Audio Note News & Updates

Tuesday, 17 January 2012

Zero System Review

Our introductory Zero system has received an extremely positive review at the hands of the audio legend Jimmy Hughes:

http://www.techradar.com/reviews/audio-visual/hi-fi-and-audio/audio-systems/audio-note-zero-system-963545/review

Tuesday, 17 January 2012

TT-Two Deluxe review

Our TT-Two Deluxe has received a glowing review in the U.K. magazine HiFi Choice:

http://www.hifichoice.co.uk/news/article.asp?a=8849

Tuesday, 17 January 2012

AN-Vx 31

Our much loved interconnect AN-Vx has now received an increase in strand count... the latest version is now AN-Vx 31.

Tuesday, 17 January 2012

CDT-Six

Whilst the rest of the audiophile world continues it delusional and ultimately doomed love affair with the currently fashionable crop of what claim to be 'high resolution' computer sources, we at Audio Note (UK) continue to extract even greater degrees of information and quality from Red Book CD, which is still the best, currently available digital music format. To this end, we proudly introduce the latest in our line of extreme performance dedicated Red Book CD Transports, the CDT-Six... Final specifications are as yet to be confirmed, but suffice to say, no digital music format has ever sounded this natural, complete and convincing before...

Tuesday, 17 January 2012

Kensei and Shochu

For those craving the unsurpassed performance of our own ONGAKU amplifier but with the added flexibility of a balanced preamplifier input, the wait is over. We are now offering stereo chassis power amplifier versions of the ONGAKU, TOMEI and JINRO, all of which replace the volume control and multiple single ended inputs with a single, balanced XLR input, perfectly configured to combine effortlessly with the balanced XLR output of our upper level preamplifiers. The ONGAKU Kensei, TOMEI Kensei and JINRO Shochu are all available in the same finishes as their integrated amplifier brothers; aluminium or anodised black for the JINRO and TOMEI, and copper or piano black for the ONGAKU.

Tuesday, 17 January 2012

Deluxe TTs

The TT-One and TT-Two Deluxe models are now shipping and available to order from your local Audio Note (UK) representative. Featuring plinths made to the same exacting standards and from the same materials as our loudspeaker cabinets, hand finished in the same Austrian Factory, the new Deluxe models also feature improved component quality for the power supplies. Available plinth veneers are Black Ash, Cherry or Rosewood, all in our subtle and durable standard satin finish.

Tuesday, 17 January 2012

Empress

The Neiro mono amplifiers have always occupied a particularly special place in the Audio Note (UK) range. Producing 8 of the sweetest, most emotionally involving watts imaginable, thanks to the use of a pair of the legendary 2A3 valves per amplifier and our own extremely special copper / silver output transformers, the performance of the Neiro amplifiers is held in suitably high regard by audiophiles around the world.

Unfortunately, such extreme levels of performance command a high price, and we were continually asked if we could produce an amplifier with many of the characteristics of the Neiro but in a more affordable package... and finally, such an amplifier is here, in the form of the Empress. Sharing the same circuit design as the Neiro, Empress replaces the costly copper / silver transformers with all copper versions, helping to retaining some of the character, subtlety and purity of the Neiro whilst enabling it to be offered at a considerably reduced price point. Never have 8 such beguiling watts been so affordable!

Tuesday, 17 January 2012

New Tonearms

We are extremely proud to announce the introduction of our new range of tonearms, the ARM-One/II, ARM-Two/II and ARM-Three/II. Replacing our previous models which were based on the well regarded but sadly discontinued REGA RB250, the new models are completely designed by us and manufactured in Austria, allowing for a level of consistency, accuracy, finish and performance that was previously impossible to achieve. The arm tube of each model is machined from a solid billet of aluminium, with both an internal and external taper, improving stiffness and resonance control.

The ARM-One/II is equipped with copper internal arm wire and AN-A copper external cable, the ARM-Two/II features our own silver internal arm wire and AN-V silver external cable, and finally the ARM-Three/II features silver internal arm cable and AN-Vx external cable. All models are available in both anodised black or silver finishes, and are capable of carrying an extremely wide range of cartridges, both moving magnet and moving coil.

Tuesday, 17 January 2012

SOGON Minor

To fill the previously cavernous performance gap between our AN-SPx and SOGON-LX96 loudspeaker cables, we have introduced a new model, SOGON-Minor. The new cable retains the physical design and geometry of SOGON-LX96 but has a reduced strand count, allowing us to offer a cable with many of the benefits of SOGON-LX96, but at a more afordable price point.

