Power-Amplifiers

Pure Class A Single Ended Triode valve stereo-amplifier with a single 45 triode output valve per channel. Copper transformers.

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Vindicator

Pure Class A Single Ended Triode valve stereo-amplifier with a single 2A3 triode output valve per channel. Copper transformers.

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Quest

Pure Class A Single Ended Triode valve mono-block amplifiers with a single 300B triode output valve per channel. Copper transformers.

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Conqueror

Pure Class A Single Ended Triode valve stereo-amplifier with a single 300B triode output valve per channel. Copper transformers.

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Empress

Pure Class A Single Ended Triode valve mono-block amplifiers with two 2A3 triode output valves per channel. Copper transformers.

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Conquest

Pure Class A Single Ended Triode valve mono-block amplifiers with two 300B triode output valves per channel. Copper transformers.

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P3 Tonmeister

The stereo-power amplifier version of the Meishu Tonmeister, with volume control.

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P3 Tonmeister

If the lenses in a microscope are not correctly chosen and adjusted, the image becomes blurred, and detail and information is lost. The same is true for an amplifier circuit; if each stage is not absolutely correctly chosen and matched to work optimally with the rest of the amplifier, the result will be blurred, unfocused, uneven sound lacking in information.

So to create a better amplifier, the natural idea was to simplify the circuit and optimise every element, so the combination works seamlessly and harmoniously together. This is exactly what we have done with the MEISHU Tonmeister.

The new PSU uses only one mains transformer, one 5U4 rectifier valve and one choke. When this arrangement is optimised, it works extremely well, producing a very homogeneous and ‘complete’ sound.

The input and driver stage is very similar to that found in the JINRO, TOMEI and ONGAKU, with a 12AU7 and 5687 driving an in-house designed and manufactured inter-stage transformer for the best energy transfer, evenness and authority. This is the most important, fundamental upgrade over the original design.

The output transformers for the new MEISHU were designed specifically for the project by Andy Grove, and it is not an overstatement to say that they are superb.

The circuit is now a beautiful example of elegant simplification, something that could only be realised thanks to our ability to create extremely closely matched transformers in-house, and having our own supply of custom resistors, in-house made foil capacitors and custom made electrolytic capacitors. These allow us to exert extremely tight control over the performance and voicing of the complete amplifier from input to output, something that is simply beyond the possibilities of manufacturers who have to rely on 'off the shelf' components.

The result is an amplifier that maintains the legendary Audio Note musicality, midrange magic and glorious tonal colour of the original MEISHU, whilst bringing new and previously unheard levels of information retrieval and dynamic expression, redefining what is usually expected of a 300B SET amplifier.

Phono Models come with a build in ultra quality tube MM phono-stage with a dedicated power supply, so it is certainly not an afterthought!

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It has been specifically engineered for sonic performance rather than technical specification, and fulfills all Audio Note (UK) Level 3 criteria: -

Pure Class A operation
Zero Negative Feedback
Single Ended Output Stage Valve Rectification
Directly Heated Triode operation Materials and component quality

Current models

P3 Tonmeister
P3 Silver Tonmeister
P3 Silver Signature Tonmeister

Materials and component quality Meishu

In house designed and manufactured I-E M4 copper / copper interstage and output transformers
IE copper / copper PSU Choke and mains transformers
Copper internal wiring
Audio Note (UK) AN-C copper interconnect cable used for signal wiring Audio Note (UK) Copper signal capacitors
Audio Note (UK) STD Electrolytic Capacitors everywhere
Audio Note (UK) 0.5W and 1W Magnetic Tantalum Resistors
Audio Note (UK) custom potentiometer volume control
Download Detailed Info

Materials and component quality P3 Silver

In house designed and manufactured Audio Note (UK) IHiB copper / copper interstage and output transformers
IE copper / copper PSU Choke and mains transformers
Copper internal wiring
Audio Note (UK) AN-V silver interconnect cable used for signal wiring
Audio Note (UK) Copper signal capacitors
Audio Note (UK) STD and KAISEI Electrolytic Capacitors
Audio Note (UK) 1W Non-Magnetic Ni-Chrome Resistors and Carbon Resistors Audio Note (UK) custom potentiometer volume control
Download Detailed Info

