Las Vegas 2001

 

Added 12 / 26 / 00

Wavelength Audio will be at the CES suite AP1513 with their new Triton Signature NCE, battery powered Sine LL preamplifier. The Triton Signature New Century Edition ($10,000 per pair) is a two-stage amplifier monoblock using the 6C45PI input tube. This Russian tube is very similar to the highly prized Western Electric WE437A. This stage is transformer coupled to the 300B in auto-fixed bias mode while the output current of the 300B is set and monitored to insure the tube operates in the most optimized range. Power output is claimed as 15 watts per monoblock. Wavelength Audio's Sine preamplifier offers unusually superior performance in a preamplifier due to the virtually dead quiet operation and amplification it provides. The New Century Edition features a two-chassis design that separates the power supply from the amplification circuitry. The preamplifier's high voltage is provided by rechargeable batteries that recharge automatically when the unit is off. The power supply includes an isolated power transformer and features four switched AC outlets plus three power supply outputs for the Sine and other front-end components. Meanwhile the pre-amplification circuitry is housed in a separate unit and employs a single-stage design that includes an ECC86 tube plus a high-quality Penny & Giles volume control. Three stereo inputs via RCA jacks plus tape outputs are accommodated. The power supply has switched outputs for three NCE battery units (for use with their new Tangent phono section and other Wavelength Audio battery powered units). Pricing for the Sine preamplifier is $5,000 with a "wallwart" power supply or $6,000 with the external complete power supply.

 

 

Chesky Records will have various rooms demonstrating their 6.0 surround sound. At the CES' Alexis Park the Muse suite 2051 will feature Kevin Halverson's new Muse MAP digital preamplifier, digital transport and digital connections. The complete signal chain is 24-bit/96kHz. At Suite AP1958 the Joseph Audio with herald the new Pioneer DVD-Audio transport with VTL's new VTL 6.0 pre-amplifier and Chesky Records 24-bit/96kHz technology. David Chesky of Chesky Records feel that the 5.1 surround sound is not the proper way to reproduce music. Attendees can feel free to hear David's alternative.

 

 

Added 12 / 22 / 00

E.A.R. will be showing their first solid-state components at the CES' Alexis Park suite 1712. While renown guru Tim de Paravicini has been designing transistor-based circuits for many years, he has never produced a solid state component under the E.A.R. name (all have been tube based to date). Now he has broken with that tradition and created the 312 Control Centre pre-amplifier and the M100A single-ended monoblock power amplifiers. The 312 Control Centre was first seen worldwide on the Enjoy the Music.com™ Hi-Fi Show 2000 report. The amplifying circuit uses just three transistors in a single-ended configuration, a "tube-like" approach that E.A.R. claims to give a sound of unequalled sweetness and clarity. The power supply uses a choke input filter for low noise and low dependency on the purity of the incoming electricity. The wireless remote controlled 312 offers eight inputs, three of which are balanced and transformer-coupled. There are six transformer-coupled outputs, three balanced and three unbalanced. The phono input also utilizes transformer coupling for moving coil cartridges to achieve the lowest possible noise. To ensure very high overload headroom and complete stability, the RIAA equalization of the phono stage uses an inductor in a unique E.A.R. circuit configuration. U.S. retail price for the 312 Control Centre will be approximately $18,000.

E.A.R.'s new M100A single-ended mono power amplifiers also utilizes a "tube-like" design approach. Each amplifier employs eight transistors in an elementally simple, transformer-coupled configuration. Output power is rated at 100 watts per channel, two channels, for all loudspeaker impedances from 1 to 16 ohms. The amplifiers' fully choke-regulated power supplies behave in an utterly resistive fashion, and are completely immune to power irregularities. Like the 312, the M100As do not require additional power regulation or external AC filtering devices. At the heart of the M100A is the output transformer, which, like all transformers used in E.A.R. products, is custom-designed by Tim de Paravicini. This mammoth, 36 lbs. device is claimed to guarantee a true single-ended output reproducing a beauty and lucidity of sound rarely associated with solid state amplifiers. U.S. retail price for the M100A power amplifiers will be approximately $35,000 per pair.

