Audio Note Soro from 97, still current?

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

I've been very curious about the AN speakers too, but I just purchased a pair of JMR Trentes and with around 80 hours on them and poor setup I love them! These are a real find. I have a pair of the Magic Stands on the way too. I wonder how the JMR and AN speakers compare.

Phil,

I have mine on Audiopoints. I actually have them under everything, including the battery power supply for the Teres! I also use Stardamp to control cover resonance. The cover is kinda flimsy, probably my only gripe about the Soro.

I've never heard the JMR's, so I can't compare them. But I have heard good things about them.

BTW, if you don't have the manual, email Peter Q and he'll drop one in the mail for you. Great guys, and he actualy answers all of my stupid emails!

As far as tubes go, be careful where you buy. Some places are EXTREMELY expensive. Deals happen on ebay, but here on the 'gon is probably the best place. At least you have a better chance of getting quality tubes from an audiophile.

Feel free to email anytime.

Joe