Materials and component quality P3 Silver Signature

In house designed and manufactured Audio Note (UK) SHiB copper / copper interstage and output transformers
Audio Note (UK) IHiB copper / copper PSU Choke and mains transformers
Copper internal wiring
Audio Note (UK) AN-Vx silver interconnect cable used for signal wiring
Audio Note (UK) Copper signal capacitors
Audio Note (UK) STD and KAISEI Bi-Polar Electrolytic Capacitors
Audio Note (UK) 2W Non-Magnetic Ni-Chrome Resistors and Carbon Resistors Audio Note (UK) 36 Step Mono Resistor Volume Attenuators
Download Detailed Info

Available finishes

Fascia - Anodised Aluminium or Black Acrylic

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Jinro Shochu

The stereo-power amplifier version of the Jinro, with in-house crafted input transformers.

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P4 Balanced Tonmeister

The 'mono-block' Meishu Tonmeister with additional in-house crafted input transformers.

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P4 Balanced Tonmeister

They have been specifically engineered for sonic performance rather than technical specification, and fulfil all Audio Note (UK) Level 3 criteria: -

Pure Class A operation
Zero Negative Feedback
Single Ended Output Stage
Valve Rectification
Directly Heated Triode operation
Materials and component quality

Materials and component quality

Each P4 Balanced Tonmeister amplifier is equipped with input and output transformers that are unparalleled in design, quality and performance at this price point in the field of Audio reproduction.
The balanced / XLR input transformers are hand wound by Audio Note (UK), and feature a copper primary and secondary. The core material is of the highest quality, to offer the finest possible signal path from your preamplifier.
The output transformers are similarly specified, with a copper primary and secondary. The cores are our own Double C design and are manufactured from our own SHiB material. As would be expected, they are custom designed and manufactured by us, in house in the U.K.
As is expected of an Audio Note (UK) Level 3 product, each amplifier is equipped with valve rectification, supplied by a selected 5U4GB valve.

Materials and component quality P4 Balanced- First Principles

The shortest signal path is generally the best, this is the professed aim of almost all the manufacturers of high quality amplification in the audio industry.

However, when it comes to executing this ideal, most of the rest of the industry has been wilfully forgetting this truth and has become addicted to complexity and technology as marketing statements, in stark contrast to this Audio Note^TM has continued to focus on studying and refining our understanding of how to achieve the above goal in order to create products that deliver better and more realistic music, lasting value and overall quality.

Unsurprisingly, the more we explore, the more it becomes obvious that simplicity – and in particular keeping passive components completely out of the signal path or at least to an absolute minimum – is desirable for better and more faithful music reproduction.

Our ideas eventually led to a decision to develop a better sounding power amplifier circuit, a potential successor to the original parallel single-ended 211 based Gaku-On. In pursuit of ultimate simplicity, we decided that it would comprise just two active stages and three transformers; one on the input, one as a driver and one on the output. This topology reduces the number of passive parts in the signal path to just two resistors.

Designing the circuit was relatively easy on paper. However when we came to building a prototype we discovered why such nothing like it had been implemented before, and it was more than half a decade before we could bring the new Gaku-On to fruition.

Our finding was that such a simple amplification circuit demands a degree of transformer quality never seen before in professional or domestic audio. Audio NoteTM is unique in our facility to design, model, prototype and wind our own transformers in house, yet in spite of this it took even us six years to research and develop the necessary materials know how to achieve a musically transparent magnetic coupling from input to output in such a simple circuit.

Each transformer has to be complimentary in every aspect of behaviour to the one next in line. It must not impose any bandwidth, phase, linearity or low level abnormalities which can be amplified by the following stage or stages. It was no small task getting to a point where each transformer was as invisible as the next, despite differences in core size, design and passing signal level. To read more about the art and science of transformer design, click here.

