Solar HIFI is a new brand from the ever-growing hemp family. Solar's Kevin Whilden is a man all about the green: environmental green, that is. All natural hemp fibers are just the beginning. Both the speaker cabinets and the receiver's cheeks are made out of bamboo. Even the amps inside are highly efficient class D.

Kevin wants Solar to be known as the most environmentally friendly audio company out there. The good news is his system sounds great and is "under $3000" for the complete package. The receiver sports a CD player and numerous digital inputs for your Squeezeboxes, iPods and USB jacks. The 125 class D amp was sired by a very respectable class D stud. Mucho kudos for a legit high end system with all the right bells and whistles!

In a brilliant move, Solar is pursuing various non-audio outlets to move their speaker system. Since the whole package is environmentally friendly, Solar is looking at clean and green home and clothing shops to build business. And, naturally, simply banging the big green drum is a guaranteed way to get pop culture exposure. I wouldn't be surprised to see celebs pulling Solar systems out of their Oscar goody bags.

Best of luck to the Solar team! Closeups next page.