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Amp for Audio Note AN-E

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Posted on May 1, 2009 at 06:06:19
wirbeltier
Audiophile

Posts: 21
Joined: June 1, 2007
 Hi Guys!
I know this topic already came up, but developments went on. As I want to narrow down my 'must audition' list, I hope for some recommendations from you guys.

So: which solid state (or class D) amp has proved synergy with Audio Note AN-E speakers?

Thanks
Klaus

 

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RE: Amp for Audio Note AN-E, posted on May 1, 2009 at 07:41:45
Larry I
Audiophile

Posts: 2229
Location: No. Va.
Joined: June 28, 2000
 The only time I've heard an AN-E (don't know the exact variant) with solid state, it sounded VERY good. The amp was an Naim NAP 300. I have no idea if there was any synergy involved -- I suspect that the Audionote speakers are quite forgiving and would sound good with a wide variety of equipment. The speaker does not have the kind of ultra-detailed, poised-on-a-knife-edge quality of some speakers.

 

RE: Amp for Audio Note AN-E, posted on May 1, 2009 at 11:53:32
AudioSoul
Audiophile

Posts: 4594
Location: north central AZ
Joined: July 9, 2005

How about a Audio Note amp? I hear they are voiced for thier speakers.
But, dont even concider a class D amp. A lot of people that purchase
regret it and sell them off. They sound great at first, then people
start picking them apart. I should note that I have never personally
heard one. But I do a lot of searching on the web and these are
the many comments I've heard.....To each his own thou...

 

RE: Amp for Audio Note AN-E, posted on May 1, 2009 at 13:55:51
Budrew
Audiophile

Posts: 2081
Joined: April 4, 2002
 Always sounded best with tubes to me, but also sounded good with a Resolution Audio s30 DNM-based amp.

 

Do you hear about the Onkyo class D ?, posted on May 1, 2009 at 15:36:37
Dave Mester
Audiophile

Posts: 1020
Location: Chicago
Joined: August 14, 2006
 Curious, what I read makes me want one.

 

RE: Amp for Audio Note AN-E, posted on May 1, 2009 at 16:01:30
denjo
Audiophile

Posts: 28
Location: Sunny Singapore
Joined: October 8, 2007
 The AN-E sounds best with tube amplifiers, especially the AudioNote line-up (Soro, Meishu). I owned the AN-E and Meishu for a decade before siwtching. If not for the expensive maintenace of the Meishu, I would have kept the combo. I have tried the AN-E with SS but always felt that something was not quite right.

 

RE: Amp for Audio Note AN-E, posted on May 1, 2009 at 18:53:03
CH


 
You might want to try 47lab the 20 watter, LM3886 chipset based. I can't remember the model, but there is only one model. There are plenty of LM3886 chipset based kit. They are dirt cheap for a guy who own a AN-E. Very-very SET like.

Check them out in the web, plenty of review. I have heard of the clone so I dare to recommend. Go with Tranformer Volume Control, you will be very very happy for. It is all about matching. TVC is transparent and analogue (takes away the digitis from CD) if you are sensitive to digitis as me. They would mate with LM3886 amp well.

AN speakers sounded thin when you mate with most solid state, best with SET. I used to own AN speakers.

 

Expensive maintenance?, posted on May 2, 2009 at 00:22:20
Frihed89
Audiophile

Posts: 15703
Location: Copenhagen
Joined: March 21, 2005
 Do you mean it was unreliable? If so, was there any particular component that failed more often than others? This sounds bothersome.
"Live free or die"

 

Class D? Why?, posted on May 2, 2009 at 00:28:01
Frihed89
Audiophile

Posts: 15703
Location: Copenhagen
Joined: March 21, 2005
 This speaker can be driven hard with a 8 Watt 300B SET. Class D amps generally turn out beaucoup Watts. Others can respond, but I would think that with anything more than 25-30 watts you wouldn't have much room for volume control unless you lived outdoors.

Like many, I have only heard these with AN gear. Do you have $95,000? The Ongaku sounds lovely (with the $160K or so version of the Es).
"Live free or die"

 

RE: Expensive maintenance?, posted on May 2, 2009 at 02:19:16
denjo
Audiophile

Posts: 28
Location: Sunny Singapore
Joined: October 8, 2007
 In the 10 longsuffering years that I owned the Meishu I encountered problems relating to capacitor leak, DC leakage, choke and transformer replacement, and a host of other issues like resistors, etc. However, when the Meishu was playing, few 300B Integrateds could match its musicality!It reminded me very much of my Saab car - when it worked, it was a wonderfule ride!This is just my experience with AudioNote, otheres might have more positive experiences to share.