Tuesday, 17 January 2012

SE Signature Models

Audio Note (UK) is proud to announce the introduction of the Signature versions of some of our longest running and most popular models. We now offer Signature versions of the classic OTO SE, SORO SE, P1 SE and P2 SE. All Signature models benefit from the inclusion of Audio Note copper foil capacitors and Tantalum resistors in key areas and the addition of considerably improved output transformers built on double c-cores and using our own IHiB core material. The improvements in performance these transformers bring is quite simply stunning, and will redefine your expectations of these classic and rightfully well loved designs.

Tuesday, 17 January 2012

Systemdek Components

It is with great sadness that we have to announce the end of our supply of spare parts for the classic Systemdek IIX model turntables. We have exhausted our supply of replacement acrylic platters for the majority of these models, and until we can source an appropriately stable and consistent source of the correct acrylic platter material, we can only supply replacement platters for the versions with large subplatter centres. We no longer have replacement 'tear-drop' armboards, or replacement motors. However, if you do require a replacement motor, please contact us via the service email address found on the 'contacts' page, and we can provide you with the information of an appropriate supplier.

Tuesday, 17 January 2012

AN-K foams

After many months of continuous research and development, we are able to offer a correct replacement foam surround for both our own AN-K loudspeakers and also the older Snell type K models. Finally, owners of these outstanding bookshelf designs have a replacement foam surround that is of the correct size, material and stiffness. We can now offer replacement foam surrounds for the classic Snell E, J or K models, and obviously all of our own models, regardless of age or generation.

Tuesday, 17 January 2012

ISIS

Audio Note (UK) is proud to announce the introduction of a new reference copper interconnect, named ISIS.

As LEXUS can be seen as a copper version of SOGON, so ISIS is a copper version of or flagship interconnect SOOTTO, sharing its geometry and design. Never before has a copper cable offered this level of performance, and it will undoubtedly delight and surprise you in equal measure.

Thursday, 13 May 2010

SME tonearm cables...


For those of you who own tonearms with removable output cables equipped with an SME style 5 pin armbase plug, it's worth remembering that all of our interconnects can be special ordered with an appropriate connector attached. Please contact us for further information!

Thursday, 13 May 2010

Audio Note (UK) Kits

Audio Note (UK) Kits are not available through our retailers or distributors, and are exclusively sold via mail order. This helps us to keep retail prices down which offers you, the customer, the best possible deal.

Any customers who are interested in purchasing Audio Note (UK) kits should contact the following representatives: -

U.K. Customers: Nick Lucas, HiFiCollective info@hificollective.co.uk

All other territories: Brian Smith, Audio Note Kits, audionotekits@rogers.com

Thursday, 23 April 2010

CD 3.1x/II


Continuing with our mission to bring you, the discerning listener, the finest performing equipment at all price levels, we proudly introduce the CD3.1x/II, our latest Level Two integrated CD player.

Those of you who visited us at the Las Vegas Show, and on Saturday at the recent London High Fidelity Show at Heathrow, can testify as to just how impressive this one box machine can be.

Available as always with brushed aluminum fascia or the classic black acrylic.

Thursday, 23 April 2010

Say hello to our little friends


Following the great success of the relaunched AZ range of loudspeakers, Audio Note (UK) have decided to relaunch their smaller brothers, the AX models. Offering superb performance for their incredibly modest price, the AX designs are perfect for those looking for a very compact bookshelf or standmount 'speaker.

Prepare to be amazed!

Thursday, 21 April 2010

JINRO


Any of you who have visited us at recent Shows will now be familiar with the JINRO, our latest integrated amplifier. It features exactly the same circuit found in the legendary ONGAKU, but utilises copper instead of silver for all transformer windings etc.

Offering 27 watts in pure class A, the JINRO thoroughly deserves the title 'Baby ONGAKU'.

Thursday, 21 April 2010

AZ speakers reborn!


Audio Note have decided to reintroduce the highly affordable AZ loudspeaker range, beginning with the AZ-TWO and AZ-THREE models.

Both are floorstanding, rear loaded, folded quasi parabolic horn designs with rear facing ports, and use two drive units per cabinet. They are highly efficient and offer partnering amplifiers with a very easy load, making them the perfect choice for any of the Audio Note designs.

The quest for an affordable, compact, high sensitivity, wide frequency response loudspeaker to suit real world rooms resulted in Audio Note reinvestigating the principles of rear loaded horn cabinet design. The product of this research is the redesigned AZ range, that not only redefines the quality / price ratio, but also offers an emotionally engaging performance that is in a class of its own.

The new generation models feature greatly improved cabinet construction and finish, a very easy 6 ohm load, efficiency in the 93 - 94dB region, and are available in a variety of finishes.

Thursday, 19 April 2010

ANKORU II


The ANKORU is reborn! Please welcome the ANKORU/II!

