Consumer Electronics Show 2007 Pre-Show News Report

 

KR Audio Electronics' new 50 wpc stereo integrated Kronzilla SXI amplifier is the company's statement piece in sound and technology. Each of the two specially designed T1610 output tubes produces 50 watts at 3 percent THD, both 4 and 8 Ohm loudspeakers output taps are provided, and overall frequency response is from 20Hz to 20KHz. The preamplification section uses solid-state with mechanical (reed) relays and can be controlled via wireless remote. There are four stereo inputs, with each having a sensitivity of 0.75V to achieve full output. The SXI includes the option of bypassing the preamplification stage to act as a pure amplifier. Overall weight is 50 Kg and dimensions are 38.5 x 41.5 x 55 (WxHxD in cm). See reviews by clikcing the highlighted KR Audio products, including their VA340 Integrated Amplifier, the Kronzilla DX Monoblock amplifier, and KR Audio 300B Balloon triode tube .

 

PS Audio announced plans to show their Trio stereo component series that features PS Audio's Gain Cell technology during the 2007 CES. The Trio C-100 Control Amplifier (pictured), P-100 Preamplifier; and A-100 Power Amplifier ($1595, $995, and $995 respectively) is said by PS Audio to "represent an entirely new way of thinking about audio amplification." The C100 Control Amplifier produces 100 wpc @ 8 Ohm (200 @ 4 Ohm) with dual-mono construction and is based on Gain Cell technology for the gain control and ICE technology for the power amplifiers. PS Audio's Trio P-200 Stereo Preamplifier offers remote control and the ability to drive any power amplifier to full output. Lastly, the Trio A-100 Power Amplifier produces 200 wpc stereo and features Gain Cell gain circuitry and the latest ICE output technology. Its high input impedance is claimed to make it an ideal load for vacuum tube amplifiers. See review of the PS Audio GCC-100 by clicking here.

 

Lamm Industries new ML3 Signature (approximately $126,290 per pair) monoblock amplifier produces 32 watts and operates single-ended and utilizes the very powerful direct-heated GM70 triode. According to Lamm Industries, "The ML3 Signature's innovative circuitry enables a recreation of the original spectral balance and harmonic structure of the recorded material without loosing a strand of low-level detail or nuance. Another unique aspect of the design enables the ML3 Signature to recreate a three-dimensional soundstage without boundaries or limitations, while maintaining an extraordinary transparency of perceived sound." With no overall feedback and operating in Class-A single-ended mode, supporting parts include separate plate and filament transformers, six filter chokes, six rectifier tubes, and very high quality film capacitors. An option is offered, allowing the user to introduce small amounts of local feedback in the output stage. Tube compliment consists of a 12AX7, four 6N30P-DR, a GM70, and six 12AX3. See reviews of the following Lamm Industries products by clicking on the highlighted text, including the Lamm Industries Model L2 Reference line-level preamplifier, LP2 Phono preamplifier, and Model LL2 Line-Level Deluxe 2.

 

NAD has announced two new power amplifiers, the T 975 seven-channel and 955 five-channel power amplifiers ($2499 and $1499 respectively) plus their T 585 universal DVD player with SACD and DVD-Audio compatibility ($1199). Both amplifiers feature NAD's proprietary PowerDrive topology to ensures distortion-free dynamics, with the T 975 producing 140 wpc (x7) and the T 955 producing 100 wpc (x5). NAD's T 585 universal DVD player features SACD/DVD-Audio capability plus DVD-Video, MP3, HDCD, and Windows Media support. The unit also offers HDMI w/HDCP, Faroudja DCDi chip upconverts to 720p and 1080i, onboard Dolby Digital and Dolby ProLogic decoding, and audiophile quality 24-bit/192-kHz audio D/A converters. See review of the NAD L53 DVD receiver by  clicking here and a review of the NAD T763 surround sound receiver by clicking here.

 

A new Studio Electric dual mono hybrid amplifier ($6,950) will be shown at the upcoming CES in Las Vegas. Designed by Studio Electric's Dave MacPherson, with striking Art Deco metal work by ElectronLuv's Josh Stippich, this piece of machine-age metal sculpture houses a tube front end with English MOSFET power. The amplifier will be available in several configurations including an integrated version. Power output is stated as 275 wpc @ 8 Ohms (375 @ 4 Ohm) with a signal to noise (SNR) of -90dB.

 

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