"I am comfortable with the claim I have heard the AN Youtube Demo' bettered with equipment costing a fraction of their prices."
I am also comfortable with the Claim, I have heard other Youtube Demo's of other types of Audio Equipment using the same Computer, that has been a much more enjoyed experience than that experienced during the AN Youtube Demo'.
The comments made could be partially influenced by the amount of Surface noise that appeared when using the AN Vinyl Source in the Youtube Demo'. Not an attractive listen, more of a detractor!!, especially when Vinyl can be witnessed replayed on Youtube from much lesser market force entities, with a much much better presentation in relation to the AN surface noise produced.
I have not spent much time listening to AN via Youtube, maybe some could think this discounts my comments.
I have been very familiarised with Demo's of AN designs over multiple years, as well as owned Audio Devices designed by Andy Grove prior to his move to AN where he remains as the Guru Designer.
Audio Note CD Sources, Cart's, Amp's and Speakers, Cables and Components are all experienced being used by myself. Even not too long passed the Kondo Ongaku has been used at a Demo' I attended to create a System Valued at £300k+, this Amp was selected to be compared to another 211 Power Tube Amp', which was the reason for the invite to the Demo'. I have never felt AN equipment is essential for being used in my own system, that is dominated with Valve Circuitry, where 845 Tubes supply the Power.
As said the 3 Watt Prototype Amp' has created a pattern of thought that has caused myself to rethink all previous experiences had with Valve and SS Amplification.
The keyword is Prototype, the design has room to be tweaked and evolve. Ultimately it will become voiced to an even more attractive end sound.