Audio Note is Europe's largest and prestigious manufacturer of ultra performance valve based home audio systems.

Audio Note is a distinguished European manufacturer renowned for its high-end, valve-based home audio systems. Founded in the United Kingdom, Audio Note is celebrated for its dedication to producing some of the finest audio equipment in the world, emphasizing quality craftsmanship and superior sound.

History

1980s: Audio Note was established by Hiroyasu Kondo in Japan under the name Kondo Audio Note. The brand quickly gained a reputation for its meticulous attention to detail and the superior sound quality of its products, particularly its valve (tube) amplifiers.

1991: Peter Qvortrup, who had been distributing Kondo's products in Europe, established Audio Note UK. The UK branch aimed to expand on Kondo's principles and cater to the European market, producing equipment that adheres to the highest standards of audio fidelity.

1997: Due to differing business philosophies, Kondo and Qvortrup parted ways. Audio Note UK continued to develop and innovate independently, while Kondo continued his work in Japan under Kondo Audio Note.

2000s: Audio Note UK expanded its product range significantly, producing not only amplifiers but also speakers, digital-to-analog converters (DACs), turntables, and various other high-fidelity components. The company focused on creating a full ecosystem of audio products designed to work together for optimal sound quality.

Notable Equipment

Amplifiers:

• Ongaku: Perhaps the most famous amplifier from Audio Note, the Ongaku is a single-ended triode (SET) amplifier that uses 211 output tubes. It is renowned for its extraordinary build quality and exceptional sound, often cited as one of the best amplifiers ever made.
• Kondo M77 Pre-amplifier: A legendary pre-amplifier known for its exquisite sonic performance and craftsmanship.
• Jinro: Another highly regarded SET amplifier using 211 tubes, offering a more affordable alternative to the Ongaku without sacrificing much in terms of performance.

Speakers:

• AN-E: A highly respected speaker model known for its efficiency and ability to produce a large, natural soundstage. The AN-E is available in various configurations, including different cabinet materials and internal components to suit different preferences and budgets.
• AN-K and AN-J: Smaller siblings to the AN-E, these speakers share the same design philosophy and are also highly regarded for their sound quality and efficiency.

Digital Equipment:

• DAC 5 Special: A digital-to-analog converter that exemplifies Audio Note's commitment to high-quality digital playback. It uses a combination of tube and solid-state technologies to achieve outstanding audio performance.
• CD 4.1x: A high-end CD player that integrates Audio Note's DAC technology, offering superb playback of CDs with the brand's characteristic musicality.

Turntables:

• TT-3: A turntable designed to deliver the highest level of analog playback performance. It is built with precision and attention to detail, ensuring that vinyl records are reproduced with exceptional clarity and depth.

Other Components:

• SUT (Step-Up Transformers): Audio Note produces a range of step-up transformers designed to work with moving coil (MC) phono cartridges, providing the necessary gain to use these cartridges with standard phono inputs.
• Cables and Accessories: Audio Note also manufactures high-quality cables and various audio accessories, all designed to enhance the performance of their audio systems.

Innovations

Audio Note is dedicated to preserving and advancing the art of high-fidelity sound reproduction. The company is known for its use of high-quality materials, such as silver wiring, custom-made capacitors, and transformers. Audio Note’s products often feature hand-wired circuits and meticulous craftsmanship, ensuring the best possible audio performance.

The brand's commitment to valve (tube) technology is a cornerstone of its design philosophy. Valve amplifiers are prized for their warm, natural sound, and Audio Note's expertise in this area has made it a leader in the field.

Audio Note's approach is characterized by a belief in the importance of a holistic system design. The company's products are designed to work synergistically, creating an audio system where each component complements the others. This philosophy ensures that an Audio Note system delivers a cohesive and immersive listening experience.

Audio Note stands out as a beacon of excellence in the high-end audio industry, revered for its commitment to quality, innovation, and the timeless appeal of valve-based audio systems. For audiophiles seeking the pinnacle of sound reproduction, Audio Note remains a benchmark of excellence.