Sydney Audio Club Meeting - June 2022
June Meeting Report
The June meeting presented a rare opportunity to hear exotic equipment relatively unfamiliar in Australia. Based in Sydney Australia, Bertrand Audio is a boutique audio equipment distributor / reseller for audiophile grade equipment for ANZ.
The AER Custom is an Open Baffle Loudspeaker, utilising a transparent Acryglas enclosure, and the KR Audio Electronics Kronzilla VA680 Stereo Power Amplifier is a single-ended tube amplifier - pure class A, zero feedback, and 60 + 60 Watts RMS
The system was also augmented with a somewhat unique prototype Subwoofer. Bertrand presented the system and noted that the equipment featured sits somewhat in the middle of the product ranges, with new higher rated Amps also on the horizon.
The demonstration commenced with Four Seasons from the New Koto Ensemble of Tokyo, Natalie Cole’s Mona Lisa, Seal’s Kiss From A Rose, and Diana Krall with Cry Me A River, then followed by It’s Probably Me by Sting, Nublado by Será Una Noche, Tchaikovsky Symphony No4 in F Minor by the Leningrad Philharmonic . . . and (to highlight the Bass) AC/DC’s Thunderstruck. The initial demonstration session then concluded with Duke Ellington’s Tuxedo Junction and Warner Bros Light Cavalry Overture.
Following the afternoon tea break the second half of the music sessions was our popular music BYO, where members and guests are welcome to offer music to share with us all. This further portrayed the openness, ‘transparency’ and depth of the equipment on show and included the likes of; Billie Eilish’s idontwannabeyouanymore, a rare Mark Levinson Red Rose Music (jamming) SACD, Blackbird (by The Beatles), The Brandenburg Orchestra with Violin Concerto in E Minor, Willie Nelson with Spanish Eyes. Ms Murphy’s Give Me Shelter, the Royal School of Church Music with All Creatures of Our God and King, and In These Shoes by Kirsty MacColl. The listening session then concluded with a few Jazz tracks; Frank Sinatra’s Fly Me To The Moon, Lou Donaldson’s Blues Walk and Guaglione by Perez Prado.
The AER Custom speaker, prototype Subwoofer and KR Audio VA 680 provided a perfect combination for a natural music experience, which easily filled the meeting room. The sound was rich in its reproduction, and reproduced detailed artifacts of the recording. There was much discussion between the members during the tea break with many comments on what a great meeting it is and discussion on the configuration of the equipment.
The June meeting presented a rare opportunity to hear exotic equipment relatively unfamiliar in Australia. Based in Sydney Australia, Bertrand Audio is a boutique audio equipment distributor / reseller for audiophile grade equipment for ANZ.
The AER Custom is an Open Baffle Loudspeaker, utilising a transparent Acryglas enclosure, and the KR Audio Electronics Kronzilla VA680 Stereo Power Amplifier is a single-ended tube amplifier - pure class A, zero feedback, and 60 + 60 Watts RMS
- AER has over 30 years of experience in research, development and production of speaker systems. High-quality materials and precise methods in manufacturing technology are needed to implement the lessons learned from the research findings in production consistently can.
The demands on material and manufacturing quality have grown with continued technology, so that the production cannot be referred to prefabricated parts supplied by the industry. This methodology of innovative technology and high production quality, guarantees highest musical enjoyment with their products.
- KR Audio Electronics, located in Prague - Czech Republic, is a manufacturer of hand-crafted, high quality tubes (all glass is hand blown) and audio equipment.
The company began the research to make improved triodes in 1992 and started its life as a tube manufacturer, first with the historic Marconi valve reproduction and then tubes for audio as an OEM up-grade option in hi-end audio amplifiers in 1994. The success with their products is a direct result of the comparison between the hand-made KR tube and the mass produced tube made on 60+ year old tube machinery.
Given the unique technology they developed, KR was able to satisfy the marketing demand for a better 2 channel stereo for home listening. It has been said that nothing comes closer to live music than their sound reproduction. A KR amplifier in the existing sound system or the application of a KR tube gives the listener increased dynamics, greater detail from the recording, be it vinyl or CD, and an almost tangible imaging.
At present, they design and build 17 different tube amplifier models for all tastes in Hi-Fi including two completely solid state sets. KR continues to manufacture tubes and is the inventor of the Kronzilla, the KR T-1610 tube the largest and most powerful audio tube ever made, but also as industrial designers can make any audio output device.
