Las Vegas 2001

 

Added 12 / 15 / 00

deHavilland Electric Company will be debuting their new Aries-845 single-ended triode amplifier and their Aries-572 amplifier. The new Aries-845 amplifier features the venerable 300B driving the 845 power triode. It is rated at 25 watts output. Their Aries-572 amplifier is also of the single-ended triode zero negative feedback variety. This mono block operates in 100% "Class A" and produces 40 watts per unit. Priced at $3,995, the Aries-572 employs a transmitting style output tube (Svetlana SV-572-10) capable of very high power handling. Combined with an innovative circuitry, this amplifier is said to easily drive modern loudspeakers. Frequency response is rated at 20Hz to 35kHz. A variable feedback circuitry is included for 0 to 8dB of user selectable negative feedback. The audio circuitry is 100% point-to-point hardwired while the entire unit weighs is at a hefty 55 lbs. deHavilland Electric Company will be at T.H.E. Show suite 1006 and also use the Buggtussel loudspeakers and Cardas Audio cables and interconnects. The source components will be by California Audio Labs as well as a Sony SACD player.

 

 

Media Access will be showing the line of Aurios Media Isolation Bearing (MIB) at T.H.E. Show suite 1808-1810. There will be both static and active displays of their Aurios MIB ($299 for set of three), Aurios Micro MIB (OEM for manufacturers), and the Aurios Pro Audio MIB (tentatively $600 for set of three). The Aurios MIB is a robust device/tweak that covers an array of vibration isolation needs for audiophiles and equipment manufactures. As a result of structural physics analysis and the use of high-precision state-of-the-art materials, the Aurios MIB are claimed to uniformly reduce the broadband intermodulation distortion generated when a media component is shaken through structure-borne or through air-borne circumstances. Benefits of using the Aurios MIB are cumulative and progressively more engaging as additional components in the chain are isolated.

 

 

Simaudio will be at the CES suite AP 2001 showing their new Moon HT-200 multi-channel amplifier and the Moon Air Analog FM Tuner. Simaudio strongly believes that FM radio is still considered a significant source for music lovers and audiophiles alike. Their new FM tuner is analog (rather than a phase locked loop digital circuit) for various reasons. Simaudio claims that analog provides for more precise adjustment to the center of a desired station frequency, which in turn maximizes stereo separation. Also for the ability for minimizing on-frequency interference by tuning slightly off center in certain situations such as when operating in urban centers and for the superior sonic performance analog provides by maintaining the audio signal in the analog domain throughout the entire circuit. The front panel LED indicators are for center tune, signal strength, multipath, stereo, mute & bandwidth while there is a switch for two separate antenna arrays. The power supply includes EMI filtration, a shielded toroidal transformer, ultra-linear capacitors and precision voltage stabilizers. a wireless remote control operates all switching functions. Signal-to-noise is claimed as 76.0dB with a frequency response from 15Hz to 17KHz. Stereo separation is said to be 60dB. Manufacturer's suggested retail price is $2595 and shipping to authorized Simaudio dealers in early 2001.

Simaudio's new Moon HT-200 multi-channel power amplifier is of modular design offering from two to seven channels of amplification. Using the same basic technologies as their Moon W-3, W-5 and W-10 power amplifiers, the new Moon HT-200 replaces other previous multi-channel amplifier, the HT-5. The power supplies use two proprietary 1.1KVa toroidal transformers in conjunction with capacitance of 216,000 microfarads that are capable of producing a maximum output of 400 watts per channel into 4 ohms. Each channel consists of eight matched BiPolar output devices to produce 200 watts per channel at 8 ohms. Both balanced (XLR) and single-ended (RCA) inputs are provided for. The Moon HT-200 will have a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $5,995 for the five-channel configuration and will be available at Simaudio dealers in early 2001. Simaudio products will also be on active display at Dynaudio's CES booth at LV Hilton D9816.

