[All prices are in USD unless noted - Ed]

Roy Harris

Las Vegas-Sin City, all that glitters, the Neonopolis Metropolis, is a fantasy world. Leave your worries in New York. Go West. See and hear the newest and best in high-end audio. I last attended the Consumer Electronics Show in 1999 and I looked forward to challenging my beliefs and opinions about good sound and how to attain it.

My first impression was that the number of manufacturers sharing a room had increased. While the number of exhibitors may not have changed much in four years, it seemed that fewer rooms were rented. Some manufacturers who exhibited in the past were absent this year, including the following: Mirage, Audible Illusions, B&W, Belles, Bryston, Bybee, Coda, Jolida, Naim, Quicksilver, Rega, Rotel, Symphonic Line and Wadia. One can only speculate as to why they decided not to participate this year. In addition, some manufacturers who exhibited at the Alexis Park (AP) in the past, changed their venue this year to the Las Vegas Convention Center, including The Absolute Sound, Clements Audio, Echo Busters, Linn, Martin Logan, Parasound, Snell, Sumiko, Tara, Theta and Wireworld.

Speaking to several manufacturers provided an explanation for their decision. Increased traffic (exposure) and/or the emphasis upon home theatre were the salient motivators for exhibiting in the Convention Center. It is more expensive to exhibit there - $36.00 per square foot for a booth than at the Alexis Park, which costs about $8.22. The latter is based upon a room rental rate of $3700.00 for a minimum of 450 square feet. There was a significant presence of international manufacturers and an 'abundance', relatively speaking, of moderately priced electronics, mainly tube designs, from China.

A frequent topic of conversation was the digital dichotomy, i.e., SACD vs. DVD-A. Several manufacturers questioned the viability of SACD citing the lack of software and poor sales of SACD players in the U.S. A chat with a recording engineer working for Meridian brought out several issues. SACD does not support 6.1 or 7.1 multi-channel formats. It will support 5.1, but as home theatre is moving in the direction of multiple channels exceeding 5.1, SACD has a problem. There are problems in the recording process involving the relationship between PCM, DSD and SACD. The explanation is complicated and beyond the scope of this article. In the opinion of this engineer, DVD-A is the more 'elegant' and less problematic recording medium at this time.

Currently, in spite of differences between members of the DVD-A consortium, one title per week is being released, with about 500 titles available now. There are over 700 SACD titles out now; Sony and Phillips are solidly behind the format. Both companies have made mistakes and could make a greater effort to have titles released. A positive sign for both formats is the release of universal players by the following companies, some presented for the first time at CES: Denon, Linn, Marantz, McCormack, Onkyo Integra, Pioneer, Teac Esoteric and Yamaha. The prices of these players range from $500 (Pioneer) to $5500 (Teac).

New Technology

1) The Hallograph

This product, constructed of wood and proprietary materials, consists of a horizontal base and a vertical column upon which is mounted an array of slightly curved vertical structures. This device was designed to reduce the effect of the room upon the speaker by offsetting the amplitude, time signature of the signal bouncing off the wall as well as the frequency response of the wall. In addition, by adjusting the toe-in angle of the array, subtle changes in speaker frequency response, i.e., tonal balance, will occur. A stereo system consisting of a Martin Design Monk Speaker system ($3000.00), Pioneer CD player, Dodson DAC ($3000.00-4000.00) and an EAR 70 watt integrated amp ($6000.00) was demonstrated with the Hallograph in and out of the system. Essentially, with the device present, upper harmonics were restored, box colorations were less audible, and the sound was more open and natural.

2) DiAural

DiAural is a series crossover technique that eliminates the need for a capacitor. This new process facilitates better communication between drivers and allows them to sound more like themselves by minimizing crossover distortion. The result was the most natural presentation of Frank Sinatra's voice that I have heard from any stereo system.

3) MAS (Magic Audio Systems, China)

MAS has a patent for a technology called predictive non-linear optimization correction of distortion. The technology recognizes a distortion signal and tries to correct it before it is passed to the next component. The technology is designed to incorporate into a DSP chip and installed in a component (usually an amp). Before the signal reaches a receiving component, the chip produces a counter distortion signal so that what leaves the sending component is virtually distortion free.

4) Iso Mike

Iso Mike is a large baffle placed between two microphones. It is more absorptive than most other baffles and its heart shape improves low frequency isolation. This process allows microphones to be located 50 feet from performers. A recording of a college band was demonstrated, both in CD format and the original master tape. It was evident that the sound quality, especially dynamic range, was quite superior to most commercially available CDs.

