Consumer Electronic Show 2003

Saturday

  Blue Circle had their BC24 hybrid power amplifier ($2,495) and BC28 hybrid power amplifier $3,999). Both units are based on Blue Circle's AG8000 amplifier, these two new units employs a 6922 triode tube for pre-amplification and "Class AB" for main power output. The BC24 produces 80 watts per channel/stereo while the BC 28 produces 120 per channel/stereo.

 

Zu Cable has their new loudspeaker ($1,000/8 foot) and Xaus tonearm cable ($240). The Xaus is a silver alloy, totally discrete ground plane design. Channel separation is greater than 90dB to upwards of 20kHz. Both DIN and RCA ends are available.

 

Shanling, known for their CD player, now have an SACD incarnation version called the SCD-200 ($2,695).

 

Shanling also has their SP-80 dual-mono tube amplifier ($2,495) with built-in pre-amplifier and front LCD panel.

 

Manley Labs new Mahi monoblock amplifier ($2,500 per pair) uses four EL84 tubes, 6414 as driver and 12AT7 for pre-amplification duties. The Mahi has a front switch for either triode operation (26 watts) or ultralinear (40 watts). There is also a variable feedback three-position switch for minimum (6dB), standard (9dB), or maximum (12dB).

 

Venture's Reference S-One 25-watt stereo amplifier ($17,000) looks drop dead gorgeous with chrome and gold highlights. Frequency response is from a super wide 8Hz to 70kHz and input impedance is an easy to drive 1Mohm.

 

Threshold was proudly showing their Stasis 8.0 stereo amplifier ($8,000) produces 200 watts per channel. Both balanced (XLR) and single-ended (RCA) inputs while two sets of loudspeaker posts per channel aid in bi-wiring.

 

VTL had their new Siegfried 800-watt tubed monoblock amplifier ($40,000). Twelve 6550 tubes are operated in "Class AB" and is tetrode/triode switchable. A special automatic biasing and fault sensing insure long-term reliability. A multi-stage soft start adds life to tubes while the precision regulated power supply is said to virtually eliminate power source fluctuations.

 

The Lamm room had their ML-1 ($20,000, front left) 80-watt monoblock amplifier. Cabling for the system consisted of the Stereovox SEI as reviewed within our Review Magazine.

 

Click here to see a complete listing of
specialty high-end audio show exhibitors.

 

Click here to see last year's show coverage.