Swan D2.1se in bird's-eye maple and piano black.

As with the original rosewood version, both come in 100% gloss hand-rubbed lacquer. The new bird's-eye maple and piano black stock for the first time approximately Jan 21st. Click pics for full-res versions and click the link to visit the D2.1se product page, complete with pricing.

Don Lindich compliments the Acculine series.

Don Lindich writes the Sound Advice Blog. Don's columns are distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Service and run in major newspapers nationwide. Apparently Don enjoys the new Acculine series loudspeakers found exclusively at The Audio Insider:

I came across an amazing find recently - the Acculine speakers from The Audio Insider. Acculine speakers use a unique leaf tweeter that is typically found only in very expensive speakers. The speakers are well made, with solid cabinets with high-quality aluminum woofers. I'm currently testing a pair of A1s and they are extremely impressive, providing tremendous detail and rich, natural sound.

What makes the Acculines special is their leaf tweeters, typically found only in very expensive, exotic speakers. These tweeters must be heard to be appreciated, as they render sound so transparently and with so much detail that I liken it to a sonic version of the visual difference between HDTV and analog TV -- they are really that good! Many new owners will turn their heads in disbelief as they hear sounds in their recordings they never knew existed.

Don also advises that at Acculine's modest cost, there's probably no reason to compromise with the performance of the typical home-theater-in-a-box.

Sound Advice: Acculine, Axiom both great. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazzette.

Surround yourself with home-theater sound. Minneapolis-St. Paul Star-Tribune.

Sound Advice: Components outduel box speaker systems. Minneapolis-St. Paul Star-Tribune.

Stay away from boxed systems. Ventura County Star.

Q&A: Keep away from sound system in box. The Mercury News.

Avoid boxes for best surround sound. The Press of Atlantic City.

(Lovely hi-res photo courtesy Don Lindich.)