Sydney Audio Club Meeting - November 2023

Sunday 12th November 2023: Cameron Keating, from Max Media (Melbourne) will be introducing Pylon Audio's horn loaded JADE 20 speakers and the Fezz Audio parallel single-ended LYBRA 300B tube integrated amplifier.
Cameron will also be conducting a 'Tech Talk' prior on "Valve (vacuum tube) amplifiers - Single Ended Triode, Push-Pull, and Transformers".
Cameron will also be conducting a 'Tech Talk' prior on "Valve (vacuum tube) amplifiers - Single Ended Triode, Push-Pull, and Transformers".
Dear members and friends of Sydney Audio Club Inc,
The next Club meeting for 2023 will be held on Sunday 12th November
With the emphasis on affordable quality hi-fi to get us all back to the basics of what is important, "the music”, Cameron will be introducing the following;
PYLON AUDIO, a family run third generation 49 Strong Team in Poland with approximately 80% production in-house. Building for the Industry and themselves.
&
FEZZ AUDIO, a 20 year and counting 42 Strong TEAM in Poland with 80% production in-house also Building for the Industry and themselves.
"In-House, resulting in less supply chain related issues and greater control on quality”
The music will be via an INNUOS Streaming system and a Merason DAC.
Equipment Details:
JADE 20 Speakers from Pylon with a horn loaded compression tweeter, sitting on the optional Jade 20 Stands that lift them off the ground for a larger space and improved sonic performance.
The speakers are: "A modern, technologically advanced loudspeaker, with a strong, but colorful and spatial sound, wrapped in a tasteful, timeless vintage-style enclosure – this is what motivated us when designing the Jade 20” The compression driver is loaded with a horn.
In this two-way design, we entrusted the lower bandwidth to a designed in house, 12-inch midwoofer with a classic, paper diaphragm. The BMS compression driver, responsible for the top, is working in a short tube with a Tractrix profile, specially designed by our engineers. The appropriate selection and efficiency of the transdu- cers allowed us to obtain a bandwidth division at around 1200 Hz. Thanks to the 8-ohm impedance and efficiency of 91dB, the Jade 20’s are easy to set up - they can be easily driven by a low-power tube amplifier and they’re showing their claws and full potential with a powerful transistor amp.
The loudspeaker housings are made of massive MDF boards, additionally reinforced with internal ribbing and trusses ensuring the appropriate rigidity of the structure. We have optimized the casings to work both on a low support, which is included in the standard equipment, and an accessory, higher stand. The Jade 20 is finished with a natural, oil-waxed American walnut veneer, emphasizing their vintage aesthetics.
The Jade 20 is an outstanding concert-like performer: a combination of "strong sound" with unlimited freedom and the natural scale of the instruments. The loudspeakers sounds vital, with a strongly marked foreground, rhythmic and strong bass and a colorful highs. This set would create a friendly concert atmosphere during hours long listening sessions as well as a suggestive background for both work and relaxation.
Coupled with decent amplification these speakers are resolving and well-balanced with great presentation of vocals and a full sound that many lust after and simply great fun without being analytical.
Specifications:
Pylon Audio PST 25P.8 + Tractrix profile tube - In House Design and Manufactured
Pylon Audio PSW 32.8 CS- In House Design and Manufactured
91dB , 8 Ohm, 35 Hz -20 kHz
MAX POWER 220, NOMINAL 120 , 25KG each
MERASON FREROT + POW1 DAC
"The frerot has one USB, two RCA and two Toslink inputs. The USB input is based on Amanero technology and ensures a low-jitter music signal thanks to two precise oscillators. The task of digital-to-analog conversion is performed by a 1794A converter module from Burr Brown. The analog current signal is buffered in Class A technology and routed to the output. The frerot is fully balanced."
"The pow1 is perfectly tailored to the needs of the frerot. Two linear supplies power the audio section and a third lays the foundation for the individual supplies of the digital audio and logic sections in the frerot.
https://en.merason.com/frerot
https://en.merason.com/pow1
THE LYBRA 300B FEZZ AUDIO EVOLUTION SERIES INTEGRATED SET AMPLIFIER
Fezz’s single-ended amps are the first in the world to feature toroidal output transformers, which preserve the unique character of SE amps while optimally coupling their limited power output to loudspeakers. The quality of tube amplifiers is largely determined by the quality of its output transformers, and Fezz is sister company to Toroidy, which supplies high-quality toroidal transformers to a number of very well-known manufacturers. The unique relationship with Toroidy provides Fezz with superb-quality toroidal power and output transformers designed specifically for their amplifiers, at a lower cost than ordinary transformers from outside vendors.
