Cambridge Audio showed the new Azur 740C CD player priced
at $999. It includes dual-differential Wolfson WM8740 24-bit DACs running at 384kHz,
"Adaptive Time Filtering" asynchronous upsampling to convert 16-bit/44.1kHz CD
data to 24-bit 384kHz (developed in conjunction with Anagram Technologies), a 32-bit
Analog Devices "Black Fin" DSP chip, and two digital inputs so that it can be
used as an upsampling DAC for other digital sources. Yes, it appears to be a lot of CD
player for under $1000.
Cambridge Audio also introduced the companion Azur 740A
integrated amplifier priced at $999. The 740A is said to deliver 100Wpc into 8 ohms and
150WPC into 4 ohms.
Siltech's first speaker is the SC1, which was created via 3D
modeling in order to "accurately predict total cabinet, driver, and in-room
acoustical behavior." It mates a pair of 16" woofers with a 7" midrange and
a multi-segment electrostatic panel for the highs. Of course, Siltech wire is used
internally and to connect the upper and lower modules.
The price has not been determined, but it will be between $100,000 and $150,000 per pair.
Yamaha showed two new traditional universal players that
are available now. On the left is the DVD-S2700 ($1000) and on the right the DVD-S1700
($450). Common to both are1080p output over HDMI 1.2, Faroudja DCDi video processing, a
216MHz 12-bit video DAC, and NTSC and PAL compatibility. The DVD-S2700, however, also has
four 192kHz 24-bit DACs and a larger power transformer.
Samsung introduced its Ultra-Wide Color Spectrum
LED-backlight DLP 1080p rear-projection TVs. Shown are the the HL-T6187S (left) and
HL-T5687S. They utilize three LEDs instead of a color wheel, which results in more natural
colors and improved color gamut. The lamp life is also improved -- about 30,000 hours
instead of 5000. Pricing has not yet been set.
Development of the CRT hasn't quite died yet. Samsung
boasts of the "world's slimmest 20" tube TV", but, in comparison to LCD and
plasma flat panels as well as the rear-projection sets, it isn't
all that slim. Pricing is not yet available.