In order to beat this we will continue to research and develop our understanding, and until we find the necessary solutions to further improve the materials, simply put, we believe nothing will come along that beats it.

Everything we learned in the process of developing our best amplifiers, we have applied subsequently to a new and partnering family of balanced, transformer coupled monoblock amplifiers.‍

Available finishes

Fascia - Anodised Aluminium / Black Acrylic

The Legend

6

The Legend... No amount of words will convince, we invite you to experience.

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Neiro

Pure Class A Single Ended Triode valve mono-block amplifiers with two 2A3 triode output valves per channel. Copper/Silver transformers.

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Neiro

They have been specifically engineered for sonic performance rather than technical specification, and fulfil all Audio Note (UK) Level 4 criteria: -

Pure Class A operation
Zero Negative Feedback
Single Ended Output Stage
Valve Rectification
Directly Heated Triode operation
Materials and component quality

Current Models

Neiro
Neiro Balanced

Materials and component quality Neiro

Audio Note (UK) customer Output Transformers, using AN(UK) Copper primary windings, AN(UK) Silver secondary windings and AN(UK) UHiB double C cores
Audio Note (UK) custom 1 Watt Tantalum resistors
Audio Note (UK) Copper Foil capacitors
Audio Note (UK) Silver internal wiring
Black Gate capacitors in critical areas
Download Detailed Info

Materials and component quality Neiro Balanced- First Principles

The shortest signal path is generally the best, this is the professed aim of almost all the manufacturers of high quality amplification in the audio industry.

However, when it comes to executing this ideal, most of the rest of the industry has been wilfully forgetting this truth and has become addicted to complexity and technology as marketing statements, in stark contrast to this Audio NoteTM has continued to focus on studying and refining our understanding of how to achieve the above goal in order to create products that deliver better and more realistic music, lasting value and overall quality.

Unsurprisingly, the more we explore, the more it becomes obvious that simplicity – and in particular keeping passive components completely out of the signal path or at least to an absolute minimum – is desirable for better and more faithful music reproduction.

Our ideas eventually led to a decision to develop a better sounding power amplifier circuit, a potential successor to the original parallel single-ended 211 based Gaku-On. In pursuit of ultimate simplicity, we decided that it would comprise just two active stages and three transformers; one on the input, one as a driver and one on the output. This topology reduces the number of passive parts in the signal path to just two resistors.

Designing the circuit was relatively easy on paper. However when we came to building a prototype we discovered why such nothing like it had been implemented before, and it was more than half a decade before we could bring the new Gaku-On to fruition.

Our finding was that such a simple amplification circuit demands a degree of transformer quality never seen before in professional or domestic audio. Audio NoteTM is unique in our facility to design, model, prototype and wind our own transformers in house, yet in spite of this it took even us six years to research and develop the necessary materials know how to achieve a musically transparent magnetic coupling from input to output in such a simple circuit.

Each transformer has to be complimentary in every aspect of behaviour to the one next in line. It must not impose any bandwidth, phase, linearity or low level abnormalities which can be amplified by the following stage or stages. It was no small task getting to a point where each transformer was as invisible as the next, despite differences in core size, design and passing signal level. To read more about the art and science of transformer design, click here.

In order to beat this we will continue to research and develop our understanding, and until we find the necessary solutions to further improve the materials, simply put, we believe nothing will come along that beats it.

Everything we learned in the process of developing our best amplifiers, we have applied subsequently to a new and partnering family of balanced, transformer coupled monoblock amplifiers.

Available finishes

Fascia - Anodised Aluminium or Black Acrylic

Ankoru II

The 'mono-block' version of the Jinro Sochu.

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Shinri

Pure Class A Single Ended Triode valve mono-block amplifiers with a single 300B triode output valve per channel. Copper/Silver transformers.

