Large Scale A/V Demos Best Picture of the Show Vidikron-Meridian-Snell and Wilcox- Best Sound of the Show Martin Logan Statement IIs-VTL-Wadia-Z-Systems Wilson MAXX-Runco-Krell, Egglestonworks-Rowland-Theta, Revel-Levinson-Joe Kane's ISF, THIEL, Runco, Levinson-Proceed McIntosh-Faroudja, Dolby-DirectTV and many more...

New AV Products Merdian DVD, Sony DTS Receiver, Marantz Mini System, Rotel's HDCD, B&W AV Preamp, Naim CD player, Pioneer THX DVD player, Parasound's DTS and DD, Anthem's big integrated, Tact's killer AV preamp, McIntosh re-releases the 275, VAC's Visionary Series and many more...

Video Dwin projector and multiplier, Marantz Plasma TVs, Philips Flat Screens, Sharp LCD, New Sony XBRs and Videoscopes and more...

Speakers Egglestonworks, New B&W 801's, Martin Logan Statment IIs, Atlantic Technology, Wilson MAXX, Sonicweld, NHT, NXT, Pioneer Elite ands many more...

HIFI 98 Coverage: New A/V gear

Meridian
The Meridian showcased their DSP6000 Reference Loudspeaker system which provides a separate "head unit" for high frequency and midrange drivers. These sharp looking, glossy black towers are powered with four 75-watt internal amps.

Their 800 Reference DVD Transport offers a highly flexible modular set up and can accommodate high speed CD, DVD and CD-Recordable drives. The 861 Reference Surround Processor combines THX processing, Dolby Digital, DTS and MPEG decoding along with an array of unique soundfields. The modular, card based electronics allow custom configurations and upgrades.

The 861 also incorporates MLP, the proprietary Meridian Lossless Packing, an audio coding process, designed to guard against generation loss and transmission errors. Unlike perceptual or lossy data reduction, lossless coding doesn't alter the final decoded signal, but packs the audio data into a smaller data rate for transmission. The original data is delivered bit-for-bit at the playback stage. Meridian believes this will improve the performance of high-rate multi-channel audio on DVD, multi-channel CDs and 2-channel 20/24 bit CD's. Sounds good to us!

Parasound
Parasound introduced the companion P/DD-1550 ($1,295) Dolby Digital and DTS processor for their existing P/SP-1500 preamp ($999). Since the P/DD-1550 has no volume control it must be used with the P/SP-1500. Parasound developed this product to accommodate existing P/SP-1500 customers instead of just releasing an entirely new product and hanging their early supporters out to dry. Look for the P/DD-1550 in July.

Pioneer
Pioneer displayed their THX certified, reference grade DVD Player, the DV-09. It is equipped with a 10-bit video D/A converter, two 96 kHz, 24-bit audio DACs. Like its other high-end DVD players it provides component outputs for more accurate picture reproduction. Bringing back the elegance of the Elite product line, the DV-09 is adorned with rosewood side panels.

Two separate reports from custom installers we met in the hall suggest that the DV-09 is the best DVD picture on the market, cost no object. We'll reserve that opinion for the pending review coming on The Revolution in a month or two.

B & K Components
Releasing the Reference 20 ($2,500), B & K Components provides their second digital processor with both Dolby Digital and DTS processing. The Reference 20 incorporates a 20-bit DAC and provides auto detection of any source material.

McIntosh
The MSD4 is McIntosh's first digital preamp and digital processor to incorporate both Dolby Digital and DTS processes. It's currently available and shipping for a retail price of $3,250.

The MC 7205 five-channel amplifier ($4,500) replaces the 7106, delivering 200 watts per channel for demanding home theater applications. The MC 162 is a new two-channel amplifier yielding 160 watts per channel or a whopping 500 watts into mono. Pricing for the MC162 was undisclosed.

Macintosh has re-designed and re-introduced their famous model 275, a two-channel amplifier that delivers 75 watts per channel. Each 275 amp retails for $5,000, including tubes.

Marantz
The MR2020 ($1,000) Tabletop Music System combines a high-tech look with unusually high sound quality for a small system. The MR2020 combination is a CD Player, AM/FM tuner with two speakers and a powered subwoofer is a perfect sound system for offices and dens. Look for it in stores some time in August.

This July Marantz will release the SR685 A/V Receiver ($899) with Dolby Digital and Lucasfilm's Re-EQ circuit. Preouts are provided for use with external amplifiers. The most affordable Dolby Digital A/V Receiver to date will be released as the SR585 ($650).

Also in July, the DR-700 CD-R/CD-RW Recorder ($850) will ship. The DR-700 record on both write-once and rewritable compact discs. Optical and coaxial digital inputs are provided for direct digital recording as well as for playback through a separate DAC or preamp/processor. With CD recorders priced at under $1,000, burning a custom CD will soon be as easy and cost effective as making a "mix tape" on a cassette deck.