 

 

Added 12 / 20 / 00

VAC's new Auricle stereo power amplifier ($1,990) is derived from the power amplifier section of the well regarded VAC Avatar (see our exclusive Avatar review by clicking here). The Auricle is built on an ultra-compact chassis of simple elegance and finished in two tones of grey. It is visually like the legendary Marantz 8B of days gone by. The Auricle is claimed to have a clean overload characteristics and is unconditional stabile that provides an exceptionally clear and clean music reproduction. A simple built in test meter provides you with positive assurance of correct operation. The Auricle has been designed and constructed to provide a long and trouble-free life of musical enjoyment.

Specifications
Power Output: 50+ wpc. into 16, 8, or 4 ohm load at 1kHz continuous
Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.1% @ 1 watt (1 kHz) into 8 ohms 
Frequency Response: 9 Hz-35 kHz (+0 / -0.5 dB)
Power Bandwidth: 11 Hz-63 kHz + 0 / -3.0 db ref. 50 watts
Input Sensitivity: 1.3 Volt 
Input Impedance: 250,000 ohms
Signal to Noise Ratio: -80dB (A-weighted) 
Power Consumption: 190 watts
Dimensions: 13-3/4" x 7-1/2" x 10-3/4" (WxHxD)
Weight: 50 lbs. net
Tube Compliment: four EL34, two 6CG7/6FQ7 and two 6BH6

VAC also has an Auricle Preamplifier. This is a slim-line line stage with remote control, and a companion piece to the above, at $1,990. Their Renaissance 30/30 Mk V is the next development of their longstanding Class A1 push-pull 300B circuit, now in a completely enclosed chassis. It offers the same features (bias test meter, etc.) and color scheme, but in an Avatar-sized chassis. Balanced inputs (via transformers) are available for the first time on a VAC power amp. The new Renaissance 70 monoblock is visually like the Renaissance 30/30 yet with 70 watts per monoblock. VAC's Renaissance Preamplifier (not to be confused with the flagship Renaissance Signature Preamp, which began shipping mid-year) is an all balanced circuit, remote controlled, class A1, triode preamp, transformer-coupled in and out, and a simplification of the Signature unit. The transformer inputs & outputs are said to yield great sonic benefits. With zero feedback, this unit is capable of driving a 200 ohm load! Size-wise, it is like the Standard Preamplifier with outboard power supply and the same color as the Renaissance Signature. The retail price is still being calculated, but in the $6,000 neighborhood; phono option adds approximately $1,500. Last but not least is their Standard 240 monoblock that uses eight EL34's, four transformers, triode switching, low impedance drivers, optional transformer balanced input, backlit bias meter, Avatar-sized chassis in the Avatar color scheme. VAC will be showcasing all the above goodies at the CES Alexis Park suite 2111 along with the Pipedreams (Nearfield Acoustics) and VPI turntable. The Standard 240's will do the bass honors while the Renaissance 70 monoblocks will do the midrange/tweeter towers.

 

 

The new Savoy ($39,900) is the latest addition to the EgglestonWorks Reference Series line of loudspeakers that is scheduled to appear at suite 1403 in the Alexis Park Resort hotel. The Savoy will be used with Krell's newest CAST (Current Audio Signal Transmission) technology components such as the KPS 28c CD player, KCT Stereo Preamplifier and the FPB 350Mc amplifiers. EgglestonWorks plans to have the Savoy ready for shipping by March 1, 2001. The Savoy uses four 12" woofers driven in a compound push/push pair-configuration to achieve frequencies down to 16Hz. Two 6" midbass drivers reproduce frequencies from 100Hz to 400Hz. A pair of 6" midrange drivers with 3" voice coils reproduces midrange frequencies from 400Hz to 2kHz while a 1" hand-made in Denmark tweeter reproduces the uppermost frequencies, from 2kHz up to 40kHz.

Specifications
Frequency Response: 16Hz to 40kHz (-6dB), 20Hz to 20kHz ± 1dB. 
Impedance: 8-15 ohms compatible (minimum 5 ohms @ 26Hz). 
Sensitivity: 85dB @ 1w/m. 
Power Recommendation: 100 watts. 
Inputs: Two sets of binding posts for bi-wiring/bi-amping 
Subwoofer/Midwoofer System: four 12" woofers. 
Midbass System: Twin compound-loaded 6" drivers with 3" voice coils. 
Midrange System: Twin 6" drivers in concentric array. 
Treble System: 1" fabric dome tweeter. 
Crossover Design: 24dB/octave filters at 100Hz, 400Hz, and 2kHz. Custom circuits are Time, Phase, and Frequency aligned. 
Size: 58" tall, 18" wide at bottom, 7.5" wide at top, and 24" deep. 
Weight: 475lbs.

