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So, what we can expect from a tube amplifier worth US $55,000 per pair? Obviously, an unrivaled blend of power and performance. The NAT Audio Magma tube amplifier is billed as the most powerful single-ended tube amplifier on the market. It throws 160 watts of pure power in the 10-10,000 Hz range. To blast this power, Magma makes use of three different tubes, the 6N1P-EV, the 6N30P-DR, and the Eimac 450TH. The powerful amplifier utilizes an unusual direct-heated NOS amp design that runs into a DC-coupled all-tube circuit. Other salient specs include a low global feedback configuration with damping factor of 20, power supply resulting to over 500 joules of energy storage. Weighing at 88 lbs, the NAT Audio Magma tube amplifier is perfect for those who are addicted to very, very loud music.

It looks like those that prefer their keyboards as unconventional as possible could soon have a new option to consider from Wolf King, which has just seen its latest less-than-ergonomic wonder pass through the FCC. From the looks of it, this one boasts a good deal of similarities to the Wolf Claw keyboard we saw a while back, minus the full-size QWERTY keyboard. That gets replaced by a jumble of keys that could probably be used to actually type something in a pinch, although we're guessing you'll want to have another keyboard as a backup. According to the manual, you can also expect a pair of extra USB ports, seven customizable hotkeys and, of course, some blue backlighting to really make it stand out on your desk. No word on a price or release but, as you can see above, it sure looks about ready to roll out the door.

[TheCyborg Keyboard] features multi-color back lighting that allows you to set your own backlighting colors and adjust brightness. This is not essential, but makes life easier if you enjoy playing in a darkened room. You can also light commonly used gaming keys separately. There are twelve macro keys which should be enough for most gamers. Commonly used gaming keys are reinforced with metal plated key caps. USB, audio and microphone sockets are included in the keyboard and the wrist rest and rake angle are adjustable at both front a back. The thing that Saitek has done which I greatly approve of is boosting up the specs of the gaming areas of the keyboard, but leaving the rest of the keyboard rather standard. The multiple key press enhancements are only in the gaming parts of the board, you don’t need them anywhere else, anything to keep the cost down is a good thing. Price-wise it is not as cheap as we would like and that would make choosing it over similar keyboards from Logitech and Razer a rather difficult proposition.

$80 for the keyboard.

Saitek is readying its own reply to the latest gaming mice from Logitech and Microsoft, according to a quiet release on the company's own website. The Cyborg Mouse would earn its name through an exceptionally sharp, 3,200DPI laser sensor and an adjustable shell. Gamers will be able to slide the front section forwards and backwards to improve the fit, or remove weights from the base for quicker movement. The four-way scroll wheel will also have an adjustable speed setting where other gaming mice only adjust the main tracking speed, Saitek notes.

The peripheral maker is also set to include two freely programmable buttons and a set of media controls to change volume or pause music without reaching for speakers or the keyboard. The USB device is known to be intended for Windows systems but has not received either an official release date or a price. An entry at Amazon UK suggests a release on January 11th for £40 ($83). A US release of the mouse is likely given last month's announcement in the country of other devices in the Cyborg family.

This is the ultra-high resolution multi-projector VR system that will be used for training at the Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. Built by Lockheed Martin, it uses Mersive Sol Server technology to automatically and seamlessly combine multiple projectors in one gigantabolous immersive display, thanks to camera-based fully-automatic calibration, edge blending and color correction.

The whole system will be used in the base's Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) Virtual Trainer Dome simulator, which is "primary training facility for the USAF JTACs."

Although there are other multiple-projectors solutions in the market, the cool thing about Mersive's Sol Server technology is the automatic calibration to adjust the multiple projectors to the curved surface. Instead of using complicated procedures that can take weeks to complete, Sol uses a robotic camera to obtain reference points. After the screen is mapped in less than an hour, the Sol Server software corrects for "geometric distortion, intensity and color variation in overlap regions that result from using multiple overlapping projectors on the spherical surface of the dome."

The Sol links to the MetaVR Virtual Reality Scene Generator (VRSG)™, which is the VR generator used by the JTAC unit, with zero latency to the display system.

When it comes to pressing buttons, nothing beats the sweet tactile feedback a computer keyboard can provide. Now you can experience the same joy whist crunching numbers on the go. As you can see, the Takumi calculator features a computer style keypad, but it is also interesting to note that it can connect to your PC via USB and function as a traditional numerical keypad —which could be extremely useful to laptop owners. Available for around $46.

All over the world, creative professionals use sketchbooks to express their first ideas. This is why the Cintiq 12WX was developed as if it was a sketchbook: With a smooth, flat surface. And with a light weight that enables you to use it on your knees and to show it around to others. As you would do with paper – digital paper.