5) DEQX Calibrated Room and Speaker Correction

The DEQX process employs proprietary software in the digital domain to provide phase coherence within a few degrees and correct frequency response errors to within .5 dB. The product DEQX model PDC 2.6 room and speaker correction device is priced at $3100.00, retail. It functions as an input selector and DAC. A simple demonstration of the uncorrected and corrected signal was very convincing. Dave Grusin, Eye of the Sparrow, served as a test CD. It was evident that upper midrange and lower treble peaks were significantly reduced and the overall frequency response seemed to flatten out.

New and Noteworthy Products

1) PS Audio Analog and Digital Interconnects

PS Audio premiered a new line of interconnects, the xStream, at the Convention Center. The Audio xStream is double shielded and multi-stranded. There are two versions: the Statement is priced at $249/.5 meter and the Plus at $149/.5 meter. The xStream digital cable is priced at $199/meter.

2) Purist Audio Venustas Cable

The Purist Audio Venustas interconnect and speaker cable were part of a system featuring the Sound Lab M1 and Atmosphere electronics. The construction of the cable includes stranded multi-gauge alloy conductors with a braided alloy shield and ferox shield and Teflon dielectric.

3) Shanling and Opera Audio Tube SACD players

From China come two tubed SACD. The Opera Audio Reference 1.2 was part of a system consisting of Opera Audio pre and power amp and the Buggtussel Amygdala speaker ($4000.00). Frank Sinatra's voice was smooth and non-fatiguing. The Shanling was part of a system consisting of a Shanling integrated amp and Epos speakers.

4)Accuphase DP 77 SACD player

In the AXISS room at the Alexis Park, the Accuphase SACD player was part of a system consisting of Accuphase pre and power amp and the Avalon Eidolon speaker ($34,000).

5) McCormack Universal CD Player

Steve McCormack demonstrated a prototype universal CD player ($3000.00) as part of a system including a McCormack amp and preamp and the Eggleston Works Andra II speaker.

6) Aesthetix preamps

Musical Surroundings introduced three new preamps including the Janus, a full function preamp ($6500.00), the Calypso line stage ($4500.00) and the Rhea phono stage ($4000.00) as part of a stereo system that featured the latest Vandersteen speaker, the 5 AL prototype.

7) Avalon speaker

A new $35000 Avalon floor standing speaker was introduced. The speaker was powered by a Chinese imported Tube City amp and preamp.

8) Audio Research hybrid Multi-Channel Amp

Audio Research introduced a hybrid multi channel amp, the 150m. Priced at $4250.00 for a two channel version, each additional channel adds $750.00 to the price. The amp powered Magnepan 3.6, 1.6 and Proac speakers.

9) Modified Wadia 23 CD player

In room 1103 AP, a reworked Wadia 23 was part of a stereo system featuring the O'Heocha speakers. Richard Maez of Rowland Research, responsible for the modifications, indicated that this prototype would serve as the basis for a universal player to be designed with the cooperation from both Rowland and possibly Wadia personnel.

10) Magnepan CC3

Magnepan introduced a new center channel speaker, the CC3. At $950.00, it was matched with the Magnepan on-wall MGMC1 speaker ($725.00).

The Sound

The following musical selections were used to evaluate the sound quality of stereo systems: 1) Ravel - Alborada del Gracioso, cond. by Ansermet, London label 2) Dave Grusin Eye of the Sparrow from Discovered Again, Sheffield label 3) Frank Sinatra - Guess I'll Hang My Tears Out To Dry from Sinatra Sings for Only the Lonely, Capitol label. They were chosen to test for weakness in treble, upper midrange, midrange and mid bass response. I prefer to use mainstream recordings rather than audiophile favourites. Most stereo systems can sound quite good with superior (audiophile?) recordings, but the excellence of the recording may mask flaws. However, only a well-designed and balanced stereo system can maintain a realistic tonal balance when subjected to 'difficult' source material. My preferences in stereo equipment favor planars and tube equipment over cone speakers and solid state components. As such, I have owned Quads and tube amps and preamps for over twenty years.

For most of the exhibits, the sound quality was disappointing. There are four reasons to account for this situation: 1) Component(s) not broken in 2) Poor room acoustics 3) Lack of synergy 4) Intrinsically inferior speaker system(s).

