Saturday, September 10, 2005 - Part 1

Conrad-Johnson introduced a trio of new preamps and two new power amps in addition to its ShowStopper AVP1 universal A/V player. Above is the CT5 "Composite Triode" stereo preamp ($7500), which the company describes as an "ACT2 junior."

At a lower price, and with less elaborate metalwork, is the CT6 stereo preamp ($4500).

The MET1 ($7500) is a six-channel "Enhanced Triode" preamp.

The LP70S stereo amp ($6500) uses two pairs of 6550 output tubes to produce 70Wpc. It is also available as monoblock, the LP140M ($6000).

Like Conrad-Johnson, Paradigm introduced a number of new products in addition to a ShowStopper, the Diva music system. The latest Paradigm Signature speaker is the S1 ($1300 per pair), which has a diecast metal cabinet that is covered in real-wood veneer.

The Paradigm Cinema 330 (left foreground, $299 each) and Cinema 220 (left background and right close-up, $199 each) also have diecast cabinets. [www.paradigm.com]