Sony
Sony announced the introduction of the TA-E9000ES, the first 32-bit DSP digital preamplifier to its ES product line. According to Sony, this is an improved design over conventional 24-bit fixed decimal decoders. The new processor is capable of decoding any Dolby Digital, DTS or MPEG multi-channel algorithm. It features a two channel 96 kHz/24-bit D/A converter and a 20-bit A/D delta sigma converter. The TA-E9000ES utilizes two 32-bit Sony DSP IC's that provide up to 29 different soundfield effects, including three exclusive Digital Cinema Sound settings derived from the Sony Pictures Studios own dubbing stages. The TA-E9000ES provides plenty of digital inputs (five optical, three coaxial and one RF) plus an RS-232C serial communication port for future upgradability. It also comes with a new LCD remote controll that provides two-way communication to relay to the user feedback on all of the key functions.

The TA-N9000ES is the companion power amplifier for the TA-E9000ES. It can be configured for two, three, four and five channel applications. The TA-N9000ES incorporates Sony's exclusive Direct Ground Drive power supply which improves stability and dynamic base response. Both the TA-E9000ES and the TA-N9000ES will be released this fall for a suggested retail price of $1,700 and $1,300, respectively.

Sony also unveiled their second generation "reference standard" DVD player, the DVP-7700, as the successor to the extremely popular DVP-S7000. The new DSP servo control system increases disc access time by 20% and enhances many of the special effects modes. The DVP-7700 incorporates a 10-bit D/A converter for video and a low-jitter 96 kHz/24 bit D/A converter for audio. Component outputs as well as two sets of S-video and composite video jacks are provided for increased flexibility. The DVP-7700 will access both Dolby Digital and DTS bitstreams. You should be able to find the DVP-7700 in stores sometime this fall. Pricing was unavailable.

Sonic Frontiers' Anthem
Sonic Frontier's Anthem series is a product line offering high-quality components priced affordably to attract younger audiophiles to better sounding equipment. The Anthem Integrated 2 ($1,700) is a hybrid unit, consisting of a solid state 80 watts per channel amplifier and an all-tube preamplifier section. The preamplifier provides four inputs (CD, Tuner and two sets of AUX jacks) plus a tape monitor and signal processor loop. The latter function, together with pre-out and main-out jacks makes it possible to use the Integrated 2's preamp and amp sections separately in the event of an upgrade.

VAC - Valve Amplification Company
Starting this month, VAC has begun shipping products in its Visionary Audio Components System, a series of components that integrate vacuum tube and solid state designs, expandable to provide high performance music and multi-channel sound systems. On demonstration were the CPA-2 ($6,790) remote control Class A triode preamplifier, the CDP-1 ($7,990) CD Player with HDCD decoding, the PSC-1 ($1,890) remote controlled power controller/sequencer with four PAM-160 ($6,090) 160 watt Triode/Ultra-linear mono block tube amplifiers. The most unusual and unparalleled feature is the ability to dock or stack components eliminating the need for large spaces or specially designed cabinetry. The tubes are enclosed behind glass for the protection of children and pets. We noted the stellar design of the Visionary Series in our Winter CES coverage and will say it again: This system is a killer. It looks and sounds great with all the gingerbread and none of the excuses.

Tact Audio The TCS Dolby Digital and DTS processor ($11,500) from Tact Audio features an unprecedented built-in room correction system controlled by a Windows-based software program. Unlike other companies, who generally advise against customers using their proprietary software packages, Tact Audio has specifically designed their room correction software so that any enthusiast can fine adjust the TCS processor. In fact, the simple, quick start instruction manual will get anyone up and running in no time. The processor incorporates 5 analog (one balanced) and five digital inputs. All outputs are balanced and single-ended. The 20-bit Burr Brown DAC is upgradable. For two-channel enthusiasts the RCS 2.2 ($8,000) offers the same room correction technology with obviously fewer inputs and outputs.

Naim Audio
English-based Naim Audio demonstrated its latest CD Player the NA CD-X ($4,250), featuring a nifty swivel tray. The player includes two 20-bit DACs and HDCD decoding. As with most Naim systems performance can be enhanced with and external power supply. In this case it is the XPS ($4,000) power supply.

Rotel
Rotel has always been known for providing high quality gear at a moderate price. To once again prove their point, Rotel has released the RCD-91 CD Player that includes an HDCD filter and a 20-bit D/A converter for $700.

Wavac Audio Labs
Walking into the Wavac exhibit was like stepping back in time. The stair-stepped display of Wavac Audio Labs tube devices, the Kochel ($8,995) speakers with extreme square edges and the playback of vinyl recordings evoked images of HiFi shows from the glory days of the 1970's. The Wavac MD-572 ($8,160) is a 50 watts per channel amp, the PR-X1 line stage preamp retails at $6,970 and the LCR-X1 Turntable garners $12,430 with a $4,000 Miyabi cartridge.

HIFI 98 Coverage: Large Scale A/V Demos

Vidikron, Meridian, Ultimate Entertainment
Winner: Best Picture of the Show
Using the Meridian 861 surround decoder with a DTS decoder, Genelec self-powered speakers (well loved in professional studios and dubbing stages), a Vidikron Vision One and the Snell and Wilcox Interpolator, Ultimate Entertainment, a Phoenix dealer, demonstrated a compelling comparison between HDTV and current high-quality video.

