DTCD ANALYZER is unique in its ability to generate dynamic transients of current and measure the effects in-line devices have on the transmission of impulse current. This measurement is directly related to the performance and primary function of A/V power supplies.

    Does DTCD affect audio or video performance?

    There are significant measurable DTCD differences between various power cords and power distribution devices. In many cases, the differences can measure as high as 50%-100% between similar products -- which by any standard is a profound measured difference.

    Comparative subjective listening tests have been conducted spanning several years, under controlled conditions using blind and double blind tests that repeatedly confirm the connection between system performance and measurable DTCD. These results will be published along with more detailed information in a series of supporting FAQ documents.

    For years, thousands of recording professionals and A/V enthusiasts have reported unmistakable auditory, or in the case of film, visible differences when evaluating after-market power-cords, outlets and power distributors. The DTCD results affirm that many of these reports could be easily validated through simple DTCD measurement. Some listening results could be predicted given a dramatic difference in the DTCD measurement of AC components such as outlets or power cords.

    Important Note: DTCD is NOT the only design parameter that separates the performance of power products. However, due to the foundational nature of current and voltage integrity it is clear that a product will have severely impaired performance if it has significantly low or diminished DTCD.


    Why DTCD is important

    The measurement results highlight the critical role near-field electrical components play in the performance of recording and home entertainment systems. Refining an AC system to maximize conductance and minimize impedance will deliver consistent, objectively superior performance in any audio-video based electronics system. The DTCD results represent an electrical foundation from which all professional and entertainment systems can benefit, no matter how different the electronics or goals of the system may be.

    The DTCD measurements are directly related to the principal function of component power supplies. They demonstrate objective differences that favor electrical systems engineered for maximum peak-current delivery. There are other important design considerations that affect AC system performance but none are so fundamental to the primary role of the power supply. These results represent a solid, empirical foundation for continued research into the relationship between AC delivery and pro-recording or A/V system performance.

    These explanations not only show the undisputed superiority of Shunyata power cords over generic cables, it also demonstrates Shunyata Research’s commitment to sound scientific principles in designing their products and not just on a “trial and error’ process that so many smaller companies adopt nowadays.

    Please take a few moments to view the measurements and information below:

    Related Links:
  • Shunyata web page on DTCD   
  • Frequently Asked Questions on DTCD


  • Analogue Supplement Just Out
    29 July 2010

    Click for larger view

    Some of the above images have larger
    versions, please click over the images.
    Our special supplement on all things pertaining to vinyl and the analogue medium has just been released by MOD Audio Visual magazine. Inside, you can read interesting articles on some of our hot new products like the revolutionary Thales ‘tangential-pivoted’ tonearm, TW Acustic Raven 0.5, DFA Woodpecker and Nottingham Analogue turntables, Ortofon A-90 cartridge, Lehmann Audio and AMR phono stages, and various inexpensive but essential accessories that every vinylophile will need and appreciate! There is even a visit to one of our loyal analogue-loving customer's home. How does your system stand up to his?

    Check out the link below!

    Related Links:
  • MOD AV issue 10   


  • Shunyata’s Latest Models Now Available
    1 July 2010

    Click for larger view

    Click for larger view

    Some of the above images have larger
    versions, please click over the images.
    Shunyata Research’s 2 newest models from their stable of world-famous power cords are available in Singapore at last! The Black Mamba CX is effectively meant to be a replacement for the Viper CX and comes in 2 versions – a standard version for source components or low current draw items like preamps, tuners, phono stages etc. and a high current version that is optimized for all types of amplifiers or other high current applications. The Black Mamba CX has been available since the beginning of this year and is a current favourite for end users that require a very high quality power cord that is at the same time very flexible and (very importantly) also affordable.

    The other model is a brand new offering called the Venom 3. It is an entry-level power cord (in terms of pricing) that Shunyata claims to possess truly ground-breaking performance. An enormous amount of investment in R & D has gone into this product to achieve such a high standard of performance but at a bare minimum of cost to the consumer.

