“Readers of Audiotechnique, you will know that I am a loyal user of Audio Note from the UK. I am also a loyal fan of Peter Qvortrup, the boss of AN, and one of the champions of vacuum tube amps. Ever since I bought the M10 pre-amplifier in 2007, and after another three years I added the Gaku-On mono power amplifier, I found myself trapped by AN’s beautiful sound. I then upgraded my pre-amp to M10 Signature, and replaced my CD set with the CDT Six and Fifth Element. Finally, I replaced my power amp with The Legend. Witnessing the gradual improvement in the sound quality, and the constant rise in the level of auditory beauty at the Thatched Cottage, listening to music at home after work gives me a great sense of satisfaction.”

“However, compared with Brother Tan, who I have known for many years and is already enjoying a leisurely retired life, my so-called fandom pales into insignificance! This home visit has really opened my eyes and ears! First is a medium-sized hi-fi room. Except for the turntable, tonearm and cartridge for playing vinyl, which are Einstein products, the rest of the phono stage, CD turntable, decoder and pre-amp are all Audio Note’s flagship equipment. The mono power amplifier uses two Western Electric 300B Kegons as parallel single-ended amplification, and a bi-Amp setup is used to drive the same maker’s top AN-E-SOOTTO Ltd. Silver Signature field coil speakers, with only AN-SOOTTO cables. The sound can definitely be described as breathtaking, especially coming from the pair of AN-E Ltd moving coil speakers. The sound is crystal-clear and transparent, with high density and energy, as well as analytical power that picks up on every detail. The musicality is rich and poignant. However, when explosive riffs are played loudly, the kick drums are so spicy and powerful that the submersion and subsequent bounce are completely unexpected. Then in another room with a larger area, the overall effect is very comprehensive. The equipment on display also makes people’s hearts beat faster.
Except for the speakers, which are Japan’s GT Sound SRV-1BR giant double bass horn floor speakers, the rest are all Audio Note’s flagship products. However, the power amplifier is replaced with the same one as mine – the Legend! The sound effect here is again unparalleled, with the same outstanding clarity, analytical ability, and details as in the other room, but the sound is even more sumptuous… It is magnificent and impressive, leaving listeners with a deep impression!”

“Brother Tan, who has a background in electronic engineering, said very proudly: ‘The sound design of these two rooms is all my own. The equipment was selected after careful consideration and detailed listening. I personally did all the wiring and equipment placement myself. This is the real joy of playing with Hi-Fi, and I will never tire of it. “⋯⋯Looking at Brother Tan’s treasured expansive collection of CDs and LPs, I am green with envy!”

Big Grass (Lincoln)
Audiotechnique
2024.8