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Older news - July, 2003
Check out a report on the Midwest Audio Show on TNT Audio.
Over five years ago, we put up our website. We opened our nOrh Loudspeaker showroom in Bangkok five years ago this month. Prior to that, nobody had ever seen a loudspeaker quite like ours. I designed the loudspeaker based on an observation. I was attending a concert in Bangkok. The group performing was Fong Nam. During the Intermission, a group of young Thai children came out and played Thai drums. There was on little Thai boy who was about six year old. He was beating the Thai drum with his hands. The sound was loud and spread throughout the hall.
I noticed that the Thai long drum had its own tuned port. It has a body and it had a flat surface. I could see a loudspeaker driver taking the place of the Thai boy and wondered wouldn't this be an ideal loudspeaker.
To test my idea, I went out and bought some used loudspeakers. I asked Yuths to mount the set of drivers in a a Thai drum and leave another set in the original case. The goal was to see if putting the drivers inside the drum improved the sound. I did a test for 10 different people and without them being able to see which speaker was playing, I asked them to tell which was better. All 10 picked the drum.
It isn't a surprise that the drum sounded better. I already knew that the box was not the ideal shape for speaker. The problem with a box speaker is that all sides are parallel. The sound echoes back and forth. The energy produced by the woofer strikes the back of the cabinet and the reflection actually presses on the inside of the woofer as the woofer is trying to move backwards.
Our first loudspeaker was the nOrh 6.0. We also introduced the 5.0 and the 6.5. Each of these original loudspeakers have been upgraded. The 5.0 became the 5.1. The 6.0 became the 6.1 and the 6.5 became the 6.9. We added the 4.0 and the 7.0 and ten the 9.0.
These numbers establish the sound relationship between the speakers. The 9.0 is currently the flagship loudspeaker. The 3.0 is our starter speakers.
We have worked with many different materials. We have made loudspeakers form wood, MDF, ceramic, synthetic marble and marble. We are probably best known for our wood loudspeakers. I get e-mail from people all the time asking if they can get more wood loudspeakers. We have been selling them but not promoting. The problem is that we could not produce enough wood cabinet to meet demand. There is a lot of labor in each wood speaker.
The wood speakers start out as logs. These logs are carved into the drum shape by hand. After that, the finished logs are baked in an oven for two weeks. They are then sanded and finished.
Copy of an ad placed in Bangkok five years ago -- Rosewood finish
The advertisement above shows the original nOrh 6.0. The nOrh 6.0 sold for $700.00 USD per pair. We sold so many of the wood loudspeakers that we could not keep them in stock. The very first pairs we made were cured using the sun. They would place plastic sheets over the cabinets and then let the sun dry out the speakers. This process worked fine for tropical climates but it wasn't enough to cure the wood for cold climates. We wound up having to replace most of the original cabinets we made. Many customers might remember us replacing their cabinets for no charge.
From the Archives, a pair of nOrh 6.0s -- Walnut finish
Three years ago, I decided that we would build a run of wood loudspeakers and we would let them sit. We baked them twice. That means they have spent one month in an oven. After that, our plan was to let them to sit for three years in a climate controlled environment, which would season the cabinet quite well - in fact, the longer the better. At the time, I had a plan to release a nOrh Classic for a Christmas in the future. As we could not keep up with demand for the wood speakers, I decided to stop making them as a standard product and only offer them for a special promotion. The idea was that we would release a nOrh Classic sometime in the future.
As hard as this is to believe, we put the speakers away and forgot about them. It turns out that our cabinet maker had 300 of our wood cabinets stored and he wanted to know when we would pick them up. During the past three years, we have played with so many things that we simply forgot about these wood cabinets we were suppose to sell.
The cabinets are larger than the original 6.0 and 6.5. They are the same size as the nOrh 9.0 and the nOrh 6.9. The cabinets are absolutely beautiful -- among the best we have ever done.
The nOrh Classic
The nOrh Classic is based on the 6.1. The 6.1 uses a 6.5 inch Vifa woofer and 1 inch silk dome tweeter. The efficiency is 90dB so the nOrh Classic is ideal to use with any lower powered receiver or tube amplifier. The sound is very smooth and detailed. The bass response is -3 dB at 48 Hz. The nOrh Classic is a very good loudspeaker for home theater because it is efficient and because it can handle a lot power. The nOrh Classic is rated at 120 watts per channel. We are offering to ship the nOrh Classic directly to your door for only $500.00 USD per pair. This is an astonishing deal and may be the last chance to own these beautiful wood loudspeakers.
