Audio Note Soro from 97, still current?

Basically, the OTO uses the EL34 tube which many people like. I adored my P2SE with the 6L6 tubes and the extra power (17 watts vs 10 for the OTO) was appreciated when powering medium efficiency speakers such as the Spendor SP 2/3 or low efficiency such as Spendor LS3/5A. I used both speakers with the Soro and it sounded very good. I upgraded from the Soro to a 300b SET Conqueror amplifier.

I think I should have kept the Soro; miss the extra power.

I too have heard recently that the Oto may have better sound than the Soro but I did need the extra watts as my speakers are 88db effecient. The Oto is reportedly cleaner with less grundge. I think the Soro will be so good I do not care at this point.

BTW Peter Q confirmed the slight hum is normal, so all systems go and my Soro is on the way as we 'speak'

Phil,

I like the Soro SE Phono much better than the Oto. I use Tungsol 5881 (4), Ken Rad VT229 (2), Tesla ECC803 gold pins (4), Bugle Boy 6dj8 (1), And 2 12au7's, but I can't remember what I have in it now.

The phono stage is excellent for MM cartridges. Before I got my Supratek Syrah, I used both a K&K stepup, and a Tom Evans Microgroove to match it to my Denon 103r. The Tesla's really made a difference in the phono stage. For the money, I think it is the best integrated with phono out there.

I paid a grand for a later one owner unit. I considered it a steal, but they seem to be going for about $1200, or a little less. I do feel it is worth the 4k new price tag!

The only way mine will go is if a higher level AN product replaces it. Now that I have the Syrah, I want to go AN monos one day. I should have bought Carl's Conquest when he had it for sale.

If you want to greatly improve the Soro's sound, get some AN speakers and cables. I have the AZ3's, and they sound much better with the Soro than a 4k pair I also have. Could be one of the best $1500 speakers out there. Also, the AN Lexus speaker cables give quite a bang for the buck.

Joe

Joe

Thank you very much for the info.

I have a Grado Sonata (4.5mv) and look forward to a glorious midrange sound and hopefully not too much bass which I had with my old set-up which was a Plinius SA100 MKIII and Quad 99 pre. I should have known I could not go back to SS :)

I wonder how I would like the Audio Note speakers compared to my JM Reynaud Trentes and JMR wire, which I love. I have a feeling any speaker that is high effeciency like AN (94db) would naturally have a nice dynamic quality that goes beyond a simple watts vs speaker rating equation. Dynamic range is something I think most stereos are sorely lacking. Maybe someday I will find out.

And of course I will be on the lookout for some quality tubes as the unit I am buying has older ones in it.

BTW $1200 is a steal for a newer Soro. I have never seen one that low and am happy to have bought the older (6L6) model for $1300.

All the best and I may email in the future for info regarding where you bought some tubes etc.

Phil

BTW guys, do any of you use something under your Soro to control resonences? All I have is Vibrapods and may be open to buying cones. Also I do have a VenHaus PC to use and hope it works.

thanks...

Phil