KF Audio

20/07/2023

Dear valued customers and audio enthusiasts,

We are thrilled to announce the soon to launch of our new online business, which marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in our journey. With over 36 years of experience in the car audio retail and installation industry, we have decided to take our expertise to the digital realm, allowing us to reach a wider audience and continue to provide unparalleled services.

After years of serving customers in our physical store, we have come to realize that our knowledge, skills, and passion for sound tuning should not go to waste. We firmly believe that everyone deserves to experience the absolute best in audio quality, regardless of their location. Therefore, we have curated a range of services, tailored to cater to the needs of individuals who value exceptional music experiences within their vehicles.

Our primary focus lies in audio system design consultations, product recommendations, and sound tuning services. Through our online platform, we aim to bridge the gap between technology and music, enabling enthusiasts to achieve optimal sound tailored to their unique preferences. Our team of experienced professionals will guide you through every step of the process, ensuring unparalleled customer satisfaction.

Here's an overview of the services we offer:

1. Audio System Design Consultations: We understand that each vehicle has its distinct characteristics and requirements. We will work closely with you to design a customized audio system that complements your vehicle's acoustics. Whether you seek immersive soundscapes or booming bass, we will find the perfect balance for your listening pleasure.

2. Product Recommendations: Our team invests countless hours researching and testing the latest car audio products in the market. We take pride in offering unbiased recommendations specific to your needs, ensuring each component contributes to a harmonious audio setup.

3. Sound Tuning Services: Drawing upon our years of experience, we provide comprehensive sound tuning services, maximizing the potential of your car audio system. Our experts possess an in-depth understanding of sound waves, equalizers, crossovers, and other critical elements. Sit back, relax, and let us fine-tune your audio system to perfection.

As we kick off this exciting new chapter, we invite you to visit our Facebook/website, where you'll find a wealth of resources, including informative guides, expert tips, and a range of products carefully selected to meet even the most discerning audiophile's expectations.

At KF Audio, our commitment to exceptional customer service remains unchanged. Although we have transitioned from a physical store to an online platform, we assure you that our dedication to your satisfaction remains our top priority. We are just a click or call away, ready to provide guidance, answer your questions, and help you experience the power of extraordinary sound.

Thank you for your continued support over the years. We look forward to serving you in this new online venture and embarking on an exciting journey together.

Warm regards,

Siemen Liew
Founder, KF Audio.

This site will feature the latest information pertaining to car audio and promotions, check back often to get the latest news on product releases.

22/04/2023

To all our muslim friends:
Selamat menyambut hari raya Aidilfitri maaf zahir dan batin.

24/10/2022

Wishing all our Hindu friends & families: prosperity, good health and full of happiness.

01/05/2022

To all our Muslim friends:
Selamat Hari Raya!

20/01/2022

Notice to all our valued customers:

Please be informed that due to accumulated jobs that we are unable to cope with, we decided not to accept any more jobs effective 23rd Jan 2022 so as to allow us to clear the accumulated jobs before Chinese New Year which is just around the corner.
We apologize for the inconvenience caused.

Siemen Liew

31/12/2021

Notice of closure!

With a heavy heart, I wish to announce that KF Audio is closing its physical shop retail business with effect from 1st Feb. 2022, however KF Audio does not end here, we will continue to provide after sale warranty service until the warranty period ends, that is at least a year from now on.
Reason for the closure: Siemen Liew is retiring from full time installation business.
For future after sales services, please whatsapp or call Siemen Liew @ 012 524 3542.
On behalf of all the staffs at KF Audio I wish to express our sincerest gratitude to all of you for the strong support over the years without fail.

From the bottom of my heart a big "Thank you"!

Siemen Liew
KF Audio Sdn.Bhd.

怀着些许不舍，我想宣布，KF Audio 将于 2022 年 2 月 1 日起关闭其实体店零售及安装服务，但 KF Audio 并未就此结束，我们将继续提供售后保修服务和在线业务。
关闭的原因是因为 Siemens Liew 将退出全职的安装业务。
有关所有音响售后服务相关问题，只需致电 Siemen Liew @ 012 524 3542。
衷心感谢大家多年来的鼎力支持。

Siemens Liew
KF Audio Sdn.Bhd.

05/10/2021

𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐬

Choosing loud speaker is as important as choosing lenses for camera, the quality of lens in camera plays a vital role in the picture quality, uncaptured details is a loss of picture quality.

Likewise in a sound system, one of the important elements in the audio chain is speaker. No matter how good an audio source, the quality of the sound is only as good as the speakers could deliver.

