yep, seems the Le Amp II monoblocks have been ditched. There were too many problems with hum... apparently due to the switching power supply. I have a pair of the LA2 monoblocks, some hum, audible at a few inches from the baffle, but NO hiss. I'm very happy with them, but nOrh seem not to sell them anymore because of the worry they'll get returned and they have to replace them. They say most of the problesm were with 110v.
Not sure what the new stereo Le Amp II will use as a power supply -- maybe after the problems they'll go for a standard toroidal...
It's clear norhtec has been a priority for them for a while. Hopefully soon Michael Barnes can spend some more time on the audio side.
