TRU Technology Billet B-2200 – Made in California, USA

November 12th, 2010

TRU Technology Billet B2200 (new) 2 units, one stock factory Analog devices opamp and one modded by Audio Creations

Specs:
200w x 2 (4 ohms) or 600w mono (4 ohms). 5.9kg. Made in California, USA.

This is a modular amplifier that can be upgraded. Pre-amp section can be replaced or upgraded. Pretty cool. This is the highest powered 2channel from the Billet series with 200watts per channel at a nominal 4 ohms.

Billet series amplifiers are dynamic, detailed, very revealing and since the amplifier is modular, it can be tailored to your liking in the future.

Best price for B2200 new in box factory AD version – RM3300 /USD1050. (UPDATED 10 December 2010 – SOLD)

Moded version (rm2000 worth of mods) and custom aluminum base cover is going for RM4000/USD1270.

Both units come with a 1 year warranty. Comes with original packaging box, manual and external Scosche Efx fuse holder/fuse. Includes shipping within Malaysia. International shipping extra. Any reasonable offers will be considered.

Email: victor@audio-creations.com or michael@audio-creations.com 

Tel: 6012-2962799 ; 60123315669

Modded unit B-2200AC – power capacitors upgraded to Blackgates

Bybee Quantum Purifiers – Drastic Improvement For Car Audio in Areas of Lucidness And Naturalness

November 11th, 2010

On and off, our regular customers/friends/visitors often ask us if there are any new toys or goodies that we would like to tell them about. Most of the time, there isn’t anything significant enough shout to them about and usually we will share our latest work on modifications and upgrades to already good products. 

We spend a great deal of time applying high-end tweaks and R&D their effectiveness on car audio, but there are many overpriced products that improve only a part of the music and not the whole spectrum, whereas there are some that are seriously too minor ‘tweak’ to shout about, while others looks nicer and dearer that it actually contributes to the sound.

Bybee Quantum Purifiers was not only an interesting find but one that we safely try not label as a tweak. Every system needs them. Made by Bybee Technologies’s owner, physicist Jack Bybee with the aim to reproduce the purity of the music and this exactly what it does.

This is a breakthrough product that works extremely well with every audio system (both car and home) and brings drastic improvements in lucidity and naturalness. Systems applied with Bybee Quantum Purifiers have a stronger presence and yet less grainy and digitized. Amazing, one product that can do so much (usually some tweaks only help in better detail levels, or some with tighter bass, or midrange focus and so on). Your favorite hits and cds instantly have better musical pleasure. That is if you buy original and good recordings (a kind reminder!) 

Honestly, the addition of the Quantum Purifier makes a more obvious improvement over our Mundorf capacitor power supply upgrades that our customers have been addicted to. The Mundorf serves as a foundation, so that every system is maximized and any additions to it (in this case, the Bybee Quantum Purifier) shines even further. Our Mundorf  power supply upgrades bring the system balance back to square one, sounding full, wholesome rather than thin and flat. The Bybee Quantum Purifier, purifies the signal and injects the life back to the music. It does not inject, highs, mids or lows in particular, but life - as in air and presence. Music without presence is usually termed dry and dull. If you want more out of your playback system, you need them.

If drastic is what you are missing for awhile now, you ought to ask us about the Bybee Quantum Purifier and the recommended locations for improving your system.

“reveal very small shadings & nuances in the music”

“wonderful improvement in lucidity and purity, and a drastic reduction in graininess”

“considerable difference: smoothing out my sometimes too-aggressive upper-end, further clarifying my mid-range, and extending the bass”

Taken from the Bybee website, here is an introduction of the product we have been shouting about:

BYBEE QUANTUM PURIFIERS

These unique devices are at the heart of every Bybee Slipstream and Golden Goddess plug-in “Instant Upgrade” product. Originally developed (and still used) for military applications, this quantum purification technology has proven that eliminating sub-audible noise—i.e., noise unmeasurable by typical test-bench instruments–at the quantum mechanical level produces previously unattainable resolution and beauty in home audio and video. For more than ten years select Original Equipment Manufacturers and elite custom upgrade specialists have used Bybee Quantum Purifiers to enhance the performance of hundreds of highly regarded electronic components and loudspeakers.

 Bybee Quantum Purifiers are cryogenically treated to enhance performance.

Large Quantum Purifier
Large Quantum Purifiers are typically used in AC applications, and with loudspeaker transducers. Specially shielded using ERS Stealth carbon fiber material.

     Specifications:
     Length: 2 inches
     Diameter: 1/2 inch
     Leads: one inch, 14 gauge copper
     Current-handling: 15 A
     Voltage: >1000 V
     Resistance: 0.025 ohm
     PRICE: ask

Large GOLD Quantum Purifier
Large Gold Quantum Purifiers are typically used in AC applications (especially recommended for solid-state electronics), and with loudspeaker transducers, especially electrostatic and metal-driver designs. Specially shielded using ERS Stealth carbon fiber material.

