Pre-Amplifiers
Audio Note Valve Pre-Amplifiers & Phonostages are widely regarded as some of the highest quality home audio equipment available today.
Since we introduced the original M3 pre-amplifier in 1996, based on circuitry developed 1994/95. The M3 and its derivatives have proved quite a success, year on year they have consistently won “Pre-Amplifier of the Year” by Hi-Fi Review in HK starting in 2001 and pretty much every year since then.
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BROWSE MODELS
The M3 Pre-Amplifier Family
The M3 pre-amplifier family were technically the most advanced (and strangely enough, at the same time quite backward looking) line of high quality valve pre-amplifier available, with its dual mono double choke valve rectified power supplies, optimised output transformers and powerful high gain line stage, it will remain the standard in pre-amplifier topology for years to come and as a result is already widely copied, but our quest for improvement does not stand still, and when our research and development reached its current pinnacle with the patented M10 Galahad power supply, Andy and I decided that it was time to seek to improve the M3 – M8 pre-amplifier’s power supply in line with what we had learned from developing the M10, so in very late 2003 (actually product only really shipped in January 2004) the “Mini”-Galahad supply was born and implemented into the M3, M5, M6 and M8 pre-amplifiers and development work on the M9 started.
The new M3 – M8 supply incorporates what is essentially a simplified M10 configuration where we rather than using the old input choke arrangement, which has now proven to be somewhat dynamically restricting we have a feed-forward supply with a rectifier (the usual trusty 6X5), regulator (ECL82/6BM8) and a voltage stabilizer (OB2) an arrangement that needs much less filtering capacitance and results in a supply that traces the signal stages requirements far more closely than anything else, the result is quite spectacular!
As a result of the greatly increased cost of the above power supply and the fact that Black Gate™ finally decided to call it a day and stop production, we had to “re-jig” the specification of each product to ensure it stayed within the appropriate voicing and off course cost frame. This involved redesigning the output transformers to allow us using newly developed HiB materials, a revised line stage where we changed the first stage valve from the standard 5687WB to an ECC82 type (many versions available here, for example 12AU7, 7316, 5814a, 6189w, 5963, E82CC, CV491 an many others) to reduce the sound of repeating the same valve and circuit coupling in subsequent stages and modified the second stage line valve to either a 5687, 7044 or 6463 depending on the balance we felt appropriate.
A further revision proved necessary in late 2007 when we finally ran out of our stock of Noble volume and balance controls which Noble had stopped making in 1997 (yes we held enough stock to bridge production for 10 years, we do the same with most key Black Gate™ values and 2 watt Audio Note™ tants! It is a key part of our long term commitment to maintain products unchanged for as long as possible), so we had time to prepare for this, and a further revision of the M3 – M8 was instigated which involved removing the tape loop and balance control and replacing it with two handmade Audio Note™ attenuators using ½ watt Audio Note™ tants, another very significant sonic improvement, the new M3 – M8 now had 3 control knobs rather than 4.
A short general comment on how we “build a better sonic level”!
All Audio Note™ products are placed into levels in a level system which is designed to help customers and dealers build an appropriately sounding Audio Note system, we go to great lengths to ensure that whatever level a product is placed in it has a complementary and synergistic influence on the system sound and represents good value for money in this regard, this is how we design and build our products and our business model is based on offering a very wide product range, end to end and bottom to top, all of which have the same aim, and are designed to ever greater levels of ability to contrast dynamics, timbre and recording quality, see “Are You on the Road to Audio Hell” for further information on our evaluation priorities and system, the three As, Accuracy, Authenticity and Authority to the original recording govern everything we do, rather the misunderstood notion of what ought to be “there”, wishful thinking at best and at worst preventing you from hearing the best of what the artists and their art can provide.
To achieve the improvements available in each level we first design a circuit that is as un-contaminating as possible, inter stage behaviour is calculated with great care, this is an absolute precondition for the component quality to be able to make enough of a difference to be heard clearly, we then apply the standard Audio Note™ procedure of upgrading the parts quality level by level in order to improve and refine the sound. The first step in this direction is presented in the M5, followed by the M6 and finally the M8 pre-amplifier, making up what we call the M3-pre-amplifier family all of whom share the same circuit topology across the range.
