Wilson Audio's interesting demonstrations have
become a highlight of our CES experience. This year the company A/B/C'ed its Duette
($10,950/pair) against speakers from Krell and B&W to make the point that the Duette
is a speaker that can be used effectively in many ways, including on shelves with as
little as two inches behind, and retain their articulate, musical sound.
While the Duette is a true bookshelf speaker,
it can also be used on matching stands ($1695/pair). [www.wilsonaudio.com]
Ever have trouble finding space in your garage
or attic for the boxes and packing of your A/V items? Don't ask the organizers of the CES
for sympathy.
Sonicweld, based in Orem Utah, showed an all-aluminum
active loudspeaker. This shiny new subwoofer/satellite system includes a DEQX crossover,
the Subpulse subwoofer, and Pulserod towers. Retail price is $49,000 for the four-piece
system.
The Swedish Statement System was well advertised before the
CES, and it didn't disappoint in its magnitude. Components consisted of the Bladelius
Beowulf monoblock amplifiers ($37,500 per pair), Bladelius Gondul CD player ($14,000),
Nordic Concept turntable ($18,000), Marten Design Coltrane Supreme speakers ($250,000),
Jorma Design cables, and Woo Design furniture. The claim to fame of this system was the
use of the first diamond midrange driver.
Some novelty items we found at the Convention Center.
Although offering not quite audiophile-approved sound, the
Audionutz barbecue grille would be a hit at any backyard party. The bass was truly
testicular.
LCD TVs for unique applications. Hannspree had a dizzying
array of LCD displays, many of which would be perfect for the kids. Everything we saw at
the booth was priced below $1000, including the models shown above.