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Shinri

They have been specifically engineered for sonic performance rather than technical specification, and fulfil all Audio Note (UK) Level 4 criteria: -

Pure Class A operation
Zero Negative Feedback
Single Ended Output Stage
Valve Rectification
Directly Heated Triode operation
Materials and component quality

Current Models

Shinri
Shinri Balanced

Materials and component quality Shinri

Audio Note (UK) customer Output Transformers, using AN(UK) Copper primary windings, AN(UK) Silver secondary windings and AN(UK) UHiB double C cores
Audio Note (UK) custom 1 Watt Tantalum resistors
Audio Note (UK) Copper Foil capacitors
Audio Note (UK) Silver internal wiring
Black Gate capacitors in critical areas
Download Detailed Info

Materials and component quality Shinri Balanced- First Principles

The shortest signal path is generally the best, this is the professed aim of almost all the manufacturers of high quality amplification in the audio industry.

However, when it comes to executing this ideal, most of the rest of the industry has been wilfully forgetting this truth and has become addicted to complexity and technology as marketing statements, in stark contrast to this Audio NoteTM has continued to focus on studying and refining our understanding of how to achieve the above goal in order to create products that deliver better and more realistic music, lasting value and overall quality.

Unsurprisingly, the more we explore, the more it becomes obvious that simplicity – and in particular keeping passive components completely out of the signal path or at least to an absolute minimum – is desirable for better and more faithful music reproduction.

Our ideas eventually led to a decision to develop a better sounding power amplifier circuit, a potential successor to the original parallel single-ended 211 based Gaku-On. In pursuit of ultimate simplicity, we decided that it would comprise just two active stages and three transformers; one on the input, one as a driver and one on the output. This topology reduces the number of passive parts in the signal path to just two resistors.

Designing the circuit was relatively easy on paper. However when we came to building a prototype we discovered why such nothing like it had been implemented before, and it was more than half a decade before we could bring the new Gaku-On to fruition.

Our finding was that such a simple amplification circuit demands a degree of transformer quality never seen before in professional or domestic audio. Audio NoteTM is unique in our facility to design, model, prototype and wind our own transformers in house, yet in spite of this it took even us six years to research and develop the necessary materials know how to achieve a musically transparent magnetic coupling from input to output in such a simple circuit.

Each transformer has to be complimentary in every aspect of behaviour to the one next in line. It must not impose any bandwidth, phase, linearity or low level abnormalities which can be amplified by the following stage or stages. It was no small task getting to a point where each transformer was as invisible as the next, despite differences in core size, design and passing signal level. To read more about the art and science of transformer design, click here.

In order to beat this we will continue to research and develop our understanding, and until we find the necessary solutions to further improve the materials, simply put, we believe nothing will come along that beats it.

Everything we learned in the process of developing our best amplifiers, we have applied subsequently to a new and partnering family of balanced, transformer coupled monoblock amplifiers.

Available finishes

Fascia - Anodised Aluminium or Black Acrylic

‍

Download Detailed Info

Kassai

Pure Class A Single Ended Triode valve mono-block amplifiers with two 300B triode output valves per channel. Copper/Silver transformers.

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Kassai

They have been specifically engineered for sonic performance rather than technical specification, and fulfil all Audio Note (UK) Level 4 criteria: -

Pure Class A operation
Zero Negative Feedback
Single Ended Output Stage
Valve Rectification
Directly Heated Triode operation
Materials and component quality

Current Models

Kassai
Kassai Balanced

Materials and component quality Kassai

Audio Note (UK) customer Output Transformers, using AN(UK) Copper primary windings, AN(UK) Silver secondary windings and AN(UK) UHiB double C cores
Audio Note (UK) custom 1 Watt Tantalum resistors
Audio Note (UK) Copper Foil capacitors
Audio Note (UK) Silver internal wiring
Black Gate capacitors in critical areas
Download Detailed Info

Materials and component quality Kassai Balanced- First Principles

The shortest signal path is generally the best, this is the professed aim of almost all the manufacturers of high quality amplification in the audio industry.

