LATEST ADDITIONS

PSB is redesigning their longstanding Stratus line. The photo shows a new Stratus floorstander and center channel. But don't look for it before next year, and the form factor of the cabinet may be slightly different. The drivers in the new Stratus models are expected to use technology developed for the company's upscale Platinum series.

Recall that on Day 1 (setup day-when the
show floor was closed to attendees) I reported on arrays Sony LCD displays, each showing HD clips from diffferent upcoming Blu-ray discs, including possible releases of season sets of <I>Stargate SG-1</I> and <I>Stargate Atlantis</I>. Those clips disappeared with the opening of the show floor, to be replaced by content that extols the glories of Sony products and technology. Oh well.

English speaker manufacturer Tannoy made their name with concentric driver arrays, but technology and nostalgia were combined in their Prestige line that pays homage to their past. The Kensingtons ($11,000/pr) are two way speakers in gorgeous wood cabinets. The drivers and cabinets are handmade in England. I rapped on them and they are solid and tight. The side by side vertical slots that run top to bottom along the corners of the speaker (not visible in this shot, unfortunately) are the vents for the bass. Powered with a Manley Amp Stingray integrated tube amp and driven by a Denon CD player, the sound was really quite good, even amongst the aural clutter that is the show floor.

Revel's Kevin Voecks shows off the company's new Ultima2 speakers, including the Salon and the smaller Studio. Other Ultima1 models are described in our day 1 report.