CEDIA Expo 2007
Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association

  Verity Audio is introducing the new Verity Audio Sarastro Center channel loudspeaker for multi-channel systems. The Sarastro Center is an uncompromised center channel loudspeaker designed to complement our reference Lohengrin II or Sarastro loudspeakers in the highest performance home theater systems. Borrowing advanced drivers and cabinet construction techniques from our reference loudspeakers allows the Sarastro Center to reveal subtle nuances while also delivering all the impact your music or cinema experience calls for. The Sarastro Center is comprised of three independent cabinets joined together in such a way as to minimize energy transmission between them. This three-way system features custom drivers, including the proprietary Verity Audio-designed-and-built ribbon tweeter used in our new Lohengrin II, and it boasts a true 94dB/W/m sensitivity rating for wide dynamic range with the amplifier of your choice.
See our exclusive review of the Verity Audio Sarastro loudspeaker by clicking here.

 

  KEF, on a roll with many new loudspeakers at CEDIA, is also showing their PicoForte Series compact iPod solutions, each featuring a docking station, amplification module, and a pair of award-winning KHT Series speakers. Designed as a high-quality, no-compromise alternative to the low fidelity speakers and headphones through which iPods are all-too-frequently played, the PicoForte systems combine the advantages of the iPod source with the superb sound quality. The PicoForte systems consist of a docking and amplifier module and two separate speakers to enhance performance and flexibility. Two systems are available, the PicoForte 1 and the PicoForte 3 ($349.99 and $599.99 respectively). The PicoForte 1 includes a pair of KEF's new KHT1005.2 speakers that, while remarkably compact, are nonetheless capable of full-range frequency response and room-filling sound. The PicoForte 3 includes a pair of the award-winning KEF KHT3005 speakers, which although still modestly sized and easy to accommodate, provide even deeper bass response. Featuring KEF's Uni-Q "sit-anywhere" technology, allowing listeners to enjoy the same rich stereo image from anywhere in the room, the PicoForte systems are compatible with every currently available iPod as well as include a 3.5mm audio jack for use with all non-Apple MP3 players. Both systems also include a connection for an optional subwoofer as well as an S-Video connection for displaying song titles (in a wide range of supported languages) or even playing movies when connected to video capable iPods. The docking/amplification modules having a small 4 x 3.3 inch footprint.

 

  Savant Systems is showing their Rosie Server that is in development for future release. This multi-functional server delivers key services within the Savant architecture including a touchpanel UI server (up to 8 independent interfaces) and iTunes-based digital media server (featuring up to 3 TB of storage). The multi-function Rosie Server is built upon the fastest, most powerful, most configurable architecture available on the market today. Every unit harnesses the power of two multi-core Xeon processors, the fastest Quad-Core Intel Xeon available, with groundbreaking 8-core power. An intelligent and configurable touchpanel user-interface allows for ease of use and supports up to eight independent user interfaces, such as Savant's family of in-wall touchpanels or the newly announced and Coffee Table Touchpanel Controller. By integrating iTunes media with the Savant architecture, the Rosie Server creates a solution that provides access to all iTunes content including music, movies, TV shows, Internet radio, audiobooks, and podcasts.

 

  Destination Audio, a manufacturer of high performance home audio products, now offers two new compact systems, the CS100 and the CS500 series ($198/pr and $398/pr respectively) . The CS100 series consists of the CS100 compact satellite speakers and the CS100C compact center channel and features a poly resin cabinet with rounded corners and a smooth pebble grain finish. Both models can be mounted on the wall or on optional speaker stands. The CS100 has a 4-inch aluminized fiberglass matrix woofer and a 1-inch nano-silk soft dome tweeter. The CS100C features dual 4-inch drivers and a tweeter. Rounding out the system is the SC10 ($440) powered subwoofer with a 10-inch aluminized fiberglass matrix driver. The CS500 series consists of the CS500 compact bookshelf speakers, CS500C compact center channel and the CS500T compact tower speaker. The CS500 series cabinets are constructed of MDF, have a smooth pebble grain finish with rounded corners and interchangeable faceplates (baffles). All speakers in the CS500 series come standard with pewter faceplates; however, Destination Audio offers black, cherry and rosewood faceplates that can replace the pewter faceplates, allowing the speakers to match almost any décor. The CS500 and CS500C can be mounted on the wall or on optional speaker stands. The CS500 uses a 4-inch aluminized fiberglass matrix woofer and a 1-inch nano-silk soft dome tweeter while the CS500C features dual 4-inch drivers and a 1-inch nano-silk tweeter. For those looking for more, the CS500T ($1,138/pr) comes with four 4-inch drivers and nano-silk tweeter.

