The Finite Elemente room. This low-profile setup looked cool, clean and elegantly stated.

Frank Tchang of Acoustic Resonators fame showed his Tango ($32k) reference loudspeaker side by side with Abbingdon Music Research's monitor prototype. Karan Acoustics amplification and the AMR CD-77 proved another interesting mixture of song and grace.

Isophon and Octave put on a demo that proved quite memorable. The look, sound and feel of this room screamed high-end and demanded an extended listen. Having been a huge fan of Isophon loudspeakers both Dave Thomas and I can attest that, after a lengthy review of the Europa II, Isophon's Roland Gauder knows how to build a loudspeaker. Pairing the 3-way, ceramic-driver built reference Arabba ($35k) with Octave electronics proved mesmerizing.

North Star Design, another sleek and impressive Italian design showcased their digital arsenal that has been getting a lot of positive press of late. Our own Bill Wells has a review underway so stay on the lookout.

Luxman Audio of Japan showed quite an interesting line of new components that included their new L509u integrated ($10k top photo), and their reference 250-watt model B1000 mono amps ($48k), shown strapped to a pair of Audes Excellence model 5 loudspeakers. Famous for their VU meter display ala McIntosh, this legendary company has set its sights on the U.S. market with importer Philip O'Hanlon of On a Higher Note.

Penaudio of Finland introduced their very elegant Ambient series Chronos loudspeaker and I was taken by it both visually and sonically for this sleekly built transducer. Part art and science; the Chronos' cabinet gives it a certain attraction while internal standing waves are also reduced.

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