[sekei]

Hello:

You ask the 64K question, don't you.   What do they do to those $600 or less units, that makes them worth the $2K to $4K which they cost now?????
 

I believe there are some modifications insisted on by some of the retailers.   How much, and what they are, you can guess as well as I can.  

In the case of Shanling, that is not a rebadged product, but is a straight Chinese brand name, selling a competitive product in the west.

I've heard that ML went completely through the design for his unit, and brought it up to his specs.    

I know that internally, the Vincent products made by Shengya do not always look the same, even models with the same numbers.   For instance, the inside of my SP991 monos are different from the pictures of the inside of the same models coming from Europe.   But are they really different, or are the parts just rearranged????  Of course, over there the transformers are 220, but is that the only difference?  Mine came right from the factory, and sound like $5K units.   They would not need upgrading to be competitive over here at a lot higher prices than I paid.

And that, I suspect, is the answer to your question.   If the products can be competitive without upgrading, then I suspect the retailers will try to do as little changing as possible, to save costs.  

Regards

Andrew Aird
Sekei, Inc

[drunkonjack]

These speakers look as they would cost a mint. The 2 That I think I would very much like to listen too or more like purchase if they sound as goo as they look whould be the Excellence 6 at $1599 or the Jungson middle silver# 1 at $1699. Are these prices correct and how do I get these in my home to try out. They look as though they would cost 3 or 4 times what is on the listing how are they so cheap ? Are these brick and morter shops ripping us off with their high prices ?

[gary]

just read the thread from the beginning... all of this is gear that is being imported from china, hence the low prices. shipping is from indiana though, which makes it much more attractive than other companies that charge you shipping from china and a "handling" fee.

-gary

[rosconey]

very tempted to try the magic boat sacd 2
the lack of info is a killer- andrew said a few weeks before solid info

[sekei]

Hey Drunkonjack:

Yes, these are the correct prices per pair.   You can get these in your home by ordering them.  Our first shipment is clearing customs in CA right now, and is approximately two weeks away from our warehouse.  At that point, they will be ready to send to our customers.   We offer a 30 day no-hassle return, you just pay shipping if you don't like.

Alternatively, if you live anywhere near the midwest, it would likely be better for you to pick them up.  I could drive a couple of hundred miles from Indiana to help deliver the Middle Silvers.

Another option would be to come for a visit at my house, and listen to them.

Frankly, the prices are so low because A) I was a buyer most of my life and want to buy things cheaply and B) the labor costs for cabinet makers in China are lots less.  

Send me an email or call if you want to order.   We'll take 10% down to hold you some of our first batch, and when they come in we'll get the final payment right as we ship.

REgards

Andrew Aird
Sekei, inc
www.sekei.com

[droliver]

Andrew,

how far is Columbus IN from Louisville,KY?

[sekei]

It's about 60 miles.

I go down to Louisville several times a month.   It's an easy drive.

Andrew

[Marbles]

I go down in Louisville several times a month.  

I'm not sure you wanted to word it that way exactly, but maybe you did.      

[sekei]

Yikes!

 

Changed it!


Andrew

[sekei]

very tempted to try the magic boat sacd 2
the lack of info is a killer- andrew said a few weeks before solid info

I know you are interested a bit in the SACD from Jungson, so I will need to clarify something...

I can learn more about it in a couple of weeks or so, since right now is the spring Festival and lot's of Chinese businesses are closed, including the manufacturers.   When they come back to work, I am sure they will be happy to provide info.

Unfortunately, however, I won't have any players in two weeks.   The main reason for that, is that when importing Laser products, there is an extra approval required for those laser products, from the FDA, who is in charge of all radiating devices.   Because of that, our decision was to hold off on adding one more importing problem this time, but to wait and see how the first shipment of goods sold.   Then, the next time, we can bring in the Laser products, including the SACD players.

So it is going to be 2 or 3 months before we do get those, but when we do the price will still be the best you could get anywhere for those products.

Also, anyone can email me for a pic of the inside of the player.  

