Series 2

Anthem's Statement D2 surround-sound preamp/processor ($6500 projected price), the successor to the Statement D1, aims to do for video processing what the D1 did in the audio realm. Its Gennum GF9350 VXP image processor can convert any SD or HD standard to other standards and a resolution up to 1920 x 1080p. Anthem had some difficulty in finding a projector that would use the D2's 1080p output in its native state.

The packed rear panel of the Statement D2. Anthem is working out the upgrade details for Statement D1 owners. [www.anthemav.com]

Bel Canto's e.one amps are the company's fourth-generation digital amps. Shown are the S300 300Wpc stereo amp ($1700) and Ref1000 mono amp ($2200), which outputs 1000 watts into a 4-ohm load.

The rear panel of the Bel Canto e.one S300 amp. No skimping on the connectors here. [www.belcantodesign.com]

Described as "Pioneer with TAD inside," Pioneer's well-built new EX-series speakers feature curved front baffles and TAD drivers.

Retail prices are not yet set, but you can expect the S-1EX floorstander and S-2EX minimonitor to cost approximately $9000-$12,000 and $6000-$8000 per pair respectively. The S-7EX center-channel speaker will cost $3000-$4000. Matching stands will be around $2000 per pair.

A close-up of the TAD Coherent Source Transducer, which places a beryllium-diaphragm tweeter at the center of a magnesium-cone midrange.