     Specifications:
     Length: 2 inches
     Diameter: 1/2 inch
     Leads: one inch, 14 gauge 14K gold
     Current-handling: 15 A
     Voltage: >1000 V
     Resistance: 0.025 ohm
     PRICE: ask

Small Slipstream Quantum Purifiers
Small Slipstream Quantum Purifiers are typically used in lower-current AC circuits, non-AC analog and digital circuits, and smaller midrange drivers and tweeters.

     Specifications:
     Length: one inch
     Diameter: 1/3 inch
     Leads: one inch, 18 gauge copper
     Current-handling: 4.3 A
     Voltage: >1000 V
     Resistance: 0.025 ohm
     PRICE: ask

Small SILVER Slipstream Quantum Purifiers
Small SILVER Slipstream Quantum Purifiers are highly recommended for DIGITAL circuits, inputs and outputs. May be substituted for copper Slipstream purifiers for enhanced performance in any application.

     Specifications:   
     Length: one inch
     Diameter: 1/3 inch
     Leads: one inch, 18 gauge silver
     Current-handling: 4.3 A
     Voltage: >1000 V
     Resistance: 0.025 ohm
     PRICE: ask

Small GOLD Slipstream Quantum Purifiers
Small GOLD Slipstream Quantum Purifiers are especially recommended for modifying solid-state inputs and outputs, and for tweeters.

     Specifications:
     Length: one inch
     Diameter: 1/3 inch
     Leads: 1.5 inch, 18 gauge 14 K gold
     Current-handling: 4.3 A
     Voltage: >1000 V
     Resistance: 0.025 ohm
     PRICE: ask

Scosche EFX and Stinger Products – High Quality Power Cables and Distribution Blocks

November 10th, 2010

Audio Creations uses Stinger and EFX power cables, available in 8 gauge, 4 gauge and 0 gauge. These cables are not CCA (copper clad aluminum) variants common in low-cost applications and sold widely.
FLUX power and speaker wire strictly follow the American Wire Gauge (AWG) standard ensuring that your amps and speakers are getting the power that they need to perform at their best. The ultra high strand count and frosted PVC jacket on the power wire increases the flexibility making for hassle free installations. Each individual strand of the Oxygen Free Copper wire is plated with a tin to prevent oxidation and provide unmatched reliability.

We use a high-quality non-fused distribution block for the best power transfer for our installs along with a front main fuse no further than a few inches from the battery. Along with the in-built fuse on the amplifier, this offers sufficient protection for your electronics.

Many competition world champions do not use fused distribution block for sound quality purposes and still complies with safety standards by the associations and competitions. We highly recommend using Cryogenic Fuses for improved/lower noise floor and sound quality. For amplifiers that require an external fuse, an EFX or Stinger fuse holder does an excellent job.

Stinger Shoc-Krome Distribution Block
High Conductivity Shoc-Krome Plating
Daisy Chainable Compact Design
Protective Cover Included
2 input – 1/0 awg
4 output – 4 awg

StP SoundProofing And SoundDampening Materials – Keep The Music In, And The Sound Out

November 9th, 2010

The STP Standartplast experience is simple. Its aim is to create a  silent surrounding, eliminate vibration (and loss of energy), absence of distortion, heightened the acoustic performances, better atmosphere for music/movie, mobile, navigation, and protection against thermal changes.The STP product is technically proven with research and development deriving from use in military applications, and a huge research chemical lab and staff force to constantly work on finding a solution to noise and vibration problems in various industries and in our context, for the automotive field. Quality of the product is impeccable and product range is complete to address all areas of our vehicle that is susceptible to noise and vibration.

It is now possible to quieten the car cabin for a pleasant driving experience. For the audio enthusiast, we can treat the irritating rattles and nagging vibrations on metal surfaces and plastic panels. Application requires technique and careful understanding of how to mix-match the use of STP products. With discussion with STP engineers we clearly have the idea and have applied it to our customer’s vehicles with experience. In addition, we believe that correct usage requires good fitting and visual pleasantness. 

With proper use and implementation by Audio Creations, we are confident the quality of STP products will be effectively evident in your vehicle.

The StandartPlast program offered by STP is now available at Audio Creations for all vehicle types and makes.

- to reduce noises and vibrations, everywhere
- to turn your car into a “music paradise”
- to make your vehicle more silent and comfortable
- to increase the safety
- to let you discover a new way of driving

Mcintosh Labs MCC302 going strong. Legendary brand sets the highest standard for car audio electronics

September 29th, 2010

Mcintosh Laboratory has defined the highest quality in sound reproduction for many years and continues to set high standards for both performance and reliability till today.