    What are some of the outstanding features of these power cords?

    Venom 3
    Shunyata research uses their own top quality CDA-101 pure copper conductors and a 100% coverage shield to isolate the critical outside electronics from the strong fields of radiated high frequency noise that can distort recordings and obscure detail in sound and video. The Venom 3 is also extremely flexible and easy to place in even the most space-constrained areas and around any tight corner.

    Another first at this price is the Venom 3's 12 gauge thickness, capable of a full 20A of current delivery -- the only molded power cord of its kind that can accommodate high-current loads with ease.

    All internal wiring, connectors and conductive elements are treated with Shunyata Research's exclusive performance enhancing Alpha Cryogenic process.

    Black Mamba CX
    The Black Mamba and Black Mamba-HC models incorporate the same technological and build quality advancements that have made Shunyata Research's top CX-Series models the most critically and professionally heralded products of their kind. What defines the Black Mamba "CX-Series" is their incredibly high performance to price index. There are NO competitive products for Black Mamba -- NONE! The Black Mamba "CX-Series" has redefined performance and value for high-end power cord technology -- again.

    Compare the new Black Mamba CX Series to cables 3-4 times their price!

    Systemic Approach -- A Two Headed Snake
    The Black Mamba Power System will dramatically improve the natural fidelity and resolution of fine detail within recorded sound by isolating electronics from the radiated noise that surrounds them. The scientifically derived CX-Series technology delivers astonishing sonic scale and dynamics while simultaneously improving low resolution and ambient field imaging capabilities. The Black Mamba's are both pitch accurate and do not alter or color the spectral balance of your system, whether tube or solid state.

    No prior experience can prepare you for the profound performance and value engineered into the new Black Mamba CX-Series power cord system!

    Black Mamba CX System Performance
    When used as a power cabling system, with the Black Mamba on sources and the Black Mamba-HC on amplifiers and power distribution, there is a unique synergy achieved that simply must be experienced to fully appreciate!

    Related Links:
  • more info on Black Mamba CX    
  • more info on Venom 3


  • The New Colours of Avantgarde Acoustic
    29 June 2010

    Click for larger view

    Click for larger view

    Click for larger view

    Click for larger view

    Click for larger view

    Some of the above images have larger
    versions, please click over the images.
    Together with the upgrade of all their speakers to G2 status, Avantgarde Acoustics are offering a number of new and exciting colour combinations to enhance the aesthetics of their already outstanding designs as well!

    Now, proud owners of these artistic-looking speakers can enjoy a fresh and vibrant new look along with the vastly improved sonic performance as compared to their predecessors. One new feature of these distinctively attractive horn speakers are their new detachable wooden side-panels on each side of the woofer cabinet. This gives you an opportunity to mix and match different colour combinations or even choose the optional lacquered wood-grain strips for a customized and very personal look for your speaker! You can even change them for a different colour or wood combination at a later date, if you get bored of the original look!

    Shown here is just a small sampling of the many different options now available. All these pictures are taken from Avantgarde’s new and totally revamped website. It is amazing the amount of interesting information and photos that can be found here, and is easily the best manufacturer website that I have ever seen so far.

    One of my favourite features in the site is the ability for you to mix around all the different combination of colour and wood finish options - literally dozens of different combinations at your disposal, and to even download them in high definition format! This makes it that much easier to visualize how a pair of these musical art pieces will look in your living room. How very Avantgarde indeed!

    Related Links:
  • Avantgarde Acoustic website   
  • Avantgarde newsletter - June 2010



  • 1 of 21  

    All information in the news articles is valid at the stated dates of the news articles and in local context. Some information may not be relevant at the current time, please contact us for more information. Photographic images taken by Audio Note Singapore are copyrights and properties of Audio Note Singapore. All product names and trademarks are the properties of their respective owners.
    © 2005 Audio Note Singapore. All rights reserved. [ 38873 ]