CES 2010 Preview & THE Show Preview
   
Consumer Electronics Show & THE Show 2010 Preview / Pre-Show Report

EgglestonWorks, a Memphis company in the birthplace of Blues and Rock 'n Roll with innovation passed down through two generations that focuses on understanding how sound created by live musical instrumentation, will unveil a bold new version of the highly acclaimed Savoy loudspeaker dubbed the Savoy Signature ($52,000) at CES' Venetian in Suite 30-210. "We see the new Savoy Signature as borrowing more from the Ivy than the Standard Savoy in terms of the crossover design and overall voicing", says EW president Jim Thompson. "We've employed several of our trademark crossover designs in this model and feel it is now closer to the Ivy in performance than ever before." Visually, the Savoy Signature looks much like the new Andra III which debuted last year at CES 2009. The Savoy Signature will feature aluminum side plates, aluminum baffle plates, new carbon fiber midrange drivers and the highest quality automotive-grade paint. The aesthetic statement the speaker makes is understated elegance, while also something that will demand a second look. Frequency response is 18 Hz to 24 kHz (-3db) with a sensitivity of 87dB/W/m at 8 Ohms (5.4 Ohms minimum). The driver compliment includes a 1-inch cloth dome tweeter, a pair of 6-inch polypropylene double magnet midrange drivers, a pair of 6-inch Carbon Fiber double magnet midbass drivers in an isobaric configuration and four 12-inch compound-loaded drivers that are individually housed. Dimensions are 15 x 24 x 59 (WxDxH in inches) and each one weighs in at 375lbs.

 

Soundsmith, a New York company that for over 35 years provides audio services for many major manufacturers and also designs their own products, will be debuting four new products at THE Show at the Flamingo room 4049. The Sussurro, the company's new top of the line low output, low compliance moving iron cartridge, is designed as a direct alternative to moving coils with the advantage of the greater agility and tracking fidelity that can only be achieved through low effective moving mass. SoundSmith's SG-200 Strain Gauge system ($5500) utilizes the same audio and protection circuitry as their existing models delivering a line level output. The MCP-2 phono stage for low output cartridges featuring infinitely variable impedance loading while the MMP-3 ultra low noise phonostage is for for high output cartridges.

 

Gordon Sell Public Relations is handling media relations for Onkyo USA, Atlantic Technology, and Parasound at CES. All three are in the Venetian Meeting Rooms, Level 2, along the Sands/Venetian connector lobby one level up from the taxis and shuttle busses, and near the new Venetian Press Room. The Onkyo booth will be open to the press and exhibitors for the first time in many years with highlights being three new AV component separates shown for the first time at CES. Onkyo also show its recently introduced high-end Network AV Receivers, and the company's full product lineup. Atlantic Technology will be at the Venetian Veronese 2501A introducing the AT-1 high performance loudspeaker. This will be first production speaker to utilize the revolutionary H-PAS bass technology developed jointly by the company with Clements/Solus Loudspeakers. H-PAS is a breakthrough acoustic technology that allows speaker designers to achieve targeted bass performance with 50 percent smaller cabinets, smaller drivers, and lower costs. H-PAS technology was first demonstrated as a proof-of-concept prototype at the CEDIA Expo in September. Parasound will also be at the Venetian Veronese 2501A and will be showing a number of prototypes of products anticipated for early 2010. These will include the John Curl designed Parasound Halo JC 3 mm/mc phono preamp with a big, heavy triple-shielded 2-U chassis. The company will also be showing a number of products in its popular Z-Series of half-rack custom installation problem solvers. The Zcd is a half-rack CD/MP3 player with great CI features and high end performance. The Zphono v.2 is a half-rack MM/MC phono preamp with major upgrades over its predecessor. The new model adds USB output, 2 line inputs in addition to phono, switchable rumble filter, and defeatable RIAA so the user can use software-based EQ. Enjoy the Music.com has reviewed the Onkyo Integra 9.8 preamplifier-processor (click here), the Parasound Halo JC 1 monoblock amplifier (click here) and Parasound's NewClassic Model 2100 preamplifier and Model 2125 amplifier (click here).

