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.
