Representing Brands

Whest PS.30RDT SE 

We have been receiving so many good press about the SE that we just can’t keep this cat in the bag any longer. Just released in July 2010, the SE is the 2nd top model of Whest range of high-end phono stages. If you desire to own a top of its class phono stage you should continue to read...
 

• It Bettered the already super Whest PS.30RDT by up to 70% (Wow!)
• Larger, more realistic soundstage
• More solid, pin-point imaging
• More rhythmic and musical
• Ultra low noise, high speed, high bandwidth and yet with Valve-like fluidity

The SE is favoured over phono stages in the US$10k range and at list price of GBP 4,499 (we urge you to act fast before prices are adjusted in 2011) - its nothing less than top-of-its-class reference performance.

Here are 2 links from the user communities about their impression of the SE - The Art of Sound forum and Wired State forum.

Call us today for more information! 

Ocellia Silver Reference

Ocellia Silver Reference is the top model in the cable product range of Ocellia (France).

The relax, tonally accurate, stress-free sound of Ocellia brand of hi-end silver cables have been the key characters of “Ocellia sound”. The top range Silver Reference further the refinement and remove a further layer of graininess to produce a cable of the highest order and yet keeping price real.

Click here to read more about the Silver Reference phono cable.

Whest PS.30RDT

Modular Audio is proud to represent Whest Audio products in Singapore and Malaysia.

Whest Audio produces some of the very best phono stages in the world. Whether you are a vinyl lover, specialist archiving company or are just getting into vinyl - this is it. It is undisputed that Whest Audio understands and specialises in this field - nothing more, nothing less. 

Whest Audio phono stages have all been reviewed and given worldwide critical acclaim. They are used in both the domestic audio and professional audio fields.

The dual mono designed PS.30RDT is on demo in our showroom. This is the Winner in STEREOTIMES 2009 Most Wanted Component (Analog Section).

“The Whest PS.30RDT is an extraordinary phono preamplifier by any yardstick. It is a grainless, noiseless piece of gear that provides all the dynamic shadings, vivid imagery, and fine detailing that allows reproduced music to sound real. It would be nice if my lower-priced Nova Phonomena could render dynamic contrasts and inner detail as ably as the Whest, but unfortunately such adroit performance is not available from any lower-priced units I have tried.” Frank Alles - Stereotimes

AMAZON 1 Now Showing

Amazon Audio’s AMAZON 1 has been setup and is now playing in our showroom with Moerch DP-6 tonearm.

Our first visual impression - Wow! this is a Big fellow. First lp listening impression - Full “picture” big sound, accurate yet musical, ultra-quiet, excellent dynamic contrasts and full bass.



Click here for [more...]

Introducing Amazon Audio

Amazon Audio of Germany maybe a relatively new name to many of you in both the Singapore and Malaysia hi-fi scene.

Like many European hi-fi brands who prefer to build their name steadily, letting their products speak for themselves (similar to the style of Origin Live) instead of spending big dollar in big claims advertisements, we bet you didn’t know Amazon Audio has been in the business of turntable design and manufacturing for well over 20 years now.

Hence, Amazon Audio is NOT a new, untested brand with a me-too turntable. It has garnered many years of design and development experience in shaping its turntable know-how [more...]

OL - Platter Mat

The highly affordable mat is so effective that it’s downright silly not to try it first before sinking few hundreds for another make!

Origin Live’s "Upgrade Mat" is highly affordable, flexible and only 1mm thick, well within the ability of most tonearm height adjusters.

Replace your DIY, felt, paper or cork etc based mat with this one which is made of special plastic. The sound with Upgrade Platter Mat is improved articulation, lower noise floor, coherent, organic and more lifelike.

We have many happy users (Rega, NAS, Project, Linn, Gyrodec, Technics, Thorens etc) already converted. It’s really affordable and its crazy not to try.

"I've no hesitation in recommending it" HI-FI WORLD MAGAZINE 

Resolution Mk2 Turntable

Resolution Mk2 turntable, Origin Live’s 2nd highest turntable model has arrived and is now available for demonstration and your audition.

