WINTER	2006
Page Six

SIM2: The largest manufacturer of home theater projectors is bringing down the price of 1080P resolution with the introduction of their D80. The projector is designed around Texas Instruments newly introduced 1080P Dark Chip which offers a native resolution of 1920x1080. The exclusive Sim2 Alpha Path sealed light engine not only improves visual performance but eliminates the possibility of dust intrusion. A seven segment color wheel, end-to-end 10 bit video processing and a 160 watt lamp combine for remarkable color depth and picture fidelity. It’s a stunner! $9995

 SPENDOR: Everything is copasetic here. No major changes because none were needed! The “S” Series products continue to win friends with their smooth, relaxed demeanor. The S8e, in particular, is a really special product. The reviews back up that claim and, more importantly, audiophiles are voting with their pocketbooks. The S8e ($3199) has quickly become the best seller in the line. Check them out and you'll see why.

 STEREOVOX:  In a very short time Stereovox cables have become dominant players at their price points. Case in point, the XV-2 digital cable ($149, 1M) has obliterated the competition, in many cases at a fraction of the cost. The stellar performance extends throughout the line. The Studio Series includes the Vespa ($249, 1M) and Colibri ($549, 1M) interconnects and Firebird ($499, 2M) speaker cables. Give any of them a try and you’ll be shocked by their value.
          Designer, Chris Sommovigo, isn’t a newcomer to the world of cable design. Back in the early 90’s his first product, the Illuminati D-60 digital cable, set the world on its ear and quickly became the industry reference. Scooped up by Ray Kimber, Chris helped launch other successful designs under the Kimber brand. Back out on his own, Chris has repeated his early successes with the introduction of the Stereovox cables.
          We’ve mentioned the Studio Series; the next step up is the remarkable Reference Series.
          In the February 2007 issue of Stereophile appears a review of the Reference SEI-600ii interconnects and LSP-600c speaker cables, it concludes: “Time will tell if the SEI-600ii and LSP-600 are the first of a new generation of cables that will establish a new standard of performance, but they are, at the very least, among a select group of cables that comprise “the best I’ve heard.” Even in 2006, an industry as mature as high-end cables can be shaken up. Fascinating, isn’t it?” – Brian Damkroger. At $1500 for the SEI-600ii interconnects (1M) and $2499 for the LSP-600 speaker cables (2M), the cables aren’t inexpensive, but when you consider they were being compared to Nordost Valhalla in the review, you could call them downright cheap.

RECYCLED VINYL: What can you do with an scratched record? Frisbee, skeet, serving platter? Serving platter, hey, that’s an idea!
        I recently learned about the unusual creations from artist J. Davis who recycles vinyl into interesting and useful objects. Mr. Davis searches out unplayable records and transforms them into really cool creations including serving bowls, snack trays, clocks and coasters. Bowls and snack trays are created using a special molding process to shape the LP to the desired form. The label is then coated with a protective clear vinyl to resist damage from food and liquids.
        Two clocks are available one fashioned from a 45 RPM disc and the other from a 33 RPM LP. The 45 RPM version features laser cut numerals around the circumference and includes a desk stand. The LP clock features raised numerals (formed during the molding process) and is designed for wall mounting.
        You have to see them to appreciate how neat they are. I have photos on my website but pictures don’t do them justice. This is something that every Audiophile on the planet will want to own! Get one for yourself and several for your friends. I can’t think of a better gift for an audiophile. Well, ok a pair of MBL 101e speakers would be better, but the wall clock is $46,864 less.
         33 LP wall clocks are $36, 45 RPM wall clocks are $25 and snack trays go for $25. Coasters come six to a box and are $25.Get one of each, they’re really cool! 

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I heard several new products at the show this year that interested me greatly, and I’m excited about bringing these goodies in for further evaluation. I’m not talking now though (so don’t try to weasel anything out of me!), but I think you’ll find some very interesting new stuff here soon!