Located right on the main floor was this eye-catching CD/LP cabinet aptly named The Record Cabinet from Atocha Design in NYC. This unit retails for $5900.00 and features a six draws for your LP collection (4CD). This was Atocha Design's first hi-end show and they most certainly got my attention...not because this extremely attractive vinyl dresser isn't screaming for me to take her home, but because of how easy it was to have and hold that Blue Trane LP!

Sony, EMM Labs and Kimber Kable put on a surround-sound demo that proved rather impressive.

Vitus Audio of Denmark recently introduced an affordable series of electronics that includes their 300-watt per channel RI-100 Integrated - under review by Dave Thomas ($13k far right next to their SCD100 CD player). Loudspeakers are the smaller and less expensive Carmel from YG Acoustics ($18k). Cables were by way of Jim Aud's liquid filled Purist Audio wires. Without even trying, I was impressed by the ease and natural flow this setup demonstrated. I think, in large part due to the recession, the recurring theme at this year's show was "more affordable" setups. This room certainly showed what is possible even from such super expensive brands!

Finally got a chance to hear the super sophisticated Devialet of France ($17k). Strapped to a pair of YG Acoustic Carmel loudspeakers via Kubala-Sosna cables and the PS Audio Perfect Wave transport, gave me the opportunity to get out my personal sampler disc. Listening to Trapped in a Dream from jazz trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire debut CD Prelude (to Cora), forced a sly grin and nod of acceptance. Clear, crisp and open with natural (never bright) overtones and a decent low-end gave the impression I was listening to a far more expensive rig than I would have guessed possible. Bravo!