Here in Thailand, the nOrh 3.0s have become a hit. We sell more nOrh 3.0s and Pyramids here in Thailand than we do anywhere else. Probably the reason is that Thais get a chance to actually see and hear the nOrh 3.0s before they buy. Many readers have to ask themselves if it is possible that such an inexpensive loudspeaker can possibly sound good.
The nOrh 3.0s are many times better than the cheap speakers that come with mini components systems. The 3.0s is the perfect update for your multimedia speakers or your mini component systems. Recently, I learned that there is a well known company selling small speakers that use the same drivers as we do but they were selling them for $695.00 a pair. Our speakers are real wood and cost $150.00 per paid -- shipped right to your door.
nOrh 3.0, real wood drum (thousands sold) -- $150.00 per pair shipped to your door
The 3.0s are available in three different styles, the drum, marble and prism. The Prism is more suitable for bookshelves and makes a great speaker where space is a premium. I have two pairs of Prism 3.0s in my office. One pair is hooked to my computer and the other to a small audio system. I spend so much time on my computer that I rarely get a chance to listen to my more expensive loudspeakers. I have been living with my 3.0s for two years and love them.
nOrh 3.0, Real Teak Prism -- $200 per pair shipped to your door
When I first got interested in audio, I wanted more than anything else to own separate components. The problem was that separate components are more expensive than receivers or integrated amplifiers. For most people, owning separate components is only dream. My first components was a Hafler preamplifier. The preamplifier was sold as a kit. I had to solder all the parts myself. Over 20 years ago, the kit cost about $300.00 USD. I spent two days putting together my preamp. The money I saved building the preamp myself allowed me to buy a Soundcraftman 5002 amplifier. My first high end system took me years of saving and hours of soldering. At the age of 25, I didn't think life could get any better.
Times have certainly changed in 25 years. Today, a budget preamplifier can cost well over a thousand dollars. The dream of owning separate audio components is more elusive now than it was when I was 25. When I was 25 years old, I put my entire system together for under $3,000.00. These days, people will spend more than that on interconnect cables.
The ACA2b is a beautiful looking and great sounding preamp
I believe that the nOrh ACA2b is a groundbreaking product. I do not think that any preamplifier today offers better sound anywhere near this price. I have replaced my reference preamp that sells for $4,500.00 USD with the ACA2b and I am not going to switch back. The ACA2b might be inexpensive but it will blow away many much more expensive preamplifiers. Discover the magic of single ended triode sound for less money than many passive switch boxes.
Michael,
I meant to mention again how great the ACA sounds. The music is so much more present in the room. Almost unsettling at times how THERE vocals are. Bass is stellar, acoustic bass in particular. My Prism 6.1s have been waiting for the ACA,
Norman.
Hi Michael,
Just a quick email on my first impressions of the ACA.
I borrowed an ARCAM poweramp from a good friend because I was dying to try
out the ACA2b. Having read all the reviews etc, ones expectations are obviously
set high although I was wary of setting them too high. Now I am no fundi when
it comes to technical specs , my evaluation is based on what I hear and I
appreciate good sound.
I was pleasantly surprised at the improvement in all departments - surpassed
all my expectations. The base is so much better - much deeper (always been
a bit flat) but by no means overpowering. Mid range is much fuller, far more
detail . Even the high ends have improved significantly - just amazing how
clear the highs have become. Where you really notice the difference are that
voices and instruments have become so much more natural sounding- sensational
is probably a good word to use. The difference with classical music is astounding.
Just love the depth I now getting with some of my favorite pieces of music.
I am absolutely thrilled with the results. For many years I have been looking
to get more out of the KEFs. Since I have a major WAF(wife approval factor)
to deal with, I have been somewhat limited in my ability to purchase good
gear as they are normally out of my price range. For the price I have paid
for the ACA - what a superb buy. So I will certainly recommend your product
to my circle of influence.
Now for the Le AMPII, I am very curious to to see what impact they will have.
