 High
End 2001 -- Frankfurt, Germany
ShowStoppers - Series 2
All prices in German marks (DM) unless
otherwise noted.
1 US dollar is approximately 2.3 German marks.
Germany's Isophon speakers stopped us in our
tracks when we saw their high level of finish and the innovative materials used in their
manufacture. The speaker on the left, the Europa (14,000-20,000 DM per pair depending on
finish), has a fantastic glossy finish and unique technology that you can read about in
our Faces and Places coverage. The smaller Vietia on the
right (10,000-14,000 DM per pair) actually features an aluminum veneer that is very
attractive and should be durable.
Clearaudio, the well-known German maker of
turntables, unveiled their first attempt at electronics. The Balanced Series amplifier and
preamplifier are priced at $5000 USD for both units. The amplifier is rated at 50Wpc pure
class A. The Clearaudio Basic phono stage (shown on top of the preamplifier) is sold
separately for $700 USD.
Chord showed their innovative DAC64, priced
$3000 USD. According to the company, it contains "one million logic gates" and
has a 64-bit DAC.
Both Jeff and Doug thought that the Relaxa 1
isolation platform from SAP of Italy was one of the coolest things they'd seen all day.
The acrylic platform is magnetically suspended about 1 inch above the base. The only
points of contact are two sets of pins and bearings on opposite corners. The Relaxa 1 will
hold up to 54 pounds and costs 1100 DM.
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