Sunday, April 4 -- Part 1

All prices are quoted in US dollars unless otherwise noted.

The newest turntable from Pro-Ject is the l'Xpression (with an Audio Technica AT95E cartridge for $549 CDN). Shown to the far left is the Pro-Ject Speed Box SE speed controller ($699 CDN).

Also new from Pro-Ject is the Tube Box MM/MC phono stage ($699 CDN), whose tubes you can view through openings in the faceplate. Essential Audio Corporation, the new Canadian distributor of Pro-Ject products, had a room brimming with analog goodies.

Harman Kardon's striking AVR 7300 (left, $2999 CDN) 7.1-channel receiver, which uses conventional amplification, is joined by the new DVR 2005 7.1 receiver (bottom right, "hopefully around $2500 CDN"), which uses digital amplification. On top of the DVR 2005 is the DVD 22 ($300 CDN), which plays only DVD-Vs.

Infinity's new Beta speakers replace the previous Alpha line. From left to right are the Beta 50 ($1500 CDN/pair), 40 ($1200 CDN/pair) and 10 ($600 CDN/pair). All three come with unique perforated-metal grilles.

Meadowlark's American E-series speakers debuted in Montreal. The dual-woofer floorstander shown above ($995/pair) has a claimed 92dB sensitivity. A side view of the baffle hints at the contours underneath the grille that help achieve such sensitivity. There are also American E minimonitors/surrounds ($695/pair) and a center-channel speaker ($495).