Regards

Andrew Aird
Sekei, inc

[rosconey]

for clarifacation - andrew did tell me about the holiday-i f#@$%d up-


he also sent  jpeg's of the guts and case-the drive case looks the same as a sony- i have a pic of the one from the xindak scd2-its a top o the line sony drive -sacd1-

power supply doesnt look like a torrid   though.

if i dont get the xindak -jungson will be next option as of now

[Spidey9534]

Hi sekei,

The Jungson JA-88D looks very interesting. 80 watts class A, integrated for a song.

Can you tell me if the pre section has a bypass for an external pre?

The meters on the front look very cool too.

Good luck with your new venture,
Matt

[sekei]

Hey Spidey, and Everyone here:

First, I am planning a demo on the Saturday after the equipment comes in, a couple of weeks from now.  A miniature audio festival in my home, and I will keep the circle informed, as well as those of you who have emailed me privately.  Sodas and Sandwiches planned for lunch. I am planning to show off a selection of the Jungson amps/speakers, and maybe some other gear as well.  

Second, concerning the JA-88D.   I am not aware of a bypass at this time..  But if it comes to my attention that there is one, I will certainly make that known to you.   It's still the best integrated SS amp for the money that you can buy, we believe.  If having a similarly priced Class A amp without preamp is the desire, using two JA-99C's in bridge mode would be just a little more.

BTW all:  Rumor has it the new Music Hall Mambo is a Chinese amp product!  There is a thread elsewhere on this in the Circles....


Regards

Andrew Aird
Sekei, Inc
www.sekei.com

[sekei]

Hello All.

For those who are interested in auditioning some of the new Chinese gear, let me know how Saturday the 7th grabs you.   The gear is supposed to arrive on the 3rd, so I am looking at the 7th for a demo in my home.   I can put several speakers, amps, and cables out for use.   I will also have free sodas and sandwhiches.  

Bring your flatbed pickups.  

 

Let me know by email or phone if you think you can make it.  Directions to my place are available.

Regards

Andrew Aird
Sekei, Inc.

[Bill Baker]

BTW all: Rumor has it the new Music Hall Mambo is a Chinese amp product! There is a thread elsewhere on this in the Circles....

  The Mambo is a Shanling unit. Same manufacturer as their CD25 and obviously the Shanling tube cd players sold by Music Hall.

  I have Usher CD players and their Digital/DTS HT processors. Both made by Shanling.

[sekei]

Hello All:

I hope each of you who looked at this thread earlier gets this update.

We are going ahead with the demo of the new gear at my house on the 7th, next Saturday.

For all of you who are wondering if you should take the time to come, let me say that I could not be prouder of an accomplishment if I had just won the lottery.   I am so excited about being able to sell this new gear, after hearing and seeing it, that I doubt I will be sleeping for days, because of sheer exhilaration.

You all owe it to yourself to hear the new stuff.   It is the single best value in audio that you will likely ever see or hear.    

I both own and have owned some high end gear, and know what good sound is like.   This is good sound, but at a price that is nearly criminal.  

Please, come if you can.   I can guarantee you won't be dissapointed with the new stuff.  

Email me or PM me if you would like directions.   I am going to offer Cold cut sandwiches and sodas for lunch, and I am planning to go all day, until about 6pm my time, at which time I have to stop.

Regards

Andrew Aird
Sekei, Inc

[sekei]

Hello All:

This is from the company.  

First, the more expensive Jungson SACD-1 is not yet available, as it is in design right now.   So no news on that.  

But the big news is the SACD-2, which is in production and can be ordered.
Here are the details:
______________________________
CHARACTERISTICS
◆SONY KHM-23AAA laser head and servo system
◆Use advanced disc inspection system to ensure to read disc fast and accurately
◆ SONY SACD new decode CMOS chip
◆ D/A switched by IC(PCM1738) of Burr Brown company
◆ I/V switched by high speed IC of Burr Brown company
◆ Use the filter and circuit output of the separate components
◆ Class A power
◆ U-shaped transformer
◆ Aluminum shell/finish
◆Balanced and Unbalanced output, one coaxial digital output, one optical digital output

