Limited-edition components have been a rich part of Siltech's history, and here we have their latest: the C1 all-tube preamplifier ($28,000). The C1 features battery-powered operation and a bold claim from the company: that it is the "world's quietest pure-tube preamplifier." We are told 50 of these units will be made and then production will cease. [www.siltechcables.com]
MartinLogan's least-expensive speakers are from the company's new Motion Series. Seen here is the Motion 6 center-channel ($299 each) flanked by the Motion 2 (right front, $199 each) and somewhat larger Motion 4 (left front, $249 each) bookshelf models. [www.martinlogan.com]
Finnish loudspeaker manufacturer Amphion debuted the latest version of one of their most popular models: the two-way, stand-mounted argon3 ($2950 per pair). [www.amphion.fi]
Furutech, long known for their cables, connectors, and accessories, now produces standalone components. On the left is the Le Mans 24-bit/96kHz DAC with integral 60W class-D amplifier ($1200). To the right is the GT40 24/96 DAC with integral phono stage. We liked how Furutech combined the functionality of two components in each product along with the ultra-small form factor. [www.furutech.com]
Canada's Focus Audio always has something cool at CES, and this year was no different. Seen here in the foreground is the floorstanding Prestige FP80 ($8000 per pair). Sitting back a bit is the stand-mounted FP50 ($4200 per pair). Between the two models just discussed is a slightly smaller floorstander, the FP70 ($6000 per pair), and a slightly larger stand-mount, the FP60 ($4520 per pair). [www.focusaudio.com]
The new Basis Inspiration turntable was looking and sounding impressive when paired with Nagra electronics and Verity Audio loudspeakers. The Inspiration package includes a tonearm and a full vacuum system for $47,000 (cartridge extra).
Usher Audio Technology introduced a brand-new version of their popular BE-718 at CES 2010. The BE-718 Diamond incorporates what the company claims is a diamond-coated alloy tweeter, which replaces the previous beryllium unit. The BE-718 Diamond also sports a 7" woofer and weighs 38 pounds. The retail price, when available later in the year, will be between $3000 and $3500 per pair.
Also seen from Usher in new diamond-crusted form were the CP-8571 Diamond (est. $11,000 to $12,000 per pair) and the Dancer Mini-One Diamond ( est. $4000 to $4500 per pair). Both speaker models will be available later in 2010.
John Curl has some mighty famous phono stages under his belt, including those under the Mark Levinson and Vendetta Research badges of yesteryear. His newest creation for the vinyl enthusiast is the JC 3 from Parasound ($2000).
Note the aluminum-enclosed modules heavily shielded within the chassis of the Parasound JC 3. The inscription on these modules also indicates that Carl Thompson was responsible for the circuit-board design.
The Atlantic Technology AT-1 H-PAS loudspeaker ($1995 per pair) incorporates what the company claims is a novel bass-loading technique that allows it to play lower in frequency with less internal cabinet volume than typically needed. This technology is dubbed H-PAS (Hybrid Pressure Acceleration System) and was developed jointly by Phil Clements and Solus Loudspeakers.
Here you see Yoav Geva with his newest creation, the YG Acoustics Carmel loudspeaker ($18,000 per pair). This two-way floorstander has a cabinet that is made entirely from aluminum, which is machined in the company's Colorado-based factory. The Carmel is YG's lowest-priced product to date.
Geva was especially proud of the close tolerances he is able to obtain by manufacturing strictly in-house, seen here in the exacting detail of the Carmel's top panel.
Nola's newest loudspeaker is the Metro Grand Reference ($22,000 per pair). This medium-sized floorstander sports two 6.5" magnesium bass drivers, one Alnico midrange, and a true ribbon tweeter. The Metro Grand Reference comes in mirror-imaged pairs.
Seen in detail here is the open-baffle design of the Nola Metro Grand Reference.
In the "it costs how much?!" category was The Lars XLS mono power amplifier ($90,000). These 32W power amplifiers are the Swedish company's second product and feature 300B-XLS tubes in a fully balanced circuit design.
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