The tube division currently makes 12 models to cover most audio requirements for improved sound be it a normal up-grade or an innovative design.
The system was also augmented with a somewhat unique prototype Subwoofer. Bertrand presented the system and noted that the equipment featured sits somewhat in the middle of the product ranges, with new higher rated Amps also on the horizon.
The demonstration commenced with Four Seasons from the New Koto Ensemble of Tokyo, Natalie Cole’s Mona Lisa, Seal’s Kiss From A Rose, and Diana Krall with Cry Me A River, then followed by It’s Probably Me by Sting, Nublado by Será Una Noche, Tchaikovsky Symphony No4 in F Minor by the Leningrad Philharmonic . . . and (to highlight the Bass) AC/DC’s Thunderstruck. The initial demonstration session then concluded with Duke Ellington’s Tuxedo Junction and Warner Bros Light Cavalry Overture.
Following the afternoon tea break the second half of the music sessions was our popular music BYO, where members and guests are welcome to offer music to share with us all. This further portrayed the openness, ‘transparency’ and depth of the equipment on show and included the likes of; Billie Eilish’s idontwannabeyouanymore, a rare Mark Levinson Red Rose Music (jamming) SACD, Blackbird (by The Beatles), The Brandenburg Orchestra with Violin Concerto in E Minor, Willie Nelson with Spanish Eyes. Ms Murphy’s Give Me Shelter, the Royal School of Church Music with All Creatures of Our God and King, and In These Shoes by Kirsty MacColl. The listening session then concluded with a few Jazz tracks; Frank Sinatra’s Fly Me To The Moon, Lou Donaldson’s Blues Walk and Guaglione by Perez Prado.
The AER Custom speaker, prototype Subwoofer and KR Audio VA 680 provided a perfect combination for a natural music experience, which easily filled the meeting room. The sound was rich in its reproduction, and reproduced detailed artifacts of the recording. There was much discussion between the members during the tea break with many comments on what a great meeting it is and discussion on the configuration of the equipment.
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The Sydney Audio Club sincerely thanks Bertrand for presenting, and note that Bertrand can be contacted directly at Bertrand Audio at www.bertrandaudio.com.au and be email at: [email protected]
The meeting finished-up with some open discussions about conducting some potential targeted ‘Tech Sessions’ prior to the regular monthly meetings, and the possible requirement, capability, options and related costs to enable Streaming presentations at future meetings, as the Epping Creative Centre does not have any Internet / Broadband infrastructure.
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The meeting finished-up with some open discussions about conducting some potential targeted ‘Tech Sessions’ prior to the regular monthly meetings, and the possible requirement, capability, options and related costs to enable Streaming presentations at future meetings, as the Epping Creative Centre does not have any Internet / Broadband infrastructure.
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June Meeting Overview
19th June 2022: Featuring the AER Custom loudspeakers and KR Audio Electronics VA680 tube amplifier. This is a rare opportunity to hear exotic equipment relatively unfamiliar in Australia.
AER Loudspeakers - https://aer-loudspeakers.com/
KR Audio Electronics - http://www.kraudio.com/
Details of the system:
Speakers: AER Custom Loudspeakers - https://aer-loudspeakers.com/aer-custom/
The AER Custom is an Open Baffle Loudspeaker, utilising a transparent acryglas enclosure.
From website - "The Custom is a moulded Acryglass open baffle-board whose design reflects it’s transparent resonance. This loudspeaker sounds open, direct and breathtakingly dynamic. Tonally accurate and without exertion, the Custom perfectly recreates the performance on stage or orchestra pit". "The Custom makes no specific electronic demands and can be used with any good transistor or valve amplifier. Furthermore, its compatibility is increased by its high impedance. The Custom’s high efficiency enables application with lower powered amps including Single End Trioden valve amps. No special considerations regarding surroundings are necessary, except that as an Open-Baffle Loudspeaker, some space at the sides and to the rear is required".
The speakers augmented with an active sub.
Amplifier: KR Audio Electronics Kronzilla VA680 Stereo Power Amplifier - http://www.kraudio.com/amps.html
The Kronzilla VA680 is a single-ended tube amplifier - pure class A, zero feedback, and 60 + 60 Watts RMS. Output Tubes - 2x T1610 (Kronzilla).
From website - http://www.kraudio.com/ "Located in the heart of Europe in Czech Republic, KR is the world leader in the production of low-frequency power triodes and hi-end audio equipment. All products are hand-crafted, starting from the selection of the glass. The high vacuum machines and the choice of the artisan work in both metal, glass blowing and design, chemical and electrical designs plus the absolute refusal to use an automatic line to make tubes is THE reason for KR's unique high quality".