The first part of the demonstration (featuring tracks from Apollo 13) used a DTS encoded DVD allowing the Snell and Wilcox Interpolator to up convert the image to a dazzling 1024p. The Interpolator's ability to adjust the scan rate rather than apply a fixed rate makes a huge difference when setting up a front screen projection system. You are assured that no matter the environment, there will never be too few or too may scan lines, ensuring the best possible picture. The sound was very effective including a visceral element upon the launch of the Apollo rocket.

The second part of the demo was by far the most impressive video of the show, slightly edging out the HDTV portion of the Revel demo (see Revel section below). Using a professional Panasonic HD player they played a High Def trailer of Titanic in the 1080i HDTV format that will soon be coming directly into our homes. Watching sporting events or TV news broadcasts in HDTV may be exciting, but watching actual content like a blockbuster movie in this format will be magnificent. We can't wait.

Christopher Hansen, Martin Logan, VTL, Cardas, Wadia and Z-Systems
Winner: Best Sound of the Show

LA audio icon, Christopher Hansen was responsible for two outstanding demonstrations. Their largest room concentrated on the ultimate two-channel sound system featuring Martin Logan's Statement II loudspeakers, 6 VTL Wotan amplifiers plus a Wadia front end. Christopher Hansen used the new 6 channel Z-Systems EQ configured as an 18 band, 2 channel EQ plus their room was professionally analyzed, treated and EQed by studio designer, Bob Hodas. Their room was highly stylized as was their presentation featuring glossy photos of the equipment being used, lush plants and dim and quite halogen lights. It was clear from the moment you walked in you were going to experience something special.

The $70,000 Statement loudspeakers consist of the two parts: the electrostatic dipole and sub-bass towers. The VTL mono block Wotan M-1250 Signature ($27,500 a pair) amps delivered an awesome 600 watts per channel (triode mode) to the dipole towers and 1250 watts to the sub-bass towers. The Wadia 270 CD transport ($7,950) was coupled with the Wadia 27 Decoding Computer ($8,950) to fed a direct signal to the VTL amps without any preamplifier. The only other electronics came from Z-Systems (RDQ6) for fine tuning, room equalization and volume control.

The imaging was to die for and the bass was amazing. Even with $100,000 speakers next door and $100,000 plus music systems all around, it can safely be said this room took the prize.

Wilson, Runco, Krell, Transparent and LA Audio Video
Los Angeles Koreatown A/V heavy hitters LA Audio Video teamed up with some serious power players to help Wilson launch the MAXX loudspeaker system. Priced around $40,000, MAXXs look and sound like a smaller version of Wilson's high dollar Grand SLAMM system. It shouldn't be shocking that with Cheryl and Dave Wilson being exotic car enthusiasts that they showed speakers ranging in finish from BMW Green to Ferrari Fly Yellow.

You could tell the MAXX loudspeakers are awesome. Unfortunately, the Xcess woofers were subject to boomyness in many parts of the room. The video demo of the system featured a Runco 961 and Faroudja VP-401, Krell electronics and Transparent Cables. Wilson showed an impressive video clip on these speakers, a video clip that they intend to stream on to the internet in coming weeks.

Dolby Digital from your DSS, McIntosh, Faroudja
Winner: Best New Technology
Faroudja and McIntosh teamed up to create a $100,00 home theater experience utilizing a Vidikron Vision One front screen projector with a Stewart screen configured in a 16:9 aspect ratio. McIntosh supplied all of the electronics and Faroudja supplied the VP-401 line quadrupler for a sharp, clear and accurate image.

Dolby Labs in conjunction with RCA and DirectTV, the DSS programming service, provided the first public demonstration of DirectTV's satellite transmission of Dolby Digital 5.1 channel sound. A new RCA DSS receiver ($499) and 18-inch dish antenna were used for the demonstration. On July 1 DirectTV will begin transmitting up to 10 channels of letterbox pay-per-view movies in Dolby Digital 5.1 channel sound. They plan to deliver up to five movies a month in this format. The first movies planned for broadcast in 5.1 audio are Gattica, The Rainmaker, Starship Troopers, Scream 2 and Tomorrow Never Dies. There will be a nominal $2.99 fee, about the same as a VHS rental.

According to RCA only the new DSS receivers pass the Dolby Digital 5.1 channel bitstream to an outboard decoder (such as a digital processor) and there are no upgrades for existing DSS receivers.

Ambrosia A/V, Vidikron, Egglestonworks, Classe', Theta
Ambrosia Audio Video, a Bel Air, California dealer, was responsible for setting up several complete home theater demonstrations. One of the two main theaters they set up used the top-of-the-line Vidikron Vision One along with the VP-401 quadrupler. Dunlavy SC-5's ($12,995) were used for the mains and SC-4A's ($7,995 a pair) were used for the center and surrounds. Classe' amps were used all around: Omegas ($15,000 each) delivered 600 watts to the mains, a CA 400 (400 watts) for the center and two CA200's (200 watts) for the surrounds. The Classe SSP50 ($6,500) digital processor decoded both the Dolby Digital and DTS sources, played from the Theta Voyager ($6,000) high-end combination Laserdisc/DVD player.

