Series 3

All prices are quoted in euros unless otherwise noted.
1 €  is approximately 1.19 US dollars at time of report.

Sony flew in two of their Blu-Ray BDZ-577 high-definition optical-disc recorders specially for this show. The BDZ-577 sells for 3500 €. Sony describes Blu-Ray-type discs as "A new optical recording disc format in [the] HD era." The BDZ-577's disc has 23GB of storage space, which is said to allow for two hours of high-definition recording and 12 hours of standard-definition recording. Coupled with Sony's KE-P61MRX 61" plasma display, the high-definition playback was absolutely stunning, as we described in the Standout Room report.

Atvisican of Germany showed the new Allcanview "media center," which has more features in its single small chassis than we've seen in any component: interactive TV, 500-hour digital video recorder, HD receiver, CD/DVD player and burner, Dolby Digital and DTS decoder, Internet radio, gaming console, MP3 player, e-mail -- and more still. The Allcanview is Windows XP-based, and sells for 9000 €.

Elac showed the high-tech-looking FS 608-4P loudspeakers (7000 € per pair) in a various high-gloss colors. The FS 608-4P has numerous technical features, but most noticeable is the 4PI tweeter on top that disperses high frequencies 360 degrees. The FS 608-4P impressed us enough with its sound that we selected it in a Standout Room.

The 4PI tweeter has a moving diaphragm about 1/2" high that completely wraps around the tweeter module. Its frequency response is said to extend to 50kHz.

France's Triangle debuted the new Magellan Concerto loudspeakers priced at 15,000 € per pair -- a more affordable and compact alternative to the much taller Magellan, which sells for 30,000 € per pair. The Concerto features front- and rear-firing tweeter and midrange drivers.

Convergent Audio Technology used this show to debut the new SL1 Legend preamplifier, which is reportedly a significant upgrade from the highly regarded SL1 Ultimate. According to Ken Stevens, the Legend sells for double the price of the Ultimate, so $11,900 as a line stage only and $13,900 with phono.