The Modulari Reference is a two-piece system.
(Credit: Steve Guttenberg)Well, not exactly weep, but while I was reviewing these incredible speakers an executive from a respected American speaker company dropped by my apartment. To say he was bowled over by the mighty Krells is an understatement; he couldn't take his eyes off them. Then he ran his fingers over the exquisitely machined metalwork and asked to play a couple of tunes. Talk about shock and awe; he said, "They're $65,000? [EXPLETIVE DELETED], they're really good!" I've never seen one manufacturer so visibly shaken by another's wares.
The Krell Modulari Duo Reference has that sort of effect on people. Even folks who couldn't care less about high-end audio "get" these speakers. The sound all but reaches out and grabs your most sensitive parts and shakes them. My full review is in Home Entertainment magazine.
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(Credit:
Audio Junkies)
This is one product that aims to satisfy iPod fanboys and uncompromising audiophiles alike. Krell's Papa Dock and KID combo is a step ahead of the competition, designed based on an old-school separate component approach to fine music.
The KID may also be a first of its kind, featuring performance-centric class A electronics, high-end balanced XLR audio output and a built-in iPod dock, all in a beefy 10-pound metallic kit, according to Audio Junkies. Designed to complement the KID is the Papa Dock, which holds the above-mentioned deck and provides up to 150 watts of clean high-current amplification for your speakers.
To maintain a near-seamless experience, the amplifier is further loaded with an auto-sensing function and powers up on demand. The Krell KID and Papa Dock are priced at $1,500 and $2,500, respectively.
(Source: Crave Asia)
(Credit:
Steve Guttenberg)
The Audiophiliac has been prowling the Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association (CEDIA) Expo in Denver over the past several days, looking for the latest and greatest audio products.
The new McIntosh turntable
(Credit: Steve Guttenberg)McIntosh's MT-10 turntable ($8,000) caused a stir. The turntable's bearing uses opposing magnets to "float" the platter and keep noise low.
Def Tech's ST speaker looks prettier with its grille on.
(Credit: Steve Guttenberg)I was blown away by Definitive Technology's new Mythos ST speakers ($3,600/pair). The skinny speakers somehow deliver truly deep bass, and the midrange and treble ranges were also exceptional.
Krell's iPod dock on steroids, the KID (Krell Interface Dock, $1,500) can be used with the stereo 150 watt Papa Dock, price TBA). This ultimate audio dock boasts Krell's over-the-top build quality.
Krell's ultimate iPod dock and 150 watt stereo amp
(Credit: Steve Guttenberg)Soundmatters gave me a sneak preview of its yet-unnamed micro iPod speaker. The little thing is only about six inches long and two inches high, but delivers shockingly powerful bass. Holding the little thing in my hand I thought it could double as a massager. Should be out early next year for around $200.
Soundmatters micro speaker pumps out bass.
(Credit: Steve Guttenberg)I checked out the new Snell Acoustics' Reference Tower A7 speaker and didn't find it the least bit boring. It doesn't photograph well, but trust me, the A7's luscious curves and exquisite finish more than justify its price tag of $35,000 for the pair. Oh, and it sounds amazing too.
The Audiophiliac takes in the new mega Snell.
(Credit: Steve Guttenberg)Thiel Audio's new CS 3.7 ($9,900/pair) features remarkable drivers, created by chief designer, Jim Thiel. The speaker's resolution of fine detail ensures its future as an audiophile classic.
Dig those crazy drivers.
(Credit: Steve Guttenberg)
Clearaudio's 'Statement' turntable
(Credit: Musical Surroundings)Well that didn't take long. Just after we thought we'd come across one of the weirder pieces of sound equipment seen in awhile, along comes another to beat it out in spades. Not only does this system featured at Berlin's IFA trade show have an exceedingly esoteric design, but it's even more exclusive because of its price: $860,608, to be exact, which makes it the "world's most expensive stereo system" in the estimation of BornRich.
The centerpiece of this monstrosity is the Clearaudio "Statement" turntable pictured here for $137,000, flanked by 5.1 JBL speakers at $68,700 a pair and four Velodyne subwoofers totaling $52,000. The Krell amps alone are worth $163,000, and a Mark Levinson pre-amp is priced at $54,000. Various other components make up the rest of the overall cost.
And here we thought the $150,000 "Transrotor Artus" was expensive; maybe now we'll start seeing it on sale at Costco. In the meantime, ponder this: If the Clearaudio set-up tacked on the "Grand Enigma" audio system, the total price tag would approach $2 million.
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