Your in anticipation
Anthony
Single Ended Triode Audio Control Amplifier, ACA 2b
The ACA 2b is a stunning achievement. For less than the price of a passive audio control system, nOrh introduces a Single-Ended Triode (CLASS A) preamp with three inputs and 2 outputs.
The ACA 2b is a superb sounding and very attractive looking audio control amplifier. The ACA 2b neither sacrifices looks or performance despite its low cost. The ACA 2b is one of the lowest cost preamplifiers on the market yet it looks and performs like a very expensive preamplifier.
The ACA 2b uses the 6922 tubes. These have better drive and better bandwidth than the 12AX7s found in many popular tube preamplifiers. The ACA 2b accepts an input up to 6 volts and can output up to 60 volts.
Sound great, looks great and very affordable, nOrh ACA 2b
How often will I need to change the tubes?
Low power tubes should last a very long time. The estimated life is about 10,000 hours or five years of continuous use. The 6922 tubes are inexpensive and easy to replace -- much easier than replacing aging capacitors or solid state components.
Won't the ACA 2b use a lot of electricity?
The ACA 2b only uses about 35 watts of electricity. The integrated soft start will allow you to turn the ACA 2b on and off without degrading the life expectancy of the tubes.
Can I use the ACA 2b with a solid state amplifier?
Absolutely. In fact, some people will find that their amplifiers sound much smoother and more refined after the signal has passed through the CLASS A triodes. Some people think that the combination of tube preamp and solid state amplifier is the best of both worlds.
Won't I get better specs with a solid state preamp?
Not necessarily. Remember, we are not talking high output. We are talking low output. Low output tubes exhibit very good performance. The ACA 2b has bandwidth from 10 Hz to 100,000 Hz. The ACA 2b has a THD of about .07%. Every audiophile knows that you can not judge how an audio product will sound based only on its specifications.
As I write this, the finished Le Amps are getting screened. We are ordering packing materials. The units will be shipped individually so it will take about two to three weeks to ship all units. I will have photos of the new Le Amp II in just a few days. I need to get this to my web master so it will be up on time. Come back and look for new photos.
I got my June 2003 issue of Stereophile. I was surprised because the front page had a photo of a Perreux R200i integrated amplifier. The reason I was surprised was that the heatsinks looked a lot like the heatsinks we had custom ordered for our unit. From the photo, the heatsinks looked smaller but they looked very similar. Even more striking wsa that they were using an aluminum faceplate with a screen. This was ironic because we were also going after the same look.
I opened up the issue and started reading about the 200i. The article said that the amplifier is rated at 200 watts per channel. Our amplifier is also rated at 200 watts. Then I read that the 200i used six Toshiba MOSFETs per channel. We use six Toshiba devices per channel. We use three Toshiba JFETS for the gain stage and three Toshiba bipolar for the output. Like us, they also have an XLR connector.
The 200i looks like an outstanding integrated amplifier. The price includes a preamplifier. I am not trying to compare Le Amp 2 to the Perreux unit. I have not hear it but I do know Perreux builds outstanding products. The point is that just because Le Amp 2 is inexpensive ($300 each), doesn't mean that it sacrafices anything. We have built Le Amp 2 to be as good an amplifier as we can -- not just to build a high powered/low cost amplifier.
Le Amp 2 has turned out to cost us more than we expected. The large custom heatsinks have turned out to be very expensive. We have added the balanced inputs, upgrade the unit to 200 watts and improved the overall look. It turns out that at the introductory price, we will loose money on each unit -- about $10.00 each. We will honor this original price through June. After June, the price will go to $300.00. We expect the amplifiers to ship in three weeks. As nice as the case looks, I want it to be even better. We want the switch to be recessed. We want the front to have a brushed finish and we want to use stainless steel screws. We need three more weeks to make these modifications and we will be ready to ship.
I believe everyone will agree that these features and this look is completely unexpected at this price. We want Le Amp 2 to be our flagship solid state amplifier for a long time. We believe that Le Amp 2 completely redefines what is possible for a low cost amplifier. We believe that Le Amp 2 is a stunning achievement.
Le Amp 2 has massive heatsinks to allow it to operate at 200 watts RMS into 8 ohms
This is a preview of Le Amp 2. The case turned out to be more than double the cost we expected. The main reason is that Le Amp 2 uses very heavy heatsinks. The heatsinks are custom designed and extruded for Le Amp 2.