Ambrosia's second room, featured the Egglestonworks $100,000 speaker system that doesn't yet bear a name (for further details see Speaker section). The Theta Casablanca digital processor/preamp was used along with another Theta Voyager plus Jeff Rowland amplification, Transparent cables and new 6 channel room EQ from Z-Systems.

The video portion consisted of the Vidikron Vision Two with the new Faroudja VP-310 Line Multiplier which scans at a horizontal rate of 400Hz (600 visible lines). The VP-301 was designed for 7 and 8 inch CRT projectors where performance requires a scan rate greater than line doubling (480 visible lines) but is unable to handle the demands of line quadrupling (960 visible lines). The VP-301 is also ideal for LCD and DLP projectors.

Christopher Hansen, Runco, Madrigal, BagEnd and THIEL
Winner Best Video Value at the show: Runco 852 The second Christopher Hansen installation demonstrated a more modestly priced (approximately $35,000) home theater featuring a Runco projector, THIEL loudspeakers inclusing their new center channel, BagEnd Subwoofers, Aural Symphonic cables and Madrigal (combination of both Mark Levinson and Proceed) electronics.

The Runco 852 sports a built-in line doubler for an unbelievable $14,999. With its picture it is hard not to compare the Runco 852 to the big gun 9 inch CRT projectors used in most of the other rooms and, especially for a screen under 100 inches--this projector is the answer. After its impressive showing here it can easily be said that the Runco 852 may be the best projector value in all of high end video.

For 5.1 delivery of Dolby Digital and DTS sources it doesn't get much better than the new combo from Proceed, the AVP Surround Preamp ($4,495) and the AMP5 5-channel amplifier ($4,995). (Insert Picture 23) For superior two channel playback you can't go wrong with a stack of Mark Levinson gear, from the 300 watt per channel N.333 ($8,995) amplifier, to the N.39 CD Player ($5,995) and N.365 DAC ($6,495) combination. (Insert Picture 22) THIEL CS 2.3 ($3,390 a pair) for the mains and the MCS1's for the center and surrounds is a formidable speaker system for both music and movie soundtracks. BagEnd Infra 18 subwoofers ($1,895 each) with 18-inch drivers can handily deal with the most extreme dynamic range.

Wilson, Runco, Krell, Transparent and LA Audio Video
Los Angeles Koreatown A/V heavy hitters LA Audio Video teamed up with some serious power players to help Wilson launch the MAXX loudspeaker system. Priced around $40,000, MAXXs look and sound like a smaller version of Wilson's high dollar Grand SLAMM system. It shouldn't be shocking that with Cheryl and Dave Wilson being exotic car enthusiasts that they showed speakers ranging in finish from BMW Green to Ferrari Fly Yellow.

You could tell the MAXX loudspeakers are awesome. Unfortunately, the Xcess woofers were subject to boomyness in many parts of the room. The video demo of the system featured a Runco 961 and Faroudja VP-401, Krell electronics and Transparent Cables. Wilson showed an impressive video clip on these speakers, a video clip that they intend to stream on to the internet in coming weeks.

Revel, Snell and Wilcox, Madrigal, and Joe Kane's ISF Harman International's high end speaker line, Revel, put together one of the more impressive home theater demonstrations, exhibiting an exquisite example of a top end home theater.

The Revel speaker line is designed to get great sound in the home, not just the lab. Their theater system consisted of five amazingly finished, small speakers called Gems and a powered subwoofer featuring a separate 1200-watt amplifier that is capable of reproducing frequencies as low as a seismicly active 16 Hz. Mark Levinson 33H amplification was used to deliver 150 watts to the front L/C/R and 300 watts per channel into the rears. Aesthetically, the Revel speakers are striking in their bold and high tech styling. The word is, the same industrial design firm that came up with the Mark Levinson amplifier's look also designed the Revels. With a quick listen, I found the system to perform quite well, producing sharp imaging and amazing dynamics.

Renowned video specialist Joe Kane, conducted the demonstration to show both conventional sources and the future of video with HDTV.

An edited D5 HDTV videotape (original recording) was obtained from ABC and it was positively stunning. It showed the fine detail and life-like color accuracy of HDTV. HDTV is almost hyper-realistic, as it is bigger than life on a large screen format. It's so real you'll want to reach out and touch it.

Using Snell and Wilcox's Interpolator, a DVD signal (Contact) was up converted to 766I, to closely approximate the 720p format of the HDTV signal. The picture was so impressive, exhibiting film-like quality, even though the original source was a mere DVD.

Joe Kane's demo proved if you have the means and the current technology (such as a good projector and a Snell and Wilcox Interpolator) you will be able to get quite close to the obscenely good picture quality of HDTV. Bravo Joe and Revel, a great demo and point well made.

Hales and BAT
Hales Design Group and Balanced Audio Technologies teamed up to create a two channel demo that had a buzz for best sound of the show which is quite an accomplishment considering their total system priced out at $30,000 while their competition down the hall were weighing in at $200,000 plus. A pair of $8,990 Hales Transcendence Eight loudspeakers were actively packing the room for Hales. Showing the latest new addition to their line up, Balanced Audio Technologies released information on the VK-40, their first solid state balanced dual mono preamplifier. Additional flexibility is offered with an optional plug-in phono preamp module for both MM and MC phono cartridges. The VK-40 continues in BAT's purist approach, using zero negative feedback to achieve wide bandwidth and circuit linearity. The VK-40 will retail for $3,995. The optional phono module and remote control are available for an additional $500 each.

