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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