KLIAV Show 2019

Like an annual ritual, I went to the KLIAV show this year. In the past, the KLIAV was held at the Marriot. The show shift to Sunway Putra Hotel last year. This year it shifted to another location in Vistana Hotel. Unlike past years, I took the MRT and change to Monorel to get to Titiwangsa station which is about 3 minutes walk to the hotel.

The usual group of hifi and AV group distributors display their wares in this years show. But this year, there seems to be more displays of Cantonese and Mandarin cds from China. The main reason I goes to the KLIAV is to check out the hifi gears that are on display. The 3 setups that impress me (not in any particular order) are as follows:

AudioNote room  

Whenever I listen to the setup in the AudioNote room in the past, I am always greeted with warm, tubey sound. Although it was pleasant and non-fatiguing, it is not what I really like. This year, Audio Note displayed their TT Three turntable with the Audio Note SORO Phono SE Signature integrated amp powering the Audio Note AN-E/SPe HE speaker. Listening to the remix of Frankie Goes to Hollywood, the AudioNote rocks. Wow!

Audio Research / KEF combo

The second good sounding system comprised of Audio Research CD6SE connected to the Audio Research Reference 6 / Audio Research Reference 75SE powering the KEF Blade. Tin Pan Alley by Stevie Ray Vaughan sound very well defined and effortless. I just wish the screen was out of the way as it affects the imaging somewhat.

HiWay Laser room

I always love ATC speakers, having own SCM100 in the past. This time, HiWay Laser displayed the SCM20ASL. It was a simple setup with a DENON turntable sending the signal to the ATC SCA2 preamplifier hooked to the active ATC speakers. Louis Armstrong sounds just great. Imaging is solid. Nuances is so easy to hear and sounded effortless. This is best setup I heard from HiWay Laser in the many hifi shows I heard them in action.