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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 ShowStoppers - Series 7 |
SimAudio's new Moon Attraction surround-sound
processor (top, $4995) and absolutely immense Moon Rock A/V amp ($15,000 to $18,000 when
available) were on silent display only, but everybody who saw them had plenty of
questions. The Rock will deliver 300 watts to five channels and require a 240-volt power
line.
Birdland Audio's Gilles Gamiero showed the new Odéon-lite
24/96 DAC with Solid Tube technology. The very small Odéon-lite features 24/96
DVD-compatible DACs; upconverting digital filter that converts all digital formats to 24
bits; Solid Tube output stage; RCA, BNC, TosLink, and AES/EBU inputs; separate digital and
analog transformers; internal power conditioning; and an analog volume control. The retail
price for this feature-filled package is $980.
A new line of speakers designed by Phil Jones, formerly of Platinum Audio, was shown under
the aad brand name. Shown here are the eye-catching aad Model 2001 speakers ($1795 per
pair) on their matching stands ($695 per pair).
The re-introduced Diapason loudspeaker line was
shown by Diapason America. The NUX ($2399 per pair in standard finishes) is Diapason's
first floorstanding loudspeaker. It employs "Direct Drive" technology to allow
the woofer to be connected directly to the amplifier with no other components in the
signal path. Custom automotive-paint finishes are optional, and it was said that the
effect, given the stunning shape of the NUX, is quite something to see.
Oracle showed the new 1.5si integrated amplifier
($10,000 and available in four months), 150Wpc into 8 ohms and weighing 100 pounds, which
features no global feedback, extended bandwidth for excellent phase performance, and high
damping factor. It is continuously powered for optimum sound quality, dual mono in design,
and stable into most known speaker loads. The styling of the 1.5si complements other
Oracle products, which are as notable for their appearance as for their performance.
Oracle was also showing their CD player in a new extra-cost gloss-black-and-gold-finish,
and it was stunning.
New Zealand's Audio Fusion introduced the Volare
loudspeaker, which looks like it escaped from the Hard Rock casino and hotel and its
collection of hardware stylized on cars, motorcycles and musical instruments. Expect
availability in April 2000 at a price in the neighborhood of $20,000 per pair.
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