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

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.  

I don't think you would go wrong with the choice of an OTO.  As to changing coupling caps, this is a matter of personal taste, so be prepared to switch back if the new caps are not to your taste.  My local Audio Note dealer, who also builds his own tube amps and linestages, HATES anything Mundorf.  I have not done any serious comparisons myself, but he has, and does not like them in either amps or speaker crossovers.  He also hates Duelunds.  This is a matter of taste and system tuning, so don't expect any particular change to necessarily be an upgrade, regardless of price and reputation.

Certainly upgraded Audio Note parts should be considered because their gear is voice for these components.  This same dealer has Audio Note parts lying around that are probably worth a small fortune.  Many years ago, I asked about some caps on a shelf and was informed that they were silver foil Audio Note caps that cost north of $1,000 each.   

Thanks Larry. My problem regarding OTO is that I have a Backert Labs preamp which I absolutely love and will not give up. I install the new cables when they arrive (see earlier post) and save up for a few years. I think I'll be on the lookout for a pair of Empress' or buy new when I can.  -Scott

I've seen and heard the Backert gear at audio shows.  It is hard to make a sonic evaluation of electronics at a show, but, I did like the very serious people designing and backing the product and I liked what I saw.  You  indeed should be looking at a power amp, and something from Audio Note is certainly a good place to look initially.  While the K's are not in the extremely efficient category, they are fairly high in efficiency and are easy to drive and anything Audio Note offers should be in the running.  I have not heard the Empress, but, I do own, and like very much, its sibling; I own Kageki monoblocs (parallel SET 2a3 amps).  The Kageki's are slightly on the leaner sound side of the Audio Note family of amps, but they are among my favorites.

Thanks Larry, I'm also intrigued the Level 4 EL 84 kit that's available. Seem's that might be a good match for the K's in a 30x12 room. I listen primarily 8-10 feet away with proper toe in.  -Scott