April 14, 2007
(All prices in US dollars unless otherwise indicated.)

The Ferguson Hill FH007 Mini speaker system ($1195) is a photographer's challenge because of the liberal use of clear plastic. Each channel combines separate smallish tweeter/midrange and bass drivers along with an active crossover and all amplification. A matching subwoofer is also available.

GutWire bucks the industry trend of not introducing new products at consumer shows like the Festival Son & Image by having a new product at every show. This time it's the BC-12 power cord ($199 per six-foot length). The bulk cable used for this power cord is also available for $30 per foot. [www.gutwire.com]

An issue with so many power conditioners -- that they can't handle the demands of amplifiers -- is the Isotek Titan's strength. It's made specifically for use with power amps, and because of this it has only two outlets. The Titan costs $4399 CAD.

Another of Doug Schneider's pictures of individual speaker drivers, this time from an unexpected source.

Simaudio's lone new product is the cute little LP3 MM/MC phono stage ($500). The back panel is flush with connections. [www.simaudio.com]

You can't have one! Only 55 of the circa-1990 Well Tempered Reference turntables were made, and Charisma Audio was using one at the Festival Sound & Image. The tonearm is a work of intricate industrial art.