Friday, September 11 -- Part 2

Thiel's SmartSub lineup includes four models with Thiel-designed and -manufactured drivers in beautifully finished cabinets. From left to right are the SS1 ($2900), SS2 ($4800), SS3 ($6800) and SS4 ($8900). [www.thielaudio.com]

Thiel SmartSub drivers. Two of the 15" drivers to the right are used in the SS4, while the 10" driver to the right is used in the SS1 and SS2. [www.thielaudio.com]

The Séura mirror/monitor is for those who just can't stop watching TV. The model shown is $2700, but the price varies based on the size of the mirror and the display used.

Polk Audio branches out into electronics with its XRt12-XM XM Satellite tuner ($329), which can output its commands to a display device for greater convenience.

New from athena is a lineup of speakers for use with -- you guessed it -- flatscreen monitors. The LS-600 shown in close-up is a two-way speaker with two passive radiators to ensure proper sound when the speaker is used horizontally. The price is $350 each. Speakers in this new line range from $250 per pair to $500 each, with the matching subwoofer costing $450. [www.athenaspeakers.com]

Energy's new subwoofers use drivers with ribbed elliptical surrounds, which reportedly allow greater excursion and contribute to lower distortion. Shown are the S8.3 (left, $350) and S10.3 ($500). The S12.3 (not shown) costs $800. [www.energy-speakers.com]

A close-up of the surround of the driver used in Energy's new subwoofers. [www.energy-speakers.com]

Also new from Energy is the act satellite speaker, whose magnetic grilles and logos are novel features. The act6 system includes five such satellites and a powered subwoofer. It costs $800. [www.energy-speakers.com]