 

 

Panamax will be exhibiting at booth 8054 of the CES showing their new affordable line of surge protectors that provides surge and over-voltage protection for home electronics and A/V systems that utilize cable lines. This new line of 6 products range in price from $89.95 - $169.95. The MAX 8 Coax ($89.95) protects connected home A/V systems that utilize coaxial cable lines. The MAX 8 Com/Data Surge Protector ($169.95) features SurgeGate Circuitry, premier protection technology for electronic equipment. SurgeGate Circuitry is a power monitoring system that protects AC equipment against prolonged over-voltages, as well as surges. The MAX 8 DBS+5 ($149.95) features Premier Surge Protection Technology. The MAX 8 DBS+5, protects connected Direct Broadcast Satellite systems that utilize phone and coaxial cable lines.

 

 

Silversmith Audio will be at the CES suite 2111 with Nearfield Acoustics Pipedream loudspeakers, VAC pre-amplifier and amplifier, and the VPI TNT 5 turntable. Their cables will also be used with Lamm equipment in the Audes suite AP1302 on their new flagship speaker the Nemo. Silversmith Audio's hand made cables are unique in that they utilize a single, ultra-thin, solid-core ribbon of pure silver in an air dielectric. The speaker cables do not utilize traditional connectors. Instead of using additional spade lugs or banana plugs, the ribbon itself is cut in the shape of a spade. At T.H.E. Show their Canadian distributor, NuView Audio, will be using Silversmith Audio cables on the Australian Osborn loudspeakers and Redgum electronics in suite 1605. Additionally, Randy Bankert of O.S. Services will be using the Silversmith Audio cables with the Audion Golden Dreams and Shearne Audio electronics on a variety of loudspeakers in suite 1001.

 

 

Added 12 / 14 / 00

TreMa Sound, Inc. will be showing their new top of the line Kharma Grand Ceramique loudspeaker at the CES. Using ceramic drivers as in other Ceramique line units, this rear-ported four loudspeaker three-way design uses two 11" Nomex Kevlar woofers, a 7" ceramic midrange driver and an inverted 1" titanium dome tweeter. Internal cabling includes double runs of Kharma's own pure silver/gold cable. Impedance is rated at 4 ohms while precision-made German WBT loudspeaker terminals insure high quality cable connection. Standard finishes include Metallic Champagne, Metallic Aubergine, Metallic Green, Metallic Black and Metallic Bronze. Price not finalized at this time, though expected to be in the neighborhood of $30,000.

 

 

PS Audio will be introducing their new PowerFrame amplification system. Consisting of two frames and two power modules (MultiFrame, SingleFrame, a mono and a stereo module), these units are visually based on PS Audio's P600. While the power modules are available as a stereo or mono module, the stereo module offers a pair of 200 watt per channel power amps while the mono unit produces 300 watts. The MultiFrame can be configured from a single channel unit to upwards of a six channels of amplification! As for the actual technology inside the PowerFrame, the input stage is a fully balanced cascode JFET zero feedback design that operates on an extremely high power supply voltages. What makes this unit quite interesting is that the output stage has no gain! It is designed to lower the output impedance to "a near perfect zero". To quote PS Audio "This solves an age-old problem of tube amps, low feedback and zero feedback designs, poor damping factor (which they all suffer from). Because low damping factor equates to a loss of control of the loudspeaker, the ideal amplifier would have huge amounts of damping, but no feedback in the voltage stage. The Power Frame system will be the first in the world to achieve this long sought after goal." No pricing set.

 

 

Added 12 / 13 / 00

From the geniuses at Manley Labs based in Chino, California, comes two new tube units showing at the CES Alexis Park suite 1312: their new Manley Neo-Classic SEPP 300B amplifiers and The Steelhead MC+MM stand-alone phono stage. The Neo-Classic SEPP 300B directly replaces the older 'Retro' model. While the old 'Retro' retailed at $5,500, the "NEO" will be priced at $7200 yet are said to be a huge improvement sonically and technically over the old 'Retros'. Featuring solid billet aluminum, highly polished, then black anodized black side pillars which double as corner covers and feet, the chassis itself is high-polish never-rust stainless steel and is adorned by a 24K gold-plated billet faceplate. Manley Labs describes this new chassis as "strong and sexy". After a long development period, the new NEO-Classic SEPP 300B amplifiers provide a vast increase in power bandwidth over the 'Retro' even though actual output power was reduced to 12 watts in Single-Ended mode and 25 watts in push-pull mode to get the operating parameters of the 300B's into a safer range. The driver stage's peak output voltage was increased by 60V p-p in PP mode with much, much lower THD over the older 'Retro'. The 300B heater supply ripple was reduced by 40dB (!) in the Neo-Classic SEPP 300B amplifiers over the older 'Retro' model. While the 'Retro' previously employed half solid-state diodes and half 5U4 diodes in the B+ rectification circuit, the Neo's B+ supply is now 100% tube rectified in a full wave bridge configuration. In-house built output and super-quiet power transformers were designed for the new unit as well. High-grade WBT binding posts for loudspeaker connections is just one more improvement over Manley Labs' previous designs. Svetlana tubes are shipped as stock.