 

 

Syn Factory SRL is a young Italian company attending T.H.E. Show in suite 1404 with their U-vola egg-shaped hanging loudspeakers. Technically, the U-vola is a unique hanging/suspended loudspeaker that is ellipsoid shape whose cabinet is based upon a unique mix of mineral aggregates KCF that is hollow inside. The U-vola cabinet is covered with special paints. Basic colors/coverings are white, aluminum, and watermelon. Others are available upon on request (i.e. Ferrari red).

Specifications
- bass reflex two ways
- impedance 8 Ohm
- advise power 25-120 Watt
- woofer 100 mm - tweeter 26 mm
- frequency crossing 3.000 Hz
- answer frequency 60 - 20.000Hz
- sensibility + 86 dB/W/m
- single weight 8 Kg
- dimensions: Height420 D. 210 mm
- steel wire hanging system 200 cm
- gold painted jack cable connection

 

 

EdgeAudio will be exhibiting at CES at suites 1509 and 1510 with DiAural and Kimber Kable at the Alexis Park Resort with lots of goodies. The new SW8 powered subwoofer 8" unit (as first seen on our November New Page) offers a smaller, more affordable alternative to their original 12" model. A new tower speaker, new D'Appolito design bookshelf speaker and a unique new look for the entire EdgeAudio line! All of the new EdgeAudio speakers use patented DiAural technology in place of a conventional crossover.

 

 

Camelot Technology, Inc will be CES suite 9223 with their The Round Table ($3995) progressive scan DVD player, The Dragon 5.1 ($599) digital surround enhancer and Arthur 24/96 ($699) 24-bit/96kHz DAC. The Round Table DVD Player by Camelot Technology combines a high level of design, engineering, and manufacturing technologies to create ultra-high performance in a DVD Player. Both digital audio and video circuits have massive, sophisticated power supplies. After retrieving and decoding the MPEG-2 data from a DVD, the Round Table processes the video portion of the signal on a physically separate circuit board to minimize crosstalk and ensure maximum performance. Utilizing true 10-bit video devices, the video board of the Round Table provides an exceptionally smooth and detailed picture through its Composite, S-Video, and Component interlaced video outputs. In addition, the S-Video output. Utilizing the breakthrough PureProgressive Digital Video Technology by DVDO, the Round Table's remarkable video stage also provides a true 480p Progressive Scan output to compatible televisions via RGB, VGA and Component (Y-Pr-Pb) interfaces. The Progressive Scan module of the Round Table is said to create a stunning, film-like images with virtually none of the motion artifacts commonly associated with affordable de-interlacing techniques. The new Burr Brown PCM1732 24-bit DAC/HDCD Digital Filter, the Round Table decodes normal CDs, HDCD discs and 24-bit/96 kHz audio-only DVDs. It also automatically upsamples normal 16-bit/44kHz CDs to 24-bit/96kHz quality.

The ARTHUR 24/96 24-bit/96 kHz unit features dual Burr Brown PCM 1704 24-bit/96 kHz DAC section, Burr Brown DF1704 24-bit/96kHz digital filter and decodes normal 16-bit/44 kHz CDs and 24-bit/96 kHz audio-only DVDs. A built-in upsampling circuit converts 16-bit/44 kHz material such as CDs to 24-bit/96kHz. The Arthur supports 32, 44, 48, and 96 kHz sampling frequencies. The analog output stage is operated in pure "Class A". Four Digital inputs are offered such as two I²S (5-pin Mini Din and 6-pin Inline Locking Din), Coaxial and TOSlink. The Dragon 5.1 Digital Surround Enhancer features ultra-low jitter clock recovery system utilizing Dual PLLs with Crystal Semiconductor 8414 Input Receiver. It also "De-jitters" any 32, 44, 48, and 96 kHz signal, including CD, 24/96 audio-only DVD, Dolby Digitals and DTS material. Digital inputs include Coaxial and TOSlink while three digital outputs via Coaxial, TOSlink and I²S are included.

