2003 CES Report A Look at some of the latest surround sound and high-resolution audio products from the Consumer Electronics Show.
The JBL Synthesis Hercules System utilizes driver technologies from the company’s flagship K2 S9800 loudspeakers and THX Ultra-certified Synthesis components. Loudspeakers in the system include five SK2-1000 loudspeakers and multiple Synthesis S12 subwoofers. Electronics include SDP-40D surround processor/preamplifier, SDEC2500A digital equalizer, nine S800 power amplifiers, and a custom S2500IC interconnect kit. The system supports a variety of 6.1- and 7.1-channel surround sound decoding formats, including THX Surround EX, Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic II, DTS, DTS-ES 6.1 Discrete, DTS 6.1 Matrix, and 7.1 Logic 7. For more information, contact JBL at 516-496-3400 or visit www.jbl.com. Lexicon Launches RT-10 Universal DVD/SACD Player
Lexicon has introduced the RT-10 reference quality universal disc transport player, designed to play any of the 5-inch optical media discs available today. The RT-10 supports CD, CD-R/CD-RW, VCD, S-VCD, MP3, DVD-V, DVD-A, DVD-R/RW, and SACD stereo and multichannel. It is designed to match Lexicon’s home theater products. It features 24-bit/192 kHz D/A converters, 525-line progressive scan component video output, component video output on RCA and BNC, video adjust, Dolby Digital and PCM decoding, MPEG audio and video compatibility, MP3 compatibility, S/PDIF output on coaxial or optical connector, AES/EBU output connector, composite and S-Video output connectors, trigger input, rear-panel IR IN connector, intuitive user interface, and setup navigator. The Lexicon RT-10 has an MSRP of $3495. For more information, contact Lexicon at 781-280-0300 or visit www.lexicon.com.
Integra DPS 8.3 THX Ultra-Certified Universal Player
The player is compatible with virtually every digital disc format in use including DVD-A and SACD. It is equally suited for use as an audio-only or A/V source component. It features 108 MHz/12-bit D/A converter, internal decoding of Dolby Digital and DTS, two progressive scan component video outputs, including one set of BNC connections, S-Video, two composite video outputs, and all video outputs are parallel and always active. Additional features include 192 kHz/24-bit D/A converters and Digital Path. For more information, contact Integra at 800-225-1946 or visit www.integra.com.
Harman Kardon Introduces DPR 2001 Digital path Receiver
The 7.1-channel DPR 2001 features full digital signal path from input to output, 100 watts of digital amplifier power to the seven channels, pulse wave modulation, 8-channel inputs, digital bass manager, and remote control with patented EzSet automatic speaker calibration. It is compatible with Dolby Digital EX, DTS-ES, Dolby Pro Logic II, and DTS Neo:6. It incorporates Logic 7, VMAx, and High Definition Compatible Digital processing. The unit also offers MP3 decoding when used with compatible computers. MSRP is $1499. For more information, contact Harman Kardon at 516-496-3400 or visit www.harmakardon.com.
SRS Labs Ultra-Thin speaker Line
The Klayman signature series uses flat-panel drivers. Available in black ash or cherry wood, each speaker stands 41 inches high by 17 inches wide, with a speaker depth of 3 inches at the thickest point. Each speaker weighs 32.5 pounds, has 2HDC driver panels, boasts a 80 Hz to 20 kHz ±3 dB frequency response, and a sensitivity of 91 dB at 1 watt/1meter and amplification power up to 100 watts. For more information, contact SRS labs at 949-442-1070 or visit www.srslabs.com.
Parasound Halo Amps
Parasound’s premium Halo line of amps consists of THX Ultra2-certified power amplifiers, each rated at 250 watts/channel. They were designed by Parasound’s John Curl, and feature XLR jacks, JFET inputs, MOSFET drivers, high current, bi-polar output transistors, direct coupled topology, and silver faceplate and accent trim. They can be used together to power a 7.1-channel home-theater system. The Halo A51 and A21 carry MSRPs of $4000 and $2000, respectively. For more information, call 415-397-7100 or visit www.parasound.com
Acoustic Specialties Debuts 5.1 HT Signature Reference System
The flagship 5.1 HT Signature Reference System utilizes NXT flat-panel speaker technology for all five channels, and an active subwoofer/amplifier control center that contains Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic II, and DTS decoding, plus five 25-watt channels of amplification for the speakers and 100 watts for the sub and full preamp/surround processor control and functions. MSRP is $2999. For more information, visit Acoustic Specialties at www.acousticspecialties.net.
Altec Lansing XA3051 Video Game Speaker System
Designed for use with the Xbox, GameCube, and Playstation2, the new XA3051 is a six-piece system that includes five satellite speakers, a subwoofer, 56 watts RMS, and Dolby Pro Logic technology. It can also be used with TV and DVD sources. MSRP is $199.95. For more information, contact Altec Lansing at 800-256-3288 or visit www.alteclansing.com.
Canton Movie 6-CX
The Canton Movie CX features four identical mini-satellite speakers that measure 3-1/2 inches square by 4 inches deep. They are true two-way speakers with a 3-inch polypropelene woofer and a coaxially mounted .6-inch aluminum tweeter. The center channel uses the same driver complement, but with a pair of woofers flanking the tweeter horizontally. The 100-watt powered subwoofer uses a 6.5-inch cellulose/graphite driver in a bandpass enclosure. It features a variable enclosure and switchable phase adjustment. For more information, contact Canton at 612-706-9250 or visit www.cantonusa.com.