HIFI 98 Coverage: Video

Dwin Electronics
Dwin demonstrated their $12,000 7-inch CRT projector. It is very small and light-weight compared to other available projectors and even though it does not include a fan, it stays quite cool. Eliminating the fan keeps the ambient noise level in the viewing environment significantly lower than it would be with other CRT models. The Trans Scanner ($7,500) is a variable line multiplier that can be optimized for the proper line scan depending on the projector and source materials. If purchased together the projector and line multiplier is only $18,750. With a picture this good and no fan noise, consider the DWIN a real value.

Philips
Philips, the first manufacturer to market a flat panel plasma display, announced the introduction of the $2,500 32PDA8000 a SVGA multimedia display that is a perfect match up for their breakthrough DVX-8000 Multimedia Home Theater ($5,000). The high resolution SVGA 800 x 600 progressive scan lines of the 32PDA8000 provides unparalleled performance for DVD movies, playing computer games, surfing the internet or watching TV.

The DVX-8000 is the first A/V product to pave the way for digital convergence, incorporating a preamp with Dolby Digital, a DVD player and a computer with a 233 MHz Pentium II processor and Windows 95.

Marantz
The PD-4280 is one of the largest flat panel plasma displays that will soon be commercially available. Configured for a 16:9 aspect ratio it will retail for $15,000 when it starts shipping in September.

Sony
Sony displayed several FD Trinitron TV's utilizing flat display picture tubes. The proprietary technology promises outstanding clarity and detail, pinpoint corner to corner focusing, minimal glare and accurate image reproduction. Since the tube is flat over the entire screen, reflection is virtually eliminated, both from above the TV and from the sides. The high performance image quality is achieved with the 3D digital comb filter that not only analyzes scanning lines within a field but also across the preceding and followed fields, effectively reducing dot-crawl and cross-color distortion. The units provide component video inputs as a perfect complement to DVD players. Both the KV-32XBR200 ($2,099) and the KV-36XBR200 ($2,499) should be available sometime this fall.

Additionally, Sony has improved their line of big screen TV's with the Videoscope XBR, which includes the exclusive Digital Reality Creation (DRC). Simply explained, DRC is a digital process that upconverts analog signals to a new image with double the number of horizontal pixels and scan lines, resulting in an image with four times more pixel density than a normal NTSC image. Color saturation and image detail are demonstrably improved. An NTSC image with 720 pixels at 480I can be replaced with a higher definition image displaying 1440 pixels at 960i. The Videoscope XBR also incorporates another exclusive technology called Multi-Image Driver (MID), offering uncommon versatility in controlling on screen images, such as multiple P-I-P that can be placed anywhere on the screen. A score of input and output jacks are provided including component inputs for DVD players. The KP-53XBR200 ($4,999) and KP-61XBR200 ($5,999) should also be available this fall.

The real highlight of the Sony exhibit was their press conference in which they displayed a basketball game on a HDTV flat panel prototype. It was absolutely gorgeous, that's the 'real' future.

Sharp
The Sharp XV-S96U LCD Projector ($5,995) provides a picture up to an amazing 40 feet, incorporating a 3D-YC Adaptive Filter, component inputs for DVD Players and variable widescreen formats (4:3, 16:9 and 21:9). LCD projectors have come a long way, offering much more clarity and resolution than earlier models, but image quality is just a step above big screen TV's with 500 TV lines using the internal scan line doubler.

The TU-DTV1000 Set-Top Converter Box is capable of receiving and converting all 18 DTV video formats to the highest possible quality (1080i HDTV). It can also output a variety of formats, from 480i to 1080i. The size of a cable box, the TU-DTV1000 enables consumers to migrate from NTSC to HDTV. It is scheduled for a fall release, but no price has been determined.

Vidikron, Meridian, Ultimate Entertainment
Winner: Best Picture of the Show
Using the Meridian 861 surround decoder with a DTS decoder, Genelec self-powered speakers (well loved in professional studios and dubbing stages), a Vidikron Vision One and the Snell and Wilcox Interpolator, Ultimate Entertainment, a Phoenix dealer, demonstrated a compelling comparison between HDTV and current high-quality video.

The first part of the demonstration (featuring tracks from Apollo 13) used a DTS encoded DVD allowing the Snell and Wilcox Interpolator to up convert the image to a dazzling 1024p. The Interpolator's ability to adjust the scan rate rather than apply a fixed rate makes a huge difference when setting up a front screen projection system. You are assured that no matter the environment, there will never be too few or too may scan lines, ensuring the best possible picture. The sound was very effective including a visceral element upon the launch of the Apollo rocket.

The second part of the demo was by far the most impressive video of the show, slightly edging out the HDTV portion of the Revel demo (see Revel section below). Using a professional Panasonic HD player they played a High Def trailer of Titanic in the 1080i HDTV format that will soon be coming directly into our homes. Watching sporting events or TV news broadcasts in HDTV may be exciting, but watching actual content like a blockbuster movie in this format will be magnificent. We can't wait.