Pairing with Origin Live’s Illustrious Mk3C arm, Furutech AG-12 tonearm cable (DIN to RCA), Origin Live Ultra Mk3 phono stage and Sumiko Blackbird high output MC, this is a high-end sounding vinyl rig without the high-end price.

For detail specs, click on this link.

Ocellia Silver Cables

Just arrived are the Ocellia Power Cord and Silver interconnects. These cables are 100% handmade in France and solid core based. They are nevertheless highly flexible that could easily fit into even tight spaces.

These cables are priced attractively and we offer these highly musical cables to you with NO RISK FREE HOME TRIAL. Click here for more information (our first impression) about these cables.
 

How to Use Mint?

We highly recommend vinyl-philes who have a wet record cleaning machine to use Mint LP solution. Mint has been our constant companion doing its job reliably for nearly 10 years now - whether its a few dollars record or for a lp found in the rare section of the Record Collector.

But we still get the basic question - how to use it?

Well, Mint website has some simple, clear instructions for you to follow which you can click here to read. For those who just want a quick run-down...

In Brief:
1) Apply Mint solution on the LP surface using the recommended Mint Brush or a soft wool brush

2) Do not scrub. Scrubbing the LP could cause permanent damage to your LP grooves especially so when there is insufficient LP solution applied

3) Let Mint do its work on the dirty record for 30 seconds or so

4) Vacuum dry. That’s all to it and you can do the same on the other side.
 

Do you need to repeat the above steps with distilled water? It’s up to you really. Mint is non-alcoholic, non-corrosive and cause no harm to your precious LP even if you leave it to dry on the LP. Using pure distilled water for another run would improve the result (naturally because you’re washing it twice?). However, this is not necessary to make Mint work but is nonetheless approved if you want an even deeper clean.

You may visit Mint LP Solution discussions found at Audiogon forum [click here...].

Installment at 0% Interest

Holders of OCBC Visa or Mastercards can enjoy up to 12 months of interest free monthly instalments when they shop at Modular Audio. Yes, no interest at all with your monthly payments. We have been offering this service for quite a while now and it’s a smart way to earn your shopping points and enjoy this hobby with peace of mind. 

Ocellia Calliope.16 Copper

A quite unique
loudspeaker

Features:
R&L structure
6,3 inch full range driver
Sensitivity 96 dB
Adjustable port

.Click on this link for full review at 6moons.com

Which Record Cleaner?

Record cleaning is one of the few must-do, unavoidable chores of playing LP and nobody enjoys doing it.

But without your LPs cleaned (even new ones), you will enjoy less music, you will hear more noise, at times distortion, your cartridge will have a shorter life. You are better off playing CD.

Knowing all record cleaning machines (rcm) are not created equal, it is important that you invest in the right rcm because your spend of 2 to 4 minutes cleaning each LP shall be the same regardless of the machines you use. But your result would vary if a less than effective rcm is used.

In our opinion, your choice record cleaner should have these key features:

(1) Clockwise and anti-clockwise rotating platter for thorough reach

(2) Avoidance of static electricity or ability to discharge it

(3) A powerful vacuum pick-up to completely pick up all the dissolved dirt and dry the LP
 

The Clearaudio Matrix record cleaner (from Germany) gets our vote for passing these tests with flying colours. For further details, call or visit us for a discussion

Furutech Phono Cables

• Furutech Silver Arrows

The high-end version of the award winning AG-12 cable featuring:

- Purest silver
- Double cryo’ed
- Carbon fiber (locking) connectors
- Excellent shielding

“With tons of definition, sophisticated imaging, fabulous vocals, and world class ambience retrieval, the Silver Arrows will take your expensive moving coil to the next level. It's also very well shielded and fantastically quiet.”

Click here for full Positive-Feedback’s review

• Furutech AG-12

Stereophile’s verdict for best performance and highest build quality at the lowest price in its shootout of 12 phono cables. Winner: Furutech’s AG-12 (Stereophile Vol 32 No. 7)

High-End Tonearm

World class tonearms at real world prices more aptly describes the value Origin Live puts on the table.

