September 7, 2007

Dynaudio's new DM 2-10 ($1350/pair) looks like a minimonitor in this picture, but it's a maximonitor in person: That's a big, ol' 10" woofer. The smaller -- but still large -- DM 2-8 ($975/pair) uses an 8" woofer.

The Edge Electronics G8 Statement ($9800/pair) is a small-footprint mono amp that uses the ubiquitous ICEpower module to deliver 300 watts at 8 ohms. The styling looks rather Roman, don't you think?

Four new subwoofers from Energy, two of which use the company's woven-fiberglass drivers. Left to right are the ESW V8 ($500), ESW V10 ($700), ESW 8 ($220) and ESW 10 ($330). The two subwoofers on the right have downward-firing drivers. [www.energy-speakers.com]

Also from Energy is the Take Classic 5.1-channel system ($599). The drivers of the five satellite speakers are set as closely together as possible to approximate a point source. The cabinets of all the Take Classic speakers are made of MDF, not molded plastic.  [www.energy-speakers.com]

"Larger than our former Due, but smaller than the Reference AV" is how Anthony Gallo Acoustics describes the new Due 2 (between $699 and $799 once available in early 2008). The speaker uses Gallo's CDII tweeter and a pair of the 4"carbon-fiber drivers used for the Reference speakers. It looks space-age cool in the raw -- no cabinet needed.

The Marantz SA-11S2 CD/SACD player will begin shipping in October. It's a fully balanced unit that uses a Marantz-designed transport mechanism. Marantz also debuted a new preamp -- with phono stage -- and amplifier aimed at the audiophile crowd.