However, when it comes to executing this ideal, most of the rest of the industry has been wilfully forgetting this truth and has become addicted to complexity and technology as marketing statements, in stark contrast to this Audio NoteTM has continued to focus on studying and refining our understanding of how to achieve the above goal in order to create products that deliver better and more realistic music, lasting value and overall quality.

Unsurprisingly, the more we explore, the more it becomes obvious that simplicity – and in particular keeping passive components completely out of the signal path or at least to an absolute minimum – is desirable for better and more faithful music reproduction.

Our ideas eventually led to a decision to develop a better sounding power amplifier circuit, a potential successor to the original parallel single-ended 211 based Gaku-On. In pursuit of ultimate simplicity, we decided that it would comprise just two active stages and three transformers; one on the input, one as a driver and one on the output. This topology reduces the number of passive parts in the signal path to just two resistors.

Designing the circuit was relatively easy on paper. However when we came to building a prototype we discovered why such nothing like it had been implemented before, and it was more than half a decade before we could bring the new Gaku-On to fruition.

Our finding was that such a simple amplification circuit demands a degree of transformer quality never seen before in professional or domestic audio. Audio NoteTM is unique in our facility to design, model, prototype and wind our own transformers in house, yet in spite of this it took even us six years to research and develop the necessary materials know how to achieve a musically transparent magnetic coupling from input to output in such a simple circuit.

Each transformer has to be complimentary in every aspect of behaviour to the one next in line. It must not impose any bandwidth, phase, linearity or low level abnormalities which can be amplified by the following stage or stages. It was no small task getting to a point where each transformer was as invisible as the next, despite differences in core size, design and passing signal level. To read more about the art and science of transformer design, click here.

In order to beat this we will continue to research and develop our understanding, and until we find the necessary solutions to further improve the materials, simply put, we believe nothing will come along that beats it.

Everything we learned in the process of developing our best amplifiers, we have applied subsequently to a new and partnering family of balanced, transformer coupled monoblock amplifiers.‍

Download Detailed Info

Available finishes

Fascia - Anodised Aluminium or Black Acrylic

Tomei Kensei

The stereo-power amplifier version of the Ongaku, with in-house crafted input transformers.

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Ginrei

The 'mono-block' version of the Tomei Kensei.

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Kageki

Pure Class A Single Ended Triode valve mono-block amplifiers with two 2A3 triode output valves per channel. Silver transformers.

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Kageki

They have been specifically engineered for sonic performance rather than technical specification, and fulfil all Audio Note (UK) Level 4 criteria: -

Pure Class A operation
Zero Negative Feedback
Single Ended Output Stage
Valve Rectification
Directly Heated Triode operation
Materials and component quality

Current Models

Kageki
Kageki Balanced

Materials and component quality Kegeki

Audio Note (UK) customer Output Transformers, using AN(UK) Copper primary windings, AN(UK) Silver secondary windings and AN(UK) UHiB double C cores
Audio Note (UK) custom 1 Watt Tantalum resistors
Audio Note (UK) Copper Foil capacitors
Audio Note (UK) Silver internal wiring
Black Gate capacitors in critical areas
Download Detailed Info

Materials and component quality Kageki Balanced- First Principles

The shortest signal path is generally the best, this is the professed aim of almost all the manufacturers of high quality amplification in the audio industry.

However, when it comes to executing this ideal, most of the rest of the industry has been wilfully forgetting this truth and has become addicted to complexity and technology as marketing statements, in stark contrast to this Audio NoteTM has continued to focus on studying and refining our understanding of how to achieve the above goal in order to create products that deliver better and more realistic music, lasting value and overall quality.

Unsurprisingly, the more we explore, the more it becomes obvious that simplicity – and in particular keeping passive components completely out of the signal path or at least to an absolute minimum – is desirable for better and more faithful music reproduction.

