Friday, January 9 -- Part 1

The Blue Circle BC3000 Mk II preamplifier made its debut. This dual-mono design features two 6922 tubes and classic Blue Circle styling. The retail price is $6450. [www.bluecircle.com]

Blue Circle also showed the brand-new BC27 and BC27pi phono stages. The $595 BC27 features HexFred rectifiers, Blue Circle output capacitors, and is all hand wired. The $1395 BC27pi ups the ante with over 200,000 microfarads of capacitance and a separate power supply. [www.bluecircle.com]

Amphion MediaWorks displayed this ultra-cool, futuristic-looking DVD player that features progressive scan, a "Smart EQ," and "3D Surround Sound." The player retails for a very reasonable $70 -- but it doesn't fly.

Duevel loudspeakers are certainly unique -- both in terms of their looks and room-filling sound. US distributor Ted Lindblad (who owns the best Internet domain name -- www.HighEndAudio.com) used T.H.E. Show to play the Bella Luna Diamante ($7500 per pair as shown). The speakers delivered sound that was highly enjoyable from any seat in the house. Great stuff. [www.HighEndAudio.com]

This study in industrial design is from Epson. The 64" LCD screen incorporates three LCD panels with 1920 x 1080 video resolution. The unique base is integral to the display. No price was available on this prototype model, although delivery to dealers is expected in the second quarter of 2004.

Konka showed the P3218T television/stereo system featuring a 32" plasma display, a pair of stand-mounted two-way speakers, and a round subwoofer module. Electronics to power the speakers are located in the display's box-shaped base. Various colors will be available when the system is released later in 2004. Pricing was not available -- yet.