Dolby Digital from your DSS, McIntosh, Faroudja
Winner: Best New Technology
Faroudja and McIntosh teamed up to create a $100,00 home theater experience utilizing a Vidikron Vision One front screen projector with a Stewart screen configured in a 16:9 aspect ratio. McIntosh supplied all of the electronics and Faroudja supplied the VP-401 line quadrupler for a sharp, clear and accurate image.

Dolby Labs in conjunction with RCA and DirectTV, the DSS programming service, provided the first public demonstration of DirectTV's satellite transmission of Dolby Digital 5.1 channel sound. A new RCA DSS receiver ($499) and 18-inch dish antenna were used for the demonstration. On July 1 DirectTV will begin transmitting up to 10 channels of letterbox pay-per-view movies in Dolby Digital 5.1 channel sound. They plan to deliver up to five movies a month in this format. The first movies planned for broadcast in 5.1 audio are Gattica, The Rainmaker, Starship Troopers, Scream 2 and Tomorrow Never Dies. There will be a nominal $2.99 fee, about the same as a VHS rental.

According to RCA only the new DSS receivers pass the Dolby Digital 5.1 channel bitstream to an outboard decoder (such as a digital processor) and there are no upgrades for existing DSS receivers.

Christopher Hansen, Runco, Madrigal, BagEnd and THIEL
Winner Best Video Value at the show: Runco 852
The second Christopher Hansen installation demonstrated a more modestly priced (approximately $35,000) home theater featuring a Runco projector, THIEL loudspeakers, BagEnd Subwoofers, Aural Symphonic cables and Madrigal (combination of both Mark Levinson and Proceed) electronics. The Runco 852 sports a built-in line doubler for an unbelievable $14,999. With its picture it is hard not to compare the Runco 852 to the big gun 9 inch CRT projectors used in most of the other rooms and, especially for a screen under 100 inches--this projector is the answer. After its impressive showing here it can easily be said that the Runco 852 may be the best projector value in all of high end video.

For 5.1 delivery of Dolby Digital and DTS sources it doesn't get much better than the new combo from Proceed, the AVP Surround Preamp ($4,495) and the AMP5 5-channel amplifier ($4,995). For superior two channel playback you can't go wrong with a stack of Mark Levinson gear, from the 300 watt per channel N.333 ($8,995) amplifier, to the N.39 CD Player ($5,995) and N.365 DAC ($6,495) combination. THIEL CS 2.3 ($3,390 a pair) for the mains and the MCS1's for the center and surrounds is a formidable speaker system for both music and movie soundtracks. BagEnd Infra 18 subwoofers ($1,895 each) with 18-inch drivers can handily deal with the most extreme dynamic range.

Revel, Snell and Wilcox, Madrigal, and Joe Kane's ISF Harman International's high end speaker line, Revel, put together one of the more impressive home theater demonstrations, exhibiting an exquisite example of a top end home theater.

The Revel speaker line is designed to get great sound in the home, not just the lab. Their theater system consisted of five amazingly finished, small speakers called Gems and a powered subwoofer featuring a separate 1200-watt amplifier that is capable of reproducing frequencies as low as a seismicly active 16 Hz. Mark Levinson 33H amplification was used to deliver 150 watts to the front L/C/R and 300 watts per channel into the rears. Aesthetically, the Revel speakers are striking in their bold and high tech styling. The word is, the same industrial design firm that came up with the Mark Levinson amplifier's look also designed the Revels. With a quick listen, I found the system to perform quite well, producing sharp imaging and amazing dynamics.

Renowned video specialist Joe Kane, conducted the demonstration to show both conventional sources and the future of video with HDTV.

An edited D5 HDTV videotape (original recording) was obtained from ABC and it was positively stunning. It showed the fine detail and life-like color accuracy of HDTV. HDTV is almost hyper-realistic, as it is bigger than life on a large screen format. It's so real you'll want to reach out and touch it.

Using Snell and Wilcox's Interpolator, a DVD signal (Contact) was up converted to 766I, to closely approximate the 720p format of the HDTV signal. The picture was so impressive, exhibiting film-like quality, even though the original source was a mere DVD.

Joe Kane's demo proved if you have the means and the current technology (such as a good projector and a Snell and Wilcox Interpolator) you will be able to get quite close to the obscenely good picture quality of HDTV. Bravo Joe and Revel, a great demo and point well made.

Meridian
The Meridian showcased their DSP6000 Reference Loudspeaker system which provides a separate "head unit" for high frequency and midrange drivers. These sharp looking, glossy black towers are powered with four 75-watt internal amps.

Their 800 Reference DVD Transport offers a highly flexible modular set up and can accommodate high speed CD, DVD and CD-Recordable drives. The 861 Reference Surround Processor combines THX processing, Dolby Digital, DTS and MPEG decoding along with an array of unique soundfields. The modular, card based electronics allow custom configurations and upgrades.

