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

At the recent Capital Audiofest, Vu set up Audio Note room at their behest.  His store is extraordinarily interesting—all of the gear (except trade-ins) is tube-based, and some of it is the store’s own build or items built in collaboration with a builder in Italy who specializes in Western Electric rebuilds and reproductions.  I’ve been there and witnessed numerous shoppers experience an audio revelation from hearing properly set up Audi Note gear.  An even more profound shock awaits those who hear the Deja Vu-built custom horn speaker systems that utilize vintage drivers or reproductions of vintage drivers.  This place must be experienced by anyone who can get to the DC area.

Here's a question in regards to markhh2's comment: If the Oto is the bomb (which I do not disagree with. I've heard the same comment from another source) for matching with K's, would Manley Mahi's be worthy of consideration? Both have the same power tubes (EL 84). Oto is 10W SET, Hahi is configurable to triode mode at 20W. So what's more important in considering amp/speaker matching? Type of power tube or configuration? Is there a concern regarding distortion at 20W? Any and all thoughts on this are welcome.

I have not heard a direct comparison between the two (although I’ve heard both), and either would make a fine choice.  The Oto is a terrific sounding amp that works well with any reasonably efficient speakers.  Of course it works well with the AN-K.

i would expect a lot of other tube amps would sound fine too.  I am partial to 6L6 or KT 66 amps.  I particularly like the Synthesis A40 (60 wpc KT 66 amp), which comes with a good built in DAC and remote control (a big plus to me).

several years ago I built an Audio Note L1 EL84 pp kit amp for a friend and was most impressed with the outcome. They now have a V2 listed with Mundorf silver/gold coupling caps for $1,100. This is a steal.

I can honestly say that this would likely demolish anything you are going to find at anything near the price point for driving the K’s (I own a pair of Snell K’s on which the AN’s were based). There is a level 4 version for $2,650, $2850-$3,100 with phono. But the base model sounds simply wonderful and will rock da house if need be. Into K’s it’s not second rate wrt SET’s (I build them) and gives very good account at low vols. It’s swings and roundabouts really.

If you can find a friend who is handy with a soldering iron I would say this is definitely the way to go for the lower price range. If you have a larger budget, then obviously I would advise you to broaden your search, but still not discount the L1.

Thanks Pesky. I've soldered before and installed a new audio system in the wife's '91 Miata two summers ago. So something to definitely consider.  -Scott