How do I know that this is a valid statement? Because I have owned these amplifiers and compared them in my reference system. However, they all have a very similar sound signature. All great amplifiers, you get more power, if needed, as you move to the next level. Unless you need more current/watts because of a problematic speaker load to drive, a Pass Labs XA-30.8 amplifier’s overall sound presentation, it’s a great amplifier, will be approximately the same as a pair of XA-60.8 or XA-100.8 monoblocks. Here’s the illustration to make clear the difference between how Audio Note’s (UK) different levels add on “then transcends” compared to Pass Labs’ “quantitative” addition when you go up their line of amplifiers. I have owned and reviewed over a dozen high-end audio components from the abovementioned companies. I consider Nelson Pass a genius of solid-state gear, and historically his Threshold, Pass Labs, and First Watt enterprises have always brought great equipment to the market. Let me give you a concrete illustration of this special and qualitative shift found in the different levels of Audio Note (UK), compared to the quantitative shift produced by other companies. In his overall model of constructs, called Holarchy, Wilber explains how we go from a more primitive/concrete viewpoint to a more accurate/abstract understanding by the process of “all-inclusive and then transcends.” My listening experience with Audio Note’s (UK) different levels of gear, with a total of seven levels, follows this path to higher and higher levels of musical complexity and purity. One of my favorite philosophers of understanding the structure and development of human knowledge is Ken Wilber. An example would be their hand-wound transformers which can use either unique copper or silver wiring to affect the overall sound of that piece of equipment. This is often done by replacing critical internal components (manufactured in-house) while keeping the circuitry the same. Still, this relatively inexpensive Audio Note (UK) system was charming them to a higher musical level of enjoyment.Īs I stated in my StereoTimes review on the Audio Note (UK) DAC 3.1 Balanced MKII (here), Peter Qvortrup is an iconoclastic designer who, along with his design teammates of Darko Greguras & Andy Grove, use their collective abilities to hear what music sounds like in a natural context and then take straight forward design topographies and over the years, like a group of Zen Masters, hone these designs to higher levels of musicality. All three loved what they heard, but you could see them struggling because their gear was much more expensive and, based on specs, measured better. I’m so happy that I did because now I listen to the music, not the system.” “It’s hard to put into words, but I just enjoy the music at a higher level through the Audio Note gear.” Recently, there was a YouTube video of three hardcore audiophiles who each had spent time with the Audio Note (UK) Cobra integrated amp with a built-in DAC and a pair of Audio Note (UK) speakers. You can start with an all-Audio Note (UK) system that retails for around $10,000 and work your way up to the ultimate reference level for over two million dollars! In the last few years, I have talked to numerous listeners who explain the Audio Note (UK) presentation of music as “natural, the anti-thesis of an analytical Hi-Fi sound.” “Engaging, it brings you closer to the heart of the music.” “Makes other systems sound like a mechanical reproduction of the music.” “Voices just sound more real to me.” “I replaced my system, which cost over $70K with an Audio Note system that cost under $20,000. However, I first want to make some general remarks about the Audio Note (UK) Company and its creator Peter Qvortrup and his design group that has led me to believe that Audio Note (UK) and its products have a very special status in the high-end audio world.Īudio Note (UK) is one of the few companies that designs and builds (in-house) every component, including sources (analog or digital), all wiring for power cables/IC connectors/speaker cables, preamps, integrated amps, single-chassis or monoblock amplifiers, and speakers in their product line. Later in the review, I will share the particularities of how the Audio Note (UK) DAC 4.1x Balanced Signature, which retails for $37,700, rendered the most exquisite musical experience I have ever achieved in my reference system. Audio Note (UK) DAC 4.1x Balanced Signature by Terry London
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