Our ideas eventually led to a decision to develop a better sounding power amplifier circuit, a potential successor to the original parallel single-ended 211 based Gaku-On. In pursuit of ultimate simplicity, we decided that it would comprise just two active stages and three transformers; one on the input, one as a driver and one on the output. This topology reduces the number of passive parts in the signal path to just two resistors.

Designing the circuit was relatively easy on paper. However when we came to building a prototype we discovered why such nothing like it had been implemented before, and it was more than half a decade before we could bring the new Gaku-On to fruition.

Our finding was that such a simple amplification circuit demands a degree of transformer quality never seen before in professional or domestic audio. Audio NoteTM is unique in our facility to design, model, prototype and wind our own transformers in house, yet in spite of this it took even us six years to research and develop the necessary materials know how to achieve a musically transparent magnetic coupling from input to output in such a simple circuit.

Each transformer has to be complimentary in every aspect of behaviour to the one next in line. It must not impose any bandwidth, phase, linearity or low level abnormalities which can be amplified by the following stage or stages. It was no small task getting to a point where each transformer was as invisible as the next, despite differences in core size, design and passing signal level. To read more about the art and science of transformer design, click here.

In order to beat this we will continue to research and develop our understanding, and until we find the necessary solutions to further improve the materials, simply put, we believe nothing will come along that beats it.

Everything we learned in the process of developing our best amplifiers, we have applied subsequently to a new and partnering family of balanced, transformer coupled monoblock amplifiers.

Available finishes

Fascia - Anodised Aluminium or Black Acrylic

Baransu

Pure Class A Single Ended Triode valve mono-block amplifiers with a single 300B triode output valve per channel. Silver transformers.

Learn more

Baransu

They have been specifically engineered for sonic performance rather than technical specification, and fulfil all Audio Note (UK) Level 5 criteria: -

Pure Class A operation
Zero Negative Feedback
Single Ended Output Stage
Valve Rectification
Directly Heated Triode operation
Finest Mmaterials and component quality

Current Models

Baransu
Baransu Balanced

Materials and component quality Baransu

Audio Note (UK) customer Output Transformers, using AN(UK) Silver windings and AN-Perma 50% Nickel Double C cores
Audio Note (UK) custom 2 Watt Tantalum resistors
Audio Note (UK) Silver Foil capacitors
Audio Note (UK) Silver internal wiring
Black Gate capacitors in critical areas
Download Detailed Info

Materials and component quality Baransu Balanced- First Principles

The shortest signal path is generally the best, this is the professed aim of almost all the manufacturers of high quality amplification in the audio industry.

However, when it comes to executing this ideal, most of the rest of the industry has been wilfully forgetting this truth and has become addicted to complexity and technology as marketing statements, in stark contrast to this Audio NoteTM has continued to focus on studying and refining our understanding of how to achieve the above goal in order to create products that deliver better and more realistic music, lasting value and overall quality.

Unsurprisingly, the more we explore, the more it becomes obvious that simplicity – and in particular keeping passive components completely out of the signal path or at least to an absolute minimum – is desirable for better and more faithful music reproduction.

Our ideas eventually led to a decision to develop a better sounding power amplifier circuit, a potential successor to the original parallel single-ended 211 based Gaku-On. In pursuit of ultimate simplicity, we decided that it would comprise just two active stages and three transformers; one on the input, one as a driver and one on the output. This topology reduces the number of passive parts in the signal path to just two resistors.

Designing the circuit was relatively easy on paper. However when we came to building a prototype we discovered why such nothing like it had been implemented before, and it was more than half a decade before we could bring the new Gaku-On to fruition.

Our finding was that such a simple amplification circuit demands a degree of transformer quality never seen before in professional or domestic audio. Audio NoteTM is unique in our facility to design, model, prototype and wind our own transformers in house, yet in spite of this it took even us six years to research and develop the necessary materials know how to achieve a musically transparent magnetic coupling from input to output in such a simple circuit.