𝐓𝐲𝐩𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐬

There are three types of speakers for car audio, namely:

𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐱𝐢𝐚𝐥 = 𝟐 𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬
(𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘨.1)

𝐓𝐫𝐢-𝐚𝐱𝐢𝐚𝐥 = 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬
(𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘨.2)

𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐬𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦 = 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭
(𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘨.3)

𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐱𝐢𝐚𝐥 and 𝐓𝐫𝐢-𝐚𝐱𝐢𝐚𝐥 are speakers with tweeters mounted on the center of cone, usually used as rear-fill speakers, whereas component speakers are separate elements and come with a dedicated passive crossover (frequency filter) that removes the undesired frequencies for the appropriate speaker or tweeter. It’s usually of better sound quality than the coaxial and tri-axial types.

𝐒𝐢𝐳𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐮𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐞
(𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘨.4)

Car audio speaker comes in many sizes and shapes. The most common one is the round shape type, offering 3”, 4” 5.25” and 6.5”; it operates on mid-bass to upper midrange frequencies from around 60Hz to 3Khz range. Also available are 8”, 10’ and 12’, these are commonly used as subwoofers, operating on the sub-bass region from 20 Hz to 60 Hz.

Tweeter is smaller in size, usually not larger than 3”. Operating frequency range is 3Kh to 20Khz and beyond, it does not require high power to drive, due to its higher efficiency than the midrange drivers.

𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬
(𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘨.5)

Specifications are Datas provided by the manufacturers to ease audio design engineers in designing sound projects. Datas include:

𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 - rated in watts RMS or in continuous program power. These two rating are more accurate and meaningful; it is the threshold power rating in which the speaker could withstand as compared to max or peak power. Any power operating exceeds this rating could possibly cause damage to the speaker.

𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞 - it is an effective range of frequency in which a particular speaker is capable of reproducing, measured in Hertz and kilo Hertz with tolerance reads at +/-3dB point.
(𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘨.6)

𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲 - is the measures of sound pressure level with a calibrated microphone placed at a distance 0ne meter away from speaker to be measured, and by feeding one watt of power input to the speaker. It should be read in dB per watt per meter (n dB/w/m)
(𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘨.7)

In today's challenging market, certain manufacturers want their products to look good on papers, specifications were made tricky to the non-technical inclined buyers.

Specifications like:

Power handling: 300 Watts

Frequency response: 20 to 40kHz

Sensitivity: 93 dB

This type of rating is incomplete and serves no purpose. Here, power rated could be peak power instead of RMS or continuous power; frequency response could be at –10dB down instead of -3dB point ( -3dB point is at 50% power); sensitivity could be measured with 2 Watts of input instead of 1 Watt or at 0.5m distance. II’s totally meaningless and a way to fool buyers.

𝐌𝐲 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐞:

Specifications are figures indicating how well it could perform electrically, these figures do not tell how warm, smooth or harsh a speaker performs.

Sound is very subjective to ones’ hearing sensitivity and music preference, it is best to audition the speaker even though it reads good on specification, as no speaker sounds the same. Choose the one that best suits your musical taste.

Spend as much you could for quality speaker in order to optimize the sound quality of the entire audio chain.

If you expect good sound, do not compromise on speaker quality even on budget constrain, make your upgrade in two or more installments, do not change everything with limited budget, else will end up with not getting to your expectation and it's too late to regret.

12/08/2021

Gratitude!

Thank you Mr Edward for the compliment! My friendship with Mr. Edward started about 10 years ago when his very good friend Mr. Ricky brought him to pay us a visit, we had a very friendly talk and went for a drink. During the chat session, I came to know that Mr Edward developed an interest in car audio when he was studying in Australia. Over the years, I noticed Mr Edward collected vintage car audio and is well connected with Industry greats from around the World.

Mr Edward never fails to attend the Kuala Lumpur International Audio-Visual shows held annually with some of his friends from east Malaysia. We will meet up for dinner after the show followed by car audio audition session until late night.

Mr. Edward has high expectations for good music, a critical audio listening enthusiast, besides car audio, he also owns a modest home hi-fi set.

Mr Edward lives in Sibu, Sarawak. I am lucky and glad to have him as friend.

Once again thank you Mr Edward.

Siemen Liew

06/08/2021

In today's fast pace and busy lifestyle, people are often stressed after work. Music can be a stress relief entertainment that most people will agree, and that's the reason why it's good to have a decent sounding audio in your car to enjoy your favorite music while in the car and probably don't bother about the traffic jam anymore!

With the advancement of technology and installers' know-how, car audio could be as nice as home audio systems.

Let us see how we could improve on the factory fitted audio system by understanding the fundamental of audio.

