To help consumers accommodate the ever-increasing number of speakers dictated by evolving multichannel formats (7 plus subwoofer being the current standard); Miller and Kreisel Sound (M&K) unveiled its new Column Surround Speakers. A stylish, long-needed alternative to typical wall-mounted surrounds, the freestanding Columns can be placed anywhere. Voice-matched to M&K's popular S-150-series speakers and employing the company's signature tripolar radiation pattern, the Columns will be available in several models: shown here with Charles Back are the CS-35, CS-29, and CS-25 (the numbers correspond to the respective heights). The two shorter models use an upward-firing driver design to compensate for furniture proximity. Pricing and availability have not yet been finalized.

Also new from M&K are these ultra-compact Multi-Platform speakers. With projected availability this quarter in a wide range of driver sizes and styles (price starting at $80 each), the MP series are designed for maximum flexibility in computer, video game stations, digital media production, and small home theater installations. A matching MP180 Subwoofer ($429) is also available.

Long known as a speaker manufacturer with balls--from its classic giant eyeball Nucleus model to its Bose-killing Micro spheres--Anthony Gallo Acoustics displayed its impressive-sounding Dues ($599/each). Measuring a scant 5" × 11", the Due continues the lifestyle styling of the single-driver Micros, but with true audiophile sound and a 120-degree dispersion pattern thanks to the addition of a second midrange driver coupled to a new generation of the famous Gallo CDT Piezo film tweeter from the old Nucleus design.

The versatile Due can be mounted horizontally for use as an unobtrusive center speaker.

Another variation on the lifestyle sphere is the newly-updated Applause design from Israel's Morel, Ltd. Using drivers manufactured in-house, this 2-way speaker includes all-metal enclosures, gold-plated binding posts, and mounting stands, all for $649/pair (a 5-speaker set runs $2,400). The Applause speakers cross over to Morel's 120-watt RMS subwoofer, a dual 9" Isobaric design.

Morel also displayed its new flagship Octave-Octwin modular loudspeaker system. The Octave's ingenious integration of woofer, tweeter, and a sophisticated crossover enable operation as either a single unit or as a mirrored two-unit Octwin. Compact size without compromise is achieved with a cabinet made of highly inert Corian polymer. An Octave pair with stands sells for $6,000/pair; an Octwin pair (4 Octaves) runs $10,000. []