From the basic OL1 to one higher model Silver, then Encounter, follow by Illustrious and then to the very top Conqueror arm, each of this tonearms represent very significant levels of improvement over the previous regardless of your setup.

• Origin Live’s Radical Design
  Revolutionary floating bearing
• Decoupled headshell and armtube
• Rock solid / vibration free
• Fully dynamic 20 - 20,000 Hz
• Highest grade premium cables included

Origin Live tonearms bring stunning improvements. In fact even the lower tonearms in the OL range outperform arms at many times their price.

All OL arms are designed to fit Rega mount (identical base geometry) and therefore is a plug-and-play affair for most.

Come visit us for a discussion on the best tonearm upgrade for your turntable. You will be impressed by our expert installation and friendly service.

Here are some:

• A visiting customer’s review of Ocellia Calliope.21 - “this Calliope.21 breath live in the music and not many I have heard and owned was capable of such presentation...” Full text via this link.
   
• Very positive feedback has been posted on a local hi-fi forum (click to read) on our customer service and these happy customers achieving great results from their Performance turntable purchased from us. Our resident turntable guru Martin’s wants to say Thank You.
   
• Happy user of Mint LP Solution has some good words to say about our service and the LP solution. Vincent uses the VPI HW 17 record cleaner and found our Mint LP solution superior to the L'Art du Son.
  Visit Vincent’s Blog for some interesting audio related articles and the incident that got him to pen the My System is Mint article.

Ocellia Silver Cables

The Ocellia range of cables that are powering our showroom is nothing short of another revelation. Our first revelation is of course Ocellia’s Caliope.21 loudspeaker’s ability to play exceptionally well with whatever we thrown at it - and with just 7-watts.

Now come the Ocellia range of cables - Art of Sound.

All Ocellia cables are handmade and made to order to suit your needs. Choice of length, connectors (RCA or XLR), power plugs e.g. Furutech are all available on request.
 
Read more about Ocellia’s Silver Interconnect, Signature and Speaker range at 6moons.com

MJ Series - Monrio

MJ Amp from Monrio (Italy) is an Integrated amplifier with FET-input stage and discrete component circuitry, and output stage based on two totally separate modules for right channel and left channel belonging to Class D. Completely free from heat sinks.

The MJ amp outputs a generous 100w (8Ω) and 200w (4Ω), it is both fast, powerful and yet sweet sounding - a lethal combo that is not common in today’s Class D design.

Come over to our showroom to audition this killer integrated amp today!

Turntable Of The Year

Basis Audio 2200 Signature Turntable and Vector Model 4 Arm Awarded 2008 Turntable of The Year in TAS January 2009 (Issue #189)

A must shortlist for vinylphiles seeking a serious turntable or upgrade to one in the US$10k range.

Latest Customer’s Hi-Fi Setup



Facebook’s system

Preowned Hi-Fi - New Arrivals [more...]

Ocellia Silver Reference cables [more...]

Issues with Reissue [more...]

Koji Tamaki - Red Wine No-Kokoro CD [more...]

Introducting Amazon Audio [more...]

Origin Live Resolution Mk2 [more...]

LPAD 2 Event and Playlist [more...]

LP Quality Control [more...]

Oyster’s Blog - Assorted LP Views [more...]

Oyster’s Blog - Mars Volta LP [more...]

English translated Ocellia Calliope.21 Silver review [more...]

Chinese review of Ocellia Calliope.21 by PSV Sound mag Page 1, page 2 and page 3 

Oyster’s Blog - Digital LP [more...]

PSV Sound magazine (Malaysia) write-up of Modular Audio [page 1], [page 2], [page 3]

Good Sounding Greatest Hits LP Vol. 2
[more...]

Art for Art Sake [more...]

LP Appreciation Day Review [more...]

Hi inFidelity Celebrates 30th Anniversary
[more...]

Ocellia Silver Cables [more...]

Quality Used CD (more) [more...]

Ocellia Calliope.21 Silver [more...]

Good Sounding Greatest Hits [more...]

Hunter Hunted [more...]

LP-ing Etiquette [more...]

Q&A with Martin [more...]

