Audio Note Spkrs

To Rbrowne: my system consists of the following components: PrimaLuna Prologue8 CD player, Cary SLP98 pre-amp, Carver M1.5T amp, Thiel CS 2 2 spkrs. Interconnects: Harmonic Tech ProSilway MkIII, spkrs cables: Cardas Golden Ref (1.5meters.) I love the sound of my system but I know it could be better. At this time, I'd like to replace my amp and my speakers because I want to go with SET amps. SETs will not drive my 86db efficent Thiels...at least not satisfactorily. Question: do you have an opinion about the AN-E kits and the kit amps? Thanks. Michael

Ahmet1969...thanks for your response. I appreciate your mentioning that your front end components are not Audio Note. Did you go the kit route or purchase the Audio spkr from a dealer? Thanks. Michael

I really like A.N. a lot. I know several designers of A.N. gear. One of my best audiophile friends has a complete ultra high-end set up in a dedicated room with about 5-6K LP's and no windows. His A.N. system makes wonderful music. We tried his entire system in my ultra modern CA home (an Eichler) , lots of windows and totally open interiors, and it did not sound nearly as good (I'm being kind). My guess is that I have a lousy house for A.N. design center. So your room situation makes a lot of difference even with spectacularly great gear.

They are wonderful speakers.

Mdeblanc,

It is not a kit, I bought it from a dealer. Another thing you must be aware is that the speakers really need to burn to sound their best. So any comment before 500 hours is premature. What is funny the a/b test with the other speakers were done on brand new speakers. About the amplificarion, till now I drove them with three different amp, antique sound, an e otto integrated, an e quest monoblocks and tom evans lineer a, all produced very good results, but at the end I chose to keep my antique sounds (maybe again because the an amps i tried were not burned properly, that is burn in is a major issue with an than I know any other brand) But the main point is I see and experience no reason why they should not sound good with quality components.

Ahmet, Did you purchase online? If so, from who? I'm in ATL and there aren't any local dealers.