Front end: Reavon UBR-X200 UHD Universal Blu-Ray Player. This unit was recently purchased by our club with the generous assistance of Len Wallis Audio. https://reavon.com/bluray-player-ubr-x200/
DAC/Pre: Benchmark DAC3 HGC Reference DAC - https://audiophile.sound-music.com/benchmark/
Following afternoon tea the second half of the music sessions will be our popular music BYO. Members and guests are welcome to offer music to share with us all. So bring along your favourite music on CD, SACD or USB thumb/flash drive. All we ask is that the music and recordings be interesting. We'll ask you to tell us a little about the artist/recording before it is played. Tracks over 6 minutes will be faded out, to give everyone a fair go.
Whether you are a novice or a seasoned veteran, you will have the opportunity to listen, learn and share your experiences with others. Feel free to come and hear the capabilities of the system, or to just share the experience with like-minded music lovers in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
Guests are welcome – we are a very friendly club so you don't need to know anyone to join us for an afternoon of fine music and sound.
If you are a guest and would like to attend, please email <[email protected]> to ensure we will not exceed the room numbers for the current Covid Guidelines.
John McEvoy
Club President
Sydney Audio Club Inc.
19th June 2022: Featuring the AER Custom loudspeakers and KR Audio Electronics VA680 tube amplifier. This is a rare opportunity to hear exotic equipment relatively unfamiliar in Australia.
AER Loudspeakers - https://aer-loudspeakers.com/
KR Audio Electronics - http://www.kraudio.com/
Details of the system:
Speakers: AER Custom Loudspeakers - https://aer-loudspeakers.com/aer-custom/
The AER Custom is an Open Baffle Loudspeaker, utilising a transparent acryglas enclosure.
From website - "The Custom is a moulded Acryglass open baffle-board whose design reflects it’s transparent resonance. This loudspeaker sounds open, direct and breathtakingly dynamic. Tonally accurate and without exertion, the Custom perfectly recreates the performance on stage or orchestra pit". "The Custom makes no specific electronic demands and can be used with any good transistor or valve amplifier. Furthermore, its compatibility is increased by its high impedance. The Custom’s high efficiency enables application with lower powered amps including Single End Trioden valve amps. No special considerations regarding surroundings are necessary, except that as an Open-Baffle Loudspeaker, some space at the sides and to the rear is required".
The speakers augmented with an active sub.
Amplifier: KR Audio Electronics Kronzilla VA680 Stereo Power Amplifier - http://www.kraudio.com/amps.html
The Kronzilla VA680 is a single-ended tube amplifier - pure class A, zero feedback, and 60 + 60 Watts RMS. Output Tubes - 2x T1610 (Kronzilla).
From website - http://www.kraudio.com/ "Located in the heart of Europe in Czech Republic, KR is the world leader in the production of low-frequency power triodes and hi-end audio equipment. All products are hand-crafted, starting from the selection of the glass. The high vacuum machines and the choice of the artisan work in both metal, glass blowing and design, chemical and electrical designs plus the absolute refusal to use an automatic line to make tubes is THE reason for KR's unique high quality".
Front end: Reavon UBR-X200 UHD Universal Blu-Ray Player. This unit was recently purchased by our club with the generous assistance of Len Wallis Audio. https://reavon.com/bluray-player-ubr-x200/
DAC/Pre: Benchmark DAC3 HGC Reference DAC - https://audiophile.sound-music.com/benchmark/
Following afternoon tea the second half of the music sessions will be our popular music BYO. Members and guests are welcome to offer music to share with us all. So bring along your favourite music on CD, SACD or USB thumb/flash drive. All we ask is that the music and recordings be interesting. We'll ask you to tell us a little about the artist/recording before it is played. Tracks over 6 minutes will be faded out, to give everyone a fair go.
Whether you are a novice or a seasoned veteran, you will have the opportunity to listen, learn and share your experiences with others. Feel free to come and hear the capabilities of the system, or to just share the experience with like-minded music lovers in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
Guests are welcome – we are a very friendly club so you don't need to know anyone to join us for an afternoon of fine music and sound.
If you are a guest and would like to attend, please email <[email protected]> to ensure we will not exceed the room numbers for the current Covid Guidelines.
John McEvoy
Club President
Sydney Audio Club Inc.