I originally had an all SS system comprised of Revel Gems, BAT vk-40 preamp, Rowland 201 monoblocks, and an XA9000ES sacd player. It did the "audiophile" thing very well...imaged and staged like crazy, detail was everywhere, etc. But something just wasn't right, I felt. So I decided to completely overhaul my system and went with a 300b tube-based system, and suffice it to say, I have NEVER been happier. I'm done for a looong time.
Your speakers are gorgeous. I have the Kit 3s with the Audio Note Kits birch cabs (VERY nice) which I've been thinking about finishing. However, I surely could not do nearly as good a job as this. Did he build your cabs or just finish them? Thanks.
System edited: My speakers had an unfortunate encounter with my housekeeper and thus needed a refinishing... I decided to go with mahogany crotch veneer, hand-rubbed to a high gloss. I'm ecstatic with how well they turned out :D! My cabinetbuilder, Mitch from middlebranchfurniture.com, does absolutely top notch work and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him to anyone. :)
Hi Nnicot Nice system,and top respect for building the speakers. They look as good or better than factory units! I have an all AN system except the speakers. AN CD Zero trans, AN DAC 1.1 kit with many tweaks, M3 UK product, Conquest mono blocks high gain into Zingali Overture 2s latest model. Like you I love the sound. It feels so organic, real, enjoyable, no SS grit or fatique. I find I run it louder than my old SS set up, and listen to it more often. What tubes are you running, and how much life are you getting? I use TJ solid mesh globes (big bottle shape) which seem reliable so far, and beefy clean sound. My system could go further, with upgrades on the Conquests, BGs and Tants, better tubes than the philips 5U4G and the 6SN7's. Plus silver speaker cable. I use solid (very thick copper solid core). Budgets are tight so can't go too mad.
I am considering a REL sub to integrate with the Zingalis. They are not bass shy, but below 40 hz there is not much energy. I used to get a lot of low grunt with my SS and the big kefs. Ok, I am in another league for quality and realism. If it don't work I can sell it. Peter Q reckons the next step for the Conquests would be upgrading the tranformers, but that is serious cash!
Glad to see another AN enthusiast enjoying the experience.
I've just seen your and Glory's AN systems and what can one say? I'm sure this must be one of the most satisfying systems one can have...
If ever I can, I will try the AN speakers out but for a while I will have to stay with the original Snells. I have a pair of original Ks and will as soon as possible up-grade to a pair of EIIs. As you describe the AN, its as if they have what I am missing in my Ks. I'm therefore a bit curious to know if you've ever heard/compared the AN-Es with the Snell EIIs.
Really nice system!! I am in the middle of building an all lever 3 system myself. So far I have a pair of conquests with the WE 300B's and the factory AN-E Lexus speakers. I am using AN Lexus LX speaker wire and have 2 sets of 1M AN-Vx interconnects. My next purchase will be an M3 Phono Preamp followed by a CDT-2 and a 3.1 sig combo. Then I will finally be finished. I know what you mean about the sound. I have had a lot of high end gear over the years but none of it ever got the tonality just right. The AN stuff does everything quite well and I am not even finished building the system yet.
System edited: Per the advice of a friend, I rearranged the rig to the long wall, while leaving the TV where it is but pushed further back. This has increased the focus of the system dramatically...and has taken the sound to a whole new "level"....!
Hi Doug, the Eggleston Fontaines were excellent speakers tonally. I have yet to hear solo piano reproduced in a more convincing fashion. Where it fell short was the bass (as expected). I actually still own the pair but left it at home in LA while I am at school in New York. :)
The Revel Gems did a number of things very well...as I mentioned, they soundstaged like nobody's business. The staging was very wide and deep, but I felt that they lacked emotional delivery. They certainly were pretty speakers though. :)
And finally, the audio note... every note is reproduced with a fullness and richness that it's definitely VERY hard to listen to anything else after you get hooked on that sound. It's full without being thick, and rich without being overly sweet. I really hope I'm not tempted to move up the Audio Note chain anytime soon, because my wallet cannot take it! :)
I hear you about the "organic" nature of the AN sound. It's what caught me first about their dacs, and then the kit1. Just got a pair of Cain & Cain single BEN speakers. Still getting used to having high eff since I came from Martin Logans--quite a change! Actually, there are similarities in speed, but the resolution the AN gear is capable of was totally masked by the logans. The BENs don't do bass below about 50Hz with any authority. I do have them about 6' off the wall, so that doesn't help the low end, but their bass is quite different from non-high eff bass. Supplementing them with an ACI Titan sub. The sub does alot for the heft and tunefulness of the low end.
Anyway, I was considering the kit3 seriously before deciding on the BENs. If I do get a pair I'd like to be in touch again for your cabinet maker's info. Again, they are really special looking!
Not to hijack your thread, but can you describe some of the differences from your other speakers? Haven't spent much time with AN speakers, but I'd like to and your insights are appreciated.
Hi Doug, thanks! The speakers were built by a friend of mine, Mitch Despaw, of Middle Branch Furniture, located in upstate New York. He really does some EXCELLENT work (for instance, there are over 15 coats of lacquer on my cabinets alone). If you like I can send you some contact info if you're interested. :)
Before the Gems, I owned the Eggleston Fontaines. I've also been to numerous shows, dealerships, and although i was "wowed" many times by the performance of certain speakers, none of them seem to convey the emotion and "organic"-ness of these Audio Note products. The AN's just simply deliver easy-to-listen-to, room-filling sound that's full and palpable. I don't think you will be disappointed if you decide to go with the kit 03's. :) What speakers are you using now?
Fantastic! The finish on your kit3 is stunning. Did you build them yourself, and finsh them as well? I built the kti1 amp and have given the kit3 speakers serious consideration. Have you had the chance to compare them to something other than the Gems?
Going to give the Audio Magic filters a try based on a recommendation from a friend and seeing your rig. Planning to use on my Dac2.1sig.
