ShowStoppers -
Series 1
All prices are quoted in US dollars unless
otherwise noted.
The latest company to use single-crystal wire
for its interconnects and speaker cables is Analysis Plus, which adds its Hollow Oval
geometry to the design mix. Top is the Solo Crystal Oval interconnect ($399/meter pair)
and below it the Solo Crystal Oval 8 speaker cable ($870/eight-foot single-wire pair).
Piega's beautifully made P2 loudspeaker uses
the same ribbon tweeter as that in the nearly $10,000/pair P-10, but costs a mere
$1700/pair. The speaker's grille slides into place on the front, so there are no inserts
on the baffle or pegs on the grille. A Limited Edition version of the P2 with upgraded
components and cabinetry is also available for $4000/pair.
Headphone-loving audiophiles whose only
headphone jacks are on portable CD players will rejoice over new products from Antique
Sound Lab that connect between amplifier and speaker (left) or preamp and power amp to
enable headphone listening through an audio system. Prices are $139 for either unit.
Blue Circle's new CS line-level preamp ($795)
joins the CS power amp ($1095) as Blue Circle's least-expensive separates.
Cambridge Audio's new DVD 300 DVD player
($449) costs only a little more than a mass-market DVD player but boasts heavy-duty
construction and audiophile sound.
New from Linn is the Classik Movie System
($3000), a complete A/V system with receiver/DVD player and five speakers. It also
features multi-room capabilities.
Onkyo's DR-S2.2 is a 40Wpc surround-sound receiver/DVD
player that sells with speakers and a subwoofer for $1795 CAD. It can also be purchased
separately. |