 

  Acoustiblok, a revolutionary sound isolation product, provides a solution for home owners who want to have their listening rooms acoustically isolated. While other manufacturers of sound proofing material attempt to stop or absorb sound, Acoustiblok employs a unique thermodynamic process to transform sound energy into inaudible friction energy as the material flexes from sound waves. Acoustiblok is made of a 1/8-inch thick proprietary viscoelastic polymer material with a high density mineral content, heavy yet extremely flexible. A layer of Acoustiblok in a standard wall will result in more sound reduction than 12 inches of poured concrete and can reduce sound transmission by as much as 30 decibels. Acoustiblok requires no building permit changes, structural or finish change, new tools or skilled labor. It is easily cut with a utility knife and is typically stapled to wood studs, or screwed to metal studs before drywall. Acoustiblok was awarded the John Connell Award for Technology and Innovation bestowed by the Britain's Noise Abatement Society at the British House of Commons. Furthermore, Acoustiblok is UL approved for use in 277 fire-rated wall/floor/ceiling assemblies and is UV resistant and impervious to water and is mold classified 10 (the highest rating).

 

  International A/V manufacturer Rotel Electronics, known worldwide for more than four decades for their unique high-end audio and home theater components, has officially launched their RSP-1069 ($2,199) surround processor/preamplifier. With its simple, uncluttered front panel testifying to an easy user interface, the RSP-1069 is at home atop the most advanced system-stacks, whether concealed in a custom-built equipment closet or in a place of pride atop a rack or cabinet. Technologically, what's inside the RSP-1069 makes it ideally suited to deliver all of the performance even the most demanding multichannel installation demands. Rotel's RSP-1069 features the Aureus audio-DSP engine from Texas Instruments, one of the most powerful and sophisticated on the market. This gives the RSP-1069 a superb foundation for its state-of-the-art multi-channel audio palette, which includes the full menu of Dolby Digital/EX, Pro Logic II/x, and DTS/ES-Discrete and Neo:6 modes. This sophisticated start is leveraged fully by the RSP-1069's use of 24-bit/192kHz digital-to-analog converters from industry leader Burr Brown. Rotel's strict adherence to its "Balanced Design Concept" lavishes equal care on component-selection and circuit design of each critical section, including digital, video, analog audio, and power supply designs. On the video side, Rotel has selected the Faroudja DCDi video processor to provide upscaling of incoming video sources up to 1080p (or 1080i or 720p, if preferred) with four HDMI inputs and three HD/1080i-capable component paths. The RSP-1069 provides ample automation options. Three independently assignable 12-volt triggers, and fully duplex RS-232 serial-port control. Rotel's three additional zones of stereo audio-plus-video, each with individual source-selection and volume control, allow the RSP-1069 to serve as the command center of a flexible multi-room system, to which Rotel's new line of ultra-compact, high-power Class D multichannel amplifiers present the perfect complement. Rotel's RSP-1069 is available in black matte or black and silver cabinets.
We have many reviews of Rotel gear including their Rotel RA971 stereo integrated amplifier, Rotel RC-1070 preamplifier & RB-1050 amplifier, and Rotel RA-1062 integrated amplifier.

 

  Audioquest's Rocket series is at CEDIA Expo 2007 and is constructed with solid long-grain copper/perfect-surface (LGC/PSC/PSC+) in dual-triple and double star-quad low inductance geometry. Rocket 33, Rocket 44 and Rocket 88 is said to push the envelope of loudspeaker cable design and extend bi-wire and full range capabilities that have made the 'Flat Rock' cables so appealing at a more modest price. The Rockets offer exceptional performance, with the Rocket 33's solid conductors and dual-triple geometry. Audioquest's Rocket 44 features a double-star-quad geometry and Spread-Spectrum Technology whereas the Rocket 88 has double-star-quad geometry and Dielectric-Bias System.

 

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