 

You should definitely listen to a Class D amp if you can ..., posted on May 2, 2009 at 02:47:45
Bhasi
Audiophile

Posts: 790
Joined: July 9, 2001
... and try to filter out the hearsay, the hype and the counter-hype that abound on the Interweb. Getting off-topic, but: way down the price chain, I was sufficiently impressed by the toy-like SI T-amp to replace a much-praised and loved SE, the nOrh SE9 - and my ears are still satisfied and delighted with what it can do in my modest system in a smallish room.

Quite possibly at higher price levels deficiencies of the designs become more apparent. I'll be looking for a system for a much larger space shortly and will certainly be considering the Bel Cantos, etc alongside valves and conventional solid state.

 

RE: Class D? Why?, posted on May 2, 2009 at 05:36:34
wirbeltier
Audiophile

Posts: 21
Joined: June 1, 2007
 ...I wish I had :-)
But I have 5k and I listened to the Meishu. It played beautifully and made the AN-Es really sing. But 8W produces no slam whatsoever, too sweet for my taste. Thats why I ruled 300Bs out.

Another thing about valves: ever forgot to switch off when leaving home? They produce also a very nice electricity bill. I found solid states much more convenient for my listening style and music taste. Thats why I am looking for a non-harsh solid state amp matching my AN-Es.

Cheers
Klaus

 

RE: Expensive maintenance?, posted on May 2, 2009 at 05:40:31
wirbeltier
Audiophile

Posts: 21
Joined: June 1, 2007
 ....what did you switch for? The Meishu is a wonderful amp and I never heard any better tube gear on the AN-E. But as said above: not enough slam for my taste...

 

RE: Amp for Audio Note AN-E, posted on May 2, 2009 at 05:42:49
wirbeltier
Audiophile

Posts: 21
Joined: June 1, 2007
 ...there is some truth in it
I have the HE version of the AN-Es (in beautiful high gloss rosewood) and most SS sound harsh or unmusical. You just hear now what the amp is sounding like. That makes it so difficult.

 

RE: Amp for Audio Note AN-E, posted on May 2, 2009 at 05:43:52
wirbeltier
Audiophile

Posts: 21
Joined: June 1, 2007
 ...will check that one out, thanks.

K

 

RE: Amp for Audio Note AN-E, posted on May 2, 2009 at 05:46:53
wirbeltier
Audiophile

Posts: 21
Joined: June 1, 2007
 Yes, the class-D hype is starting to get annoying. I heard the Kharmas are not bad, will ask to audition those....

Cheers
Klaus

 

RE: Amp for Audio Note AN-E, posted on May 2, 2009 at 07:14:38
R Browne
Audiophile

Posts: 1710
Location: So. Cal.
Joined: January 14, 2002
 You might consider the Red Wine Audio Signature 30.2 that is offered as an integrated amp with a volume control or amplifier without volume control. At 30 wpc it will provide sufficient power for the AN/E's. I have used the previous model Signature 30 integrated with a pair of AN/J speakers with very satisfying results. The current 30.2 model is an improved version of the 30 and is reputed to be more refined sounding and betters the 30 in other areas. One appealing feature of the RWA products is that they are battery powered so there is virtually no background noise.

For many years I used an AN M1 pre-amp and P2 SE amp with the AN/J speakers. I purchased the Signature 30 for use in the Summer in my small listening space that lacks air conditioning. I liked it so much that I used it for over a year before putting the AN gear back in for a comparison. The RWA Sig 30 is more articulate in the lower frequencies but is slightly lacking in the dimensionality that tubes bring to the mix. It is a very slight trade off but my recommendation would be to use the 30.2 amp with a tube pre-amp for the best results. The amp has an input impedance of 100K ohms which would make it a better match for a wider range of tube pre-amps whereas the integrated model has an input impedance of 20K ohms.

There is an undeniable synergy using AN amplification with their speakers but to go outside that realm the RWA Signature 30.2 is recommended based on my experience and definitely worth considering.

 

RE: Expensive maintenance?, posted on May 2, 2009 at 07:21:33
R Browne
Audiophile

Posts: 1710
Location: So. Cal.
Joined: January 14, 2002
 Sorry to hear of your problems with the Meishu. In the 13+ years I have owned an AN M1 pre-amp and P2 SE amp I have never encountered any problems whatsoever. In my personal experience the AN products have proven to be very reliable.

 

Yes. Tripath based Class D can sound nice, posted on May 2, 2009 at 07:25:01
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46302
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
 I have the Sonic Impact Super T amp. I think it cost me a whopping $140 and I paid too much for it because I've seen them for less. Unless the speakers need a lot of power, this amp sounds beautiful. It WILL distort though if you crank it up loud with less than efficient speakers. Otherwise it's a gem at a costume jewelry price.

Mine is the older Super T Amp in the aluminum case. It's no longer made but the link below is the Gen 2 model probably based on the same electronics.