𝗔𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗺
One very important aspect in audio that many music lovers neglected, is the audio spectrum, it is the range of audible frequency which covers from 20Hz to 20,000Hz.

Music is a complex composite sinusoidal waves with varying frequencies and amplitudes formed by different musical instruments and vocals. The frequency range required for human hearing is 20Hz to 20kHz, it is the industry standard for manufacturers' to adhere when producing musical apparatus, such as music sources (players), amplifiers, audio signal processors and speakers.

𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗿 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗽𝘂𝘁 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗲𝗿
Speakers, being the least efficient and the weakest link in car audio systems, especially on the budget range of cars.

Most budget OEM cars come with a pair of midrange speaker on the front and back doors, many people have mistaken it as full range speakers, actually it's not!
Its effective frequency range is only around +/- 60Hz ~ +/- 3KhZ. A full range speaker should be able to cover the full frequency spectrum of 20 Hz to 20kHz.

(𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘨.1)

Still remember in the previous article on 𝘛𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘈𝘤𝘤𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘺?
The full audio spectrum is being divided into four frequency ranges, ideally it should be handled by four sound reproducing elements. (speakers in this case)
• 𝗦𝘂𝗯-𝗕𝗮𝘀𝘀 (𝟭𝟬-𝟲𝟬𝗛𝘇) - 𝗯𝘆 𝘀𝘂𝗯-𝘄𝗼𝗼𝗳𝗲𝗿/𝘀 𝗼𝗿 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝘀𝘂𝗯𝘄𝗼𝗼𝗳𝗲𝗿
• 𝗠𝗶𝗱-𝗕𝗮𝘀𝘀 (𝟲𝟬-𝟮𝟬𝟬𝗛𝘇)- 𝗯𝘆 𝘄𝗼𝗼𝗳𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗱𝗼𝗼𝗿𝘀
• 𝗠𝗶𝗱𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 (𝟮𝟬𝟬-𝟯𝗞𝗛𝘇)-𝗯𝘆 𝟯~𝟰" 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀
• 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵-𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 (𝟯𝗞𝗛𝘇-𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆)- 𝗯𝘆 𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀

As mentioned earlier, the speakers on the four doors are just midrange speakers, its range of operating frequency is +/- 60 Hz to +/- 3kHz.

(𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘨.2)

If that's the only speakers installed in the car, one could hear is only that range of music information.

This indicates that music information in the frequency range between10 to 60Hz and 3kHz to 20kHz are not effectively reproduced through the door speakers, hence, the music sounds flat and dull.

𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝟏𝟎 𝐇𝐳 ~ 𝟔𝟎 𝐇𝐳
This low frequency sub-bass, although it's just a narrow range, it is the foundation to good music, a properly tuned low frequency system provides the sense of envelopment of sound, a wide and deep soundstage, the sense of being in a live concert hall, without it, the music has no soul.

Some of the musical instruments that produce this range of frequency are :
• 𝗕𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝗱𝗿𝘂𝗺
• 𝗕𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝗴𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗿
• 𝗣𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗼
• 𝗣𝗶𝗽𝗲 𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻
• 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗿
• 𝗕𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝗧𝘂𝗯𝗮

It's extremely important for car audio to have sub-woofer, as it also serve to overcome the ambience noise generated by the engine and the road noise, without it the ambience noise could mask the bass notes of the music.

This problem does not exist in home audio system.

𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝟑𝐤𝐇𝐳 𝐭𝐨 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲
This range of frequency is commonly known as treble range, it consists of many "𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥" musical harmonics, the by-products- 1st, 2nd and 3rd harmonics of the fundamental frequency generated by musical instruments, it provides the most details, clarity and airiness on the musical passages.

This is where the accuracy of many musical instruments can be measured. System with good balance of treble produces excellent music quality.

Musical instruments that produce this range of frequency are :
• 𝗩𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗻
• 𝗙𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗲
• 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘁
• 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗿
• 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁
• 𝗣𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗼
• 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗿

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻
Quality of tweeter plays an important role in achieving good and accurate music.

Subwoofer is a "must have" music reproduction transducer, without it, the music sounds thin and no "body", it's like a live band without bass guitarist and a drummer.

In my 30+ years experience in car audio business, I realized that car audio newbie tends to overlooked the importance of the above elements.

When they were unhappy with the sound quality of the factory fitted system, the first thing that they will do is to replace the music source unit (player), not realizing that the cause of the poor sound was not due to the source but the speaker system.

Having a good sounding audio system in a car, it's like having a mobile sound-room, it follows wherever you go and keeps you entertained.

If you are a rock music "𝘬𝘢𝘬𝘪", you can play as loud as you like without causing disturbances to your neighbors and your family members.

In the coming issue, I will write about choosing the right speakers.