The 861 also incorporates MLP, the proprietary Meridian Lossless Packing, an audio coding process, designed to guard against generation loss and transmission errors. Unlike perceptual or lossy data reduction, lossless coding doesn't alter the final decoded signal, but packs the audio data into a smaller data rate for transmission. The original data is delivered bit-for-bit at the playback stage. Meridian believes this will improve the performance of high-rate multi-channel audio on DVD, multi-channel CDs and 2-channel 20/24 bit CD's. Sounds good to us!

Pioneer
Pioneer displayed their THX certified, reference grade DVD Player, the DV-09. It is equipped with a 10-bit video D/A converter, two 96 kHz, 24-bit audio DACs. Like its other high-end DVD players it provides component outputs for more accurate picture reproduction. Bringing back the elegance of the Elite product line, the DV-09 is adorned with rosewood side panels.

Two separate reports from custom installers we met in the hall suggest that the DV-09 is the best DVD picture on the market, cost no object. We'll reserve that opinion for the pending review coming on The Revolution in a month or two.

HIFI 98 Coverage: Speakers

Egglestonworks
Before you even listen to the Egglestonworks $100,000 dollar speakers you are struck by the magnificence of the highly polished Black Italian granite enclosures. This latest model doesn't yet have a model number, but a speaker with two tweeters and nine woofers (that's right, nine woofers) is so impressive it almost doesn't need a name.

Egglestonworks utilizes a compound tweeter and woofer design to increase power handling, creating a more open sound. The two tweeters are stacked on top of each other and placed inside the enclosure. While you only see one tweeter (the other one is hidden behind it) the tweeter package alone is a whopping 7.5 pounds. The woofers are configured in a similar manner, yet instead of being stacked on top of each other, they are placed back to front inside the enclosure. In the case of this model, there are nine woofers, therefore only three are visible to the naked eye. The third woofer in each plane is vented toward the back. Put Egglestons' new speakers on your list when considering Wilson Grand SLAMMs and Martin Logan Statements. They are that good.

B&W
Five years in the making, the B&W's Nautilus 800 Series is ready to ship in July. The 801($11,000 a pair) is a three-way vented system that sports a uniquely designed curved wood enclosure, formed by molding twenty-four layers of birch wood laminates. It houses a 15-inch driver with a 4-inch voice coil. The FlowPort (TM) venting system flares on both interior and exterior openings. The woven-Kevlar midrange and treble drivers are housed in separate enclosures as is the crossover. The high frequency driver used throughout the line, is a 1-inch aluminum dome tweeter that promises lower distortion and higher power handling.

The other contenders in B&W's high end line up include the Nautilus 802 ($8,000 a pair), 803 ($5,000 a pair) and 804 ($3,500 a pair). The 802 has smaller diameter woofers, for a narrower and shallower enclosure. The slimmer 803 employs dual 7-inch woofers with the same midrange and tweeter transducers found in the 801 and 802. The 804 is the smallest floor-standing speaker in the line and the 805 is a bookshelf design that can be used for center and surrounds in a home theater environment.

Atlantic Technology
Atlantic Technology compared their well-established System 450THX ($4,800) home theater speaker system with their newer, low-cost system the System 270 ($2,400). All of the speakers are smaller and require stands, unlike the 450 THX which supplies four floor-standing speakers for the mains and surrounds. Both systems include a powered subwoofer in addition to the five speakers.

The 270 system's smaller profile makes it easier for more consumers to get excited about a multi-speaker system. A justifiable interest considering how impressive the film Air Force One sounded on such a small and low priced system.

Christopher Hansen, Martin Logan, VTL, Cardas, Wadia and Z-Systems
Winner: Best Sound of the Show
LA audio icon, Christopher Hansen was responsible for two outstanding demonstrations. Their largest room concentrated on the ultimate two-channel sound system featuring Martin Logan's Statement II loudspeakers, 6 VTL Wotan amplifiers plus a Wadia front end. Christopher Hansen used the new 6 channel Z-Systems EQ configured as an 18 band, 2 channel EQ plus their room was professionally analyzed, treated and EQed by studio designer, Bob Hodas. Their room was highly stylized as was their presentation featuring glossy photos of the equipment being used, lush plants and dim halogen lights. It was clear from the moment you walked in you were going to experience something special.

The $70,000 Statement loudspeakers consist of the two parts: the electrostatic dipole and the sub woofer towers. The VTL mono block Wotan M-1250 Signature ($27,500 a pair) amps delivered an awesome 600 watts per channel (triode mode) to the dipole towers and 1250 watts to the woofers. The Wadia 270 CD transport ($7,950) was coupled with the Wadia 27 Decoding Computer ($8,950) to fed a direct signal to the VTL amps without any preamplifier. The only other electronics came from Z-Systems (RDQ6) for fine tuning, room equalization and volume control. The imaging was to die for and the bass was amazing. Even with $100,000 speakers next door and $100,000 plus music systems all around, it can safely be said this room took the prize.

Wilson, Runco, Krell, Transparent and LA Audio Video
Los Angeles Koreatown A/V heavy hitters LA Audio Video teamed up with some serious power players to help Wilson launch the MAXX loudspeaker system. Priced around $40,000, MAXXs look and sound like a smaller version of Wilson's high dollar Grand SLAMM system. It shouldn't be shocking that with Cheryl and Dave Wilson being exotic car enthusiasts that they showed speakers ranging in finish from BMW Green to Ferrari Fly Yellow.

