German speaker wizards HGP offer
the Ronda ($8,000) which is a completely modular system. This allows you to
either use the complete system for a top-end system and/or use parts thereof
for a home theater system. The top sections is a 2.5-way loudspeaker using the
SuperTech Textile 25 mm tweeter, Kevlar/Carbon cone 13 cm midrange and
Kevlar/Ceramic 13 cm woofer. The lower section is two 17 cm Kevlar/Ceramic
cone subwoofers.
New to the high-end are James Loudspeaker. Using hand crafted
1" MDF wood, the Model 10 ($2,660) employs a 1" soft dome tweeter,
6.5" midrange and 10" woofer. The finish is hand rubbed high-gloss
black. James Loudspeakers also include their "Adjustable Frequency
Distribution Circuit" that is claimed to allow adjustments for the
various acoustical environment and "increase the effective output control
and damping factor of your power amplifier".
Jeff Joseph of Joseph Audio had an impressive home theater
display using their Cinergy 5.1 ($1,250) home theater loudspeaker for center
channel while various other speaker were using for mains and rear. Known for
their critically acclaimed high-end stereo loudspeakers, Jeff also wanted to
make sure people know his speakers worked exceptionally well in home theater
application too. Judging from what i hear in his room, his speakers could
easily please some of the most demanding movie lovers. Impact, dynamics,
nuance... Joseph Audio.
Loth X was showcasing their new $60,000 single-ended triode
300B based battery powered amplifier. Not many details as of yet, but it looks
to be a true "statement" piece. Some interesting things are afoot at
Loth X!
Wolcott Audio's Presence ($8,495) is a 220 watt monoblock tube
amplifier. Using their Autobias system, it is simply a "set and
forget" system. The Presence has a unique adjustable low frequency
damping adjustment which is rated at over 500 (damping factor of <500).
Both balanced 9XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) inputs are accommodated for while
speaker wire connections are via 5-way binding posts.
The new McCormack RLD-1 preamplifier ($1,695) is great value
for the dollar wireless remote control line stage preamplifier. Built using
high quality parts and construction techniques, it seems to be quite impressive
in my humble opinion. Some interesting things are afoot at McCormack too!
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