Audio Note AN-K

[mond]

Hi

Audio Note AN-K

Anyone heard these – or any of the other AUDIO NOTE speakers for that matter?

Not many reviews out there – and dealers are far and few between. They seem a slightly exotic option!

The reason I ask is that they apparently work well in corners – and corners is all I have!

I also hear they are designed to work with lower powered valve amps – so I wonder how they would cope with a hefty Linn power amp and digital streamer? (2250 & Sneaky DS)

Music tastes are varied – but would like a sound that is warm(ish) but also with good timing and reasonable (but not massive) amounts of bass.

They could just be the answer....

Not many speakers like being near walls – especially in corners...

Thanks,

Mond

 

[Al ears]

I've not heard the AN-K's just the E's attached to a Croft amp.

They were in corners virtually and sounded fine.

I am sure the AN-K's will suit your set-up well but if you are getting these from a dealer try to get a home audition.

 

[mond]

Thanks Alears,

they are somewhat elusive it would seem - none of the usual mags seem interesting in reviewing them, Not sure where my local dealer is ..... but I did spot one in Cornwall!

I wonder why they are so obscure - do you know if they have a particular sound? I would also like to know if they work well with solid state amps as well as valve? I will try and listen - I would certainly not buy these ones without!

Mond

 

[CnoEvil]

I have only heard AN speakers on the end of an AN system, where they just sound "right".......they are very natural, with suprising bass, when placed near the corner.

Here is some perspective (scroll down to relevent part on speakers): http://www.amherstaudio.com/

 

[mond]

Thanks Cno,

I just stumbled across this article actually - very informative. I may track some down and take a listen. Seems like most people buy them to match valve amps ..... but that's not to say that is the only option. They are quite expensive mind - but would probably last for years, I don't want to keep upgrading the whole time!

Cheers

Mond

 

[Macspur]

If you drop Audio Note an Email with your details they will organise a home demo for you.

Mac

 

[mond]

Hi Mac,

Oh - that's interesting! Always best to listen at home if possible. Especially when you live in a static caravan

thanks for info

Mond

 

[nopiano]

Hi Mond, I heard the Es recently at a show. I wrote about them here:

http://www.whathifi.com/forum/hi-fi/bristol-show-favourites-hi-fi

at post number 8.

 

[edplaysdrums42]

On my limited experince of listening to AN speakers i've always thought they sounded superb. Definately worth an audition.

 

[Singslinger]

On my limited experince of listening to AN speakers i've always thought they sounded superb. Definately worth an audition.

Yes I agree...though the only time I heard them, they were on the end of an Audio Note Ongaku... :O

 

[mond]

Hi,

thanks for all the replies. They generally do tend to get heard on the end of low powered valve amplification - I wonder if this is what they do best?

No reviews of any Audio Note speakers on WHF - and barely a mention on any of the other forums / publications, I wonder why?

anyway - we don't all have to follow the crowd, so I may well track some down.......

Mond

 

[nopiano]

They generally do tend to get heard on the end of low powered valve amplification - I wonder if this is what they do best?

That's because AN specialise in same. They'd blow you out the room if you had a ss 100 watt amp! And they cost a fortune so you need to be very certain they are right for you!

 

[chebby]

... I may well track some down.......

Two and a half years later and 'Mond' has Audio-Note AN-Ks in his signature.

He was around about a month ago in another thread so i'd like to ask him about those Ks. (I have just entered the Audio-Note fold with some AX-2s and would like to think about my next upgrade (even if might be a few years off).

 

[Rethep]

On the internet you can find several stories/reviews about AN E/J/K speakers as well as their amps. I never heard them but in a way they have something right about them, i read. Best to demo them because they seem to have a sound of their own. very little damping material used inside (the 'box' is used like the body of a cello), which give them high efficiency, a direct, honest, but a bit coloured sound which you can get easily used to. They are not especially designed to sound with tubes but the high efficiency makes them a very good match with tube-amps which sound 'honest' too i.m.o.!

You can google for yourself on "audio note an-k review" for some notes about them.