Fred Manteghian

The Thiel SCS4D is an the IP addressable version of their SCS4 debuted at the last CES. The SCSrD is powered by 250 watts of class-D amplification. The Cat5e cable in the back and the power chord are the only indications that we're not in Kansas anymore.

The BD1 control center from the Thiel Zoet collaboration is shown here driving multiple Thiel SCS4D speakers. The current version of the controller can only accept optical and coaxial digital signals, and can distribute Dolby Digital and DTS audio as well. However, TrueHD and DTS-HD MA will have to wait for another version (I'm guessing the BD2) that will come out sometime next year.

Things are looking up for Martin Logan as they move into in-ceiling speakers. The Helos 100 is a two way speaker which sits at an angle in your ceiling so you can aim it at your listening area. The tweeter sticks out like a mushroom and is also aimed at the listening area. An aluminum cone, Vojtko sourced crossover, a contour switch all add to the Helos' "not me too" approach. $500/each.

Members of the Studio series (the lower tier of Paradigm's Reference series) get a refresh starting this year into next. Here's what the new line will look like.