Series 6

Audio Research surprised us with the new Reference CD7 CD player ($8995)...,

...which uses the analog section from the Reference 3 preamp along with tube regulation. The CD3 Mk II, a Marc Mickelson favorite, will remain in the company's product line. [www.audioresearch.com]

New from Focal are the gorgeous Electra Be speakers. The 1027 floorstander costs $7495 per pair...

...and the 1007 minimonitor $3995 per pair.

A close-up of the Electra Be beryllium tweeter, with its curved plate. A small round cover held on by magnets protects the dome when the speakers are not in use.

The Harman/Kardon DVD 31 that Doug Schneider recently wrote about has been replaced by three new models. Top to bottom are the DVD 27 ($249), DVD 37 ($299) and DVD 47 ($349). The DVD 27 plays CDs, DVD-As and DVD-Vs, while DVD 37 adds SACD playback, and the DVD 47 includes SACD playback and HDMI connectivity.

Even though analog and SACD playback seem to be going in opposite directions in terms of consumer support, Marantz showed its new TT-15S1 belt-drive turntable, which includes tonearm and cartridge,

...right next to the new SA-15S1 Reference CD/SACD player. No pricing was available for either product.