Below is a complete quote of an e-mail sent to me by owner of Manley Labs, EveAnna Manley, concerning their new phono stage. i make no apologies for her enthusiasm as it is good to see a manufacture so passionate about their new products:

We're going debut to the world a bad-ass kick-ass real frikkin' cool phono stage at CES. It's called, aquatic naming theme continuing, The Steelhead. As it is an "upstream" device and has a very clever MC variable load auto tranny that Mitch Margolis (on-staff manley hifi designer) designed and our very own Manley Magnetics department executed (which makes the MC stage so very clever).

Iron=transformer="steel" makes sense to me...

It is MC with selectable impedance load via Mr. Clever "Steelhead"
transformer/autoformer. It is also fixed 47Kohm MM with selectable-dial-able-in-able-from-the-faceplate-able capacitive loading for the MM & MC 0 to 1000 picofarads in 10 picofarad steps. very cool! Equalize baby! TEN picofard steps! Wow! How do we do it? Ha ha ha... just wait and see...

It's got six tubes. 2 x 6922 plus 4 x 6414. It's got a big honkin' volume control. It can drive an amplifier directly if you want, if you don't "do" digital. Hey and if you happen to have three turntables set up, we give you 2 x MC and 1 x MM selectable inputs! It's got variable and fixed volume outputs. And All-tube really low Z tube buffered outputs. Like inherently 20 ohms plus the little 47 ohm "OK drive those high capacitance audiophile cables why doncha" resistor, so it's real output impedance is only 67 ohms. No wanky cathode follower (oh bor-ing) output here like the other guys. We got your real low impedance all-tube outputs right here! It's got selectable gain 50, 55, 60, 65dB on a switch that even auto-mutes as you change it so no more nasty bangs. That would be the MM gain so add some more for the MC input...(and I can't remember the additional MC gain at the moment... but it is plenty more... enough to do justice to your fave lo-output MC cartridges). It's got a mute switch. It's got a "just turn it down while I cue up so I don't throw my woofer cones across the room but I still want the same volume I was listening at before i turned the side" DIM switch. And what goes with DIM better than SUM which would be the MONO button... It has a killer hyper-regulated outboard power supply that plugs in on the huge-est connector you ever saw. And you can just hit the "standby" button to keep everybody off while you take a small holiday to Tahiti. A backlit "MANLEY STEELHEAD" badge illuminated by an old-fashioned lamp (remember those?) reflects back to vinyl-days-of-yore while the millions of BLUE LEDs remind you that this is modern tube engineering design, baby!

Price? Don't know 'till after vacation while Mitch works through vacation building the first one to show at CES, BUT we anticipate somewheres around $3000 which is half of what you'd find elsewhere for no features and high output Z tube units.... And no we don't charge extra for the "nice parts" version. It already has nice parts in it dammit! Grayhill switches, MultiCaps, ceramic sockets, gold this and thats, etc... This is a tweak-o-holic tube-lover's dream.... The Manley Steelhead An EveAnna Manley production, Designed by Mitch Margolis, Handcrafted with pride in Chino, California, USA!