Each transformer has to be complimentary in every aspect of behaviour to the one next in line. It must not impose any bandwidth, phase, linearity or low level abnormalities which can be amplified by the following stage or stages. It was no small task getting to a point where each transformer was as invisible as the next, despite differences in core size, design and passing signal level. To read more about the art and science of transformer design, click here.

In order to beat this we will continue to research and develop our understanding, and until we find the necessary solutions to further improve the materials, simply put, we believe nothing will come along that beats it.

Everything we learned in the process of developing our best amplifiers, we have applied subsequently to a new and partnering family of balanced, transformer coupled monoblock amplifiers.

Available finishes

Fascia - Anodised Aluminium or Black Acrylic

‍

Kegon

Pure Class A Single Ended Triode valve mono-block amplifiers with two 300B triode output valves per channel. Silver transformers.

Learn more

Kegon

They have been specifically engineered for sonic performance rather than technical specification, and fulfil all Audio Note (UK) Level 5 criteria: -

Pure Class A operation
Zero Negative Feedback
Single Ended Output Stage
Valve Rectification
Directly Heated Triode operation
Materials and component quality

Current Models

Kegon
Kegon Balanced

Materials and component quality Kegon

Audio Note (UK) customer Output Transformers, using AN(UK) Copper primary windings, AN(UK) Silver secondary windings and AN(UK) UHiB double C cores
Audio Note (UK) custom 1 Watt Tantalum resistors
Audio Note (UK) Copper Foil capacitors
Audio Note (UK) Silver internal wiring
Black Gate capacitors in critical areas
Download Detailed Info

Materials and component quality Kegon Balanced- First Principles

The shortest signal path is generally the best, this is the professed aim of almost all the manufacturers of high quality amplification in the audio industry.

However, when it comes to executing this ideal, most of the rest of the industry has been wilfully forgetting this truth and has become addicted to complexity and technology as marketing statements, in stark contrast to this Audio NoteTM has continued to focus on studying and refining our understanding of how to achieve the above goal in order to create products that deliver better and more realistic music, lasting value and overall quality.

Unsurprisingly, the more we explore, the more it becomes obvious that simplicity – and in particular keeping passive components completely out of the signal path or at least to an absolute minimum – is desirable for better and more faithful music reproduction.

Our ideas eventually led to a decision to develop a better sounding power amplifier circuit, a potential successor to the original parallel single-ended 211 based Gaku-On. In pursuit of ultimate simplicity, we decided that it would comprise just two active stages and three transformers; one on the input, one as a driver and one on the output. This topology reduces the number of passive parts in the signal path to just two resistors.

Designing the circuit was relatively easy on paper. However when we came to building a prototype we discovered why such nothing like it had been implemented before, and it was more than half a decade before we could bring the new Gaku-On to fruition.

Our finding was that such a simple amplification circuit demands a degree of transformer quality never seen before in professional or domestic audio. Audio NoteTM is unique in our facility to design, model, prototype and wind our own transformers in house, yet in spite of this it took even us six years to research and develop the necessary materials know how to achieve a musically transparent magnetic coupling from input to output in such a simple circuit.

Each transformer has to be complimentary in every aspect of behaviour to the one next in line. It must not impose any bandwidth, phase, linearity or low level abnormalities which can be amplified by the following stage or stages. It was no small task getting to a point where each transformer was as invisible as the next, despite differences in core size, design and passing signal level. To read more about the art and science of transformer design, click here.

In order to beat this we will continue to research and develop our understanding, and until we find the necessary solutions to further improve the materials, simply put, we believe nothing will come along that beats it.

Everything we learned in the process of developing our best amplifiers, we have applied subsequently to a new and partnering family of balanced, transformer coupled monoblock amplifiers.‍

Audio Note Kegon Balanced (One Channel Shown)

Download Detailed Info

Available finishes

Fascia - Anodised Aluminium or Black Acrylic

Ongaku Kensei

The stereo-power amplifier version of the Ongaku, with in-house crafted input transformers.

Learn more

Gaku-On