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CES Day 4: Genesis
 |  Jan 07, 2006  |  1 comments

Genesis Advanced Technologies had two major new introductions, plus new subs. The Genesis 3 employs midrange/tweeter line arrays in a dipole configuration, together with an on-board subwoofer. But the new, small F7.1p ($2950-$3250/pair, depending on finish) might be more home-theater friendly. I heard them in a 2-channel configuration, along with the new S2/8 sub ($TBD), and they sounded very honest and neutral. And while they could be used with a Genesis center, they are small enough that they could work nicely in all channels. A bit pricey, perhaps, but Genesis speakers have never been low-end designs. &mdash;<I>TJN</I>

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CES Day 4: HSU Research
 |  Jan 07, 2006  |  0 comments

HSU Research is now shipping its new VTF-3HO flagship subwoofer. It may also be enhanced by the Turbo package, an outboard enclosure linked directly to the main sub to extend the port length. It is said to produce the output of <I>two</I> non-turbo VTF-3HOs. Po Ser Hsu had top of these puppies in the corners of a room about the size of two walk-in closets, and to say that the bass was powerful would be an understatement. It also sounded <I>very</I> deep; don't let anyone tell you that you can't do bass in a small room.&mdash;<I>TJN</I>

CES Day 4: Pioneer EX Speakers
 |  Jan 07, 2006  |  3 comments

Finally, the Pioneer EX series speakers mentioned in my Day 1 report (below) were producing some of the best sounds at the show—at the Alexis or anywhere else. Thew demo here was 2-channel only, using the big S-7EX floor-stander. I found very little to criticize in what I heard, but hope to get the chance to review these speakers very soon in a full mulichannel array. I'm not convinced that Pioneer's decision to market these speakers under their own name is a wise one. US audiophiles have never made a beeline for Japanese speakers (though many of them are now listening to Chinese ones!!). But the speakers are actually a hybrid of Japanese manufacturing, British design (from speaker designer Andrew Jones, who also designed the up market TAD speakers that use similar but not identical drivers) and French (cabinet) styling. If you're in the market for a $9000 pair of speakers, or a surround package built around them, they definitely deserve a listen. I'll have more to say in an upcoming review. .&mdash;<I>TJN</I>

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CES Day 4: PSB and NAD
 |  Jan 07, 2006  |  3 comments

Today was my day to cover the Alexis Park, the site of the high-end audio exhibits. Since my beat is home theater, and the Alexis exhibits specialize in 2-channel setups, much of my time was taken up searching for speakers that might find a comfortable spot in a home theater setup, along with the odd subwoofer, pre-pro or multi-channel amp.

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CES Day 4: Thiel
 |  Jan 07, 2006  |  0 comments

Thiel's new 3.7 loudspeaker replaces the 3.6, a model that has been in the line for 13 years! The 3.7 (shown in prototype form only and not actively demonstrated) looks radically different, with its new cabinet design and cone material. Particularly interesting is the design of the coaxial midrange-tweeter driver. The ring-like midrange that surrounds the tweeter is ribbed for rigidity, and driven by a 3-inch voice coil at the center radius of the driver. Shipment is planned for early spring, at a price to be announced later. A new center channel will also be designed around the new coaxial driver, but is still some ways from completion. .&mdash;<I>TJN</I>

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