 

 

Galante Audio, celebrating their 6^th  consecutive year making high quality loudspeakers, will be demonstrating their line of high-sensitivity products. Along with there 100dB flagship model, the Buckingham ($6500.00/pr. seen right), they will also be unveiling two totally new product. Specifically, a Jeff Korneff designed single-ended tube stereo amplifier. This prototype tube rectified amplifier features point to point wiring, separate channel isolating chokes, high quality output transformers and the exquisite sounding 45 triode output tube. The second product being introduced is a new high-sensitivity stand mounted loudspeaker. Rated at 96dB/W/m sensitive using an 8" coaxial driver, it follows in the tradition of what Galante Audio has become noted for. This prototype model measures in at only 18" x 11" x 11.5" (HxWxD) and is sure to be extremely popular with today's trend toward smaller sized high-sensitivity loudspeakers. Galante Audio will be at T.H.E. Show suite 1508 and will have both analog and digital sources.

 

 

Machina Dynamica will have their Nimbus Unipivot isolation platform (Maple Clear Finish $800 or Satin Black Finish $900 + s/h) at room 1307 within T.H.E. Show. The Nimbus Unipivot employs an advanced pneumatic isolation platform to alleviate structure borne vibrations from interfering with sensitive electronic, optical and mechanical components. The exceptionally low natural frequency (claimed to be as low as 0.5 Hz) makes their unit among the most state-of-the-art. Advantages of using the Nimbus Unipivot are said to be increased dynamics, bass performance, high frequency extension/smoothness, timing/rhythm characteristics and heightened sense of realism compared to other designs.

 

 

Impact Technology will be at T.H.E. Show in suite 1308 displaying the all new Airfoil 5 Reference loudspeaker system. This system consists of two patented Airfoil Broadband Traveling Wave Transducer towers with the associated patented Balanced Force Compression subwoofers. As a complete system, it features 150 degree horizontal dispersion and a claimed frequency response of 17Hz to 21KHz. Impact technology will be demonstrating with Convergent Audio Technology with their CAT SL 1 Ultimate and the new 100 wpc. stereo amplifier, the Sony SCD-1 SACD/CD player, a SOTA Millennia with a Dynavector tonearm, Custom Power Cord Company/Creative Cable Concepts cabling and Silent Running racks.

 

 

Having rooms 2204 and 2210 at the CES, Balanced Audo Technology is proudly showing their new BAT VK-6200 modular multi-channel solid-state amplifier. Being modular, you can start with two channels and bring the VK-6200 up to full six channel operation. Each channel offers a discrete 200 watts @ 8 ohms while doubling to 400 watts into a 4 ohm load. Each module has a separate power supply featuring a large 700VA toroidal transformer. BAT claims the sound of the VK-6200 is " open, delicate, smooth and powerful".

 

 

American Acoustic Development (AAD) will have a very comprehensive loudspeaker display at the CES featuring their AAD 2000 series, Q series, C series and E series. The 2000 series (AAD2001 shown right) consist of three models covering the $1,700 to $3,500 price range. Finished in massive rosewood or bird's eye maple cabinets, high-gloss polished brass tweeter wave guide and brass terminal plates are just a small part of this series' overall design. Custom woofer circuit inductors direct-wound onto the port tube while proprietary metal driver technology is used for the woofers. All Q-series speakers are finished in high-tech Scandinavian maple and aluminum with silver-gray grilles and can be bi- or tri-wired. Models range from $695 to $3,500. Meanwhile the C series offers thirteen different two-channel and multi-channel speaker solutions and pricing begins at below $1,000/pair. All models are finished in either black or cherry. Lastly, the E series combine high-output precision active or dual-tuning passive subwoofer with single-driver or D'Appolito micro monitors to create a huge wall of sound from essentially invisible sources. Finished in maple with silver-gray grills. A complete five channel system is priced around $1,500. Associated electronics will be by Krell Industries for amplification, DVD player by Arcam, HDTV monitor by, Loewe and cabling by Analysis Plus.

