WINTER	2003
Page Four

PARASOUND: Parasound formally introduced the new Halo line up. Always known for their value oriented approach, Parasound moves in a new direction with the upscale Halo products. They’ll be offering two processors, the C1 and C2, and two five channel amplifiers, the A51 and A52.
               Following a current trend in high-end processors, the C1 incorporates a 5” TFT display on the front panel. The screen can display the source playing, or the comprehensive menu. Exceptionally full-featured, the C1 incorporates all known surround formats, full video switching (passes 1080i and 720p) as well as fully balanced inputs and outputs. A patented bass management circuit is said to prevent time smear and increase resolution in the lower octaves. The fully automated calibration system adjusts level and delay setting for all speakers, measured by the calibrated microphone which is included with the C1. $6000.
               The C2 processor is fundamentally the same as the C1, sans the 5” display. $4000.
                     Though we are still awaiting the arrival of Parasound's new "goodies," I have heard through the grapevine that the new Halo gear is outstanding.

TOTEM: The Lynks bipole/dipole surround speakers were introduced here at the CES. The Lynks use two 4” bass/mid drivers and a two ˝” titanium dome tweeters. A switch on the rear selects between bipole and dipole. Finish quality is excellent, as is always the case with Totem products. $795/pr in Mahogany. 
                Unveiled at CES, the Thunder subwoofer. Employing a novel driver arrangement, the Thunder couples two passive radiators to one active driver. Bass extension is claimed to 18Hz, and after the demo, I believe it! This thing moves allot of air, especially for its size, and is thus a great choice for H/T. The unit has an internal amplifier and versatile crossover adjustments,  allowing to work well in most any system. $1495.

SIMAUDIO: Sim showed their new Aurora multi-channel amplifier. A high current design, the Aurora delivers 200 watts per channel into an 8 Ohm load, and doubles into 4 Ohms. The amplifier is available in five and seven channel versions, with the five channel model priced at $4495.00. Should your needs change in the future, the Aurora can be upgraded to seven channels by the Sim factory.
              

The very full featured Stargate processor offers all the latest surround processing modes, 7.1 analog bypass and even an AM/FM tuner. Digital to analog conversion is handled by four Crystal 24/192 DAC’s. Sim has based the Stargate on an “open architecture” which is said to enhance upgradeability.  $4295.

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