Le Amp 2 will feature several enhancements. Le Amp 2 will have standard and balanced inputs. We will also offer a profession jack for industrial or professional applications. We believe that Le Amp 2 will find double duty as a commercial amplifier and as an audiophile amplifier. You might notice the very expensive heatsinks. Le Amp produces 200 RMS and features a CLASS A gain stage. These large heatsinks are expensive but required for high powered amplifiers such as Le Amp 2.
Le Amp 2 will not have a power LED. Instead it will have a backlit screen. The screen will read "Le Amp 2 200 watts RMS CLASS A/AB". Below the screen will be a small nOrh logo.
We will be working very hard to get Le Amp 2 out as soon as possible. As you can see, we are providing many features we didn't even advertise. Le Amp 2s will have more power than we originally stated. They will come with balanced inputs and the quality of the case is far better than you would expect from an amplifier even far more expensive than Le Amp 2.
The color was asked for is a tungsten color. The idea we have in mind is the same color as the Palm Pilot 515 or the newer Tungsten W.
Le Amp 2 side view
All great amplifiers require sufficient power. Le Amp II uses a full-bit 800 V/A switching power supply. This means there is a 1600 V/A capacity for two channels. Le Amp's switching power supply is very advanced. While this power supply could have built three years ago, it would have cost ten times what it now costs us. Although the cost to build a high powered switching power supply is much lower, the know how to build one is as rare as it was three years ago.
Le Amp has a CLASS A gain JFET gain stage. Many high-end amplifiers that claim to be CLASS A or Pure CLASS A only use CLASS A for their gain stage. Even amplifiers that have CLASS A for their output stage only operate in CLASS A up to a small amount of power. We believe that the Le Amp II design can compete head-to-head with some of the best amplifiers available. We are using Toshiba devices as these are among the most linear available. Many of the most expensive amplifiers in the world use the same parts. The output stage is based on a CLASS A/B bipolar devices by Toshiba.
We have tested Le Amp II at 200 watts RMS into 8 ohms with .05% THD, 400 watts RMS into 4 ohms and 800 watts into 2 ohms. We are now claiming that Le Amp II is a 180 wpc amplifier. The actual rating will depend on the operating temperature once we have our custom heat sinks finished.
Le Amp II uses no negative feedback. We use a DC Servo circuit so there are no capacitors in the signal path and no DC offset. Le Amp II will put itself into standby if there is no input signal. Le Amp with then turn itself on when it senses an input signal. Le Amp will be completely protected from thermal and shorts. There is a relay that disconnects the loudspeakers as soon as Le Amp II is turned off and doesn't connect the loudspeakers until the power comes up to full.
Le Amp is designed so that the power board and power supply boards can be easily swapped out. This means that repairs can be made by swapping out any failed board. We plan to put a diagnostic system into Le Amp that will show what board has failed.
Think about it. 180 watts, CLASS A JFET input, Bipolar Output, 800 V/A switching power supply, DC Servo, and no negative feedback. How much would a Stereo amplifier with 1600 V/A power supply cost? We are talking very high-end territory here.
Le Amp II will retail for $300.00 USD each. For a very limited time, we are introducing Le Amp II at $195.00 each (shipping not included).
Don't let the low price fool you. This is a very high-end amplifier. We invite people to put Le Amp II up against any amplifier and write about the results on www.harmonicdiscord.com, www.audioasylum.com, or www.audiocircle.com.
We are repeating some of the information
in the last month's newsletter.
There is a new picture of the Panda though, and last month's special on the
Prism 5.2s are still on.
The SE 18 Single Ended Integrated Tube Amplifier
The SE 9 continues to be one of the best selling products we have ever released. Customers continue to send us rave reports about the SE 9. Most say they have never heard sound this wonderful and just can't believe how inexpensive the SE 9 is.
The SE 18 was released a couple of months ago. many customers have written us for more details. Some customers wonder if they should buy the SE 9 or the SE 18. This month, we have posted complete specifications. I hope that these specifications will help readers make their decision.
The major differences between the SE 9 and the SE 18 are:
The SE 9 is the ideal amplifier where space is a concern. The SE 9 has surprised many of our customers just how loud it can play -- even without special loudspeakers. The SE 18 provides even more power and more high-end performance. The SE 18 might be the ideal living room system while the SE 9 is the ideal bedroom system.
