Tom Norton

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Paradigm Redux
Tom Norton  |  Sep 19, 2006

In addition to their larger Signature V.2 speakers, Paradigm also showed a bookshelf 2-way, the Model S1 at $1600/pair, and this cute UTE center channel, the Model C1, at $900 each. It's not much wider than a big laptop. I'm intrigued by the possibility of using three C1s across the front, if the speaker's horizontal off-axis response is up to the job. The physical layout, with the vertical orientation of the midrange and tweeter (the smallest center channel design I've seen using this arrangement) is a good first step in that direction. As in the other new Signature speakers, these both sport the new Paradigm pure-beryllium tweeter.

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Paradigm Does Beryllium
Tom Norton  |  Sep 19, 2006

Paradigm had more new speaker models than I saw in any one place at the whole show, topped off by the company's flagship range, the new Signature V.2 series. The Signature designs feature all new drivers with P-Be pure-beryllium dome tweeters (actually fabricated from a thin sheet of beryllium, not vapor-deposited) and CoIA (CObalt-Infused pure-Aluminum) woofer cones. The line tops out with the S8, six-driver, 3-way, at $6500/pair).The models ahould all be available in November and December (2006), except for the new surrounds (early 2007)

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8.5 on the Richter Scale
Tom Norton  |  Sep 19, 2006

Earthquake's premier subwoofer driver is said to have a peak-to-peak excursion capability of 4". Feel the Earth move.

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Suovo Part 2
Tom Norton  |  Sep 19, 2006

Yamaha's new, high-end Soavo speaker line.

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Suave Soavo
Tom Norton  |  Sep 19, 2006

Yamaha's new Soavo speaker line currently has five models, the Soavo 1 floor stander and and Soavo 2 bookshelf, plus a center, surround, and subwoofer. the big Suovo 1 is priced at $1800 (each). They're classy-looking and appear to be very well built. A brief 2-channedl audition in a small demo room on the show floor (not the best listening conditions) revealed an extremely tight bass response, but a rather forward midrange and high frequency balance. Still, they are definitely worth a closer audition under better conditions.

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Fabulous Fujitsu
Tom Norton  |  Sep 19, 2006

The show floor was cheek-by-jowl with impressive flat panel displays, but none of them stopped me in my tracks faster than this display from Fujitsu. The new Aviamo series is still tentative for production. Reportedly, it was not scheduled to be shown until CES, but Fujitsu decided to bring the prototypes to CEDIA to see the reaction. There are three models, a smaller 1080p CD (37" I believe), and two 1080p plasmas. All three have the latest iteration of Fujitsu's AVM video processing: AVMIII.

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McIntosh Processsors
Tom Norton  |  Sep 16, 2006

McIntosh announced its first video processor, the VP1000 at the show (on top in the photo). It is configured to allow separate scaling, switching, and control over two separate AV zones. It also offers 4 HDMI and 6 component inputs. The new AP1000 Audio Control Center has no video switching of its own, but offers a dedicated control interface port for the VP1000. The AP1000 nevertheless offers an LCD front panel video display for control and live video. The VP is expected to sell for $10,000 and the AP1000 for the same price.

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McIntosh Projects
Tom Norton  |  Sep 16, 2006

McIntosh announced its first video projector MDLP1 single-chip, 1080p DLP. Expected to sell in the mid $20,000's the new Mcintosh VP1000 video processor is recommended for use with it.

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JVC Gets Down
Tom Norton  |  Sep 16, 2006

JVC demonstrated a new 1080p/D-ILA video projector that is expected to sell for around $7000 when it becomes available next year. it looked outstanding, even outperforming the Sony VPL-VW100 ("Ruby") set up side-by-side with it. I saw no significant shortcomings, at least under show conditions. It even had the best contrast I've yet seen on a JVC projector, by far.

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T+A+Ikea
Tom Norton  |  Sep 16, 2006

Quartet Marketing Group is importing the complete line of T+A products from Germany, including speakers, home theater electronics, and 2-channel products. The rep I spoke to also said they could have sold 2000 of these Ikea
floor lamps, too.

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