3、TECHNICAL PARAMETERS
1)SACD SECTION:
FREQUENCY RESPONSE----------- 2Hz ~ 100KHz(-3dB)
DYNAMIC RANGE-------------------- >112dB(can listen range)
THD--------------------------------------- ≤0.001%
ANALOG OUTPUT--------------------- BALANCED (XLR) x 1 , UNBALANCED(RCA) x 1

2)CD SECTION:
FREQUENCY RESPONSE------------ 2Hz~ 20KHz
DYNAMIC RANGE--------------------- >100dB
THD----------------------------------------- ≤0.001%
DIGITAL OUTPUT ---------------------- COAXIAL x 1. OPTICAL x 1
ANALOG OUTPUT --------------------- BALANCED(XLR) x 1, UNBALANCED(RCA) x 1

3)OTHERS:
DIMENSIONS---------------------------- 503 x 487 x 210mm
NET WEIGHT---------------------------- 10kg

4、OTHERS:
1) Transformer: 80W, U form
2) Capacitor: a) filter capacitor: rubycon, 10000 uF x 3
b) coupling capacitor: ELNA, 8 uF x 1
___________________________________
Jungson MH-CD 2
1、TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION:

1)   Frequency Range：2Hz - 20KHz
2)   Dynamic Range：≥100dB
3)   Distortion Rate：≤0.0010%
4)   Digital Output：optical input
5)   Simulation output：Balanced XLR x 1、Unbalanced RCA x 1
6)   Size：    376mmX370mmX105mm
7)   N.W.：11kg

2、MATERIAL :
   1）decode CMOS chip of ESS(ES3210FM)
   2）Core of Philips(MODEL:JR-H08)
   3）D/A CMOS chip of BB company(PCM1732)
   4）CD player format
CD/OUT:   44.1K   48K   96K
BIT   16Bit   20Bit   24Bit   
   5）CD character
a)   HDCD player
b)   Use PHILIPS JR-H08 core, PCM1732 digital filter, HDCD decode and D/A switching
c)Aluminum shell
6) Transformer: 80W, U-shape
7) Capacitor: ELNA, 2200uF x 14
   
_____________________________
DVD Player

1、VIDEO DISC TYPE:
DVD、super VCD
VCD1.0、1.1、2.0DVCD
CD－DA
MP3

2、OUTPUT:
Simulation Audio Output: stereo, 5.1 channels
Digital Audio Output: coaxial output, optical output
Video Output
S terminal output Y, C
Ponderance Video Output Y, Cb, Cr

3、VIDEO CHARACTER:
Video Range: 1.0Vp-p (75Ωload)
Y output range: 1.0Vp-p (75Ωload)
C output range: 0.286Vp-p (75Ωload)

4、AUDIO:
Frequency Character: 20Hz－20kHz（±1dB）
S/N: ＞90dB
THD: ＜0.01%

5、OTHERS:
VOLTAGE：110V－250V AC (50/60Hz)
POWER：20W
SIZE: 376mmX370mmX105mm
NET WEIGHT: 7.3kg

1) Decode CMOS chip with scanning every line of ESS(ESS6028)
2) Core of Korean DVS-710
3) D/A CMOS chip of CS4360 of Burr Brown company, EMS memory SDRAM
4) Transformer: no because it uses switching power supply.
5) Capacitor:: no because it uses switching power supply.

[sekei]

Hey all:

I just found out that the AP 120 Tube preamp by Audcom has a Phono Stage built in!
Here is the new info.

Check this out!
 
Audcom AP120
 
4 inputs, 3 line level, 1 Phono!
Gain selection-  0dB, -3dB, -6dB
2 sets of outputs.
~200V/A Toroidal Tranny
Beautiful design
Remote
Motorized (ALPS?) pot.

I have two of these left, after my initial orders.  
They are $329

Regards

Andrew

[Brad]

That's stunningly cheap.
What's the sound like?

What about the gain/impedance on the phono stage?

[sekei]

Hey:

I am going to turn one on for the first time in a couple hours.  

I believe the gain is probably only for MM carts, is my guess.  I don't have a TT right now to try, so I can't be definitive.

I can say that Audcom products do well overall, and with mods are pretty serious contenders.

Regards

Andrew