CES 2010 Show Report
ANTHONY GALLO ACOUSTICS
Demonstrated two separate systems featuring their newest models, the Reference 3.5 ($5,995/pr) and Reference Strada ($1.998/pr) supported by TR-3 ($984.50/ea) subwoofers. As always, Anthony made some of the best sound at the show! Also on display was a “Cutaway” of the Strada showing some of AGA’s proprietary technologies, as well as the company’s complete assortment of Custom-Installation mounting accessories.
ARCAM
Showed the new Solo Neo, which adds network streaming capability via both wired and wi-fi Ethernet, and USB input connectivity for flash drives or hard drives, as well as Stealth and Mask of Silence technologies for improved sound quality. A new rDAC offering state-of-the-art asynchronous USB decoding, wireless connectivity and superb sound quality in a small, value-priced ($479 MSRP) package was also on display. The Neo, rDAC and AVR500 should all be shipping shortly.
dCS
Demonstrated their full line of world class digital music playback systems, including the Scarlatti: widely (and justly) considered the world’s finest Digital Source Component. The company also announced the Debussy, a new entry level DAC which combines dCS’ proprietary asynchronous USB technology with their legendary Ring DAC in a single $10,499 MSRP package. The Debussy should be available by late February.
NAD
Proudly displayed their new "game changing" Master Series M2 Direct Digital Amplifier along with the M5 CD/SACD player. From NAD’s Classic Series was the C375BEE 150 wpc $1299 MSRP integrated amp, the C375BEE has received great press and is destined become another real NAD Classic. Paired with the C375BEE was their versitile C565BEE $799 MSRP CD player featuring premium Wolfson DAC’s, and SPDIF and USB inputs.
NORDOST
In addition to their world-beating line up of cable components, Nordost introduced Norse Series Bi-Wire Jumper Cables. At a bargain-priced $150 MSRP for a complete four-piece set, these jumpers make an ENORMOUS improvement for any Bi-Wire speaker owner unwilling to invest in a second pair of speaker cables. The new Sort Kones ($65-135 ea MSRP) take component isolation and resonance control to a new and higher level. Also displayed and demoed were the Quantum Resonant Technology (QRT) power purification products, which make a difference in ANY system.
Prima Luna
A new acquisition for SSV, Prima Luna has quickly become THE name in high performance, high value tube electronics. Offering heirloom build quality, stunning cosmetics, standards-setting fit and finish and some of the best sound quality available at any price, Prima Luna (and its sister brand, Mystere) are the Next Big Thing in tube electronics. Best of all, owners Kevin, Herman and Dominique are old and dear friends of Anthony, so our dealers will be treated like royalty.
SIGNAL PATH
Peachtree Audio debuted the reinvigorated “Decco” product range including the all-new iDecco ($999), the first integrated amp that has a built-in iPod dock "hardwired" directly to the on-board ESS Sabre DAC. Finally: direct digital connectivity for your iPod!
Joining the iDecco and making its triumphant return was the Decco 2. The Decco 2 also uses the ESS Sabre DAC, an improved preamp, improved headphone section and retains the $799 bargain price of the first-generation Decco! Plus there’s still room for a Sonos ZP around back.
Naturally, David Solomon played both Deccos and the upmarket Nova (Stereophile’s “Product of the Year”) in conjunction with apple TV, Airport Express and other computer goodies, demonstrating once again how audiophiles, videophiles and plain-old music- and movie lovers can take full advantage of the digital content revolution!
SIMAUDIO
As expected, Simaudio brought their entire line of Moon and Moon Evolution series products, and debuted the NEW 300D USB DAC, 600i Integrated Amplifier and 750D DAC/Transport. Once again, Simaudio displayed the “Invisible Racking System” developed for the Moon Evloution Series. More exciting, however, was the new Black Lacquer finish option for Moon Evolution Series: complemented by Deep Chrome trim for buttons and accents, these are the most stunning components in Simaudio’s 30-year history….well, almost. I say “almost” because Simaudio also displayed their 30th Anniversary components,. Special Edition Moon Evolution 750D/600i models in Ferrari Red Lacquer and Deep Chrome. Although final pricing and specifications haven’t yet been finalized, these two products will carry 30-year warranties in honor of the company’s long history.
STRAIGHT WIRE
Demonstrated their new Expressivo, a premium bi-wire speaker cable, incorporating Compressed Conductor Technology (CCT) and Air Suspension Design. At $900/10’ pair MSRP, Expressivo is high-end that emphasizes high value! They also featured their Crescendo II interconnects ($900/1m pair MSRP) as well as Blue Thunder and Black Thunder AC Cords rounded out the system.
Straight Wire's new, space-saving Swivel Head HDMI Cable was also on display and has proved to be a real problem-solver for CI dealers. The Swivel Head HDMI cables are ATC and Simplay tested ensure consistent and reliable Category 2 performance, even when the connectors are rotated 90 degrees.
THIEL LOUDSPEAKERS
Announced their collaboration with Olive, a renowned manufacturer of high performance music servers, and demonstrated the Olive 4+/Thiel SCS4D System. Based upon Thiel’s NEW SCS4D speaker, an internally-amplified, IP-based variant of the SCS4 with 200-Watt Class D Amplifier, 32-Bit DSP and Burr-Brown 24-Bit/192kHz DAC all on-board, the complete system includes the Olive 4+ HD Music Server with 2 Terabyte Hard Drive and a pair of SCS4D for $7,990 MSRP, complete. Capable of streaming 24/192 music over IP to as many as 4 pairs of SCS4D, the Thiel/Olive system is the first multi-zone, server-based system designed to deliver state-of-the-art sound quality.
Also on display was Thiel’s NEW USS Subwoofer. Incorporating a new thermal feedback system that adjusts amplification based upon thermal operating conditions, the USS retails for $1,995: $900 less than the SS1 it replaces!
To finish, Thiel showed a prototype of the new SCS4T, a floor standing “Tower” version of the company’s best-selling SCS4. Expected MSRP will be in the neighborhood of $3,000/pair.
WADIA
Wadia's new 171i Transport debuted at CES. Taking their iPod playback prowess to the next level the new 171i Transport ($579 MSRP) offering an improved power supply, audiophile grade connectors, iPhone compatibility and new remote control with expanded feature set to provide the most comprehensive functionality possible. (The 170i Transport continues unchanged.) The new 151 PowerDAC Mini ($1195) DAC/Integrated Amp 25 wpc includes coax SPDIF, Toslink, USB inputs and uses spline interpolation to raise digital audio data rates to 384kHz for high performance conversion, it also features the same form factor as the 170i and 171i. Both are expected to ship late March/early April 2010.
As always, please feel free to contact us with any questions about our manufacturer partners’ products.
201-690-9006 info@ssvreps.com
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