Very often one or more components are new and/or are not fully broken in. Sometimes these circumstances are unavoidable. Often, equipment is borrowed and one has no control over the number of hours of play. Hotel rooms are not ideally suited to optimize a stereo system's performance. There may be frequency response anomalies that cannot easily be corrected. Some  manufacturers told me that a component was either damaged in shipping or did not arrive in time [or was stolen! - Ed]. Consequently, an unintended substitute was used. The lack of synergy that accrues from this situation is usually obvious.

Finally, unfortunately, many speakers have design flaws, including overly resonant cabinets, poor transition from midrange to tweeter, mismatch of drivers, especially for hybrid designs, etc. In these cases the best room and associated equipment may not ameliorate a poorly designed speaker system. The frequency of poor and mediocre sound is not surprising. In human endeavors, quality of achievement is normally distributed, i.e., the bell shaped curve. Superior accomplishments are rare, relative to mediocrity. When  performing a task, excellence occurs in the minority of occurrences, e.g., athletics, scholarship, the arts, etc. Therefore, it is not surprising that only a small percentage of components are truly outstanding. Further, the task of matching components is difficult. The result, a superior sounding stereo system is hard to find, made more unlikely because of the dubious quality of recordings. That said, with the vicissitudes of configuring a stereo system in a hotel room and subjecting that system to recordings that test its mettle, there were some outstanding systems and good values. Before itemizing these diamonds in the rough, I would like to share an observation which again was reinforced by my experiences at the show, namely the superiority of planars over cone designs.

At the beginning of the Frank Sinatra selection, his voice is accompanied by an acoustic guitar - a good test of mid and lower midrange performance. Time after time, I heard cabinet  colorations from cone speakers that obscured the timbre and clarity of the guitar. In some cases, the guitar was barely audible. In other cases the voice was highly colored, also due to cabinet resonances and possible poor transition from bass to midrange. When listening to the same selection on a Sound Lab, Quad or Magnepan, the sound was open, detailed natural and free of cabinet coloration. With some cone designs one could hear the individual drivers and distinguish between a two-way and three-way design. The coherency problem between the drivers in many cone designs was generally not an issue for the aforementioned panel speakers.

Below is the equipment I heard at length that I deem of value to audiophiles and music lovers. So, with my quite clear listening preferences in mind as proviso, here are my 'picks' from the show.

I Less than $1001

1) Gallo Acoustics ($400.00) The tweeter is a gem, as much resolution as one would want. Just add a subwoofer for the bass.

2) Polk LSI 9 ($1000.00) A pleasant surprise, powered by Adcom electronics, providing good balance between treble and bass.

3) Hsu modified BIC ($599.00) This system consists of two mini satellites, a center channel, and a HSU powered subwoofer - very dynamic, open and airy.

4) Adire satellite and powered subwoofer ($897.00). Detail without irritation.

II $1001 to $2000

1) Red Rose Music Spirit Rosebud ($1250.00) This is a speaker with a ribbon and a cone, powered by a Red Rose amp and featuring the new Marantz model 8300 universal CD player. The ribbon sound on a budget.

2) Spendor 3/5 SE (1250) The English sound in a small box.

3) ET LFT 8 ($1500) A classic planar hybrid, musical, nice treble, and natural sounding.

4) Magnepan on wall and center channel ($1675) The CC3 and the MGMC1 - a typical Magnepan sound, the next best thing to the 1.6, if space is limited.

III $2000 to $10000

1) ET LFT 14 ($3995.00) Bruce Thigpen's latest creation sounded as smooth as silk with tube components from GW Labs. I really enjoyed this audition.

2) Speaker Art Clef Balance ($4900.00) This two-way floor standing system excelled in resolution, with a neutral tonal balance.

3) Magnepan surround sound system Consisting of two pair of 3.6 and 1 pair 1.6 (rear channel), playing surround sound SACD only, the sound was S-M-O-O-T-H.

IV Greater than $10,000

1) Quad Classics A German reissue of the Quad 57 featured four speakers vertically configured - midrange at its best, transparent with a capital 'T' at $7200.00 per pair.

2) Sound Lab M1 ($16240.00) Huge and imposing, a large electrostatic sound, extended at the extremes. Coherency, speed, openness without the 'box'. If you have heard electrostatics, no description is necessary.

3) Coincident Technology Total Victory ($11500.00) A virtually neutral presentation, one of the best cone designs at the show.

