Krell’s Home Theater Standard 7.1 preamp/processor has been updated to include an eight-channel digital parametric room equalizer. Dan D’Agostino, chief engineer and C.E.O. of Krell Industries, has designed the equalizer to operate exclusively in the digital domain, thus avoiding the sonic degradations normally associated with equalizers. First introduced earlier this year in both the Home Theater Standard 7.1 and the Showcase processors, this unique feature adds to the already powerful audio performance and user-friendliness of the processor.

Classé Audio has introduced a pair of new preamplifier/surround sound processors loaded with cutting edge features. The Classé SSP-30 MKII and SSP-60 are which are generally similar except for the SSP-60’s THX Ultra status and balanced-audio and component video facilities.

Linn’s new $9,895 Klimax Kontrol is a pitch accurate two-channel stereo analog preamplifier, designed to deliver ultra-high performance in a slender, elegant machined clamshell case that matches other Linn Klimax components. With a wide frequency response (2.3Hz-200kHz) minimal distortion and Silent Power operation, the Klimax Kontrol eliminates cross talk between channels. The Klimax Kontrol’s machined-from-solid clamshell casework mechanically and electrically screens and protects four Klimax circuit boards in their own individual compartment that Linn claims to be "Perfectly Still." A Linn switch mode power supply provides Silent Power to the unique Klimax Kontrol audio circuit board and to the individual Klimax Kontrol display and control boards. By doing this the audio signal path is kept as short, clean and pure as possible. The Klimax Kontrol features configurable source inputs - three line level stereo inputs, one balanced stereo input and one line ...

The KLIMAX KONTROL ($9,895 USD) is a two-channel reference level, analog preamplifier, designed to deliver ultra-high performance sound. It is styled in a slim and elegant compact machined-from-solid clamshell case to match other Linn Klimax components.

The Trickle Down Theory: it sure didn’t work for Ronald Regan but it is a runaway success for Meridian who this week will announce a new DVD-Audio player called the 598 that can output a digital 5.1 high resolution signal much like Meridian’s flagship $16,000 DVD player, the 800. The base price on the 598 will be $5,195 and can be configured with Meridian’s Smart Link which is the only commercially available digital DVD-Audio connection on the market. The 598 has a 5.1 analog output option and a progressive video option both priced separately at $500.