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Audio Note Power Amps

Hi guys, looking for some advice on my search for an SET amp.

 

I currently have a Supratek DHT pre which is connected to a First Watt SIT-2. I listen to mainly vocals, acoustics, orchestral and small ensemble kind of music. Rock, heavy metal type of music aren’t my cup of tea.

 

My current system sounds really good but I’m looking to add an SET power amp to my system to try a different flavour and to see whether I would like to keep the SIT-2 or the SET amp or maybe even both.

 

I am currently looking at the Yamamoto A-03S and some Audio Note power amps. I mentioned to a friend, who deals in high-end used equipment, that I’m looking for an Audio Note power-amp to mate with my Supratek and he straight out told me that based on his experience with a myriad of AN equipment, if I’m getting an AN power-amp then I should pair it with an AN pre or just get an AN integrated and that AN equipment doesn’t mix well with other brands.

 

Anyone here can advice whether the above statement hold any water? Not that I don’t believe my friend but I would like to hear from those in the community more experienced with AN equipment whether his statement is accurate in any way, which will help me decide how I proceed.

 

Thanks

 

wenhaw
rocray's avatar
rocray
1,448 posts
 

I would think as long as there isn’t an impedance mismatch,there shouldn’t be a problem.  However,I have never heard the equipment in question,so it’s purely speculation.   You have some nice gear,by the way. 

larryi
4,188 posts
 

I have an Audio Note Kageki amp that I’ve used with a number of other brands of linestages with good result.  The idea of insisting an all Audio Note probably comes from the fact that they make almost every kind of component, so one can do it.  There is also a bit of a cult surrounding this brand that promotes this idea.

Still, I like their integrated amps, so that would not be a bad way to go. I am not that familiar with their integrated SET amps.  I have heard the Tonemeister, but, it was not a favorite of mine.

 

 

antigrunge2
1,463 posts
 

Get a Wavac and never look back

decooney
2,308 posts
 

 

@wenhaw "he straight out told me that based on his experience with a myriad of AN equipment, if I’m getting an AN power-amp then I should pair it with an AN pre or just get an AN integrated and that AN equipment doesn’t mix well with other brands."

yeah, your friend is trying to save you a couple years of time. He’s been there done that. Once you get the AN amp(s) and listen for a while, the next realization phase that unfolds is getting the AN preamp. It does not discount your current gear, yet there is a synergy between all AN gear by design. That’s where the last bit of magical-musical sound comes from. It can be pure bliss with hours listening when its set up and matched properly.

My dealer friend sells AN, one of the longest carrying dealers in the US. Been in business 56 years. I’ve heard it there (salivating) many times over the past two decades, watching people come back, all giddy, buying the rest of the matching stuff. The sound can be intoxicating when its all matching. You’ll get there one way or another if you buy the AN amp. Shortest distance between two points is a straight line. ;) Best of luck on that. Staying away from the store is how I deal with it .

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