Here is what one of our customers said about SE 9 and SE 18:
Hello Michael,
The SE18 sound is very seductive, certainly more dynamic than the SE9, I would say across the spectrum it really seems to have few weaknesses. I think SE designs really have to have to have gain input sections, in fact I think the best combinations are very high gain preamps into SE monos. One of my problems in evaluating it is that it was purchased for my father to run 1976 Klipsch Cornwalls which are not my favorite (I am trying to talk him out of them) Two weeks ago I put it in my system with some Proac 1sc's with modified crossovers and Bybee filters and it performed very nicely, not quite up to the level of my 9W Billie monoblocks but that certainly is a tough comparison being the Billies are 300B and sound as such. I think highly of all of your products that I have owned and the SE18 is no exception, unbeatable anywhere near its price for and integrated with phono and quality tubes.
Regards,
Paul Petelin
nOrh SM 5.1
Hello Namphung, Michael,
I chose the "road less traveled" and ordered speakers,
unheard, over the internet from halfway round the world, the nOrh 5.1 wood
drums. They arrived safely Monday, and they are beyond beautiful. The sound
is stunning, the fit with my system is perfect. My thanks to your designer,
artists, and shipping department. Your communication and the sales transaction
were better than the
stereo store up the street.
Thank you.
Barry McCarthy
The 5.1s have received perfect reviews on Audioreview for four years. The nOrh 5.1s surprise most of our customers because they simply did not believe they would be able to get loudspeakers at this quality for only $500.00 per pair. Some have commented that the 5.1s are among the best audio video loudspeakers available. The 5.1s use the same drivers as the nOrh 4.0s but in a larger cabinet. The SM 5.1s and ceramic 4.0s are color coordinated so that you can mix and match.
While our drum shaped (inverted horn) speakers continue to be out best selling loudspeakers, some people are unable to accommodate the drum shape. We offer the same great sound as the nOrh 5.1 in a beautiful real teak floor standing Prism loudspeaker. Teak is considered by many to be one of the finest woods in the world. It certainly is one of the most expensive. Our Real Teak Prism loudspeakers are hand crafted here in Thailand. You will not find a better looking loudspeaker at this price. You won't found a better sounding loudspeaker for the price than any of our nOrh 3.0s, 4.0s and 5.1s or 5.2s.
Real Teak Prism Loudspeakers. Left to right, Prism 3.0, Prisms 4.1 and Prism 5.2
When I was young, I had very inexpensive furniture. My 19 inch TV was on a rolling painted metal stand that I bought at K-Mart. My department store loudspeakers were placed on my $7.00 plastic parsons tables. I sat on a bean bag chair and I had a table that I made from an old spool of wire. At the time, it didn't seem like such a bad way to live. At 49 years old, I don't have any more bean bag chairs (my daughter does). My wife has forced me into paying as much for my audio furniture as I paid for the equipment. I sit on Lazy Boy recliners and my working desk is real rosewood. I have carpets from India, China, Pakistan and Iran. My wife has lots of ceramics and handicrafts we acquired on our world travels.
Prism 3.0s
The 4.1 comes with a stand so you can be angle it to work from just about any height.
My wife generally have veto authority over anything larger than a loaf of bread that I bring into the house. One of our first arguments occurred because I bought a microwave oven she thought was too big. Although, she didn't have to ask me when she brought home a pet cat, I needed to clear the microwave with her.
One of the founding principles of nOrh Loudspeaker is that we must build products that look beautiful. While beauty is in the eye of the beholder, quality is not. All of our products look like the high quality products they are. We don't make plastic covered chipboard loudspeakers. We don't make cheap looking amplifiers. Our products are designed to complement your environment -- not detract from it.
The system you might put in a basement for the kids doesn't have the be the same system you put in your bedroom or living room. The SE 9 and a pair of Real Teak Prism 5.2s or SM 5.1s will look and sound great.
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The beautiful loudspeaker above is the Prism 5.2. We now have the Real Teak Prism 5.2. This is the original. The difference is that instead of being made from solid teak boards, the original Prism 5.2 is made from MDF and covered with 3mm of teak veneer. The look is superb and it is available in teak, rosewood or black. We will offer the original Prism 5.2 for a limited time for only $400.00 USD shipped. The SE 9 and a pair of these beautiful loudspeakers is an unbelievable value.