Why toroidal transformers? Toroidal power transformers have far lower flux leakage and less radiated energy than standard EI laminated transformers. This ensures that sensitive circuits won’t pick up noise from the power supply. Fezz’s toroidal output transformers provide extended bandwidth, flat frequency response, and low distortion; a patented winding process guarantees uniformity. Fezz amplifiers are equal or superior to those of well-known brands, at very attractive prices and finish options.
THE NEW LYBRA 300B - EVOLUTION SERIES is an amplifier designed for the most demanding enthusiasts of 300B tube sound. The unprecedented PSE structure operating in class A was built using the highest quality toroidal transformers, designed especially for this amplifier. This guarantees linearity and wide frequency response.
xtended tube life is ensured by delayed anode voltage switching. The unique tone of the 300B tubes is free, spacious and very involving Triode tube amplifiers, of which the 300B triode is the go-to for most are for those with experience in tube amplification (in my opinion). They are often very low in output power—generally about 7W-8W per tube on a good day which rules out many speaker brands. They do not always measure out great stats and this often means it is often difficult for the buyer as they can sound wildly different, depending on the impedance of the speakers you do choose.
If you accept the limitations of these SET amplifiers, and the rig seems right, one should reap an incredibly rich, and sumptuous midrange with a sweet, relaxed treble, (depends on the speakers) but 8WCH is for many simply not enough power many would say? How about The LYBRA 300B which doubles up on those 300B tubes, running them single-ended, two per channel in parallel at 15WCH. Soon you will hear what it can do.
Power : 2x15W
Impedance (4Ω/8Ω
Tubes : 4x 300B, 2x 6sn7, 1x 12AX7, autobias.
Frequency Response : 12Hz-60kHz (-3dB)
Harmonic distortion THD:<0,25%
----------------
The second half of the music session is designed to help you evaluate the system with music that you are familiar with. All members and guests are welcome to offer music to share with us all. So research your favourite music, for Streaming from Qobuz - sorry No CD, USB or vinyl this session.
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. We will also have a club member act as Disc Jockey for this session.
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. Please bring your music to share.
Venue: Mathews Room, Epping Creative Centre, Dence Park
Address: 26 Stanley Road, Epping
When: Sunday 12th November 2023.
Doors open from 12.00 pm to meet and chat with members.
TechTalk starts at 12.30 pm.
Meeting starts at 2pm followed by the Max Media music demonstration.
Finish at 5pm - with refreshment breaks.
It is a requirement of entry that you sign-in in the visitors’ book. You are not required to wear a mask but you may wish to do so.
Hope to see you there on Sunday 12th.
John McEvoy
Meeting Co-ordinator
Sydney Audio Club Inc.
W: http://www.sydneyaudioclub.org/
FB: <https://www.facebook.com/sydneyaudioclub>
The next Club meeting for 2023 will be held on Sunday 12th November
With the emphasis on affordable quality hi-fi to get us all back to the basics of what is important, "the music”, Cameron will be introducing the following;
PYLON AUDIO, a family run third generation 49 Strong Team in Poland with approximately 80% production in-house. Building for the Industry and themselves.
&
FEZZ AUDIO, a 20 year and counting 42 Strong TEAM in Poland with 80% production in-house also Building for the Industry and themselves.
"In-House, resulting in less supply chain related issues and greater control on quality”
The music will be via an INNUOS Streaming system and a Merason DAC.
Equipment Details:
JADE 20 Speakers from Pylon with a horn loaded compression tweeter, sitting on the optional Jade 20 Stands that lift them off the ground for a larger space and improved sonic performance.
The speakers are: "A modern, technologically advanced loudspeaker, with a strong, but colorful and spatial sound, wrapped in a tasteful, timeless vintage-style enclosure – this is what motivated us when designing the Jade 20” The compression driver is loaded with a horn.
In this two-way design, we entrusted the lower bandwidth to a designed in house, 12-inch midwoofer with a classic, paper diaphragm. The BMS compression driver, responsible for the top, is working in a short tube with a Tractrix profile, specially designed by our engineers. The appropriate selection and efficiency of the transdu- cers allowed us to obtain a bandwidth division at around 1200 Hz. Thanks to the 8-ohm impedance and efficiency of 91dB, the Jade 20’s are easy to set up - they can be easily driven by a low-power tube amplifier and they’re showing their claws and full potential with a powerful transistor amp.
The loudspeaker housings are made of massive MDF boards, additionally reinforced with internal ribbing and trusses ensuring the appropriate rigidity of the structure. We have optimized the casings to work both on a low support, which is included in the standard equipment, and an accessory, higher stand. The Jade 20 is finished with a natural, oil-waxed American walnut veneer, emphasizing their vintage aesthetics.