Above the M3-M8 family you will find a couple of super quality valve pre-amplifiers the M9Phono and M10Line (phono version is still in development, in these pre-amplifiers we will take the power supply design, valve choice, materials, circuits and component quality to new heights with a price to match, as anyone who has heard them can testify to!
Pre 2003 Specification
The above is a demonstration of how our philosophy of developing the best possible circuit and power supply provides a great platform for creating substantial and in many cases almost shocking improvements in sound quality by raising the component and material quality to ever higher levels.
Consider how many other audio manufacturers master the understanding of component and material quality to this degree. This comparison is easily done and is also an instant measure of the seriousness of any audio manufacturer. Just check if their specification includes anything like the above array of truly specialised audio parts and materials displayed above and then ask your self. Why are there no low noise precision thick film tantalum resistors, Black Gate™, Silmic or Cerafine capacitors, in house designed and hand-made copper or silver foil signal capacitors, 99.99% cold drawn silver wire or specially heat treated thin laminate HiB and nickel C-core transformers in the vast majority of our competitors products?
I credit most of you with the intelligence to answer that question, so answers on a postcard please! The best answers will be credited with a meter of silver interconnect provided I can use it for my own devious ends!
Please consider the degree to which our very large and in depth stock of exotic parts and valves, represents an investment that requires not just money, but also a combination of faith in the pursuit of absolute sonic quality combined with a very considerable and highly developed technological know how and a very sophisticated aesthetic. But more than anything it requires courage and true commitment to excellence, disregarding, despite their importance, commercial considerations as the only guide to success, they really do come second in Audio Note’s world, which is where they belong if we are to succeed in the pursuit to get better sound and greater beauty in reproduction of our favourite music so it does not just remain a pipe dream.
A Brief General Comment on the State of the High End Audio & the Slow Slide Towards Sonic Oblivion
Cost pressures prevail everywhere and elsewhere in the specialist audio industry, as in most other branches of consumer products, the relentless pursuit of ever-cheaper products to provide higher profits through lower and lower production costs continues unabated. This has lead to a technological development where measurement technologies have been “redesigned”, distorted and figures misrepresented in order to create the necessary “proof” that the reduction in cost did not result in a corresponding loss in “quality”. “We can make the same cheaper” is the unspoken slogan, which has resulted in products that superficially maintain the same standards of their predecessors but which in reality are substantially and demonstrably inferior, this is what callously passes as progress in most companies’ minds, but progress to where?
Add to this the fact that a pound spent on marketing and promotion seems to have proven to be much more effective at selling a product than a pound invested in better quality parts or better design. Seems is really the wrong word here, it is far more effective in persuading you to buy someone’s products.
Remember in this context that the money can only be spent once.
So if the money are invested in promotion and gimmicks and not put into the product in the form of quality parts, research & development or skilled labour the money have already gone by the time the box has been opened. Bear that in mind next time you pick up a glossy brochure, respond to a designer advert or admire a stunning finish or visual design. At the end of the day, if the product’s function and performance is not enhanced by the investment in finish or fancy literature and publicy then it will be worth less with time, because time is not only a strict but a heartless judge of quality and performance. Time favours performance quality rather than fashion, which is devalued quickly after the first admiring glance, which is why the best old audio products still command premium prices.
Audio Note™ aims to make tomorrow’s great classics today, a fact which is slowly establishing itself!
Gloss fades, performance shines, all given time, and sooner than you may think, just try to sell last years “hot” digital product for half or more than you paid for it, a bad decision that only becomes obvious when you come to sell it off course. But one which should be learnt from perhaps?
Over the past 30 years this process has been repeated so many times that it takes real ingenuity, effort, resolve and considerable historical knowledge and overview to reverse, which is something that most members of our convenience oriented culture are not prepared to invest any time in, so it is left to someone as fanatical about the beauty of really well performed and reproduced music as my team and myself to pursue this with uncompromising commitment and vigour!
Peter Qvortrup
May, 2009
R Zero/II
The R Zero/II Pre-Amplifier represents a new level in affordable yet high quality analogue reproduction.
Product details
Never before has a phonostage offered this level of sonic performance, innovative design and component quality at such an affordable price.