My three favorites at the show were the Quad Classics, Sound Lab M1, and surround sound Magnepan system. It is difficult to select the 'Best of Show' because, in each case, there was a defining characteristic in which one system was superior to the other. Therefore, I will consider the above as tied for first. The Quad classics excelled at transparency, revealing a musical detail that was obscured by all other stereo systems, namely a silence between plucked nylon guitar strings. However, its bass response was limited, but within its range, it is a very accurate transducer.

Final Thoughts

I came to the CES hoping to challenge my views about solid state components and cone speakers. The many hours of listening to a variety of stereo systems reinforced most of my preferences and attitudes, with two exceptions. I have changed my outlook on solid state electronics and I have more respect for the potential of cone designs. However, I believe that two instances of better-than-expected sound are exceptions to my experience with transistors and cones.Thus, my  preference for planar designs relative to other designs has not been significantly altered. I believe that an astute listener can, in a blind test, correctly distinguish ribbon and electrostatic drivers from cones. Having auditioned over 300 stereo systems at CES, I can say that, while neutrality may be the credo of most manufacturers, it has yet to be achieved. Components sound different. Stereo systems sound different. The existence of audible differences implies that either all components are not neutral or one component is neutral and the rest are not neutral. Components are not accurate and the speaker is the least accurate.

What impressed me about CES, more than the audio experiences, was the human connection: professionals from three continents and many countries convening at the same location to demonstrate their craft in the context of friendly competition. To some extent the cultural diversity was matched by the variety of equipment.

The CES was like a mini United Nations and I enjoyed every minute of it.

Anthony Kershaw

There is no doubt that the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is where the high-end comes to play. And play they did. This year's show was a superb collection of all that is good in audio - an exciting blend of presentation, engineering and marketing.

The show was highlighted at the venerable Alexis Park, a medium budget hotel that suits the open-air, relaxed nature of the  high-end section of the gargantuan CES. The rooms ranged from your typical small chocolate box to larger suites with oblique angles and troublesome acoustics. As a very pleasant surprise, many manufacturers tamed the acoustical problems and wringed the best sound possible from the less-than-perfect rooms. In fact, a couple of manufacturers spent considerable time, expertise and money to treat their rooms to the best in sound absorption and diffraction.

The trip from Toronto to Las Vegas (via Cincinnati) was as calm and relaxed as previous trips were frantic and stormy. I remember one approach into St. Louis that combined excruciating ear pain, an annoying neighbor, wind, snow, zero visibility, and a flight attendant praying in the back jump seat! The Cincinnati airport layover was benign, and the flight continued to Las Vegas with this writer as excited as ever at the prospect of all the amazing gear ready to hear.

The first day was spent reacquainting myself with old friends, making new ones, and listening casually to all sorts of amazing new equipment. Day Two and Three were scheduled from early morning to very late night -- I listened in most rooms, touching base more than once with equipment that caught my eye and ear. Day Four was morning only, and yielded some good results from the adjacent T.H.E. Show (The Home and Entertainment Show). I'm not sure how I feel philosophically about T.H.E. Show. It is held at the San Remo Hotel, is cheaper than hosting one's audio party at the CES, and looks the part. There were some wonderful exhibits at the San Remo, but it seems to ride on the excellent coattails of the CES.

My wandering was fairly unimpeded over all four days; the attendance seemed comparable to other years, eschewing the feeling that the high-end is on the downward spiral. Many manufacturers christened it 'the best show in years.'

Choosing music was easy as most rooms had the 'usual suspects' insofar as Audiophilia was concerned. I took some favourite 'A List' CDs, several with more than a few tricks up their sleeves.

The trade floor was small, but seemed to be thriving every time I popped in. LP sales as well as audiophile CDs were the purchases of choice. There were fewer vendors this year, but those who attended did so with style. They served the multitude with patience and grace.

I'll begin the tour with a beauty of a room. Verity Audio Parsifal Encores ($14,500.00) and dCS electronics were center stage (longtime readers of this magazine will know that I absolutely adore these speakers; the sound they produced in this room in Las Vegas did nothing to change my mind). The dCS lineup included the Verdi SACD/CD Transport ($10,995.00), and Purcell Digital Upsampler ($7,995.00). Power was by the Nagra MPA Mosfet solid-state integrated amplifier ($14500.00).The Audiophile Source's Michael Broughton was hired to acoustically treat the room. The treatment made a significant difference to the sound, clearing up room reflections and making the sound balanced and highlighting the excellence of the products. Bravo!

