May 24, 2009 - Part 2
All prices in euros (€) unless otherwise noted.
At time of report, 1 € is approximately 1.37 US dollars.

Wilson Benesch had a passive display at High End 2009, which is where we spied the brand-new A.C.T. C.60 Limited Edition loudspeaker (24,800 € per pair). The A.C.T. C.60 Limited Edition can be thought of as a 2.5-way design with a super tweeter. Its construction features a carbon-fiber shell along with a metal-alloy inner structure.

Germany's Eternal Arts proudly debuted the "full tube" FTP preamplifier on the main floor of the M.O.C. The FTP comes equipped with a remote control and an MM/MC phono stage, and is said to be a dual-mono design. The price is 13,500 €. Doug Schneider quite liked the styling of this product, but Jeff Fritz thought otherwise.

Switzerland's Ensemble has updated its entire product lineup. Seen here from top to bottom is the Dirondo CD player (8800 €), Fuoco integrated amplifier (8800 €), and Isolink power conditioner (4000 €). Also on hand was the Natura loudspeaker (14,500 € per pair).

Clearaudio quality for only $995 €? We were surprised as well. As the sign says, it's "Made in Germany," too! The Clearaudio Concept turntable comes "ready to play" with tonearm, cartridge, and, according to the company, "All parameters completely adjusted at the Clearaudio factory." Getting into analog couldn't be simpler.

The TD 309 has a radical new look, quite unlike Thorens 'tables of the past. But we were told that despite the updated appearance, the new '309 also uses Thorens technology from decades ago, including the spring-loaded feet that act as the turntable's suspension system. The TD 309 is priced at 1200 € and comes complete with tonearm and cartridge.

We saved the wildest new turntable for last. Italy’s Horo showed the Horo WJE 168, a thoroughly original design. The tonearm is made from wood and is 60cm long! The Horo WJE 168, according to designer Luigi Pasqualini (shown), was designed as a "musical instrument" would be. The price has not yet been announced.