The List
The best gear to buy right now
(continued)
Kaleidescape movie server
$22,500 and up, Feb/March 2004
Now in its second generation and still the ultimate hard-disk movie player.
kaleidescape.com
Xperinet Polaris video/music server
$6,995, June 2005
Hard-disk-based movie and music distribution in a “poor man’s Kaleidescape.”
xperinet.com
Escient FireBall DVDM-300 music server/DVD controller
$4,999, June 2005
A proven hard-disk music system with flawless DVD changer control.
www.escient.com
Escient Fireball SE-80 music server
$999, October 2005
A new low price for Escient’s friendly Music Manager user interface, along with wireless PDA control and other features.
www.escient.com
Denon AVR-5805
$6,000, May 2005
10-channel behemoth with high-end sound and truly amazing multiroom flexibility.
www.usa.denon.com
Onkyo TX-NR1000
$5,000, June 2005
Excellent performance, sophisticated features, and a future-proof modular chassis.
onkyousa.com
Yamaha RX-Z9
$4,499, May 2004
THX Ultra2 certification, 51 surround programs, 9 channels — and that’s just the beginning.
yamaha.com/yec
Pioneer VSX-74TXVi
$1,700, October 2005
Well-executed iPod control through the receiver remote and display, XM satellite-radio capability, and powerful sonics.
www.pioneerelectronics.com
Denon AVR-3805
$1,199, July/August 2004
A versatile mix of high power, thoughtful features, and performance.
www.usa.denon.com
Yamaha RX-V657
$550, September 2005
Integrated XM satellite radio tuning, good sound, plus Yamaha’s extensive surround mode options.
yamaha.com/yec
Marantz SR4500
$430, July/August 2005
Strong power reserves and some sophisticated user adjustments belie its low price.
marantz.com
Pioneer VSX-815
$365, July/August 2005
Easy auto setup stands out at this price and combines with solid audio performance.
www.pioneerelectronics.com
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