The main attraction for me in the Totem Acoustic exhibit was their home theatre demo that used 2 pairs of Rainmaker (US$900/pair) speakers for the main channels and surround, the brand new Rainmaker Center (US$850) for the center channel and the Thunder (US$1795) subwoofer for the low frequencies.

The action scenes in the movie "Pearl Harbour" was riveting through this combo, delivering machine gun shots and bomb blasts with enough impact and realism to make you believe that you were actually in the midst of the action, and not just a spectator. For a system that cost less than some speaker cables, it was really impressive!

The Zanden system would have as great a visual as well as a sonic impact for anyone who cared to walk into their room; such was the immaculateness of their fit and finish. Apart from their usual complement of award-winning tube electronics, they also debuted their new Model 3000 tube preamp. One of the unique features of this preamp is its ability to allow switching from active to passive mode. There are surely more juicy details concerning this preamp that took Yamada san the Zanden chief designer, more than 2 years to develop, but that will have to wait for a later date.

Driving a pair of Ascendo speakers from Germany, the Zanden system sounded powerful and yet full of finesse. It was superbly relaxed and yet lively and exhibited wide dynamic swings when the music demanded it. Truly a system that many will dream about and crave for, long after the show has ended!

There were plenty of other weird and wonderful stuff to see and listen to at the show, but space does not allow me to go into any further details. I will just leave you with a sampling of some of the more interesting turntables for your viewing pleasure. Till next year..