CES 2011

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CES 2011
Meridian Makes Good on CEDIA Promises
Mark Fleischmann  |  Jan 06, 2011  |  First Published: Jan 07, 2011  | 
The products Meridian promised at CEDIA 2010 are realities. They include the Media Core 200 (shown) whose "more accessible" $4000 price point will probably make you want to fling a whole bunch of these 500GB babies around your well appointed home. It combines Sooloos media server software with iWhatever or computer input, and we're not being sarcastic when we say that's a winning combination. Also shown were the Media Core 200 stereo preamp ($3000) with the DSP3200 powered speakers. The former includes a stereo width control: key in how far apart your speakers are, and it'll make the distance seen even wider (in a good way). After all, real people don't always put their speakers where they should go.
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CES 2011
Million-Dollar Stereo
Scott Wilkinson  |  Jan 07, 2010  | 

Swedish speaker maker Perfect8 assembled a 2-channel rig in its Venetian suite that would set you back a cool $1,000,000! Aside from the speakers, which include a pair of Forces and three Cubes with powered subwoofers, the system includes electronics from Ypsilon, an Audio Stone Pythagoras turntable, and ZenSati cables. I heard a recording of cello and pipe organ, which was spectacular—a beautiful, open sound and great bass response. For more on the Perfect8 speakers, <A href="http://blog.ultimateavmag.com/ultimate-gear/eight_is_enough/">click here</A>.

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CES 2011
Mitsubishi DLPs Soldier On
Thomas J. Norton  |  Jan 08, 2011  | 
Mitsubishi does flat panels, too, but they doggedly stick to DLP rear projection for their jumbo screen sets. This 92-inch 3D monster is a case in point. It uses a conventional lamp-based DLP engine and the checkerboard 3D system/ No price as yet; they didn't even know how deep it will be or how much it will weigh, which indicates that it's still in the design stage.
CES 2011
Mitsubishi Laservision
Shane Buettner  |  Jan 11, 2011  | 
CES 2011
Mitsubishi TVs
Shane Buettner  |  Jan 11, 2011  | 
CES 2011
MK Sound Gets Refreshing
Darryl Wilkinson  |  Jan 08, 2011  | 
Updating a classic, MK Sound premiered the new version of the company’s popular S150 monitor. The new model, the S150 MKII THX Ultra2, features the same redesigned tweeter recently introduced in the 950 THX Select2 bookshelf. Also introduced were a new matching tripole surround for the S150 system, MK Sound’s first on-wall speakers, and a new in-wall and on-wall speaker.
CES 2011
Modern Modular Computer
Darryl Wilkinson  |  Jan 09, 2011  | 
The Xi3 Modular Computer is small, cube-like, completely modular, and less than 4 inches per side. It uses 64-bit x86 dual core processors running at 2.0 GHz and, since it uses less than 20 watts to operate, it is totally silent due to the lack of fans. The silent operation and solid state storage make it a great choice for a home theater PC or DVR. Pricing starts at $849 (with Linux operating system – add $149 for Windows 7). Additional storage memory and thin clients are available. The computer can be ordered in different colors and various configurations.
CES 2011
Monitor Audio Shakes Woofer Booty
Mark Fleischmann  |  Jan 08, 2011  | 
While waiting to be briefed on Monitor Audio's GX Series, we couldn't help being fascinated by the incredible woofer excursion of the GX50 ($1795/pair, left) -- not to mention how little influence it seemed to have on the tweeter output. Turns out the GX Series is a re-do of the old Gold Series. All drivers are made of C-CAM, a ceramic powder coated aluminum magnesium. The high-res ribbon tweeter is crossed over at 2700Hz, indicating a healthy appetite for power. The 15-ply red bubinga woodgrain covering the one-inch MDF on the speaker was unusual, subtle, and lovely and the cabinet did well in the knuckle-rap test. Other GX models include another stand-mount, two towers, two centers, and sub.
CES 2011
Monster Thrives on Yao Power
Mark Fleischmann  |  Jan 05, 2011  | 
A life-size mannequin of Chinese basketball wonder Yao Ming was the most visually striking element of Monster Cable's typically eventful pre-show press conference. This "aspirational figure" says he integrates technology into his busy life because "music helps me achieve." He promo-toured China with Monster last summer, but what really raises an eyebrow is that Monster has opened 10 Yao stores in China. Entire stores devoted to a single marketing idea. Wow.

Monster now has 34.9 percent market share in headphones, thanks to its Beats line, with only Bose even coming close. Last year's Miles Davis Trumpet earbuds have gone into a second generation at a lower $299 price point. The "world's smallest" in-earphones achieve their small size by building the driver into the tip, not the body. Trumpet-valve-like controls are built into the cord. A release of Davis' classic Sketches in Spain in surround complements the product.

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CES 2011
More on Arcam rCube
Mark Fleischmann  |  Jan 08, 2011  | 
And here's what it does, according to the carton. Note that the iPod streaming includes component and composite video, the former using a proprietary jack and dongle that physically resembles S-video with more pins.
CES 2011
More on JBL
Mark Fleischmann  |  Jan 06, 2011  |  First Published: Jan 07, 2011  | 
Here's the skinny on the JBL/Levinson system mentioned above.
CES 2011
More on Paradigm A² Active Atom
Mark Fleischmann  |  Jan 07, 2011  | 
As you can see.
CES 2011
NAD Bows Two Receivers and Preamp
Mark Fleischmann  |  Jan 07, 2011  | 
They include the T 787 ($3499) and T 757 ($1499) a/v receivers, with seven times 120 and 60 watts respectively, both fully up to date with HDMI 1.a for 3D compatibility. Also shown was the T 187 pre-pro ($2499). The pricier receiver and pre-pro can be outfitted with an optional Control4 module.
CES 2011
NAD's Flagship AV Receiver
Thomas J. Norton  |  Jan 08, 2011  |  First Published: Jan 09, 2011  | 
If you look at the back of NAD's new T787 AV Surround Sound Receiver ($3499) you'll see the plug-in modules that make the 120 WPC x 7 unit amenable to future upgrading. As delivered it includes the latest digital video, HDMI, and audio modules. A Control4 Director Series Module is an option. The T187 AV Preamp Processor ($2499) is similarly equipped.
CES 2011
No Need to Download This App
Darryl Wilkinson  |  Jan 09, 2011  | 
I thought I’d seen just about every variation of an iPod case by now, but a quick walk-through of the section of CES devoted to all things iPod brought me to this booth. Beaheadcase has combined a bottle opener with an iPod case because you never know when you might be using your iPod and need to open a bottle of beer. Just remember, don’t drink and download.

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