Made In Japan Cantopop [more...]

Most Rotated 12” Singles [more...]

Modular Audio’s FAQ [more...] 

No Music No Life! [more...]

Basis Model 4 Gallery [more...]

Most Expensive Chinese LP [more...]

Isotek GII Sigmas Review [more...]

10 Worthy LPs [more...] 

Basis Vector Model 4 [more...]

Year 2007 Review [more...]

Clearaudio Matrix RCM [more...]

Goldmund Mimesis PH7.3 [more...]

New Adelphi Shop Update

Renovation work will be underway from the 1st week of September as we are now into the final stage of nailing our shop floor layout, deco and getting approval.

We have picked 2 auspicious dates to start business at The Adelphi and pending an early completion date of our renovation, you could see as operating there from 16 September (fingers crossed!).

We will be bringing you many exciting new products and one certain thing we would confirm here is we shall showcase the Whest flagship mono-channel phono-stage called MC Ref V in our new showroom. You hear us right - you shall saviour a GBP9,700 high-end phono stage in full-flight at our new showroom (for a limited period). That’s great news for any vinylphiles whether you’re just curious or wanting to evaluate this top-end phono stage.

Watch out for more updates in this page!

Can’t Get No Satisfaction?

• Your new turntable still sound inferior to your CDP?
• Suffering from Inner Groove Distortion(IGD)?
• Wonder why the violin shrill and shouty singing?
• Can’t play demanding tracks?

Most likely your turntable system is not setup accurately and not optimized.

At Modular Audio we do not sell you boxes and an instruction manual for you to take home. We first set the system up, deliver to your home and re-calibrate, finetune your turntable again.

No Compromise, No Short-cuts - just perfectly and accurately aligned setup meeting your full expectation of great vinyl playback. That is Modular Audio’s Service to you. That is the service you should expect after spending your hard-earned money.

If it doesn’t sound good, we don’t look good.

HiFi+ Review

HiFi+ magazine (UK) issue #73 reviewed Origin Live’s Resolution Mk2 turntable and Illustrious Mk3C tonearm.

Author Alan Sircom concluding paragraph read “In truth, the Origin Live wowed me more than I expected it to. I anticipated hearing something good but a bit Heath Robinson (in part because of Mark Baker’s Rega-rodding service) and what I heard was one of the best British decks around. Don’t let your vinyl miss out on this gem.”

This review combo is currently playing at Modular Audio showroom. Come and listen to what Alan Sircom heard and is so impressed with.

Vinyl and CD Protectors

High quality LP (inner and outer) and CD sleeves from USA are now available in store. Sold in packs of 50 or 100 only.

Ultimate Outer 5.0 - The best outer record sleeve that doesn't get cloudy. Manufactured from crystal 250 micron clear polypropylene, sleeves fit double LP set. Our heaviest weight outer sleeve, yet it retains the sparkling clarity of polypro.

Diskeeper Ultimate Audiophile Inner Sleeve - Award-winning best selling record sleeve! The design is the same as the old Discwasher VRP sleeve, which was sometimes known as "rice paper" - but better quality! Two layers of anti-static high-density poly are sandwiched around an inner paper layer providing maximum protection for your rarest and most valuable lps at an attractive price

Diskeeper 1.5 Round Bottom LP Sleeve - This ultra-sleek round bottom sleeve is die-cut for a perfect fit over any 12 inch record, and is designed to fit inside of paper or cardboard sleeves. A premium sleeve at a budget price.

Resealable Mylar Single Outer - crystal clear has flap and sticky strip to seal your jewel box from contact with the air. Fits over a standard single jewel case or slim double jewel case.

Origin Live Ultra Mk3

Origin Live’s latest revision of the Ultra phono stage (Mk3) is back and on demo now. This is a fully balanced and adjustable with outboard power supply, this phono stage delivers incredible levels of detail and bloom, and a truly massive soundstage!

What do you look for in a quality phono stage? Low MC to MM acceptance? Must be powerful, very quiet and yet with adequate gain plus capacitance matching? Flexible front loading adjustments without fiddling with dip switches? Support both XLR and RCA output? Well, you can now have your cake and eat it too.