 

 

Added 12 / 18 / 00

Aloia will introduce their 24-bit/192kHz Upsampling Inductive Powered CD player and feature both its inductive powered preamplifier and amplifier in both of Sanibel Sound's main systems at the Oakmont Room / Golden Nugget & Room 1610 at T.H.E. Show. They will also be used in many rooms throughout the show such as Dunlavy Audio Labs (AmeriSuites), Spendor (AP 1302), & Halcro (AP 1754). The Inductive Preamp features dual volume attenuators, 5 inputs, and an optional phonostage board is available.

 

 

Audiomeca will unveil their new 24-bit/192kHz Upsampling CD player and DAC processor with their well-known European designer, Pierre Lurne on hand for questions and comments. Show attendees can see and hear these as well as other Audiomeca digital and analog components in Sanibel Sound's main systems in the Oakmont Room of the Golden Nugget and Room 1610 at St. Tropez. The Mephisto II and Ambrosia DAC can also be seen with Dunlavy loudspeakers (AmeriSuites), Spendor loudspeakers (AP 1302), Audes loudspeakers (AP 1302), & Halcro Amps (AP 1754).

 

 

Audio Tekne will be distributed for the first time in the USA following the CES show by Sanibel Sound. The line is currently being used by one of the more prominent reviewers of Ultimate Audio and includes interconnects, speaker cables, power cords, accessories and line treatments. They also offer loudspeakers and other components. You can see and hear the impact of these cables and more in systems by Sanibel Sound (Golden Nugget Oakmont Room & T.H.E. Show Room 1610) and Halcro (AP 1754).

 

 

Aliante will exhibit models from their Pininfarina line of loudspeakers in Sanibel Sound's main display room at the Golden Nugget (Oakmont Room). The bodies of these Italian made speakers were designed by Pininfarina, of legendary sports car acclaim (i.e. my fave Italian beauty Ferrari). Forza Ferrari! They also come in Ferrari red for those who desire loudspeaker that match their fine automobile.

 

 

Sanibel Sound, the distributor for Aloia, Audiomeca, Audio Tekne and Aliante will have two main demo rooms. The first is at the Golden Nugget in the Oakmont Room where they will feature equipment from all five lines and add diversity with the use of a pair of Verity Parsifal loudspeakers. The second room is at T.H.E. Show, where they are sharing room 1610 with Piega Loudspeakers. There you will be able to see all the electronics, cables, and stands. Other prominent manufacturers will use Sanibel Sound products in their demo systems as well:

Spendor Loudspeakers: Alexis Park Room 1302
will use the Aloia Inductive Powered Preamp &
Audiomeca Mephisto II Transport & Ambrosia DAC

Audes Loudspeakers: Alexis Park Room 1302
will use the Audiomeca Mephisto II Transport
& Ambrosia DAC

Dunlavy Loudspeakers: AmeriSuites Paradise Room
will use the Aloia Inductive Powered Preamp & Amp, 
& Audiomeca Mephisto II Transport and Ambrosia DAC.

Halcro Amplifiers: Alexis Park Room 1754
will use the Aloia Inductive Powered Preamp 
and Audiomeca Mephisto II Transport.

 

 

47 Labs will be at T.H.E. Show, suite 1005 (directly next to the entrance). 47 Lab is going to bring in the final product version of Pitracer CD transport. The Pitracer is almost the same design as the prototype presented at last year's T.H.E. Show, but every detail has been refined, both mechanically and cosmetically. It also comes in usual 47Lab black and also blushed aluminum silver. The price will be approximately $25,000. 47 Labs claims that In spite of the high price tag there is already a long list of orders after they presented it at The Tokyo Audio Expo in November 2000. 47 Lab's new monoblock prototype will also be shown during this event. It uses a power IC originally designed for controlling heavy machinery! The texture and the speed of presentation is said to be a true knock out! Each instrument is reproduced with three dimensionally sounds out of the deep background. It will produce 50-60 watts per channel and will carry a price tag of $10-12,000 a pair.

