January 6 - Part 2

Optoma displayed several new DLP projectors ranging in price from $2000 to $10,000. Shown above if the HD72, which sports 5000:1 contrast ratio and an HDMI input. The retail price is a low $2000. If you've got the big bucks...

...you'll want the HD81 ($10,000). This 1080P projector uses the DarkChip3 DMD chip and has 6000:1 contrast ratio. It looked stunning in a demonstration featuring a clip from The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

Bel Canto has seemingly updated its entire product line. Above are the CD1 CD player (top, $5000), PHONO3 phono stage (bottom left), and Pre3 stereo preamp.

The new DAC3 digital-to-analog converter has an integral volume control...

...and is easily mistaken for the S300i integrated amp. The only one of the new products whose price is set is the CD1 -- in case you were wondering. [www.belcanotdesign.com]

Bryston's stout new 28B-SST monoblock ($13,500/pair) will produce in excess of 120A of current in addition to its 1200 watts into 8 ohms. It's also the biggest Bryston amp we've ever seen.