In addition to its new Synchrony line of full range speakers, PSB has two new, compact subwoofers, the SubSeries HD8 and HD10. The smaller HD8 measures less than a foot in any dimension and weighs a scant 30 lbs. It's shown here next to the Synchrony One tower, the top of the Synchrony range.
Infinity will please the custom install crowd, as well as consumers who are constantly repositioning their subwoofers in search of that perfect location, with the first wireless subwoofer we've seen. No, it's not battery-powered, but the PS212W ($679) requires no signal link to the receiver or pre-pro. It incorporates a 400W amp and a 12" Metal Matrix Diaphragm driver.
The wireless banner tastefully emblazoned across the grille does not come standard.
Samsung's new SP-A800 1080p projector, (under $10,000, available Q4 2007), was being demonstrated by video expert Joe Kane, who was heavily involved with Samsung in its development. It exhibited technically flawless color, crisp but natural detail across the entire screen, outstanding optics (I didn't sit close enough to judge for color fringing, but Joe said that superior optics to eliminate this aberration were a key element in the design), and excellent brightness on a 10-foot screen (a new Stewart Studiotek 130) screen using that company's new, fine-trained screen finish optimized for 1080p projection. It also has an iris with Light, Middle, Deep, and Auto settings (no word on how or how well the Auto iris function works, and Joe used the Middle and Light settings for the demo).
Klipsch has a new Flagship floor-stander, the Palladium P39F, which will set you back $15,000/pair. You'll have to wait until CES for six other models in the range, including the designs needed to fill out a home theater array, but I'm sure Klipsch will sell you five, six, or seven P39Fs if you're in a hurry.
Definitive Technology has a new Mythos 10 ($899) center channel speaker to match the company's current Mythos ST ($1799 each). The Mythos 10 was on static display, but the Mythos STs were being played as a left and right 2-channel stereo pair, driven by a rack full of Theta electronics. The system sounded superb.
Marantz showed a mockup of a new Blu-ray player. The price and delivery date weren't available, but I have a feeling it won't be by Christmas or under $500.
I didn't get in to see the new 1080p Marantz VP-15S1 today. The wait was too long, but I'll have a better chance tomorrow. In the meantime, the projector is available either au natural or with an optional anamorphic lens. The PJ itself is half the price of Marantz' VP-11S1 flagship ($20,000), which remains in the line.