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From Audio Note AN/J-D to where?

Dear fellow music enthusiasts,

I recently posted my first thread in the amplifier forum regarding tube-based amplifiers, as I am looking to make significant upgrades to my system.

Currently, I use Audio Note AN/J-D speakers, which I purchased used as an introduction to high-fidelity audio. Despite being entry-level, I find them quite enjoyable, with a natural and detailed presentation. Having listened to them for over a year, I now feel ready to upgrade.

The most straightforward option for me would be to move up to the Audio Note AN-E SPe/HE, as I have a nearby dealer, making it a convenient choice. However, after spending time researching and exploring high-fidelity audio, I realize that there are many exciting alternatives worth considering.

Even as a relative newcomer, I’ve noticed that there are different "schools" of thought in high-fidelity audio. Some listeners prefer high-powered solid-state amplifiers with highly technological speakers, whereas I am more drawn to tube-based amplifiers with simple yet meticulously crafted designs and high-efficiency speakers that deliver a natural, dynamic, and intimate listening experience. I find inspiration in Japanese audiophiles and their horn-loaded systems powered by tube amplifiers, as well as in open baffle systems, field coil drivers, and AlNiCo-based designs.

A friend recently recommended that I explore Schertler speakers, which seem fantastic, but I suspect they may not suit my listening room (which is 25 square meters with 2.7m high ceilings). I was also pointed toward the Swissonor B.A.C.H. 12d, which, like Audio Note speakers, require corner placement and therefore appeal to me. Shindo Latourspeakers are highly intriguing, but they are difficult to find second-hand, and I am hesitant to purchase used speakers online unless from a trusted seller. I have also heard excellent things about vintage Altecs, Lowther, and Tannoy.

I am less familiar with open baffle systems, though it seems many enthusiasts pursue DIY projects by pairing high-quality drivers (such as those by Atelier Rullit/Oleg Rullit) with custom-built cabinets. Unfortunately, I am not particularly skilled in DIY (as my girlfriend often reminds me!), so this may not be the right path for me—at least for now.

I would truly appreciate your insights, experiences, and recommendations. For the price of the Audio Note AN-E SPe/HE (approximately $9,700), are there alternative options that might better align with my preferences? I sometimes wonder whether well-established brands command a premium over lesser-known manufacturers that may offer comparable or superior performance at a more competitive price.

Apologies for the somewhat scattered nature of my post—these are simply my thoughts and reflections, and I would love to invite all of you to share your advice, perspectives, and suggestions.

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

 

Best regards from Denmark. 

apollinaire

Showing 3 responses by decooney

decooney
2,310 posts
 

Rather than jumping ship, why not stick with AudioNote for the favorable reasons you mentioned in your post. My local 56-year-in-business audio dealer demos all models of the AudioNote speakers and amplifiers, sources, etc. He also offers electrostatic speakers along with lots of trade-in units to compare to. All fun to listen to yes. Better?, hard to say, maybe not.

The all AudioNote matched systems, speakers, amps, sources, are some of the most enjoyable and engaging to listen to every time I go in there. If you are more into musicality and engaging sound, there is more to be realized imo. Jumping ship just to try different technology, while this can be fun - it’s a bunch of different rabbit holes to explore. Geez, it takes a ton of time to get it right, or never get there. A well designed (matched) system can be end-game for many. I see a lot of very nice trade-ins at this dealer, and what their next AN end-game system looks like.

How much have you listened and experimented with AudioNote amplifiers to pair up with your AN speakers? Have you jumped up the line with true AN amps and sources? I’m not referring to the AN-kits. I’m asking about the AN amps made at AudioNote with the most choice parts used. Go to one of the audio shows if you can. Lots of fancy rooms, and often times a simple AudioNote room down at one end somewhere at the show.   Sit, listen, and decide for yourself how it sounds for you. Ignore the hype at these shows, and compare to all of the other fancy and overly-technical gadget rooms. What's more "musically engaging" to you?. 

Stepping up on the AN amps with your current AN speakers is another chapter or two yet to go - if you’ve not tried this yet. Trying this first, and then jumping up the line in AN speakers might be something else to try before jumping ship to another batch of mixed technologies that may not work as well together. How much do you enjoy exploring new technology -vs- simply buying and listening and enjoying "music" with a well integrated system is what I’m getting at. Best of Luck on your decision.

decooney
2,310 posts
 

@apollinaire after level 3, the prices reaches astronomical heights.

Totally agree, and understand - to the point I don’t own those next level amps myself, yet I look at them and listen to them each time I go to my local dealer. Oto, Soro, others there too as mentioned above. There are some 211 mono amps and one integrated by AN I’d love to own, yet just don’t see my self splurging that much and so to your point, what else. There is just an undeniable synergy around what Peter offers though.  

In addition to AN, my local dealer offers some of the next-level down cost options starting with Quicksilver Audio. Myself and many friends own them, and we upgrade caps and tubes to get to the best sound we can. I’ve heard your speakers and others on the lower cost Quicksilver Mid Monos there too, a nice little pair of EL34 amps on the AN speakers. My other audio buddy has owned some of the nice Shindo gear, and we met growing up owning many of Dennis Had’s amplifiers from Cary and later years of Inspire by Dennis Had amps, so I totally get the ideas of exploration.Those can be fun and affordable to. Enjoy the music!

decooney
2,310 posts
 

@apollinaire I have been recommended the Avantgarde Duo Mezzo. They look astonishing!

I live in Denmark.

 

>> What's your real budget limit for speakers and amplifier purchase? <<

Above you indicate reference to "amplifiers that are more budget-friendly". 

​​​​​​​However, now inquiring about Duo Mezzo speakers that sell used in the 20s, and retail new for upwards of $48,500 Euro depending on Mezzo or XD versions.  

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Finding a reputable dealer can help a lot. Go listen to the speakers and amplification together.  Otherwise this is a crapshoot "chasing gear" as @jimmyblues1959 mentioned above. Denmark makes a lot of speakers.  

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