We have added the nOrh Classic this month. This is a very special opportunity -- particularly for people who need an inexpensive, beautiful and efficient pair of loudspeakers. We will deliver a pair of nOrh Classic real wood loudspeakers to your door for $500.00 USD per pair. Quantities are limited. First come first served.
We just finished testing a new Electro Harmonix tube in the SE 9. The tube is the big bottle 6CA7. The 6CA7 is compatible with the EL34. Many people think that the 6CA7 is a smoother, rounder sounding tube. In the case of the Electro Harmonix version, it sounded great. The bass response seemed to be better and the overall sound smoother. The 6CA7 tubes cost from $20 to $30 USD in matched pairs. We aren't suggesting anyone needs to go out and replace their existing EL34s. However, this might be a good replacement tube or a tube you might want to try before spending big bucks on NOS tubes.
In addition to nOrh Loudspeakers, I am also the president of NorhTec. For months, I have been telling everyone about the Panda PC. The Panda PC will finally be released this month. Anyone who has read these pages knows that style is very important to me. No matter how basic the performance is, I always try to give each product a unique look.
The Panda PC is moving from concept to reality. The Panda PC is a very energy efficient computer, designed with multimedia features. The Panda is made from aluminum case. The rubber feet isolate the computer from vibrations and add to the distinctive look.
Last year, nOrh introduced 14 new products. Many customers have written us and asked us if we had stopped making new products or not. This is far from the case. We are working very hard on a series of new products.
Since the world economy has been down, we have focused on value products. While sales of expensive loudspeakers are down, sales of the nOrh 3.0s, nOrh 4.0s, Real Teak Loudspeakers, SM 6.1s and SM 5.1s is quite brisk. We are also selling lots of SE 9s. March has turned out to be one of the best months we have had in three years.
In addition to nOrh, I am also president of NorhTec. NorhTec is a separate company from nOrh but we are sharing some resources. As we find customers for NorhTec products, it is also opening up opportunities for nOrh. Many of the opportunities we are finding are for music distribution systems and other applications that require amplifiers, loudspeakers and other audio products.
Microserver GP+ with integrated video and sound
NorhTec manufactures small, energy efficient, x86 compatible computers. The small computer you see above is a Pentium class computer with all the I/O of a large computer yet it is smaller than a pack of cards. Computers such as these can be used to build Karaoke machines, car stereo systems or music distribution systems.
NorhTec Silent Server and Panda PC, energy efficient, fanless semi rugged desktops
NorhTec now has our web site up at www.norhtec.com. We will be updating and improving the web site. over time. We will also provide updates through this newsletter about our progress. The NorhTec factory is now up and running. In addition to the Silent Server Desktop, we have the Panda PC and the Multi Client.
The Panda PC is a multi-media workstation that features very high quality DVD playback and high quality six channel sound. Like the Silent Server, it is small, energy efficient and silent.
Microserver High Performance, small, rugged, silent and energy efficient
nOrh is going to build several new products that will enhance the performance of NorhTec and other multi-media computers. The first product is a device that plugs into either your sound card or into a portable disk player or Walkman. This device buffers the audio output and uses a high quality op amp to provide 6 volt "peak-to-peak" output. This means that the signal will be sufficient to properly drive either a preamp or drive an amplifier directly. Should you choose to use a computer as your DVD and CD player, you do not need a preamp. This device also includes a headphone amplifier so that you can use either your loudspeaker or headphones from a single sound card or portable device.
We have not come up with a name for this device yet so we are interested in your ideas. The device will upgrade the signal quality from any sound card and make the signal more compatible with high quality audio preamps and amplifiers.
We have also designed a small, energy efficient, silent network storage device we call the Digital File Server (DFC). The DFC houses two disk drives that can either mirror image your data (providing more protection) or make two drives behave like one large disk drive. The DFC is automatically recognized by any Microsoft based PC or Linux/Unix server. You simply use the DFC to store you data and the files are copied to two drives at once. Should either drive fail, the data is still safe.
The DFC can also be set up as a streaming audio system or as a jukebox to store all your music CDs.
Sincerely,
Michael C. Barnes
nOrh Loudspeaker Company, Ltd.