Listen to it today!

Specifications
Gain - 5 switchable settings 47db - 75db
Impedance loading - 5 settings 10 - 47K ohms
Capacitance loading - 5 settings 0 - 4.7nF
RIAA deviation 20Hz - 20kHz +/- 0.5dB
Noise - 1nV per Hz
Power consumption 5W
Dimensions in mm 10" x 2.5" x 7"( D x H x W)

Weight (packed) 13 lbs
Connections RCA phono input socket
Fully balanced XLR output
Normal single ended RCA phono output
Earth terminal

Silver Signature Cable

The much anticipated Ocellia Silver Signature phono cable has arrived and available for audition. Unlike the Furutech AG-12 which is tailored more for the entry to mid-priced analog system, this higher priced phono cable (of course, higher in performance) is high-end and yet keeping it real and affordable. [more...]

Origin Live Aurora Mk2

The high achieving combo - Aurora Mk2 turntable with OL1 Structure Upgrade tonearm gets even better with these:

• Upgraded Platter Mat
• High precision, custom cut spacers to accommodate your cartridge choice
  
  You save S$120

Of course, every turntable purchase from us would come with our expertise - perfect alignment of your desired cartridge; turntable calibration and free installation in Singapore.

So hesitate no more and grab this splendid limited offer!

This little giant of a turntable from Origin Live (UK) has received numerous positive reviews and you can find one here from Stereotimes (July 2008).

Click here to view more pictures of this turntable.

Origin Live Illustrious Mk3C

Just arrived is the newest version of Origin Live’s tonearm that won Stereo Times "Most Wanted Component of the Year Award" in combination with Origin Live Resolution Turntable

Latest revision of Illustrious Mk3C Tonearm - high performance due to their dual pivot bearings and carbon hybrid arm tube which is superior to the MK2 metal tube. Click here for more info.

All Origin Live tonearms use the Rega geometry and would therefore fit the arm base of all Rega based turntables/arms. Of course, buying from Modular Audio guarantees a perfect installation and calibration of your tonearm/cartridge by us so your enjoyment is immediate and instance - no guesswork, no headaches.

Inner Groove Distortion

Martin digs a little deeper into IGD or Inner Groove Distortion.

Malaysia Hi-Fi magazine The Perfect Soundvision magazine or PSV Sound reviewed Ocellia Calliope.21 loudspeaker in their January 2010 issue (Vol. 66). The English translated version is now available here.

 Ocellia Calliope.30

News:: Ocellia announces the release of a new but smaller Calliope.30 version loudspeaker in 2010. This model offer the qualities of the Grandis Calliope.30 in a smaller package at a more affordable price.

The new adjustable back door gives the possibility to use this new version in a small room, like 15 m2 (size), with fantastic result.

Picture here is the flexible back door to optimise speaker placement.

More details here...

A Stylish Performance

This setup is now playing at our showroom. Call us for an audition today!



The Clearaudio Performance package:

Performance - Turntable =
+ Satisfy-Carbon-Tonearm
+ CMB - Magnetic bearing
+ Expert setup by Modular Audio

We can’t say it any better than this spot-on review by AudioFile (Malaysia). Click on link to read.

Monza LP Stabilizer

Furutech’s (Japan) latest assault on the analog source has once again proven to achieve fantastic results (through its Research and Development) and pushes the bar higher for all to follow.

The Monza LP Stabilizer (clamp) is built for vinylphiles who want to improve richness to music, weight (oomph), resolution, tonality with NO tradeoff.

Winner of Brutus Awards 2009 - Click here for review from Positive-Feedback

Unlearning Rules of Hi-Fi  

The built, look and classy finishing of the Ocellia Quaero Signature 300B based 7-Watt stereo amplifier is nothing short of spectacular.

Spotting 4 white steel boxes over-sized transformers/choke/power supply that are coiled by Ocellia themselves (reason: 3rd parties couldn’t meet its stringent requirement), this 50kg amplifier (amongst many other key features), speaks volume on its superlative performance in Modular Audio’s showroom.