No matter whether the Cintiq 12WX is on your desk or in your lap – just plug in and visualize your thoughts immediately with Wacom′s patented pen technology on a high-resolution LCD monitor. Which can be part of a multi-monitor environment, too.

Tap the full potential of your creativity: slim, light and durable, the Cintiq 12WX enables you to work wherever you feel inspired. It fits into everyday laptop bags. So just choose your favourite working environment – all you need is a Mac or PC and power. And discover the broad variety of creative opportunities.

Sunglasses that can show athletes' performance and heart rate data in their peripheral vision have been co-developed by companies from Germany and Britain.

The sunglasses – dubbed "Informance" – display a stopwatch and heart rate at one edge. The extra components needed to do this add just 7 grams to the glasses' overall weight – which is much less than previous head-up displays.

The left lens of the glasses is like that of a pair of bifocal spectacles. But instead of having two areas of different strength, a thin wedge-shaped prism is built into the left edge of the lens. The longest side of the prism faces the wearer's eye, while the shortest side faces outwards on the left side.

A small LED display, powered by a polymer battery inside the glasses' left arm, projects an image into the prism from the side. This image is reflected twice inside the prism before reaching the wearer's eye.

Most head-mounted, or "head-up" displays are made for the defence industry, says Mike Hazel, an optics engineer at Cambridge Consultants, one of the two firms responsible for the development of the technology. These are typically heavy, like those found in a fighter pilot's helmet, and display information more obtrusively. Typically, an image is projected from the end of a component that sticks out in front of the eye.

"If wearable computing is going to be popular you need to provide some information, but not a lot," Hazel says, "our goal was to produce something very light that could be styled like a normal spectacle."

The current prototype picks up information via a wireless link to a digital watch and heart-rate monitor.

Hazel says the display takes up just 12% of the left eye's field of view, making it barely noticeable when looking straight ahead. The brain also compensates for the overlay by emphasising the right eye view, so it is even less obtrusive in practice. Furthermore, it can run for 12 hours without recharging, he says.

Canal type headphones are the best solution when it comes to getting great sound in the most compact package, and today Pioneer just announced 2 new canal type headphones: the SE-CLX9 and 7, which are both using the same technology, and which produce 105dB with a maximum output of 100mW, an impedance of 32Ω, and work on a bandwidth of 20Hz to 20kHz. The only difference between the two of them is the material used to make them: aluminum for the CLX9, and simple metal for the CLX7. Well, actually the best is yet to come; Pioneer offers us a unique way to rediscover music, by offering the possibility to change your music experience, thanks to five different nozzles that are coming with each headset: you will be able to choose from High Tune 1, High Tune2, Standard, Bass Tune1, and Bass Tune 2.

True-to-life audio quality with superior clarity and bass.
An audio experience with crystal clear highs and visceral bass that will satisfy the needs of the most demanding gamer.

Adjustable, noise-filtering microphone.
Communicate clearly with your teammates through the noise-canceling microphone, even in crowded gaming environments.

Comfortable, ergonomic and adjustable head phones suitable for prolonged use.
The fully adjustable on-ear headphones and microphone ensure perfect fit and comfort for hours of use

Keyboard with non-slip rubber finish
With its non-slip rubber finish, the Razer Lycosa offers optimum tactile comfort and makes slipping up in the heat of action a thing of the past.

Backlight Illumination with WASD cluster lighting option
Make darkness your ally. While your enemies fiddle in the shadows, command precision and take hold of their fate with backlight illumination on the Razer Lycosa. With the right keys lit up, you can always be sure of your next move.

Fully-programmable keys with macro capability
Be one step ahead of the competition with fully-programmable keys with macro capability that enable instantaneous command executions.

Belkin International, Inc., announces its new n52te, a hybrid gaming keyboard built to dominate in FPS (first-person shooter), MMORPG (massive multiplayer online role-playing games), and RTS (real-time strategy) computer games. An improvement over its predecessor, the critically acclaimed n52, the n52te is enhanced by Razer’s killer performance software, which boasts a competitive advantage with portable player profiles, robust customization tools, and cool blue backlighting.

-- Backlit keypad and scroll wheel for total control in dark conditions
-- Enhanced tactile feedback and button responsiveness for rapid key presses
-- 15 fully programmable keys built for speed
-- Adjustable soft-touch wrist pad for maximum comfort and endurance
-- Programmable 8-way thumb pad with removable joystick
-- Nonslip rubber pads grip in place for aggressive fragging
-- Easily toggle between 3 keymap states
-- Razer software provides:
-- Personalization of multiple player profiles
-- Razer Synapse™ onboard memory enables plug-and-play versatility with no additional software installation
-- Unparalleled customization tools for intuitive setup and

Yamaha has just released information on their two new down-firing subwoofers. Both are extremely compact and feature a flared front port in addition to Yamaha's Active Servo Technology (Version 2).