Some manufacturers organized 'banks' of rooms. Companies hooked up with others and took over complete floors of the Alexis Park. The consistent excellent sound was evidence of their faith in their products. Distributor Audiophile Systems, featuring Verity Audio and Nagra, and Tenor Audio were two such companies. The sound of Tenor Audio's amplifiers (very expensive and visually stunning integrated tube monoblocks) has not captivated me in the past - no doubt due to show conditions. In Vegas, however, each room was sounding brilliant, the amps paired with gear that sang harmoniously. The sound was musical, not overpowering. In other Audiophile Systems' rooms, Nagra's gorgeous pre and power amps were featured. Sound was commensurate with looks. Fantastic!

Along with the Verity Parsifal Encores, Audiophile Systems featured other speakers such as Verity's cheaper, but no less superb, Fidelios and the magnificent Rockport Antares ($41500.00). Andy Payor, Rockport's irrepressible owner and designer, spoke to me at length about the design of his speakers and of his monster Sirius turntable. The Maine man was justifiably proud of his gear and his Antares pair sounded superb; dynamic with a very smooth and sophisticated presentation. I listened in admiration to the final movement of Rimsky's Scheherazade - the crash of the boat on the rocks was awe-inspiring. The Tenor Audio amps were once again pride of place and drove the Rockports to some thrilling levels.

Dieter Burmester, as usual, spent time and money to present his brilliant products in the most professional way. An old music teacher once said to me that many people 'listen with their eyes'. If that was the case in Vegas, the German maestro had it covered. The electronic equipment glittered with polished chrome and the speakers flaunted their rare wood coverings with unabashed confidence. Gorgeous! The only drawback to the room was the close confinements of the Reference Series equipment. The less expensive Rondo and Top Line systems had plenty of room to breathe. Although confined, the Reference gear still amazed with its ability to convey musical meaning and that meaning's delicacy or power. The pre and power amplifiers sang with no fuss or muss, and with enough ultra clean power to drive the speakers to musical delights. The Burmester team members gave erudite and concise descriptions of each system, and played selections from Burmester's own demo discs. The small Rondo system sounded especially good, and while still expensive, is considerably more affordable than the Reference gear. My several visits to Burmester's room were always a musical and very pleasant occasion.

A room 'on the cheap', so to speak, was sponsored by American distributor, Music Hall. Owner Roy Hall always has a few inexpensive tricks up his sleeve. This year was no exception. Front and center was the Shanling CT-100 tube CD player ($1900.00) from China. Close examination uncovered where the frugality laid, but, as a whole, looked absolutely stunning! Hall had his own inexpensive MMF CD 25 HDCD player ($600.00) sounding very fine through Epos M15 speakers ($1395.00). Excellent sound, charming host and relatively inexpensive prices. A rarity in high-end?

Kazuoshi Yamada, President of Zanden Audio Systems, held court with his distributors and the magnificent-looking Zanden Model 9500 Monoblock amplifiers. Through the German Ascendo System M speakers, the sound was warm, detailed, and with a purity associated from the best in high fidelity. The sound emanating from this room, which I visited several times, was on a par with the rooms starring Nagra, Tenor, and Lamm. Exalted company, indeed.

Filed under the weird and wonderful were the Nordic Concept Turntable ($14650.00 - with tone arm and phono amplifier!) from Sweden and Sequence speakers ($12000.00) from Donald North Audio. Another charmer, North explained his Sequence speaker design carefully and the design behind the fascinating Nordic turntable (designed by A Better Life Audio Group). The sound in this room was very musical - with an intriguing look to match.

Less weird and wonderful, but just as excellent (and fairly inexpensive, too) were the speakers from Tetra. Tetra Speakers has started to make a name for itself with superb designs and outstanding cabinetry. The three Ottawa lads who make up the executive team spoke passionately about the designs and the inroads they have made this year. Main stage highlighted the Kid speakers ($2450.00 in Satin Black - Cherry and Birch finishes will be available shortly), sounding incredibly musical via the fantastic Audio Aero Capitole CD player. Regular readers of Audiophilia will know how highly we rate Tetra gear, after reviewing the bulk of their product line. All I can say is the Kids (especially the Cherry and Birch finishes) looked to die for, but their sound was unerringly alive. Bravo, gentlemen.

