The Usher BE-20 (left, $16,400/pair) and
CP-8571 II ($7735/pair) both use what is claimed to be the world's first inverted-dome
beryllium tweeter. The workmanship and finish belie each speaker's price, as does the
sound.
An expensive speaker that looks expensive, the
Eventus Nebula ($53,800/pair) is more attractive than a piece of fine contemporary
furniture. It's made of a proprietary high-density material. The Nebula is art, and it
sounded precise as well.
Rogue Audio's Perseus preamp features tubes,
remote control, home-theater bypass, and an MM/MC phono stage all for $1795. And it's made
in the US!
The diminutive Threshold T/Pod is a balanced
stereo preamplifier that is priced at $1200. A unique feature is the iPod input seen next
to the headphone jack. [www.threshold-audio.com]
A new price point for Jeff Rowland Design Group: $1490. The
Model 102 stereo amplifier is rated at 100Wpc. A solid billet of aluminum is used for each
chassis.
