With its DAC3 ($2495), which began shipping
this month, Bel Canto has broken the mold it created for its DAC1 and DAC2. The DAC3 comes
in a different and more attractive chassis, and it adds a volume control, so it can
function as a digital preamp. It also has a USB input for computer connectivity. The
volume control can be removed from the circuit as well. [www.belcantodesign.com]
The Vidar is a cable-burn-in device that
Nordost created for it dealer network -- you can't buy one. According to the company,
"100 hours on the Vidar are like 100 years in your system." Maybe audio cables are
like wine and improve with age. [www.nordost.com]
Known for its "analog switching
mode" amps, NuForce has released its first speaker, the S-9 ($5500/pair), whose
cabinet is constructed of 23 layers of Baltic birch plywood. The S-9 is an all-out
minimonitor with an external passive crossover than can be upgraded to active --
presumably with NuForce amps. [www.nuforce.com]
To celebrate its 30th anniversary, Harbeth has
released the Compact 7ES3 ($2995/pair), which is said to be an "evolutionary update
of its best-selling loudspeaker of the past twenty years," the Compact 7ES2. Harbeth
will release more new "celebratory" speakers as well.
Believe it or not, this is a concentric
driver. There is a tweeter in this picture -- there's a control for it around back.
WLM uses this driver in its new Diva
loudspeaker ($5500/pair), which we'll review on SoundStage! sometime soon.
