Once again, it was an audio winter-wonderland in Las Vegas, Nevada. I've got to admit, from the mouth of one audiophile to another, this is probably my most favorite time of the year. However, this year I didn’t know quite what to expect at this year's Consumer Electronic Show. With damning reports of a failing economy and the fact that millions of Americans have been laid off, the impact on this year's event was obvious from the very start.

Attendance was down, (CES officials estimate the attendance was only down 10% from the previous year) but from where I was standing it sure looked lighter than that. Alexis Park where the S.H.O.W. was being hosted, was so dead I started feeling like a zombie after about ten-minutes. A heart-felt thanks to those exhibitors at the S.H.O.W. because they really tried their best and many demonstrated excellent sounding setups. The problem was the building was practically devoid of traffic.

But, lets talk audio: no more of this doom and gloom reference about the economy. I just hope our new administration fixes this mess sooner than later.

EAR/Marten/Jorma Designs

 

Dan Meinwald of Sound Works put together a beautiful sounding room with amazing products from Europe. The Marten Coltrane Sopranos  loudspeakers ($45k), were driven by E.A.R electronics, E.A.R 890 stereo amplifier ($7295 70-watt ), coupled with the E.A.R. 912 ($11k) preamplifier. The new talk of the town was the Disc Master magnetic drive turntable ($17k), along with their Acute CD player ($5895). Cabling was Jorma Design Origo speakercable ($9625 bi-wire) and Origo interconnects ($5250). The Disc Master turntable was music to my ears. Hearing Frank Sinatra‘s Nice and Easy was truly a captivating experience: felt like Ol' Blue Eyes was in the room with us.

Isophon/Western Electric

 

In the Isophon room, German designer Dr. Roland Gauder once again showcased his Arraba ($40k) loudspeakers that feature a three-way design employing ceramic Accuton drivers. The Arraba never fails to produce absolutely wonderful sound  no matter the location ('Vegas or Munich), or accompanying electronics (Behold, Thorens and Octave). This year, the Arraba system soared effortlessly - thanks to the new and powerful series of Western Electric tube electronics that sounded extremely transparent, open and airy and very musical. Bravo!


Eggleston Works/Ayre/Grand Prix Audio Monaco/Stealth Audio cables

The Eggleston Works introduced the updated Andra III ($23900), Jim Thompson of the Eggleston Works explained how the new Andra III employs a completely redesigned network, new carbon-fiber midrange coned drivers, bass porting for pressure release, and several other proprietary advances along with some minor aesthetic updates. They included aluminum side panels and baffle plates. The Andra III produced a well-balanced and focused soundstage that was powerful, smooth and delicate at the same time. Electronics included the Ayre MX-R mono block amps ($18500), using KX-R preamplifier ($18500) and C-5Xe CD player ($5950). The stunning Grand Prix Monaco turntable (19500 w/o tonearm) was used with a Tri-Planar tonearm  with Stealth Audio wiring ($5300) and Transfiguration Orpheus cartridge ($5k). Listening to LPs was a joy. All cabling was by Stealth Audio Cables


Soulution Audio/Magico

The Soulution Audio room must be mentioned. This room produced absolutely wonderful sound: the best sound I have ever heard from the Magico Mini II ($32k w/stands). The Mini II sang like a canary with a voice that was pure, detailed and very natural sounding.

All electronics were from Soulution Audio, Switzerland, using the Solution 700 ($125k) mono amplifier , the 720 preamplifier and 740 CD player. I enjoyed the sound of the Soulution/Magico setup immensely, although at $115k, we surely should expect great sound.