All prices are in US dollars.

Cliffhanger Audio's Argo-series speakers are more reasonably priced than the company's other offerings, but they appear from close examination to be just as well made. From right to left are the Argo M5 ($599 per pair), F5 ($999 per pair) and D5 surround speakers ($599 per pair).

The Aerial Acoustics "booth" shown in the top picture was an open floor space within which the company had arrayed a great number of its speakers. In the middle picture, the LR3 speakers ($3000 per pair) flank the CC3B center-channel speaker ($1500). Below them, the CC5 center-channel (left, $3500) sits next to the matching LR5 ($7000 per pair). The finishes on all of the Aerial speakers we saw were gorgeous.

Thiel was able to cover a very long wall with their speakers, but not every model the company makes. From outside to inside: CS7.2 ($13,500 per pair), CS2.3 ($3600 per pair), MCS1 ($2200 each), SCS3 ($1400 each), and PCS ($3000 per pair).

Rumors of EAD's demise are evidently exaggerated because the company showed products at CEDIA 2000, including the new Theater Vision P DVD player (top, $2750). The unit has an internal DVDO line doubler and offers VGA and RGB output.

Another high-end DVD player, Classé's DVD-1 ($3000) will replace the CD-1.5 CD player in the company's digital lineup.

For hard rock and soft rock? On top are outdoor speakers from TIC Industries, and below are similar products from Stereostone, including a music-making fountain in the center.

McIntosh's new Academy LS340 speakers ($5000 per pair) were shown and played in a late pre-production state, meaning the next units to roll off the line will be going out to consumers. In terms of construction, the speakers boast non-parallel cabinet sides and "Arched Bridge Truss" internal construction.

To the left of the Mac rack -- McIntosh, that is -- sits the company's new Academy PS112 powered subwoofer ($2500).

McIntosh's MHT100 System controller ($5000) has onboard switching for seven sources; Dolby Digital, Dolby ProLogic, and DTS decoders; and eight channels of amplification -- six at 100 watts and two at 50 watts. Its looks are classic retro McIntosh.