The Ocellia range of electronics will change your perspective of hi-end hi-fi like it did ours. In terms needing power hungry system to play high power music and in terms of “limitations” of full range speakers due to the flea wattage amps.

So wait no more and do yourself some justice in unlearn and relearning the rules of hi-fi. Come to our showroom today to audition the Ocellia based system.
 

Are You Experienced?

Rewriting the hi-fi rule book where mega watts amplifiers are required to drive power hungry speaker, we present to you Ocellia loudspeakers from France.

Full-range, high sensitivity, easy to play yet handsome!

You want speed? Check.

You want dynamics? Check.

You want volume and scale to handle the difficult passages? Check

You want a delicate midrange, refinement and ease to drive? Triple check

You want high-end sound without paying for unreal prices? You got it

The Ocellia brand of loudspeakers have been a revelation to many who has heard it. It is amazing and nothing short of an experience.

Best driven by pure, ultra-low distortion tube power amplifiers, the sound of Ocellia loudspeakers will astound you.

Come to our showroom to Experience.
 

Click here for detail information

Furutech Reference III

TAS 2007 and 2008 Editor’s Choice Awards
 

Read Dagogo review and latest review from Tone Audio publications Issue 21.

Mint LP Solution

Non-alcoholic, non-corrosive, pre-mixed LP cleaning solution

Mint LP Solution is proven to partner very well with any wet vacuum LP cleaners like Clearaudio, VPI, Nitty Gritty, Loricraft and many others.

Read Mint’s Fact and Fancies [more...]

Furutech deStat

Furutech deStat awarded...

- 2007 Brutus Award by Positive-Feedback Online

deStat is a highly effective anti-static device and positive effects are immediately noticeable in just 10 seconds treating your favourite software - LP, CD and DVD. If you have 10 seconds to spare, come down to our showroom for an eye-opening and ear-opening audition.

LPAD #2

Direct from Martin’s secret Swiss LP Account....

We thank all for attending our 2nd LPAD. Preparing for LPAD and presenting it to you reminded me of wedding dinner celebration. The couple would get really busy several weeks ahead; they make sure as many invited guests could turn up as possible; they check that the food is good, the ambient is cosy; the guests are entertained and the couple don’t get to eat much of the expensive wedding dinner.

It was exhausting but surely fun. We sincerely thank all customers who turned up and hope you’ve enjoyed our program. Will there be a LPAD #3 in the future? Of course! We shall update this page with the LPs played on that day shortly.

LPAD 2 Event and Playlist [more...]

LP of the Week

Title: Tokyo Tapes
Artist: The Scorpions
Label: RCA
Serial: TOCP-53203
Country: Japan


This is the same 2LP set Tokyo Tapes (live recording) by The Scorpions but with an alternate LP cover. The original cover featured the guitarist bending backwards (great rock guitarist action) :-)

This LP is not easy to come by and you can expect respectable sonic from Japan pressing (always). First come first serve.

Live For The Music

There are literally millions of very well recorded, good music/titles released in the past few decades
Whether you’re an old-hand or a newbie there’re New Old Music (like new old stock) waiting for you to be discovered. Some may be as old as you and some relatively new - I consider those less than 10 years “new”. At Modular Audio, we dig these titles and share them with you, our customers. We’re sure you’ll find some usual suspects and unusual ones too.

Reelin’ In the years...

Eric Clapton - Just One Night (2LP). Japan pressing, really good sound!

Monty Alexander - Montreux Live (Germany, MPS)

The LP that needs no title. Early Japan pressing (solid blue triangle) with booklet. Rare!

Dave Grusin/Lee Ritenour - Harlequin (GRP). Original copy, not a re-issue.

幾朝風雨
黃露儀
(寶麗金 8146691)

Quality Pre-owned Equipment

• Goldmund Telos 200 mono-block power amp
• Exactpower EPDS
• PAD AK Limited 1.5m RCA Interconnect
• Cardas Golden Reference 1.5m interconnect w/ original packing
• Inosic slim floorstander speakers (Germany)
   

Last update: 1 Sep 2010

Click this link for details

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