Audio Video News

I think we can all agree that nothing is more bothersome than plunking down a pocketful of cash for a component, only to have a new model come out two months later that renders your new toy obsolete. Frustrating, isn't it? Then take a look at Primare's first universal disc player, the DVD30. Primare designed the model with optional video-output modules to guard against obsolescence, which is always a good thing. PureCinema Progressive and interlaced video output are both standard. The front panel features only eight buttons, so operation is a breeze. Throw in complete SACD/DVD-Audio setup controls and a super-fine focus filter with 4:4:4 video upsampling, and you've got a well-rounded universal player. Primare's DVD30 retails for $4,000.
Primare
(510) 843-4500
www.sumikoaudio.net

SpeakerCraft
Let's be honest: You can't do a lot to a subwoofer to make it more beautiful. Just about the only improvement that you could make would be to make it smaller and more compact so that it doesn't become a cumbersome eyesore. SpeakerCraft has jumped on this idea with their new small subwoofers, the BassX-8 and BassX-Compact 8, which are specially designed to accommodate small areas. Both subs are fully shielded and feature auto power on/off. The BassX-8 (shown here) has an 8-inch long-throw woofer and a built-in 125-watt amplifier. Its variable low-pass crossover is from 40 to 150 hertz, while the high-pass crossover is 75 Hz. The BassX-8 retails for $530.
SpeakerCraft
(800) 448-0976
www.speakercraft.com