The larger YST-FSW150BL has a 6.5" driver paired with an onboard amplifier capable of putting out 130 watts. The YST-FSW050BL has a 6.5" driver as well, but a less powerful amplifier with a rated output of 100 watts. Both weigh just over 20 pounds and are designed to be used with front surround or micro component systems.

Both have already popped up on Amazon with an expected release date showing as tomorow.

Yamaha YST-FSW150BL Down-Firing Active Subwoofer
Price: $249.95

Yamaha YST-FSW050BL Down-Firing Active Subwoofer
Price: $179.95

Replug transforms any 3.5mm audio jack into a breakaway connection, protecting your audio jack from the rigors of daily use. When too much force is appled, Replug simply detaches from itself, preventing catastrophic damage to your audio device. Simply reattach plug to tip and you’re ready to go. Jack saved.

Lobies give you a supplemental way of wearing earbuds. You no longer need to insert earbuds into your ear. Instead, Lobies float your earbuds on an acoustic cushion of air.

The Lobie-Earbud combination results in an ultra comfortable unsurpassed listening experience. You'll enjoy your Lobies while listening to music/audio books, playing your favorite video games or watching movies.

For activities such jogging, skateboarding, etc. Lobies provide the support you need by gently resting behind the superior crux of your ear without the use of springs or mechanisms. Lobies feel so natural that you may forget you're wearing them.

Lobies are silky soft, pliable and size adaptable, so you can easily adjust the shape of your Lobie to suit your ear size.

Your first look will tell you that you are looking at something special… your first listen will confirm it beyond a shadow of a doubt. The beauty of the Gotham® extends well beyond its exotic design and exceptional craftsmanship, aiming right at the emotional core of musical and cinematic enjoyment.

This is a subwoofer system with limits well beyond the needs of the typical home theater application, delivering a weight and integrity of reproduction that can only come from a system that is always in control. Its allure lies as much in its ability to convey subtleties as in its prodigious output capabilities. It is simply devastating.

A luxurious, handcrafted gloss-black finish is complemented by machined aluminum and stainless steel accents for a look and feel that fits perfectly with the finest home furnishings. More importantly, the beautiful cabinet houses a pair of JL Audio’s highest-technology subwoofer drivers. When demanded by program material, the Gotham’s amplifier can deliver voltage equivalent to 3,800 watts of RMS power to take full advantage of the twin drivers’ four inches of peak-to-peak excursion capability. This ensures that the Gotham™ can breeze through material that makes other subwoofers go into clipping, limiting or distress.

As I become more and more enthralled by the simple home theater setup fake surround sound bars provide, I'm surprised to see high-end Marantz get into the game that is otherwise known for midrange players. (This was announced at CEDIA, but I missed it then, and it deserves your attention now). Like the Yamaha YSP series, it uses delays and volume tweaks to emulate surround sounds; unlike the YSP-4000, it only has 6 speakers, a pair of tweeters, mids and lows, with 60 watts total, so you're not going to likely get the same granular, discrete, faux-surround channel effect that the Yammy does using its 42 discrete drivers. They both have HDMI Inputs, but I have no idea if the Marantz does upscaling or audio surround. But there is a price differential of $1299 for the Marantz vs $1800 for the Yamaha.

It's not every day that an actual automaker creates a steering wheel for console gaming, so this Porsche 911 setup is especially awesome. It's a "fully licensed, to-spec reproduction," which means the wheel, the 6+1 gear sticks, and the wireless pedals are all as authentic as you're going to get in your living room. It's all wireless, has force feedback, an extra sequential gear stick, a 100-hour battery life, table clamps and works with your PS3 and PC, plus comes with a Porsche USB stick to show off to the (nerdy) ladies. Available later this year for $350.

M-Audio, known in the pro and semi-pro recording world as being... well, semi-pro, has just introduced a new product to its lineup which will make recording your American Idol demo reel way, way easier. Enter the Session Music Producer, a misleadingly named device which is essentially a USB, powered vocal mic with a built-in headphone jack, allowing you to monitor yourself in realtime without any delays normally experienced by using a separate headphone output. The mic comes with M-Audio's "Session" recording / production software for PCs (think GarageBand for Windows), which lets you build simple sequences and offers a 2GB loop library to get you started on a career in music. Take our advice though: get a good lawyer before you sign anything. No word on when the Session Music Producer hits stores, but it will run you $99.95 when it does.