Divergent Technologies' Tash Goka joked with us that he at one time worked as a waiter. In Las Vegas he served up his company's new T2M DT autoformer-based passive preamplifier, which retails for $1200. [www.divertech.com]
This upside down, bottomless view of the T2M DT shows the internal construction and the unique wire that Divergent Technologies says is key to this product's performance. [www.divertech.com]
The production version of the eagerly awaited Ayre Acoustics DX-5 Blu-ray-and-everything-else player. This product launch should find favor with both audio- and videophiles alike. The DX-5 will also play 24-bit/192kHz digital music files via its USB input, making the DX-5 a dream machine for those with computer-based audio setups. The exact price of the DX-5 has not been set as of CES 2010. Shipping should begin by late February. [www.ayre.com]
I guess you could say that a 24-bit/192kHz-capable USB input is the ultimate feature for the music-server crowd. And the Aesthetix Romulus -- a DAC with a CD-ROM drive added -- is one of the products, if not the first, that offers this feature. The Romulus is priced at $6000. A DAC-only version, the Pandora, is also available for $5000.
Bel Canto Design launched a number of products at CES, and none were more exciting than the additions to their successful DAC range. The DAC1.5 ($1395), DAC2.5 ($1995), and DAC3.5VB ($3495) will be available after CES, along with the still-current DAC3VB ($2695). The models differ primarily with regard to dynamic-range specifications, power-supply sophistication, and the alphanumeric display. But all of these units are 24/192 capable. [www.belcantodesign.com]
Boulder Amplifiers has rounded out their 1000-series lineup with the addition of the 1008 phono stage ($12,000). This unit gives Boulder customers an alternative to the company's 2008 model, which retails for $34,000.
The Esoteric RZ-1, which retails for $6000, includes an SACD/CD transport, a 32-bit DAC, and a 100W (6 ohms) stereo-integrated amplifier. This puppy is a real one-box solution for the audiophile who wants performance and convenience. [esoteric.teac.com]
The rear of the RZ-1. Note the three digital inputs, the top-quality binding posts, and the excellent level of fit 'n' finish. [esoteric.teac.com]
Another addition to the Esoteric lineup is the D-07 stereo digital-to-analog converter. This 32-bit DAC is said to accept 24/96 signals via its USB input, and it includes more features than we can cover here. A few examples include four digital inputs, PCM upconversion to DSD, and an all-aluminum chassis. The retail price is set at $4800. [esoteric.teac.com]
The packed rear panel of the Esoteric D-07. Note the balanced outputs for those of you with balanced outputs on your preamp. [esoteric.teac.com]
Japan's Luxman displayed a neat product at CES 2010, the D-38u CD player ($4000). The interesting feature is that the D-38u lets you toggle between a tube and a solid-state output stage. The wood case adds a nice retro touch, too.
Luxman also introduced the P-1u class-A headphone amplifier at $3000.
The HRT Music Streamer Pro ($499.95) is a USB-connected DAC that will do 24/96 and has balanced XLR outputs. There are also series-II versions of the Music Streamer ($149.95) and Music Streamer II+ ($349.95). These two updated models are said to offer improved sound quality over the originals.
Pass Labs introduced a new monoblock power amplifier at CES 2010, the X260.5 ($11,000 per pair). This model reportedly outputs 260W into 8 ohms and 520W into 4 ohms.
The Weiss DAC 202 is a replacement for the company's successful Minerva model. This new unit features improved signal-to-noise ratio and a new LCD panel for displaying sample-rate readout, absolute phase and other relevant information. There is also a new rotary volume control that the Minerva didn't have. The DAC 202 is priced at $6440.
The rear of the Weiss DAC 202 features the expected FireWire inputs for you Mac users. These inputs will accept a 24/192 datastream.
The Electrocompaniet Maestro is a prototype Blu-ray player that also includes an onboard 3x120W class-AB amplifier for powering the front channels of a surround system. The Maestro also has built-in surround processing and an FM tuner. The estimated price is $8000 to $9000. But what about the rear channels?
Electroncompaniet's companion product to the Maestro is the PSB-1 two-channel wireless amplifier (120W). This unit is designed to power the rear channels in a surround system by communicating with the Maestro wirelessly. No running wires to the back of the room! Smart. The price is yet to be determined.
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