Series 2

Marc Mickelson shows the evolution of press materials: printed materials, a CD-ROM, and USB flash memory.

Toshiba set up a small theater dedicated its HD-XA1 player, which might be the high-definition playback device that's closest to being sold to consumers.

McIntosh's version of "The World's Best Audio System" drew big crowds. We have to admit that this system sounded rather good even in the large, open convention space. As this crowd of listeners can attest, it was literally a ShowStopper.

Paul Barton stands amidst many of the speakers that bear his initials, including the CW 600E in-wall speaker to his right ($2249 each), which is the in-wall equivalent of his PSB Platinum T6.

Front and rear close-ups of the PSB CW 600E. [www.psbspeakers.com]

Doug Schneider was unsure about the automotive styling of the First Impressions Theme Theatres Cinelounger...

...but he may have found the only real use for the chair's rearview mirrors: taking a picture of yourself taking a picture.