Series 4

Esoteric's G-0s master-clock generator uses a rubidium oscillator "for extremely high basic performance in the clock generator core." This means the G-0s improves both digital audio and DVD video. It is reportedly over a million times more accurate than typical crystal oscillators. The retail price of the G-0s is $13,000.

The Esoteric UX-1 universal audio/video player is the first component of its type to use one of the company's VRDS transport mechanisms. Numerous enhancements over the acclaimed Esoteric DV-50 include a magnesium turntable, a coreless motor, and a cut-aluminum tray. There is also improved bass-management functionality. The retail price is $13,000. Also available at the same price is the cosmetically identical X-01, which reportedly optimizes SACD and CD playback while eschewing DVD-A/V functionality.

On the power-amplifier front was Esoteric's A-70 monoblock ($8500 each). With a rated 200W output, the unit features a 20mm-thick front panel, a WB-type transformer, and a "two-stage Darlington circuit."

Gryphon Audio of Denmark followed up the Canata loudspeaker with a yet-to-be-named flagship. Featuring two contoured columns per channel, the $130,000 four-way speaker features eight 8" woofers, remote Q control, and a fully active bass section. According to Gryphon, the sky's the limit with respect to finishes, which include exotic woods and leather.

Lots of news from Mobile Fidelity, which has begun shipping vinyl again and now offers gold Ultradisc CD-Rs (apologies for the glare -- it's not easy to shoot album covers with a flash)...

...as well as the OML-1 minimonitor ($1299 per pair)...

...and the OML-2 floorstander ($2799 per pair). The veneer work of the MoFi speakers looks terrific.