January 8 - Part 1

The two-way Penaudio Alba looks commonplace, but it sounded sweet and spacious. Its price will be "about $3600 per pair" when it begins shipping later this year. The Alba might be a perfect match for...

...the new Audio Aero new Prima Amplifier integrated ($2750), which has double the power output (100Wpc) of its predecessor. We liked its restrained looks and simple control layout.

You'll need a CD player to use with the Alba and Prima. How about the Dynavox Dynastation ($4000), which is perhaps the quirkiest CD player we've come across. Its retro look aside, it marries a Sony PlayStation drive with three tubes, and it has no remote control.

The Essence Reference power distributor ($1299) uses electrical-grade-bronze outlets and custom internal wire in a chassis that's filled with a quart of silicone. Look for a SoundStage! review later in the year. [www.essentialsound.com]

Harmonic Resolution Systems racks were in use in various rooms at CES and THE Show. We spied this especially handsome one in the Globe Audio Marketing room. A new design, it features open sides and uses HRS's own isolation bases as shelves. Prices vary based on configuration and can reach comfortably into the five-figure range. [www.avisolation.com]

We also saw in the Globe Audio room the Breuer Dynamic Type 8 ($5500), a renowned tonearm with a Rolex-like following among vinyl-loving audiophiles. Globe Audio distributes all Breuer Dynamic products in North America.

The Audio Analogue Class A (approximately $9000) is the largest integrated amp we've ever seen -- and, for this reason, not a component we would put on a glass shelf. It delivers 50Wpc of -- what else? -- class-A power. [www.vmax-services.com]

GutWire always has new products at CES. On top is MP14-4 in-wall speaker cable ($4/foot), and below is the B12 power cable ($30/foot), which is aimed at the DIY market. [www.gutwire.com]