 

Never forgot to switch off a tube amp. Never understood this phenomenon esp for the energy conscious nt, posted on May 2, 2009 at 07:39:53
Plinko
Audiophile

Posts: 1708
Location: N East, USA
Joined: July 21, 2005
 nt

 

First Watt F3?, posted on May 2, 2009 at 07:45:44
Plinko
Audiophile

Posts: 1708
Location: N East, USA
Joined: July 21, 2005
 Dunno if it has the synergy but I suppose it might. I think this is because the suggested pairing is SET and First Watts are apparently SET- like but provide the solid state bass. Not sure about slam factor. Please forgive that I have not heard either...just throwing this one out there. I considered FW for a long time before commissioning a custom 300B.

I still may try one in the future because I agree, no matter the design, tubes are always tubes and will never have the slam factor solid state has, all things being equal.

 

RE: Amp for Audio Note AN-E, posted on May 2, 2009 at 08:55:01
Jack G
Audiophile

Posts: 9740
Joined: September 24, 1999
 For SS, you could try Lavardin. 30ish watts, warm and smooth, good detail.
Worth a shot if you can find one.
Jack

 

RE: Expensive maintenance?, posted on May 2, 2009 at 17:43:28
denjo
Audiophile

Posts: 28
Location: Sunny Singapore
Joined: October 8, 2007
 Accuphase E-450! :))

 

RE: Expensive maintenance?, posted on May 3, 2009 at 07:56:18
wirbeltier
Audiophile

Posts: 21
Joined: June 1, 2007
 ...there is one for sale 2. hand in my proximity, so maybe that would be worth considering?

THX
K

 

RE: Class D? Why?, posted on May 3, 2009 at 10:53:36
FredericB
Reviewer

Posts: 120
Location: East Coast USA
Joined: September 22, 2008
 Before you rule out completely tubes in general and 300B in particuliar.

Try a PP of 300B (Opera / Consonance cyber 300PP monobloc for example, or Canary audio but I think that one would be over budget).

If the 300PP does not do it, try a 211 SET (again the Opera / Consonance Cyber 211 monos are superb performers - I actually would start there even before the 300PP)

if that does not work then SS I guess it will be; then I'd try the Red Wine Audio 30.2, Pass XA 30.5 (I am not quite sure this would work but worth a try; I've never heard the other F1 to F5 designs so can't comment but certainly worth exploring as well)and certainly the new Luxman integrated (2x20 watts pure class A).

But you know, if you forget to turn off a class A solid state amp the bill will be as bad if not woth than with a tube amp...
From that standpoint the RWA and its smart charger seams your best option.

 

A Gaincard or a gainclone would provide the snap you desire., posted on May 4, 2009 at 02:45:00
jusbe
Audiophile

Posts: 5950
Location: North Island
Joined: April 4, 2000
 The 47 Labs and the AN/E are a great combination. Within your budget, you might try a Canadian Audiozone version of this topology. I bet it would be a cracking combination.
big j

"...only a very few individuals understand as yet that personal salvation is a contradiction in terms."

 

RE: Expensive maintenance?, posted on April 9, 2014 at 09:06:41
lou dijon
Audiophile

Posts: 16
Joined: February 1, 2010
 hello Klaus

I've just read this whole thread
you should not lose more time in here --- ho, stoopid me, this dates from 09 ! So I suppose you've made your choice. Anyway, here is my personal advice, for future readers :
if you have AN-E's, you must try the Audio Note 300Bs, you have to !
at home, I still have my M1 + P1, my P2SE, my Conqueror and now I ride my M3 + M3 RIAA + Quest mono blocs, and it's delightful
now if you want to listen to rock or heavy rock, first maybe you should have bought JBLs or Heresys, something like that, with SS amps ; but if you like refine music, subtle sounds, true colors, ok ; and, that's true, you won't have a lot of sub bass

after having tried different tubes, you can try SS ; I've done it, but you're always running after the delicacy these beauties can offer. I've tried a D class, the small and cheap SMSL, it could be okay but only paired with my M3, with a tube preamp. Accuphase E203, Onix OA21, Cyrus 1, an old Technics, not bad. Right now, a joy for not much money, my old and faithfull Quad 303 with a passive preamp (EAR). Make your own experiments, but start with an Audio Note 300B-based amp, you'll see it's difficult to better :-)

 

RE: Amp for Audio Note AN-E, posted on April 15, 2014 at 18:25:54
Wojciech
Audiophile

Posts: 4130
Joined: June 23, 2009
 I remember hearing Blue Circle amp on Audio Note E speakers and it made rather pleasant noises.Surprisingly musical sound.
It was years ago but since then I don't recall a single manufacturer(except AN of course) using Audio Note speakers (or any other element of AN manufacture) in their demo systems.
Rgrds, W

 

RE: Amp for Audio Note AN-E, posted on April 17, 2014 at 09:18:08
emakay
Audiophile

Posts: 326
Location: SF Bay Area
Joined: September 7, 2004

FYI, Music Reference demo'ed with a pair of AN E's (I think LX's) at last year's CAS; it sounded nice to me...

 

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