The Jade 20 is an outstanding concert-like performer: a combination of "strong sound" with unlimited freedom and the natural scale of the instruments. The loudspeakers sounds vital, with a strongly marked foreground, rhythmic and strong bass and a colorful highs. This set would create a friendly concert atmosphere during hours long listening sessions as well as a suggestive background for both work and relaxation.
Coupled with decent amplification these speakers are resolving and well-balanced with great presentation of vocals and a full sound that many lust after and simply great fun without being analytical.
Specifications:
Pylon Audio PST 25P.8 + Tractrix profile tube - In House Design and Manufactured
Pylon Audio PSW 32.8 CS- In House Design and Manufactured
91dB , 8 Ohm, 35 Hz -20 kHz
MAX POWER 220, NOMINAL 120 , 25KG each
MERASON FREROT + POW1 DAC
"The frerot has one USB, two RCA and two Toslink inputs. The USB input is based on Amanero technology and ensures a low-jitter music signal thanks to two precise oscillators. The task of digital-to-analog conversion is performed by a 1794A converter module from Burr Brown. The analog current signal is buffered in Class A technology and routed to the output. The frerot is fully balanced."
"The pow1 is perfectly tailored to the needs of the frerot. Two linear supplies power the audio section and a third lays the foundation for the individual supplies of the digital audio and logic sections in the frerot.
https://en.merason.com/frerot
https://en.merason.com/pow1
THE LYBRA 300B FEZZ AUDIO EVOLUTION SERIES INTEGRATED SET AMPLIFIER
Fezz’s single-ended amps are the first in the world to feature toroidal output transformers, which preserve the unique character of SE amps while optimally coupling their limited power output to loudspeakers. The quality of tube amplifiers is largely determined by the quality of its output transformers, and Fezz is sister company to Toroidy, which supplies high-quality toroidal transformers to a number of very well-known manufacturers. The unique relationship with Toroidy provides Fezz with superb-quality toroidal power and output transformers designed specifically for their amplifiers, at a lower cost than ordinary transformers from outside vendors.
Why toroidal transformers? Toroidal power transformers have far lower flux leakage and less radiated energy than standard EI laminated transformers. This ensures that sensitive circuits won’t pick up noise from the power supply. Fezz’s toroidal output transformers provide extended bandwidth, flat frequency response, and low distortion; a patented winding process guarantees uniformity. Fezz amplifiers are equal or superior to those of well-known brands, at very attractive prices and finish options.
THE NEW LYBRA 300B - EVOLUTION SERIES is an amplifier designed for the most demanding enthusiasts of 300B tube sound. The unprecedented PSE structure operating in class A was built using the highest quality toroidal transformers, designed especially for this amplifier. This guarantees linearity and wide frequency response.
xtended tube life is ensured by delayed anode voltage switching. The unique tone of the 300B tubes is free, spacious and very involving Triode tube amplifiers, of which the 300B triode is the go-to for most are for those with experience in tube amplification (in my opinion). They are often very low in output power—generally about 7W-8W per tube on a good day which rules out many speaker brands. They do not always measure out great stats and this often means it is often difficult for the buyer as they can sound wildly different, depending on the impedance of the speakers you do choose.
If you accept the limitations of these SET amplifiers, and the rig seems right, one should reap an incredibly rich, and sumptuous midrange with a sweet, relaxed treble, (depends on the speakers) but 8WCH is for many simply not enough power many would say? How about The LYBRA 300B which doubles up on those 300B tubes, running them single-ended, two per channel in parallel at 15WCH. Soon you will hear what it can do.
Power : 2x15W
Impedance (4Ω/8Ω
Tubes : 4x 300B, 2x 6sn7, 1x 12AX7, autobias.
Frequency Response : 12Hz-60kHz (-3dB)
Harmonic distortion THD:<0,25%
----------------
The second half of the music session is designed to help you evaluate the system with music that you are familiar with. All members and guests are welcome to offer music to share with us all. So research your favourite music, for Streaming from Qobuz - sorry No CD, USB or vinyl this session.
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. We will also have a club member act as Disc Jockey for this session.
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. Please bring your music to share.
Venue: Mathews Room, Epping Creative Centre, Dence Park
Address: 26 Stanley Road, Epping
When: Sunday 12th November 2023.
Doors open from 12.00 pm to meet and chat with members.
TechTalk starts at 12.30 pm.
Meeting starts at 2pm followed by the Max Media music demonstration.
Finish at 5pm - with refreshment breaks.
It is a requirement of entry that you sign-in in the visitors’ book. You are not required to wear a mask but you may wish to do so.
Hope to see you there on Sunday 12th.
John McEvoy
Meeting Co-ordinator
Sydney Audio Club Inc.
W: http://www.sydneyaudioclub.org/
FB: <https://www.facebook.com/sydneyaudioclub>