 

 

At the Alexis Park in suite 1710 show attendees will find Alon by Acarian's $120,000 Alon Exotica Grand Reference System. This new product is designed to provide state-of-the-art acoustic performance and music reproduction closer than ever before to the actual live experience. Alon claims to have expanded performance in the areas of clarity, wide-band dynamics, frequency range, high frequency transient reproduction, musicality and sound stage reproduction. The system itself consists of five pieces and comprises of two Main Towers with external tri-wired passive crossovers and two Subwoofer Towers (one variable low pass electronic filter). The Main Towers employ a total of 38 high-quality drivers. Eight of which are 8" woofers using cast magnesium cones and solid copper phase plugs. Twelve are 5 1/4" tri laminate cone midranges driven by premium Alnico magnets and operated on an open baffle while there are also eighteen ribbon tweeters to reproduce the highest frequencies. The Subwoofer Towers are passive and employ a total of eight 12" drivers in separate chambers and eight double flared ports. This is driven by a separate bass amplifier via the low pass filter. Specifications are as follows:

System frequency response: 16Hz to 45kHz
Total drivers: 46
Total magnet weight: 110 LB
Main Tower: 12" x 84" x 16" (WxHxD)
Sub Tower: 13" x 84" x 26" (WxHxD)
Finish: Matched Santos Rosewood standard with other finishes available upon request

 

 

Added 12 / 11 / 00

RéTHM loudspeakers will be showing their unique looking, full-range Lowther-Voight equipped single driver loudspeaker, now in its production form, for the first time. A pre-production model was shown at T.H.E. Show 2000. The production model is a refinement both visually and sonically over the units demonstrated at the 2000 Show. As a result, both internal and external upgrades that have been undertaken. The RéTHM's will be driven by some unique electronics from the house of DIVA. The DIVA amp will have a parallel single-ended pair of EL34 output tubes, with 2A3's used as driver tubes. The RéTHM loudspeakers may also be seen at the 47 Lab / Sakura Systems room at T.H.E. Show. Pricing for only the enclosure is $4,000 while driver prices are as follows: enclosure with DX3 driver $5,000, with PM2A driver is $5,500 and with the DX4 driver retails at $6,000.

 

 

Power and wire guru Kimber Kable will be launching their new WATTGATE 350 audio-grade IEC audio grade power connector ($88). Rated at 15 amp/125 volt and 10 amp/250 volt, the 350 features a polycarbonate rear housing available in either black or clear with high-temperature rated front housing. There is also a dust seal to protect the wiring chamber. Unique Perma-Lock terminals screw tightens down on the contact and compresses the wire underneath causing the screw to exert an upwards lift of the collar overleaf. This lifting action is said to lock up the threads on the screw. WATTGATE's three-layer plating process is also employed. This process includes using oxygen-free copper plating to improve conductivity, electroless nickel plating to prevent the leeching of the copper through the gold layer and, lastly, 24k gold plating to improves conductivity and prevent corrosion.

 

 

Chesky Records will have none other than owners David and Norman Chesky attending the CES. Both gentlemen will be at booth AP21. Those who would like to learn more about Chesky Records great offerings are encouraged to meet with both David and Norman during the show. Of course attendees can feel free to stop by and just say hi to the people who help bring more musical joy into their lives.

 

 

Distributor tmhaudio will showcasing many of the products they represent at suite 1503 of T.H.E. Show. Their critically acclaimed WAVAC Audio Lab MD300B single-ended triode stereo amplifier produces 10 watts per channel with a frequency response of 40Hz to 50kHz. Using direct coupling circuitry between the first and second stage without capacitor, WAVAC feels this helps to insure maximum purity of sound quality. The 6Y6 tube is employed in the second stage as triode operation. The power tube is driven by interstage transformer to achieve an ideal operation of WE-300B. Specially manufactured oriented-highbred-core material is used in all transformers to achieve the highest of music reproduction quality. The tube filaments are supplied by filtered DC current. Carefully designed in anti-vibration construction is also part of the MD300B design. Chassis colors are available in either Ferrox Gold or Silver.

Also being shown by tmhaudio is the WAVAC EC300B and MD811 amplifiers, PR-X1 preamplifier with remote control and ATT-Q passive controller. As for loudspeakers, the popular horn design Köchel will be mated with the SW200 active sub-woofer. Cabling will be the PSC 6N silver air-dielectric cables. Specifically, the Silver ribbon speaker, interconnect, digital cables, Silver AC Power cables and AC Power distribution box. The source component will be the SONY SCD-1 SACD player. The designers of both WAVAC Audio Lab and Köchel loudspeakers will also be in attendance.

 

Click here for more.