Best of CES 2011 - Stereo Speakers & More

The new ElectroMotion ESL is Martin Logan's most affordable floorstanding electrostatic speaker to date at $2,000 per pair. They will be available in March, 2011. They can be used as a stereo pair or combined with Martin Logan center channel and surround speakers that are voice-matched with the ElectroMotion ESL.  

The new Zeppelin Air is the next generation of B & W iPod speaker systems with wireless streaming capability from an iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch or Mac or PC computer. If you use more than one Zeppelin Air you can create a multiroom music system and control each Zeppelin Air individually. The Zeppelin Air replaces the original Zeppelin (read review) and will be available for $599 through Apple Stores.

With much fanfare, Sony demonstrated its SS-AR1 reference speaker system, a flagship model already available in Japan. The SS-AR1 will sell for $27k per pair and will be available in Summer 2011. The speakers are constructed of Birch with a 2" thick Maple baffle. The construction of the speaker is as impressive as its sound quality. The joints are so tight and precise that the sample enclosure on display stood assembled but with no glue in the joints. Its sound quality was excellent and it features ScanSpeak drivers, among the best in the industry. With only five dealers in the US, Sony may not sell very many of the SS-AR1, but the technology will likely find its way into more affordable and widely distributed speakers in the future. 

Once again, Wisdom Audio upped the ante for no-holds barred speakers. The Wisdom Audio LS4 is a reference level speaker system designed for the ultra serious music lover. Their sound presentation is nothing short of spellbinding. They stand over 80" tall and require specific components as well as professional installation. Although they may be out of reach for most of us it's 

Focal showed its new Bird system, a series of three 2.1 channel speaker systems designated Little Bird, Bird and Super Bird. Each system features a Power Bird amplifier with a built-in subwoofer and a wireless receiver for audio streaming from an iPod, iPhone, iPad or computer. The system uses Kleer wireless technology for streaming full CD quality audio. The satellite speakers range in size and audio performance and can be shelf, stand or wall mounted. The Bird is designed for high quality audio from a discrete system that takes little space. Prices range from $899 to $1199 and will be available in the first quarter or 2011. 

Thiel announced the new SCS4T tower speaker, a new version of its outstanding SCS4 bookshelf speaker. The SCS4T is a two-way speaker with a coaxially-mounted midrange and tweeter, first order crossovers and 1" thick MDF enclosures. They are available now with a suggested retail price of $3,600/pair

The new KEF T Series speakers are designed for use a stereo or home theater speaker system. Their ultra slim profile (1.4" deep) makes them well suited for use with flat panel televisions. They are available as a stereo pair or as matched home theater systems. The smaller model is the T101 (and T101C center channel) and the larger model is the T301 (and T301C center channel). The T101 is offered at $499/pair and the T301 is $699/pair.