Newsletter of the Chicago Audio Society May 2000

Most audiophiles know who our guest is, now back running his old company and making some pretty exciting products getting rave reviews. Paul will tell about their Power Plant series of products, as well as others in their line and perhaps a glimpse at what's ahead. Not only will he demonstrate the products, he'll back up the listening by taking measurements to show what a Power Plant does to clean up the sound.

Paul invites members to bring competitors' units to "face off" against the Power Plant, so feel free (and try to show up a little early if you do). Remember to bring music to play, and tell a friend.

John Kotches, one of our newer members and a reviewer for online publication Secrets of High Fidelity and Home Theater, brought the pair of Soundline Audio SL3 speakers he auditioned and wrote about. John used his Linn LK1 preamp (used as a line stage) and Bryston 3B power amp, which worked well. Other associated equipment included Rich Sacks' Aiwa CD changer (used as a transport) and MSB Link DAC, both modified units using a proprietary Duroptic digital interface; a Linn Sondek/Ittok/Asak turntable combo and Vendetta phono stage.

The two-way hybrid speakers use a tall ribbon midrange/tweeter (in a dipole, enclosureless arrangement) along with a conventional woofer covering bass frequencies. More seamless between the ribbon and woofer than expected, the speakers sounded as good as virtually any speakers selling for $2195 a pair, with very good vocals and definition as one might expect from a ribbon line source. They seemed to have sufficient bass down to 40 Hz or perhaps the high 30's, pretty good for an 8" woofer. We hope to listen to other Soundline speakers at the next CES.

June 25th - Tom Ronan - representing the Lowther Club of America and demonstrating Hedlund horns and his own directly heated triode preamp and amplifiers. Tom's a local Chicagoan who has been involved in these areas for some time, as well as attending graduate school. Should be interesting.

In The Works: Marantz (especially including their new SACD player) and Ron Welborne of Welborne Labs (August 20th).

We're looking at some time in September. We've had plenty of requests for such an event - all right, let's do it! We need your help. We'll discuss details and vote on some aspects at this month's meeting, so be sure to attend.

Apologies to Len Cronin and those who read his interesting column on Classical Music. We're a little short of time this month but expect to return next month with the next article.

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President Vice President Treasurer Secretary

Brian Walsh Rich Sacks Dennis Anderson Bill Sweet

(847) 382-8433 (847) 843-2554 (630) 830-9142 (847) 593-7790