 

Magnepan, an innovative manufacturer of world class planar speakers since 1969, has announced their new MG 1.7 full-range quasi-ribbon design ($1995 per pair). The MG 1.7 is a departure from Magnepan's 40 year history of using planar magnetic drivers for the bass or lower midrange. The use of quasi ribbon technology down into the lower midrange and bass will provide a new level of coherence. The MG 1.7 also boasts a quasi ribbon super tweeter with a wider "sweet spot" and one step closer to the delicacy and detail of Magnepan's true ribbon design. A new styling with wrap-around aluminum trim on the MG 1.7 is also a departure from Magnepan's more conservative cosmetic styling. The standard wood trims of the MG 1.6 are available upon special order. The total design concept for the MG 1.7 results in a speaker that measures exceptionally well on all the standard criteria, but more important, sounds even better according to the company. Once again Magnepan and their friends at Bryston are planning another "Magnepan-Bryston Magic Show" at THE Show during CES 2010 in the Flamingo's Bryce Boardroom. Magnepan will be demonstrating the new 1.7, CCR (along with the CC Speaker Stand), Magileplanar DW 1 Woofer, motorized MMC 2 on-wall system and the Mini Maggie with the new matching Mini Maggie Woofer. Enjoy the Music.com has reviewed the Magnepan MG 3.6 (click here) and senior editor Dick Olsher recommended the popular model MG1.6 within his The Y2K Audio System (click here).

 

Sean Martin and the ever-charming Jan Mancuso will be selling the Reference Recording catalogue of music plus high-resolution discs from Chesky and MA Recordings at The Marketplace during THE Show. Attendees can enjoy Reference Recording's HRx high-resolution music at Magnepan and Bryston the Bryce Room at THE Show and at the CES in various rooms within the Venetian.

 

While not audiophile, retro-futuristic is back as the 5.1 Sound Egg chair ($1450) will be demonstrated by Acousticom at the International CES 2010's North Hall booth 4916. The Sound Egg is a 5.1 surround sound audio chair as a mobile acoustic chamber that is said to give users realistic sound in audio technology with a full 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response. Available in ten colors, five coax speakers are augmented with a 10-inch subwoofer under the seat! The chain has sound isolation foam isolation and gold speaker connectors insure a quality connection. The Sound Egg takes roughly 33 inches of space to pass comfortably through a doorway and overall dimensions are 58 x 34 x 36 (HxWxD in inches). Mark Cochran, Acousticom’s President, states "We are excited to be coming to CES to release my life-time dream. My goal has always been to change how the world views audio, and the Sound Egg is my tool to do that. We are very fortunate to be showcasing our product with these prestigious companies in the audio industry and look forward to the future of audio."

 

A record number of new exhibitors – more than 330 companies – will join more than 2,500 exhibitors in unveiling their latest technology innovations at the 2010 International CES. With more than 20,000 new products on display, the International CES is the world's largest consumer technology tradeshow. CE Spotlights throughout the CES show floor will feature key market categories including apps, green technology, gaming, location based services and more. Owned and produced by the Consumer Electronics Association. “With a record number of new exhibitors, scores of new product introductions, several new Spotlights on the show floor and a dynamic lineup of keynotes sessions, the 2010 International CES will be our best show yet,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CEA. “More technology deals will be made during the four days of CES than anywhere else on earth. In fact, each CES attendee has an average of 12 meetings while at the show, reinforcing CES as the business hub for technology. Innovation is flourishing within the technology industry and the 2010 CES is the only place to see it all.” Enjoy the Music.com's editor Steven R. Rochlin has been highly praised by the President of the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and is a member to help guide CEA's high-end audio division.

 

Oracle Audio will be introducing the new Delphi MK VI turntable at the Venetian suite 30-227. The global concept of the new Oracle Delphi MK VI, now in its 30th year, was developed around the control of micro vibrations and micro calibration. The micro vibration can be introduced from the inside as well as from the outside. Key features include using the same AC synchronous motor and state-of-the-art drive electronics as for the MK V. By making the MK VI sub-chassis larger, Oracle Audio improved the weight distribution to offer a better overall balance and adaptability for many different tone arms configuration. The sub-chassis's central section is now larger thus the length of the legs going to the suspension towers is shorter. They also increased the rigidity of the tone arm mounting section by widening the tone arm mounting ring support by about 35 percent. The new MK VI bearing system maintained the six-point contact that was developed for the MK V yet the screw material has been replaced by a high performance material for better accuracy. The MK VI bottom trust plate is made of a polyamide-imide (PAI) high strength plastic with the highest strength and stiffness of any thermoplastic. The net result is a better overall accuracy and an improved back ground silence. The Micro Vibration Stabilizer System is the single most significant and most efficient improvement made to the Oracle turntable since its creation 30 years ago. Oracle Audio's MVSS system represents the newest efforts in the elimination of the micro vibrations. Beside each suspension tower a small reservoir is secured to the acrylic base and they are filled with an extremely low viscosity Silicone fluid. Again, near the suspension housings a threaded stem is mounted to the bottom section of the sub-chassis, those are lining up with the Silicone reservoirs, a threaded lock nut and a tapered shape plunger will complete the mechanism. Adjustable feet are now made of Delrin to further reduce the high frequency energy transfer through the sub-chassis / tone arm / cartridge combination. Enjoy the Music.com has reviewed the Oracle Delphi MK V turntable with Oracle/SME 345 tonearm (click here).

 

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