Here's an idea that makes sense -- since AV receivers do the video switching and format conversion, why not put the image calibration in there, too? Integra is doing exactly that with its DTR-8.9 ($1,900) and DTR-9.9 ($2,600) receivers, as well as the DHC-9.9 ($2,000) preamp-processor. Better yet, this functionality will conform to ISF (Imaging Science Foundation) protocols so all you pixel-peepers can sleep easy. This makes it possible to calibrate your video sources independently, so you're not limited by the number of inputs you have on your display device. The only problem we see with this is that your ISF tech has to shoulder the extra work of setting up more calibrations.

Parasound certainly has a contingent of audio-only fans amongst its customer list, but even the 2-channel crowd must get curious about all this recent multichannel craze that just isn't fading away. And that must be who the new P 7 preamplifier is targeted at. Either that or the company just really, really wants to define a new product category. In the case of the P7, that would be the "7.1-channel, analog-only preamplifier" category. The back panel tells the story on this unit -- a gaggle of RCA inputs (seven L/R stereo pairs and two 7.1-channel sets), with XLR and RCA outputs. No digital audio goes in, and none comes out. Bass management is done the old fashioned way, in the analog realm. Might we suggest that you spend that $2,000 on a "lowbrow" AV receiver instead? Just put it off to the side of your audio-only rig, right next to the popcorn. Let's face it -- you're slumming it with multichannel anyways, right?

Okay, it's not like we expect the typical McIntosh customer to exactly be clipping coupons, but the company is offering up some incentive to get owners to upgrade their gear. The new Trade-UP program credits owners 75-percent of the original MSRP as a trade-in on any working McIntosh amp, preamp, integrated amp or receiver, good towards the purchase of some of the company's newfangled gear. This is a limited time offer, so get to it. And if you're worried that any new McIntosh gear will look out of place, don't -- the same chrome, blue backlighting, analog meters and Olde English logos are still in use today. So yeah, this moves McIntosh ahead of our college textbooks, cars, most of our stocks and even our homes in terms of maintained value. Don't let anyone tell you you're wasting money on gear again.

[Image courtesy The High Fidelity Museum]

The Krell name has always been synonymous with glorious overdesign, and its new Evolution 707 preamp/processor won't spoil that rep. Inputs (including four HDMI 1.3) are routed through to 12 outputs, each with single-ended and balanced taps. Sounds like a lot, but once you factor in the two center channel and four subwoofer outputs, it somehow doesn't sound as extreme as 8.4-channels might otherwise. Naturally, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA are supported, and there's a processing bypass mode for those who want to do the "straight wire with gain" thing. Video specs aren't skimpy, either -- a maximum color depth of 48 bits, 340 MHz bandwidth, and upconverting to 1080p are all onboard. The linked post indicates the unit is nearly 10-feet tall. Sounds like a typo to us, but this is Krell we're dealing with! Tipping the scales at 50-pounds, you'll pay $600 per pound to take this beast home.

If you're one of the lucky few who can afford Classe gear, chances are you've been waiting for its SSP-800 preamp/processor combo for a while now. We don't know what it is about Canada, but it certainly has its share of high end deliciousness. Part of Classe's Delta series of components, the 10-channel SSP-800 is slated to show up this month at $8000 MSRP, and features a good-looking touchpanel control up front. Looks don't tell the whole story, though -- there's also some serious silicon brains inside the tank-like chassis. Processing is handled by a 64-bit TI DSP that is replaceable for "future proofing," and the video circuitry can handle 36-bit Deep Color. In our world of rapidly evolving changing standards, we tend to take the term "future-proof" with a dash of salt and can't justify purchase of this kind of gear for our own rigs. But if you've got the coin and want to invite us over, we'd be happy to oblige.

Though we're not exactly sure if Marantz will be a wholly owned subsidiary of D&M Holdings for much longer, the boutique brand is still planning to strut its stuff at the upcoming Audio Karma Fest in Michigan. Reportedly, the outfit will be showcasing a number of luxurious components from its Reference Series, include the $3,199 SC-11S1 preamplifier, $4,199 SM-11S1 power amplifier, $3,699 SA-11S2 SACD player and the all new $2,599.99 AV8003 Networking AV Preamp / Processor. For those lacking the requisite scratch, the slightly less magnificent SA8001 SACD player ($899.99) and PM7001 integrated amp ($599.99) will also be around. Word has it that all of the items will be demonstrated on Snell loudspeakers, which all in all should deliver a fairly blissful experience.

If you're big into do-it-yourself electronics, and feeling like your existing off-the-shelf pre-amplifier just isn't cutting it, Hack a day has the plans for you, with schematics and photos of a 7.1-channel pre-amp design sporting RCA, SPDIF, XLR, and USB inputs, and a VFD display to show you what's going on. The design is very professional-looking, and despite the glaring lack of analog tubes, it's sure to please any soldering audiophiles.

On one hand, the designs of Yamaha's latest devices could have easily been ripped straight from last century, but in another sense, there's a certain level of attractiveness that comes with brushed aluminum AV components sporting retro-inspired buttons / knobs. Nevertheless, the CD-S2000 SACD / CD player (which arrives in silver or black motifs) plays nice with MP3 / WMA files and sports analog, optical / coaxial digital and XLR audio outputs. As for the A-S2000, it's available in the same two hues and can crank out up to 190-watts x 2 at 4-ohms or 120-watts x 2 at 8-ohms. Apparently marketed towards the high-end crowd, neither of these December-bound units come cheap, as the CD-S2000 will demand ¥208,950 ($1,824) while the A-S2000 rings up at an equally staggering ¥176,400 ($1,540).

[Via AudioJunkies]

High-end stalwart Rotel is taking the wraps off its new RSP-1069 HT processor/preamp at CEDIA this week. This is an update to, you guessed it, the RSP-1068 model. The simple front panel hides some nice HT goodies inside. Decoding functions are handled by the TI Aureus DSP (not to be confused with Aurea), but conspicuously absent form the press release is mention of Dolby True HD or DTS-HD. Digital and analog video sources are upsampled by Faroudja DCDi, up to 1080p. Four HDMI inputs and three component inputs are around back to keep your video flowing. And since this is a CEDIA debut, you know Rotel didn't skimp on the automation and "whole home" angles. Three 12V triggers and a RS-232 serial connection are available for custom installers, and there are three additional zones of stereo+video so you can be entertained throughout the homestead. Silver or black finish, $2199.

UPDATE: Our man at CEDIA just confirmed via a Rotel rep that HDMI 1.3 is a no-go on this processor. Thanks, Darren!