WINTER	2001

Oh yes, it’s been a cold Winter for many of you. Time to thaw out with some hot news from the Nevada desert, home of the annual migration of "audio loonies" from around the World. Come one, come all, and together we’ll take a tour of the 2001 Winter Consumer Electronics Show.

NEW STUFF

SOLILOQUY: Known for their cost-effective line of speakers, Soliloquy has unleashed an assault on the high end with launch of the new 6.5.      At $6000.00, the 6.5 is double the price of their previously most expensive speaker, the 6.3. I wondered if the extra cost could really be justified, based on the high level of quality their less expensive speakers had achieved. It took but a few notes to realize this was a whole new ball game. The sound was immediate, but not aggressive, fast and articulate, but not hyped. Bass was deep and authoritative.

Though my listening session was unfortunately brief (I had to catch my return flight back), I was impressed enough to order a pair. I know you will like these! Shipping sometime in March.(Photo of Rosewood finish, without grilles).

JEFF ROWLAND DESIGNS: The most popular product in the Company’s history, the Concentra integrated, was suddenly (and surprisingly, to some) discontinued last Summer. But Mr. Rowland is not daft, and was already hard at work on a replacement.

WCES was the curtain call for the new Concentra II, with an updated power supply and a few other tweaks. Power is up 50% to a stout 150 watts per channel into 8 Ohms. The original Concentra was already a powerful integrated, capable of driving most any speaker. The increased power of Concentra II will surely improve control, easefulness and authority.

Though the Concentra II was on display only, the first units should be arriving shortly and I will print listening impressions in the next issue. But don’t let that stop you from calling if you are interested in one of these lovelies, I’ll be happy to talk your ear off about it! $6500.00.

AERIAL: For at least the last three years, a rumor circulated that Michael Kelley was at work on a new flagship loudspeaker. At this years show, the cat came out of the bag. Two very attractive pre-production prototypes stood testament to Michael’s long hours of toil.

Both of the new members to the respected clan are two-piece systems, with mid/tweeter arrays perched atop a woofer enclosure. Most unusual are the use of ribbon tweeters, a first for Aerial.

I wish I could report on the sonic prowess of these new releases, but alas they stood voiceless in a static display. If looks are any indication, the new speakers are sure to be captivating, and Michael Kelley’s track record virtually assures it.

The Model 20 will come in at around $18000.00pr, while the Model 30 (pictured in Rosewood, without grilles) tips the scales at $28000.00pr. Both models are expected to begin shipping later this year.

NAGRA: One of the most respected names in the world of professional Audio, Nagra has a forty year history of producing leading edge electronics for the recording industry. Their move into high end audio was a welcomed surprise, and their gear has met with rave reviews.

Many listeners requested a line stage preamp, and Nagra listened. Arriving from Switzerland just days prior to the show, was the new PLL tube line stage. Priced at $6800.00, the PLL full-tube design uses the same circuitry as the highly reviewed full-function preamp, PLP, sans phono section and a few other features. The PLL will interest many not only because of the great sound, but also for the new found convenience of full remote controllability. Balanced outputs are available as a $400.00 option. As with all Nagra equipment, expect superb Swiss craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail.

The prototype Nagra solid state amplifier has been demonstrated at the last two CES shows, but was never officially released. Until now. Many have commented that the MPA produced some of the most refined sound ever heard from solid state. With 250 watts per channel (a whopping 500 into 4 Ohms!), the MPA is robust enough to drive any load. An optional plug-in input module turns the MPA into the World’s best integrated amplifier, with full remote control to boot.

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