You could tell the MAXX loudspeakers are awesome. Unfortunately, the Xcess woofers were subject to boomyness in many parts of the room. The video demo of the system featured a Runco 961 and Faroudja VP-401, Krell electronics and Transparent Cables. Wilson showed an impressive video clip on these speakers, a video clip that they intend to stream on to the internet in coming weeks.

Revel
The Revel speaker line is designed to get great sound in the home, not just the lab. Their theater system consisted of five amazingly finished, small speakers called Gems and a powered subwoofer featuring a separate 1200-watt amplifier that is capable of reproducing frequencies as low as a sizemicly active 16 Hz. Mark Levinson 33H amplification was used to deliver 150 watts to the front L/C/R and 300 watts per channel into the rears. Aesthetically, the Revel speakers are striking in their bold and high tech styling. The word is, the same industrial design firm that came up with the Mark Levinson amplifier's look also designed the Revels. With a quick listen, I found the system to perform quite well, producing sharp imaging and amazing dynamics.

Sonicweld
For $29,700 a pair including subwoofers you can have loudspeakers cut from a solid block of aluminum. The one-piece machined aluminum used to create a Sonicweld loudspeaker is completely and certainly inert. The crossover has no reactive parts in the signal path to prevent audible anomalies. The Sonicweld speaker is a dipole design to minimize loudspeaker-room interference, allowing the drivers to operate in an environment free from cavity resonances. Despite their claims of sonic perfection, a working prototype was unavailable during the press preview days.

Paradigm Reference
Paradigm, a leader in high performance - high value loudspeakers, flexed their home theater muscle at Hi-Fi 98 by demoing their active theater speaker system. Active speakers are all the rage in pro audio applications because they represent a more direct, compact and economical way to reproduce sound. The complete Paradigm system shown was priced at a little more than $7000 and comes with everything from cables to stands to a stunning finish.

Christian
Originally designed for professional use, The Studio ($7,000) loudspeakers from Vince Christian Ltd. are equally at home in the smaller, more intimate listening room. The enclosure is made out of a medium density fiberboard material and is internally braced. The maximum driver diameter is five inches allowing for the speaker's unusually narrow 6.75-inch width. The speakers will be available later this summer.

Meadowlark Audio
Taking a rather spiritual approach to speaker design, Meadowlark Audio delivers the Kestral, Petrel, Shearwater and Blue Heron loudspeakers. The phase aligned, first order design is basic to each model, yet each offers its own unique characteristics. The 2-way Shearwater ($2,500), was the only model on display and even with the two-way design, the 7-inch carbon fiber woofer delivered impressive bass response. Their literature indicates the bass line transmission is only down 3 dB at 35 Hz.

Monitor Audio
Canadian speaker manufacturer Monitor Audio introduced the Studio 60 loudspeaker, the company's new flagship product. The speaker ranges from $10,000 to $12,000 depending on the finish, the most expensive being the piano rosewood. It delivers extraordinary bass with out a subwoofer, due to its dual woofer design. The most remarkable feature is its extraordinary presence and imaging which easily noticeable in a brief demonstration.

NHT
NHT displayed the brand new SuperTwo ($750 a pair) tower loudspeaker, featuring a vented, 6.5-inch down firing, long throw subwoofer that delivers bass down to 35 Hz. The SuperTwo includes the same tweeter and midrange drivers found in NHT's SuperOne. The down firing sub and narrow baffle allow the SuperTwo to be placed next to big-screen TV's or wall units without degradation of bass response. SuperTwos are tonally matched to SuperOnes so you can easily mix the two speakers into a home theater. The speaker will be available in July.

NXT
NXT showed working prototypes of their flat panel speaker designs. Fundamentally different from conventional speaker designs, NXT's operating principle relies on complex vibrations in panels, rather than pistonic motion of a diaphragm. Unlike the conventional speaker, NXT exhibits a number of properties such as flat power response, wide and uniform directivity with frequency, resistive impedance response and a diffuse-field radiation. Uniform power response distributes energy evenly. Wide directivity provides uniform tonal balance and its inherent diffussness makes reflected sound less destructive. NXT's flat panel speaker design can be incorporated anywhere speakers are used, home theaters, cars, computers and phones. NXT is a radical technology that The Revolution intends keep a close eye on.

Pioneer
Pioneer unveiled their Elite Reference Speaker System ($4,500) which is styled to integrate and complement the Elite product line of components and large screen TV's. Heading the design team was Andrew Jones who has had years of experience in speaker design with both KEF and Infinity.

The main feature of the system is its installation flexibility due to the Iso Radiant Imaging System (I.R.I.S.). It is a compound drive unit with the tweeter in the center and the midrange radiating around the tweeter. The I.R.I.S. can be rotated preventing the need to toe in the entire speaker cabinet. Separated from the tweeter and midrange is a 6.5 inch midrange driver and a down firing 12" inch woofer with a 300 watt amp. The center channel is small and curved to attractively sit upon an Elite large screen TV. It includes the same midrange and tweeter used in the main speakers. The rear speakers have controlled directivity as the tweeter can be rotated for pinpoint localization or greater diffussness.

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