Walking up and down the central promenade over three days, I watched throngs of high-end audio folk having pleasant conversation, laughing, shaking on deals, and generally having a good time. Free lunches, poolside drinks, Vegas evenings, and the best stereos in the world - for me, it does not get much better. Most conversations led inevitably to what was perceived as good or average equipment. Other conversations focused on the business of manufacturing, the plethora of excellent electronics and the predilection for the number of speaker manufacturers. Some speakers, to be honest sounded quite awful -- tizzy highs, poor balance. One poor fellow had the speakers out of phase for nearly the entire show! Other speakers on the walkabout did give me a hint at the excellence of both look and design. Kharma Midi Grand Ceramique ($32000.00), Acapella Violin 1 ($23500.00), Silverline Bolero ($8000.00), Eggleston Works Andra II ($18900.00), and the super-refined Lumenwhite Whiteflame ($24000.00) from Acoustic Dreams all had musicality in spades, with varying, but exceedingly high degrees of detail and refinement. However, if looks alone were the sole reason for purchase, the gorgeous Acapella Violins would win the day. Ultra high workmanship from Germany. In a happy coincidence, they were driven by the amazing, and equally Teutonic, Accustic Arts AMP II-AC amplifier (from distributor Tri-Cell Enterprises). The sound in this room was superb.

Driving the amazing selection of box, planer, and horn speakers, were some equally amazing electronics. Both tube and solid-state monoblocks of gargantuan proportions, once again, had the crowd cooing. Yet, the CES was also a time for the less muscular to shine. Integrated amplifiers were there in abundance. Chief among them, the aforementioned Tenor Audio 75Wp OTL tube monoblock integrated amplifiers ($19900.00 a pair) and the solid state Moon i-5 integrated amplifier ($2595.00). Jean Poulin from Simaudio has captured this Moon in its ascendancy. Clean as a whistle, and built like a tank. And the aforementioned Audio Aero Capitole CD player ($4200.00) not only played CDs as well as I have heard, it also has a tubed output stage, balanced and single-ended analog connections, and both analog and digital volume controls. A peach of player.

I was having such a wonderfully busy time at the CES that it became a bit of a chore to tear away and visit The Home Entertainment Show - this pale imitation of the grand CES is held at the less-than-spectacular San Remo Hotel. T.H.E. Show has a well-organized shuttle bus between the Alexis Park and the San Remo; the enticement was working, as the show was quite crowded on the Sunday afternoon.

Very fine rooms included those of Avantgarde Acoustic (amazing Trio Series Three speakers at $44970.00 and huge Bass Horns in gleaming silver) and the splendid Immedia Distributor's room featuring its eponymous turntable, the wondrous Burmester 911 Mk. III amplifier, and Audio Physic Virgo III speakers ($4995.00). Swiss manufacturer Orpheus Laboratories paired its delightful electronics with Canada's StudioLAB Revelation speakers (CDN$16000.00). The new Revelations looked amazing in a silver paint finish and were singing its own and Orpheus' praises magnificently. With fingers crossed, it looks like Audiophilia may get a review pair soon. Also adorned fabulously in silver paint (Violet Silver) were the astonishingly good speakers from M's Unity (Silicon Arts Design). At four feet in height, utilizing one driver with modified transmission line, Masataka Tsuda's Emilies ES-101 Loudspeaker played French Baroque music with such quality that it transported your reporter to both Sans Souci and Versailles. Wonderful discovery, here.

So, to the best sound. Good Lord, that's a tough one this year! The dross, and there was some, has already been banished from my memory, and much excellent gear I simply did not have time to hear at length. From what I did hear, there was enough to excite the most jaded audiophile. The following I thought especially worthy to bring to our readers' attention.

Most Intriguing Design

Silicon Arts Design's Emilies ES-101 Loudspeaker - 87dB/8 ohm, detailed and refined sound, with one 4" cone driver and a modified transmission line. Contact yoshi.ffi@cox.net for more information.

Best 'Real World' High-End Sound

Tetra Speakers Kid Loudspeaker - Super refinement for only $2450.00 and worth twice the price. Contact info@tetraspeakers.com for more information.

Best Sound of Show

Audiophile Systems, featuring Verity Parsifal Encore Loudspeakers, dCS Verdi SACD/CD Transport and dCS Purcell Digital Upsampler, and the Nagra MPA Mosfet Integrated Amplifier. Room treatment by The Audiophile Source.

Even though setups by Burmester, Rockport, Tenor, Lamm, Talon, and Nagra gave this outstanding room a run for its money, the quality of equipment and superb acoustical treatment assured this room the prize. Congratulations to all concerned. Contact aslinfo@aslgroup.com for more information on equipment. Contact Michael Broughton at broughton@coppermountain.net for more information on room treatment.