We never thought much about Mcintosh in the early days of Audio Creations because there were so many brands out there promising high-end car audio and like a kid, we wanted to sample them all.

We very well knew then that Mcintosh was a well known, high-end brand that sounds good, offers a steady performance, with no complaints and carries on it’s duty, perfectly as an all-rounder.

After years of trying everything else, we now fully appreciate what Mcintosh is…. yes, a no-frills, analogue sounding, powerful, well-built product and that is exactly what we need.

Mcintosh car audio line is not very extensive, even the fingers is enough to count. There’s two range of head unit/cd players – the MX406 and the current flagship MX5000 and external DAC, MDA5000. The amplifiers offered in the Mc lineup are the MCC301 monoblock, MCC302 high-powered stereo 2 channel and MCC404M, a multichannel 4 channel amplifier. The MCC602TM which was one of our favorite saw it’s end of product cycle not too long ago, and will be missed dearly. http://www.mcintoshlabs.com/downloads/product_downloads/car_audio_electronics_602tm_review.pdf

Today, we would like to bring your attention to the Mcintosh MCC302, which is very well worth mentioning and even more worth your time to check it out if you’re you looking for a mid to high-end amplifier.

The MCC302 is a very nice amplifier that is made affordable here at Audio Creations. Specifications as follow (click the link for pdf manual):
150watts x 2 @ 4 ohms; 300watts x 2 @ 2ohms; bridged mono 600watts @ 4 ohms.
Mcc302

Audition and sampling of any Mcintosh car audio product is available at our showroom. An appointment can also be arrange to install and try the product in your car depending on availability of a used/demo unit.

We have very good condition preowned MC420, MC425, MC431, MC443M, MCC444 amplifiers, MX5000 and MDA5000, MX4000 and MDA4000 head units and MPM4000 power output meter for the budget conscious that still urge for a bite of Mcintosh legendary performance. Call Victor at 0122962799 or Michael at 0123315669 for arrangements.

If you are looking for brand new current production models, please call us and while you are at it, browse the Mcintosh Labs car audio section: http://mcintoshlabs.com/products/Car-Audio.asp

Head Units: MX406 and flagship MX5000 and MDA5000 external dac

Amplifiers: MCC302 2channel, MCC404M 4 channel, MCC406M 6 channel, MCC301M monoblock

Speakers: MSS530 and MSS630

Spare/Service parts: Optic lens for MX406, MX4000 and MX5000. DC-DC power supply for MX406, MX4000 and MX5000; Clarion DRX9255(EX or EXL) and Clarion HX-D1 users can also enquire with us.

AudioControl Processors – Understand Why Audio Creations Wholeheartedly Uses Them!

September 29th, 2010

AudioControl is a 30 year old company in the USA that designs and manufactures only the best audio, video and measurement equipment for home, car and the professional arena. The products are handcrafted for the enthusiast , which requires a little more time to understand what each product can do and how it can help them achieve the pursuit of good, if not, great sound.

Audio Creations uses AudioControl products for a reason. Not because of pricing, not because of how it looks, not because of the difficulty/ease of use and not because of any other reason but because it works and it gives us the sound/end results we are looking for.

The way we see it, AudioControl is a niche product, not meant for the regular accessory shops or cash and carry shops. It’s premium engineering, made by people with passion on technicalities, which adds up to the thriving sound it gives. What we like most with AudioControl products is the tunability and flexibility it gives to custom installers and high-end modders.

If you ask us, every car audio .. be it low, mid, high-end systems requires an AudioControl. How to use them to maximum ability, potential, and even how not to overuse them is where Audio Creations speciality lies.

Among the processors we carry and use extensively are EQL, EQX, 4xs, 3xs, 2xs, Overdrive, LC6i etc. The different processors are useful for application/integration with oem players as well as aftermarket high-end players.

Crossovers: 2xs – 18dB 2way crossover; 6xs – 24dB 3way crossover

Equalizers: EQL – 2in 2out 13band; EQX 2in 8out 13band

OEM Integration: line output converter 6 high level speaker inputs 6 pre-amp RCA output; internal channel summing output (for OEM players or amplifiers with in-built filters/crossover that cannot be defeated or turn off); 12-volt turn on lead GTO (sensing), important feature since the stock player does not have remote output

Overdrive: 13 volt line driver; best solution for weak pre-outs from the source units

We offer high-end crossover modules (stock spec, upgraded spec, premium spec and high-end carbon spec), performance upgrades (higher capacitance power supply filter capacitors with low ESR, highend premium signal path coupling capacitors etc.) and professional advice on AudioControl products, new and used.

http://www.audiocontrol.com/t34/Mobile-Audio.html

Cardas Audio RFI/EMI RCA Caps – Eliminate Noise & Improve Overall Performance

September 29th, 2010

                                       Cardas Audio Signature Series RCA Caps and Signature Series RCA Shorting Pin Caps

The Signature Series RCA Caps are non-shorting, billet brass, nickel plated caps that fits over unused female RCA connectors to shield against RFI, EMI, dust and corrosion.

