BAT's new VK AV-10 preamp/processor costs $12,000-$15,000 depending on configuration.

Also new from BAT, the VK-6200 solid-state amp, which costs $4995 for two-channel configuration and $1250 for each additional channel.

The Mark Levinson No.40 Media Console was shown in a late pre-production version. As Doug Blackburn and Marc Mickelson found out while listening in on a demo of the unit, its features are rich even by Madrigal standards. The No.40 will be available "sometime this year" at a cost "somwhere in the mid-$20k range."

The CTC Blowtorch preamp (top shelf of rack, $10,000) has been the subject of some very positive Internet banter. It was shown with the CTC BBQ amp (bottom, $7000), G&D Tranforms/TG Audio digital front-end ($12,000), and Reimer Teton speakers ($6995 per pair).

Now in production, the Vandersteen Reference Monitor ($6495 per pair with stands) uses an LED system for time and phase alignment of the speakers at the listening seat.

The new mbl 111B speakers retail for $16,000 per pair and looked great in their silver finish.

Legend Audio showed three new amplifiers. From left to right are the 50Wpc triode Alpha stereo amp ($2995), Nirvana 100W triode monoblocks ($6500 per pair), and 10W SET Swan stereo amp ($3800).

More from Legend. The new Starlet speakers ($2495 per pair) match the various finishes and cosmetics of the Legend electronics. They also have two internal cavities that buyers can fill with sand for damping purposes.