The Spiral Groove brand is best known for turntables, but the new E 60A stereo amplifier ($15,000) and DP 1 digital/analog preamp will change that. The E 60A is a solid-state amp of modest power -- 60Wpc -- that's made completely in the US. It sounded sweet and inviting driving Sonics speakers.

A prototype Spiral Groove tonearm was also shown at the RMAF. Expect to see the finished version in 2009.

A prototype that's closer to release is Clayton Audio's P1 preamplifier, the long-awaited match to the company's many power amps. Expect it to be available later this year or early 2009.

The stocky Eficion F300 ($14,900 per pair) combines a front-mounted Heil AMT tweeter with a ribbon supertweeter that's mounted on the back of the top cabinet. Carbon-fiber midrange and bass drivers are also used. The speakers sounded delicate and open on top, and powerful down low.

The McIntosh MA6600 integrated amp ($6000) can be ordered as a stereo receiver by adding the optional AM/FM tuner module ($600). McIntosh also debuted the MPC1500 power controller, an unsung but necessary product for those with especially complicated combined A/V systems.

The Audio Note Kits L4-series amplifier kit ($1500-$2000 when finalized) breaks from precedent. It uses EL34s to deliver a more robust power output -- around 40Wpc. The L6 kit will be the mono version of the L4, and the finished amp will offer roughly twice the power.