Looking To Match A Tube Amp With A Pair Of Audio Note AN-K/Spe


I'm the original owner of a pair of K's which I've had for about 9 months. I really enjoy them and they're placed in a 30 x 12 room with a sofa bordering 10' of that 30. I listen about 10-12 feet away. Speakers toed in accordingly. Pushed by a Pass XA 30.8. Preamp is a Backert Labs Rhumba Extreme. I'm overall pretty pleased with this set up but am searching for greater punch and clarity in the midrange frequencies at lower volume levels. I'd like opinions on 2A3 or 300B SET's or EL 34 or 84 push pull as a means of addressing this. Thanks for input.  -Scott

scottya118

Showing 2 responses by markhh2

Vu is the man when it comes to Audio Note. The Audio Note OTO is the bomb with the K’s. I’ve got the AN E’s and found they work better with SET’s or EL34’s.

Haven’t heard the Mahi’s so I can’t comment on them. The OTO is an integrated vs the Manley so you’d need a preamp. Music Reference makes a fine EL84 amp as well.  Audio Note kits is another great option.  I’ve heard the OTO AN K’s many times, wattage is not an issue.  My OTO SE drove my E’s with no issues.