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The Best Show Reporting
Coverage of CES 2000 from Las Vegas, NV --
Jan. 6-9, 2000
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| SoundStage!
LIVE Product Coverage - January 8 |
Linn has made progress on the computer-based
music-management system first seen at CEDIA '99.
The Kivor system, shown above in a working prototype form, is designed to store an entire
music collection on hard drive, and allow playback through an audio system. The Kivor will
download album, artist, and track information from the Internet, allowing users to manage
song playlists via the computer display or through handheld Knekt keypads. It will have
facilities to import CD audio, 24-bit/96kHz material, and analog sources, and store them
without compression for maximum sound quality for later playback. Linn indicated that the
Kivor will also be able to store and manage compressed Internet file formats such as the
ubiquitous MP3. Linn expects to make the Kivor available within the next six months, but
pricing has not yet been determined.
There's nothing like eight 500-watt amplifiers to make Trent Reznor really reach
out and grab you. Linn's display at the Alexis Park consisted of four pairs of Klimax
monoblocks ($19,000 per pair) powering the Linn AV 5140 loudspeakers ($2900 per pair in
cherry, $2700 in black) in a bi-amped configuration. Linn's acclaimed Sondek CD12 CD
player ($20,000) drove the AV 5103 system controller ($7800 with onboard DTS decoder). The
sound on electronic music had hair-blowing power.
Dunlavy's new HRCC center-channel loudspeaker ($3795) is seen intimidating the Proceed
HPA-35 amplifier, both with its imposing size and deep bass extension (Dunlavy claims -2dB
to 26Hz).
Kharma's Exquisite Reference 1b loudspeakers ($64,599 per pair) feature a different
tweeter, a larger woofer, and a modified crossover from the original model. They're shown
here atop the new matching Kharma stands ($5499 per pair). The speakers are connected to
Lamm Industries ML1 amplifiers using Kharma's fire-hose-like cable. The sound was
terrifically impactful and displayed soundstaging that was behind-the-wall deep. Lamm has
electronics in three other rooms too -- they shipped 41 boxes or crates to Las
Vegas.
Thor's TPA-30 monoblock tube amps ($9990) perch in their round, black glory in the
Discovery Cable room.
David Wilson poses with his magnum opus, the $225,000 WAMM 7a system.
Wolcott's The Presence monoblock amps were able to drive Soundlab's A-1 loudspeakers,
which are a notoriously tough load. Using EL34 output tubes, The Presence have a rated
output of 220W, and are available in satin aluminum ($8495 per pair) and 14K gold ($8795
per pair) finishes.
Opera's slender Super Pavarotti 2.5-way floorstanding speakers ($1995 per pair) flank a
stand holding, from top to bottom, Unison Research's S6 33Wpc pentode integrated amp
($2995 with remote), an Audio Analogue Paganini CD player ($1395), and a Unison S8 24Wpc
triode integrated amp ($5295).
Wavelength's Napoleon New Century Edition ($20,000 per pair) are "100% silver"
8-watt SET amps that have no caps in the signal path -- and a smart location for the
inputs.
Blue Circle's BC22 Class AB 100Wpc stereo amplifier ($2150) rests atop the company's Amp
Pillow amplifier stand, which is available in custom sizes for varying prices. Also
visible under the amp are a number of other Blue Circle accessories.
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