Series 3

JL Audio is well known in the auto-sound world, but it used CEDIA to debut its initial home-audio products, including the Gotham g113 subwoofer ($7500). This new sub self-generates calibration tones that it uses to measure the frequency response at the listening position, thereby optimizing itself to each listening space.

The control panel of the Gotham g113. The black dot in the middle of the bottom row is the input for the subwoofer's microphone.

According to Lexicon, the new RV-8 receiver ($7000) is a collection of the company's separates in one package, including seven channels of amplification and "broadcast-quality" video switchers.

NHT's Xd ($5500) is a DEQX-calibrated, DSP-corrected, powered four-piece (front speakers, subwoofer, controller/amplifier) speaker system that performs crossover, correction and EQ functions digitally. All you need to add is a preamp for volume control and switching, and a source.

NHT claims flat frequency response with the Xd system, which begs the question, "Will people like such sound?" We were impressed with what we heard -- not only from the speaker system but from the designer, who explained the Xd in lucid detail. We look forward to writing more about this very intriguing product.

Arena is a contemporary-styled home-theater system from Tannoy -- pictures don't do it justice. Each satellite includes a supertweeter whose frequency response extends to 54kHz, while the powered subwoofer extends to 29Hz.

A complete Arena 5.1 system costs $2199. All Arena components are sold separately as well.

A close-up of the Tannoy Arena center-channel speaker.

Need universal A/V capabilities but don't want to spend a fortune? Look to Yamaha, which showed four impressive models at CEDIA. Above are the DVD-2500 (left), which features i.LINK output ($699), and DVD-S1500 ($399). Both upsample CDs.

Also from Yamaha are the DVD-C750 (left, $299) and DVC6760 ($199), both of which are progressive-scan, universal A/V, five-disc changers.