The Signature Series RCA Shorting Pin Caps can be used to short out an input RCA (do not use on outputs). This is desirable on most equipment to lower the noise floor. The Cardas Billet brass, nickel plated caps fit over unused female RCA input connectors, such as “AUX in” to shield against RFI, EMI, dust and corrosion.

Listening impressions:
“The background becomes quieter and spatial information and details presents itself more freely with reduced harshness. The audio system can play louder without sounding messy, jumbled up and noisy! One of the best upgrades so little money can buy”
“I like how the bass has more tout and is tighter, cleaner and yet come across full and wholesome”

Check out the following video to demonstrate the effectiveness of Cardas EMI/RFI Protection Caps and contact us for an appointment to listen to them first hand on our showroom test rig. Video:  Cardas RFI/EMI caps 

V Cap Reference Grade Capacitor for High-end Mods

September 29th, 2010

V cap Reference Grade Teflon Capacitor and V cap Elite Reference Capacitor

A high-end capacitor for use on our general modifications equipment and customized speaker passives.

Kindly call in for further information.
or view the link : http://www.v-cap.com/

The good and the bad about car audio equalizers

February 17th, 2010

Equalizers (EQ) are great tools for fine tuning those little frequencies that is missing in your system.

EQs cannot be applied to solve foundation problems. In fact the more EQ is being used the worst off the system can be tonally.

Our goal is to naturally EQ the system using as much as possible, cable, power management and associated equipment etc., while maintaining an external EQ to fill in the minor missing gaps.

EQs must be flexible, less digital inclined and should not alter the tonal palette drastically.

It should be analog sounding where possible and have a good solid power supply section. EQs can help restore some voltage drop by enhancing back the signal before it is fed to the amplifiers or next chain of equipment.

That is all EQs should do. It is not a magical wand to cure system problem. It is an aid and not a cure.

Without EQs, a system can sound lonely, a tad dry and subdued (depending on systems). EQs enhances the presence, brings back hat little that is missing without overdose.

At Audio Creations (AC), we use Audio Control (AC) not because it is synonymous with AC but due to it’s long standing solidity and quality. We are experts with AC units and we know how to identify which units are better than others and what joys it can bring you, and what it cannot do.

We highly recommend modifications for EQs and crossovers (primarily AC units) by means capacitor upgrades and high-end modules. They make significant tonal benefits and improve the grip and control in the music material. We offer these mods, for both new and used alike.

Know the boundaries of what an EQ can do, and it can be a useful tool to bring you a step up in your car audio system.

Enjoy tuning….

Do I need an expensive, double-stacked, triple-stacked, high-powered subwoofer?

February 16th, 2010

Subwoofers!! Can’t live without one, yet some people are trying ways to do without them. Can we come up with a good car audio system without one? We cannot lie to you, the answer is NO.

I have seen many “champions” spend thousands on a good imported subwoofer but expect to get it all up and running for lows couple of hundred ringgit (RM). You see that commonly in Malaysia because imported car audio equipment is expensive here due to the weak currency, hefty shipping and high-taxes. Therefore people tend to stinge on the application and installs. Furthermore, if you spend on expensive, power hungry (demanding) and low sensitivity subwoofer, be prepared to splurge equally on amplification.

Subwoofers like any speaker driver sounds as good as how you build them. Enclosure, crossover and placement all plays an important part. In other countries, one may spend as much on making the enclosure right as they have invested on the subwoofer driver itself. Some people even build a couple of enclosure to see which ones works best and sounds best in their system.

Sometimes it takes a long time for a person to decide on what subwoofer to buy, but the minute they get it, they rushed for the installers to slap it into a box. Guess what, the choice is usually the smallest sealed enclosure. What if the bass is too hard and does not go low? Stuff it with polyfill?

Building a right enclosure is not rocket science nor it’s a simple task especially in a  car audio environment. It is still a tough nut to crack but with the right expertise, equipment and know-how, you’ll fall in-love with your subwoofer again. It can be a budget JL audio WO, to expensive JL audio W7, to exotics like Scanspeak 23w and Phase Aliante, all the same rules apply.

You don’t need an expensive subwoofer per se. Look at home audio subwoofers, many of them use reasonably affordable drivers, no where high-end! Yet, some home audio ones are very expensive (an indication would be rm5,000-rm15,000). Why? Because it has a built in plate amplifier? Could seem like a good reason but it is not. We know the prices of those plate amplifiers. 

Remember to spend wisely. Equal amounts to material, application and install. Efficiency, displacement and tuning goes a long way.