CES 2012 show report

January 19, 2012July 18, 2014 by Michael

CES 2012 – Harmonic Resolution Systems

HRS introduced an upgrade to their SXR equipment rack, called the SXR Signature and showed off their prototype of a new inexpensive rack, the RXR The HRS SXR Signature rack [metal] and prototype RXR rack [wood sides]. The HRS SXR Signature adds very solid and heavy ‘struts’ to the plain SXR rack. There are two for every shelf. There are also miner changes to the coupler/washers as well to increase the firmness and stability of the rack – especially those assembled in the field as well as over the course of long periods of heavy use. A better photo of the new SXR Signature struts unobstructed by the top shelf. The underneath view of a new HRS SXR Signature strut The HRS SXR Signature (left), inexpensive RXR prototype (right) and top shelf (M3X) on the floor in the foreground. The prototype of a new inexpensive rack from Harmonic Resolution Systems: the RXR. The prototype of a new inexpensive rack from Harmonic Resolution Systems: the RXR. The prototype inexpensive RXR rack from HRS has adjustable shelves like the old top-of-the-line HRS MXR racks The top view of the prototype of a new inexpensive rack from Harmonic Resolution Systems: the RXR.

January 19, 2012 by Michael

CES 2012 – International Rectifier

I am not sure what International Rectifier is up to… they manufacture electrical components. Are they going to supply turnkey sub-component assemblies to our industry? Are they entering the fray itself and going to sell components? Will they have a dealer network?

Or are they just showing manufacturers how they can use their electrical components to build consumer electronics devices?

Why didn’t I ask these questions when I was there? Probably because back in the day, as an investor in IRF, I would not have approved of them entering the consumer electronics field, and can hardly believe they would do so – so I will just assume the latter is the case.

The had Revel Salon 2 speakers up front.

.. and a equipment rack with goodies on the side.

Close up of the Revel Salon2 speaker

The Revel Salon 2 loudspeaker

The International Rectifier powIRaudio component

The colorful Thorens TD 309 turntable

An International Rectifier Class D amplifier

An International Rectifier… unidentified audio object. 🙂

in CES 2012 / High-end Audio HiFi and Stereo / Show Reports 0 comments

January 19, 2012 by Michael

CES 2012 – Pass Labs

This is what you will see entering the Pass Labs room every year at this show. So we’ll start here.

It is only this year that I finally realized these are all different amps – they just use the same chassis so they look the same except for the designation of the front dial.

This is the rear of the stack of Pass Labs amps that are stacked in the entry hall. Sorry about the top amp having a blurry back panel – but they all look somewhat similar to each other….

This is the main system they had set up this year. It is usually played so quietly [when it is played] and the talk in the room so … plentiful… that it is hard to get a sense of these speakers. Good, solid looking speakers though [no, I am being serious. I like the look]. This room is mostly about the cool gear on static display, IMHO.