From Audio Note AN/J-D to where?

Thank you for some intelligent reflections Decooney. 

I was quite impressed with Oto Phono SE Signature which I find as an attractive and affordable amplifier. I also like Audio Note products but for me it seems that after level 3, the prices reaches astronomical heights. I'm very well aware that the costs of running a production line of that size, using high quality components (silver) and constantly developing and researching new ideas, but it appears that a lot of smaller producers, Yamamoto Sound Craft, are building exceptional amplifiers that are more budget-friendly. Even though they are different brands I would suggest that they have a similar approach to audio reproduction.

I would also suggest that a single-ended amplifier from Yamamoto using VT-52 with point-to-point wiring, no negative feedback and an approach to the most simple and circuit would cost a lot more if it had Audio Notes logo on it. The same goes with speakers. 

I'm not sure if it's reasonable to compare these two brands, so I would rather claim that they have produce have high quality amplifiers. 

In terms of speakers I'm quite confident with the AN-E/SPe HE. It is an easy and quite safe choice, but before deciding I'm trying to see if there are options that I oversee: open baffle systems, field coil (I've heard one should consider this carefully since it's a complex system), horn speakers etc. 

There are many who think that AN is the end-game, and the best one can do is change components within that line.

There’s another possibility -- you’re bored and want to experience variety.

I’ve noticed that there are different "schools" of thought in high-fidelity audio....I find inspiration in Japanese audiophiles and their horn-loaded systems powered by tube amplifiers, as well as in open baffle systems, field coil drivers, and AlNiCo-based designs.... I also like Audio Note products but for me it seems that after level 3, the prices reaches astronomical heights.

There are many paths to great sound. Those paths are different. The question you have to answer is,

"Do I want something with the same character & somewhat better OR Do I want a new experience?"

A lot of people on this forum talk about "end-game" gear. I don't like that concept. It's too convergent, too conservative.

My appreciation of audio is the same kind I have with painting, music, and theater:  I don’t just want "better," I also want "different."

apollinaire I will say this stepping up from the AN-J/D to say an AN-J/lx, my current speakers, would render a significant improvement as I am pretty sure the D series doesn't use Birch ply cabinets but standard particle board. To me it's those lively sounding bitch cabinets that add a lot to the speakers quickness and overall live sound. So yes the AN-E/Spe would be quite the significant upgrade for you.

As far as electronics go sure AN gear can be pricey but so are a lot of other brands. Integrateds like the Oto and Soro sound so good they really are enough for many users. That said I've not used AN amps to drive my speakers, currently using a pair of Wright Sound Co 2a3 monoblocks which are excellent in my small room.

One thing sensitivity does is offer you a ton of flexibility in choosing an amplifier. The only other of the speakers you mention that I've heard would be Shindo the big field coils are amazing but very $$ and require a fairly large room. Good luck in your search and have fun with it!

@apollinaire after level 3, the prices reaches astronomical heights.

Totally agree, and understand - to the point I don’t own those next level amps myself, yet I look at them and listen to them each time I go to my local dealer. Oto, Soro, others there too as mentioned above. There are some 211 mono amps and one integrated by AN I’d love to own, yet just don’t see my self splurging that much and so to your point, what else. There is just an undeniable synergy around what Peter offers though.  

In addition to AN, my local dealer offers some of the next-level down cost options starting with Quicksilver Audio. Myself and many friends own them, and we upgrade caps and tubes to get to the best sound we can. I’ve heard your speakers and others on the lower cost Quicksilver Mid Monos there too, a nice little pair of EL34 amps on the AN speakers. My other audio buddy has owned some of the nice Shindo gear, and we met growing up owning many of Dennis Had’s amplifiers from Cary and later years of Inspire by Dennis Had amps, so I totally get the ideas of exploration.Those can be fun and affordable to. Enjoy the music!

First of all I do really appreciate Audio Note products and there are no doubts, that they are a leading enterprise in the audio industry. I'm very amazed by how much effort they put into producing every single component themselves. The output transformers are astonishing. However, with this post I'm trying to nuance my understanding a bit and would be pleased if someone would elaborate on open baffle systems versus Audio Note AN-E SPe/HE for instance.