Hot Home Theater!

All prices in U.S. dollars unless otherwise specified.

Theta Digital
In March, Theta Digital will start shipping two DVD Players, both of which are bound to be reference standards throughout the industry. The Voyager is an exciting product offering DVD and Laserdisc playback along with standard CDs, all for $6,500. You can save yourself $2,000 if you already have a great Laserdisc and pick up DAVID which only plays back DVD and CD. Theta is offering a scaled down version of their now famous Casablanca that will range in price from $3,100 to $3,500. It also offers DTS and Dolby Digital processing, however, it also incorporates the Spatializer Virtual Surround approved by Dolby Labs. The Casanova doesn't have such an elaborate power supply. The unit is designed for a 24 bit D-to-A converter, though, they are still testing the few DACs available to them at this time. All new products will ship toward the end of the first quarter.

Also Theta is now offering digital output cards at $500 a piece for the Casablanca, which allows someone to bypass the Casablanca's internal DAC in favor of their favorite external DAC.



For the ultimate in projection systems, the Vidikron Stratos Two ($59,995) is a three chip DLP that includes a Faroudja VP-250 line doubler. It is best used in high ambient light situations and can deliver a 35 foot picture. The Epoch D-300 HDTV LCD projector will be ready in February and sell for $6,995. That's way under $10,000 for an HDTV setup.



Sunfire

Bob Carver's Sunfire produced three brand new products for Vegas to froth over. The much anticipated Theater Grand will finally be released in March for $3,295. It features both Dolby Digital and DTS processing and provides seven digital inputs. The larger signature subwoofer is a 13 inch cube that works on the same principle as the True Subwoofer and delivers extraordinary bass. It will also be shipping in March with a price tag of $2,195. The signature 5-channel amplifier delivers an power full 375 watts-per-channel at a premium price of $3,495.



Faroudja showed its second generation DV-1001 high resolution $5,495 DVD/CD player. The unit is compatible with DTS and Dolby Digital encoded sources, and provides balanced XLR, optical and coax input connectors. Two multi-sync CRT projectors demonstrated remarkably clear pictures. The RP4800 sells for $18,900 but the price was undisclosed on the step-up RP5800 model with a 58 inch screen.



Proceed of Madrigal Labs has started shipping the Audio Video Preamplifier with Dolby Digital and DTS processing. Balanced inputs and outputs are provided along with eight analog inputs, six digital inputs (four coax, one BNC, one Toslink), six video inputs and four video outputs. The unit runs $5,000 and you don't have to worry about the fast paced changes in digital processing, Proceed will offer free software upgrades. The AMP5 delivers 125 watts into 5 channels. It features three transformers and five power supplies. It too sells for $5,000 and is currently available.



Runco showcased the extraordinary THX certified SAR-200, a 200 DVD/CD changer. It features a built in computer to program and provide on-screen menus for playing the extensive catalog of discs. Such convenience is yours for only $14,000.



MSB Technologies was introducing the Dual Digital Processor, DDP-2X. It can be installed into any system which either has separate amplifiers, a receiver with a preamplifier loop, or a receiver or processor with a 5.1 input. It can also function as a stand alone preamp/processor. It decodes both Dolby Digital and DTS and is currently selling for $2,195.



Miller and Kriesel showcased several new loudspeakers designed specifically for 5.1 Multi-Channel sound systems. The Bookshelf-75 will run $450 a pair. The LCR-75, which can used horizontally or vertically runs $295 a piece. With a slightly smaller woofer, the LCR-55 retails at $225. All products are currently available.

The Projectavision is a unique 2 chip DLP Video and Data Projector that can be used as a front screen projector or encapsulated into a special enclosure for use as a backscreen projector. The projector itself retails for $8,000 the special back screen enclosure and screen run an additional $2,000.



One of the more unusual demos at the show, and there is always at least one, was the Center Stage chair from Clark Audio. Under development for the last ten years, this product is the ultimate for the truly dedicated coach potato. Based around a recliner, surround speakers are placed on with either side of the head, with the front speakers placed on with side of the arm rests. Due to the close proximity of the mains, it's possible to use a very effective phantom center. The sub sits right under the seat. Oh, by the way, you must be a pretty wealthy coach potato as the Center Stage is slatted for a $5,495 retail price.






Rotel

Rotel introduced a new stereo 200 watt-per-channel amplifier, the RB991. Paired with the existing RDA-980 ($699), Dolby Digital Decoder, Rotel now offers a DTS add-on decoder for $499. The RMZ955 ($2,500) is a new multi-zone controller with keypad for whole house music listening.



B&W

B &W has updated their CDM series with modifications to the crossovers. The CDM1SE now sells for $1,110 a pair, the 2SE is $800 a pair, the floor standing 7SE is $1,800 a pair. The new CDMCSE is a matching center channel for $550.

Showcasing a new multi-room solution, they announced the introduction of CASA, a system which consists of a keypad and controller with active in-wall speakers. No external amplification is required.



Philips

Philips displayed their answer to total convergence with the DVX-8000. It is a Dolby Digital preamp/tuner that includes a DVD-Rom player, a TV Tuner and a line doubler. But that's not all for your $5,000. It incorporates a Pentium 233MMX multimedia computer with 32MB of ram, 3.25 floppy drive and sound card. Interfaces for game machines are provided on the front panel as well.



Traid introduced a new line of speakers called the Bronze series. They can be installed in-wall or placed in enclosures of any finish you choose. A complete home theater speaker system including subwoofer (which can also be in-wall mounted) sells for $4,000.



Cinepro

Cinepro expanded it's line considerable this year with several new products. A stereo preamp, the LC-1, provides seven inputs and will sell for $800. The 700x2 is a 220 watts per channel stereo amplifier, with input level adjustments, retailing for $995. The stereo 1K2SE at $2,500 delivers 375 watts per channel. The unique feature of this amp is the parallel input, which turns the amp into a two channel mono block amplifier suitable for bi-amping. The PowerPro20 is a line conditioner featuring balanced power which has become very popular in recording studios. Balanced power works on the same common mode rejection principles of balanced inputs, eliminating hum and RF interference. The $1,649 unit provides 14 AC outlets, generally sufficient for most systems.

All Cinepro products are currently shipping except the prototype dtc-1, digital processor scheduled for delivery a little later in the year. It features Dolby Digital and DTS processing along with an HDCD filter. For a sleek and minimalist front panel most controls are on the remote.



Clark Synthesis effectively demonstrated the extraordinary experience of watching 'Apollo 13' with a bass transducer mounted under the seat of a sofa. It enhances realism as you not only hear but feel the low bass information found on most movie soundtracks. The basic unit employs a 25 ounce magnet and retails for $499. For $299, a unit with a smaller magnet, can be purchased.



The latest generation of Enlightened Audio Designs Theater Master jumps out at you with its shiny silver face, comes in three configurations the Encore at $2,495, the Ovation at $3,995 and the Signature at $5,995. The Encore configuration includes Dolby Digital and DTS. The upgrades add HDCD, upgraded D-to-A and A-to-D converters, and balanced outputs.





High End Audio Audio Part I
Hot Home Theater
The Really High End
The Latest A/V Products
More High End Audio Part II
Multi-room and More Home Theater
Back to the Winter CES main page.
Back to The Audio Revolution
Please send The Audio Revolution your Comments.