Canadian loudspeaker maker Paradigm has announced three new models for their Reference Signature series of loudspeakers.

Paradigm describes the new additions as "compact, lifestyle speakers" with entirely new form factors. Shared with the rest of the Reference line, the new models will utilize Beryllium tweeters, which Paradigm states is lighter and stiffer than aluminum, without being brittle like some premium tweeter materials. Mid and mid bass drivers are a new cobalt-aluminum alloy, which offer better stiffness and damping than aluminum, according to Paradigm. Finally, Paradigm will continue to use mineral filled polypropylene for the larger bass drivers. Voice coils, magnets and chassis remain relatively unchanged from the last generation of Reference Signatures. T

The three models announced are the S1, a 2 way bookshelf starting at $1499/pair, the 3 way, 4 driver C1 center channel, starting at $1199 and the 3 way, 5 driver ADP1 surround staring at $1199/pair. Available in cherry, birdseye maple and piano black.

The audiophile community enjoys an avid DIY contingent. The allure of the DIY loudspeaker is that for any given price point, with technical skill, proper loudspeaker design and testing, a loudspeaker of surpassing quality can be made for a fraction of what the equivalent commercial design would cost. A DIY'er can take pride in the sonic and visual fruits of their labors, and the knowledge that Joe Smith down the street doesn't have the same pair in his listening room.

DIY loudspeaker designs are especially prolific, and there are many online sources for speaker components, plans and kits. Commercial and freeware software is available to assist DIY'ers with enclosure and crossover design. One site I would like to point readers toward is Troels Gravesen's excellent page devoted to his loudspeaker designs. Troels obviously takes his projects quite seriously, as evidenced by the beauty of his enclosures and the premium drivers and crossover components he uses. Troels spends quite a bit of time ensuring that his crossovers are just right for the drivers and enclosures. His published plans are easy to follow, and aren't a bad read, even if you won't be building your own loudspeakers anytime soon.

Readers interested in learning more about DIY loudspeakers and DIY audio in general can head over to the forums at diyAudio.com and engage in conversation with the community of knowledgable, dedicated enthusiasts there.

Swedish component maker Primare showed two new home theater products last week at CEDIA that somehow slipped through the cracks.

The Primare SPA22 is an integrated AV amp, combining both preamp and amplifier sections and eschewing AM/FM tuners. The 5.1 channel SPA22 has a class D amplifier section, and is rated at 100 watts per channel. Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding are expected to be features by the time the unit ships in December. The unit is an HDMI 1.3 compliant device, and accepts input from three HDMI components, with only one output. The unit is expected to fall somewhere in the $5000-6000 range.

The Primare SP32 is a traditional pre/pro, no amplifier section like the SPA22. The SP32 adds balanced outputs and "upgraded parts". As to what "upgraded parts" refers to, details are sparse at this time, but perhaps the amp-less SP32 will offer an upgrade in DAC quality. The SP32 also offers 3 in-1 out HDMI 1.3 switching. The SP32 is expected to sell for around the same price as the SPA22 when it ships this December.

Some of the items that slipped by while we were all taking a nice afternoon nap Sunday:

Sherbourn has added an external HDMI switcher to their PT-7010A pre/pro. It disappoints me that separates makers like Sherbourn and Parasound, who make desirable equipment, are not getting with the program and offering features that a $300 av receiver provides. Nobody needs external HDMI switching. People need av receivers and pre/pros that handle HDMI switching internally and process both video and audio. I understand that HDMI has been a moving target in the past, however HDMI 1.3 has been with us for a while now, and it's time for the separates manufacturers to catch up to the mass market receiver producers.

Loudspeaker producer Martin Logan introduced two new fairly affordable hybrid electrostatic loudspeakers. The $2000/pair Source is a 2 way design that uses an 8 inch conventional woofer coupled with one of Martin Logan's electrostatic panels, and has a wedge shaped base that allows the user to tilt the entire speaker to facilitate dialing in the sweet spot. The $3000/pair Purity utilizes two 6.5 inch conventional woofers and has an onboard 200 watt digital amp, allowing it to be driven by a preamp, audio component or even an iPod.

Lastly, German loudspeaker manufacturer Canton showed a new line of speakers designated Chrono. The Chrono line utilizes the same drivers as Canton's Ergo loudspeakers, but has specially designed enclosures will bring the price of the Chronos down as much as 30% from the price points the Ergo line occupies. Canton also refreshed their flagship Vento line. Ports are now downward firing instead of forward. Drivers and crossover have also seen revisions meant to further refine the excellent Vento series.