45 Watts of 211 powered, Class A parallel single ended authority and finesse, a rare and beautiful combination.

Thursday, 14 April 2010

M3 / M5 / M6 / M8 PSU Modification

In our continuing mission to constantly improve our products, we have discovered a modification for the power supplies of the M3, M5, M6 and M8 pre amplifiers.

It is a very simple but thoroughly worthwhile modification. Please contact us via e-mail , and we can send you the appropriate information.

Thursday, 14 April 2010

SOGON Mains cable ... is the best sounding A.C. Cable in my 30 years of audio-recommendation experience!


So said Y.K. Chan in the AUDIOPHILE magazine.

He further praised the cables: Excellent transparency and musical detail and Rich and velvet-like string and vocal adding ... Never in my experience that an A.C. power cable can create so beautiful music. Incredible!

He summed up the SOGON with these words: AUDIO NOTE reveal to us that a correct designed A.C. power cable can bring our music enjoyment to the unknown high boundary.

We completely agree! Thank you Sir!

Thursday, 10 April 2010

TT1 receives Best Buy award in Image HiFiMagazine


The discerning and obviously highly intelligent people at Image HiFi Magazine in Germany have awarded the TT1 a 'Best Buy' recommendation in their annual awards issue

Thursday, 10 April 2010

REGA TTs get the Audio Note Treatment


Good news for all REGA TT owners! It is possible to use the superb Audio Note acrylic platters - as utilised on the TT1 and TT2 - with Rega turntables, which will offer an instant and dramatic improvement over the stock glass or MDF versions.

We can supply a pair of 'O' rings with each platter that will centre it on the REGA sub platter, as illustrated above.

Thursday, 18 March 2010

Gaku-On


If ultimate power and control is what you crave, then there is only one solution... A pair of Gaku-on.

Based around the circuit developed for the Ankoru/II, the Gaku-on takes performance to a new level, Producing 45 Watts in pure Class A from a pair of 211 triodes, and utilising silver wherever possible.

Wednesday, 17 March 2010

CDT 5, the new 'Reference'


The CDT5 represents an unparalleled level of performance and development in the world of Red Book CD playback. There is, quite simply, nothing else in production that achieves this level of performance from the humble silver disc.

Sporting an incredible complement of design innovations, this really is the ultimate in the world of CD Transports.

Specifications include: -
  • Valve digital output stage
  • Valve rectified power supply
  • Custom designed and manufactured Output Transformer
  • Sprung sub chassis mounted, custom modified Philips CD Pro2LF transport mechanism
  • All silver wired
  • Full loaded with Black Gate capacitors
  • PALLAS cable used for internal digital signal transfer
Available with brushed aluminium or black acrylic facia.

Wednesday, 17 March 2010

Zero the Hero...



The new version of the Zero range is now available!

Consisting of the 9 watts per channel I Zero integrated amplifier, the CD Zero one box player, the CDT Zero/II transport, the DAC0.1x and the R Zero phonostage, the range not only offers performance unrivalled at this price-point, but the elegant looks and superb build quality one would expect from Audio Note.

Available with either brushed aluminium facias or the classic black acrylic.

Wednesday, 17 March 2010

SOOTTO interconnects


With 120 strands of pure silver in each conductor, split between 3 different wire gauges to further enhance signal transfer behaviour, SOOTTO rewrites much of what interconnects are supposed to do, its clarity and dynamic differentiation almost defies what one would have thought possible.

Wednesday, 17 March 2010

Pallas interconnect and Digital cables


Being of litz construction, our interconnects have a higher capacitance than some. This is not an issue in most circumstances, however, between the high impedance secondary of our moving coil transformers (100k Ohm) and the pre-amplifier input, the cable needs to have high transfer ability but with low capacitance.

So over the past few years we have worked on a low capacitance addition to our cable range. Dubbed 'Pallas' after the comet that gave name to the metal Palladium, it is a pure silver foil design which has a fine Palladium plating, an air dielectric within a Teflon tube which is then encased in silk, and finally covered with a protective, braided sheath.

Available in RCA / RCA configuration only, terminated with our own AN-P silver plated connectors.

As it is incredibly time consuming to manufacture and completely had constructed, availability is somewhat limited!

Wednesday, 17 March 2010

SOGON Mains Cable


It is often said that 'good things come to those who wait'...

Well, the wait is finally over, and it is very, very good. Audio Note have finally released their first dedicated mains cable, the SOGON.

Unlike most of the supposed 'high end' power cables that pollute the market, SOGON has been fully certified to meet all current European electrical safety standards, so not only is it exceptionally good from a sound quality perspective, it also won't invalidate your home insurance!

Wednesday, 17 March 2010

AN-S9

The new, flagship Step Up Transformer is now available!

AN-S9 is an incredible leap forward in performance, and is fitted as standard with Pallas output interconnects. Nothing will adequately prepare you for just how incredible this is, or how much more information it lets through.