Saturday, April 3 -- Part 1

All prices are quoted in US dollars unless otherwise noted.

From left to right are the new Acoustic Energy Aelite Two ($1200 CDN/pair), Aelite Three ($2200 CDN/pair), AE-1 Series III ($4800-$5600 CDN/pair depending on finish) and top-of-the-line AE-3 Series III ($12,500 CDN/pair).

Blue Circle debuted the budget-priced 50Wpc BC100 ($1995 CDN)...,

...and dual-mono BC101 preamp ($2245 CDN). These replace the company's CS-series amp and preamp and produced Standout sound. [www.bluecircle.com]

Harmonic Resolution System's Analog Disk Clamp ($110) is far more complex than it looks. The special polymer that contacts the LP's label area is bonded into the aluminum top piece, which is specially machined. [www.avisolation.com]

The Loth-X Troubadour ($7000 CDN/pair) is similar to the company's Polaris, but it has a smaller cabinet. It uses a Fostex single-cone driver that's manufactured for Loth-X. Black grilles cover the entire front and give the speakers a more traditional look. [www.songaudio.com]

Another new single-driver speaker is the Lam Mk I from RL Acoustique ($6500 CDN/pair), makers of the Lamhorn line. The Lam Mk I uses an AER driver, while the Lamhorns use Lowther drivers for the most part. The unique finish is called lacewood.