Audio Note Spkrs

I bought AN-E/SpE speakers in August to replace ProAc Response 2.5 speakers.

I bought the speakers a) because they were recommended by my stereo guru (who, in all fairness, is also an AN dealer) and b) because they were described as good speakers for corner placements, which are where my speakers are placed. I also like the AudioNote design philosophy.

I am very happy with the speakers and wouldn't think of replacing them. They are very natural and reveal a lot of detail which I didn't hear from the ProAcs. They sound just great (to quote Duke Ellington: "if it sounds good, it IS good.") I can also listen to the speakers for hours and hours (unlike, for example, B&W speakers, which give me a headache).

If you care: the rest of the system is ARC LS25 Mark II preamp; Classe CA-2200 amp; CEC TL-51x transport; Accustic Arts Mark II DAC; AudioNote cabling. I listen mostly to jazz and classical.

I own the kit 3 AN speaker and run them with a Soro SE amp Lexus wire, AN-VX IC and Muse CD Audio Note TT1 Arm 1 with AT 440mla cart.

the main quality that impresses me about AN speakers is their open quality, they also have a purity of sound (which I belive has to do with the minimal crossover design and quality driver matching).

Something that surprises me is the low frequency information, I am always aware of what is going on with the skin on the drums or the soundstage reflection effects - something to do with the corner loading and stated 17 hz lower frequency limit (usually measure at 30 hz though) also dynamic range in the low frequencies (and hiogh frequencies) is terrific

Also when listening to something like a saxaphone I often notice the sound of the mouthpiece and the effect of air being blown through a horn - these things remind me of live music.

the downside of these speakers is they lose a little midrange clarity in the corners but need to be placed there to appreciate the dynamic range it offers, also - they need a quality source, if you feed them garbage they can sound thin, bright, pinched or ordinary, they are pickier than most speakers but I am at the point where I want them in my house, their virtues are musical and can transport you.

I used to own JM Reynaud Trentes which are amazing speakers and they have terrific clarity in the midrange and a seductive sound, I could live with them again but would miss the open quality and full sound of the kit 3.

good luck and happy listening

I would be interested in anyone who can compare Audio Note AN/E kits to factory-assembled speakers. Also corner placement versus near front wall (but not corner) placement. Thanks.

Check AA under Audio Note kits, RGA mentions the difference