Along with 47 Lab, they are presenting Kore-eda Laboratory tube amplifiers from Japan. Their power amplifier is a 300B based push-pull mono blocks that deliver 13 watts per channel. While very few people have heard of Kore-eda Laboratory in USA, Mr. Shigeharu Kore-eda is a well known tube specialist among Japanese maniac audiophiles gathered around "Kankyu Oukoku" (Tube Kingdom) magazine (subsidiary of Stereo Sound). He has been making custom order tube amplifiers for over 20 years. His amplifiers have achieved a legendary status among hardcore tube maniacs in Japan. Sakura Systems, the USA distributor of 47 Labs, are going to introduce Mr. Kore-eda's first production model pre-amplifier and monoblock power amplifier. Many parts for both models are custom made for the purpose within the amplifier's design. The pre-amplifier is a two chassis construction with six original Techtronics 12AU6 Silver Label tubes for the gain stage. It took Mr. Kore-eda three years and twenty new test bench hardware devices to complete the project. The pre-amplifier will be around $20,000 and the monoblocks will be around $25,000 a pair.

 

 

CES 2001 will see Soliloquy host a total of three exhibits, two in the Alexis Park and one in the St. Tropez. Suite 1753 in the Alexis Park will feature two premieres, the Cary Audio "V-12" amplifier and Soliloquy's Model 6.5 flagship design (seen right). The new 6.5 speaker is an unconventional five-driver array in a "3.3-way" configuration. It introduces new 1.125" silk dome and 2" soft-dome midrange units that are flush-mounted onto an anodized steel plate that itself is recessed into a 1.5" thick front baffle. A separate steel plate combines three 6.5" woofers into a line-source module to act as a single compound driver down to the specified -3dB @ 23Hz low frequency extension. At the top of their band, these woofers roll off at different frequencies to seamlessly transition to the dedicated midrange driver, hence the 3.3-way designation. The massive 150 lbs. cabinet, combined with the inert wave launch driver mounts, literally subtracts the enclosure from the overall sonic image to render a huge, deeply layered soundstage and lightning-fast transient response. Further specs include 92dB sensitivity and a benign 8 ohms nominal impedance.

Complete system listing: 
Cary CD-306 24/96 upsampling CD player with dual-differential DAC architecture ($5,000) 
Cary SP-98 preamp with remote ($3,100) 
Cary CAD-280 SA "V12" amplifier in Jaguar automobile carnival-red clear coat lacquer ($4,000)
Soliloquy Model 6.5 five-driver 3.3way floor stander ($5,995) 
Analysis Plus Silver Oval and Oval 9 cabling 
Sound Application CF-X power line conditioner and RF filter 
"Spider" by Finite Elemente equipment supports

Suite 1763 will display a complete Cary Audio/Soliloquy multi-channel system around the Soliloquy models 6.2, C-3, S-10 and 5.0 while Cary will premiere their new Cinema-series solid state electronics.

Complete system listing:
Cary Cinema D-3 DVD/CD player ($3,000) 
Cary Cinema P-7 7.1 processor ($3,000)
Cary Cinema A-5 multi-channel amp ($3,000) 
Soliloquy Models 6.2 ($2,500), C-3 ($795), S-10 ($1,395) and 5.0 ($1,395 with custom stands) 
Philips HDTV monitor 
TARA Labs cabling

Suite 1405 of T.H.E. Show in the adjacent St. Tropez hotel will premiere Art Audio's new PX-25 single-ended triode amplifier and Resolution Audio's CD55 CD player with 705.6kHz internal upsampling and analog domain remote-controlled variable outputs, driving Soliloquy Model 6.2s. The "less-is-more" theme of this exhibit eschews unnecessary expense and complexity to show user-friendly High-End minimalism at its best.

Complete system listing:
Resolution Audio CD55 ($3,000) 
Art Audio PX-25 6wpc zero-feedback SET amplifier ($5,000) 
Soliloquy Model 6.2 ($2,500)
Sound Application CF-X power line conditioner and RF filter 
Cabling by Acoustic Zen

 

 

Final Labs will be showing their complete line of battery powered units. Their music series amplifiers (Music 4, Music 5 and Music 6) with DC power supply (battery), the OPUS-202 loudspeakers, their very popular Daurma-3II vibrations isolators (seen right), digital noise filter MEGA-8 and their audio cables. Also demonstrated at T.H.E. Show will be their new AC power supply that uses tubes. See the Enjoy the Music.com™ Review Magazine Final Labs system review.

 

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