Sharing the same physical footprint as the rest of our new Zero range, it packs an incredible punch in its diminutive enclosure. Internally, it features a pair of 6112WA miniature dual triodes.
Technical Specifications
| VALVE COMPLEMENT | 2 x 6112WA |
| UNIT WEIGHT | 3 kg |
| UNIT DIMENSIONS | 96mm (h) x 300mm (w) x 270mm (d) |
| MAINS INPUT | AC 100-120V / 220-240V 50/60Hz |
| MAX. POWER CONSUMPTION | 48W |
| NOTE | Due to Audio Note (UK)’s ongoing research and development program, our valve pre-amplifier specifications are subject to change without notice. |
M1
Audio Note (UK) M1 Line Pre-Amplifier is a pure Class A, Zero Negative Feedback design, employing a single ECC82 dual triode valve.
Product details
It has been specifically engineered for sonic performance rather than technical specification, and offers an outstanding level of performance and value.
It fulfils all Audio Note (UK) Level 1 criteria: –
-
- Pure Class A operation
- Zero negative feedback
- Materials and component quality
The M1 Line and M1 Phono are phase inverting.
Technical Specifications
| INPUT IMPEDANCE | 100K Ohms – Line Level 47K Ohms – Phono |
| INPUT SENSITIVITY | 126mV for 1V Output |
| OUTPUT IMPEDANCE |
<10 Ohms |
| UNIT WEIGHT | 7 kg |
| UNIT DIMENSIONS | 140mm (h) x 295mm (w) x 450mm (d) |
| MAINS INPUT | AC 100-120V / 220-240V 50/60Hz |
| NOTE | Due to Audio Note (UK)’s ongoing research and development program, our valve pre-amplifier specifications are subject to change without notice. |
M2
The Audio Note (UK) M2 Pre-Amplifier has been specifically engineered for sonic performance rather than technical specification.
Product details
It fulfils all Audio Note (UK) Level 2 criteria: –
-
- Pure Class A operation
- Zero negative feedback
- Single Ended circuit topology
- Valve rectification
- Materials and component quality
The M2 Line and M2 Phone are phase inverting.
It is well known that the accurate reproduction of music, not just sound, requires the purity of the incoming signal to be preserved. It is therefore not difficult to conclude that, in order to achieve this goal and to retain the musicality of the original performance, the complexity of the circuitry itself must be kept to a minimum. In response to this, the M2 Pre Amplifier uses a single-ended, zero feedback circuit topology.
This is simply the most linear design possible, demanding pure Class A valve operation and removing the need for a phase splitter, which introduces unnecessary crossover distortion.
In contrast to the majority of the audio industry, we design our circuits with the aim of minimising non-harmonic and time base anomalies, rather than producing vanishingly small harmonic or low intermodulation distortion measurements. These non-harmonic amplitude and time base distortions have a highly perceptible and adverse affect on the signal waveform, and it is far more important to address these factors than participate in the increasingly irrelevant numbers game that chases “perfect measured response‟.
As a result, the M2 was designed for maximum linearity and minimum transient distortion, and avoids the need for detrimental „corrective‟ measures, such as inherently error-prone feedback loops.
The M2 Line Pre Amplifier features a 6SN7 line stage and a valve rectified power supply incorporating a 6X5 and an ECL82.
The M2 Phono Pre Amplifier features a 6SN7 line stage, an ECC83 and 6DJ8 Moving Magnet phono stage, and a valve rectified power supply incorporating a 6X5 and an ECL82.
The M2 RIAA phono stage features an ECC83 and 6DJ8 Moving Magnet phono stage, and a valve rectified power supply incorporating a 6X5 and an ECL82.
The M2 Line Balanced Pre Amplifier features a pair of 5814a valves for the line stage and a valve rectified power supply incorporating a 6X5 and an ECL82.
The M2 Phono Balanced Pre Amplifier features a pair of 5814a valves for the line stage, an ECC83 and 6DJ8 Moving Magnet phono stage, and a valve rectified power supply incorporating a 6X5 and an ECL82.
The Balanced versions have a correctly designed and implemented balanced output circuit, including a pair of copper / copper output transformers.
Technical Specifications
| INPUT IMPEDANCE | 100K Ohms – Line Level 47K Ohms – Phono |
| INPUT SENSITIVITY | 126mV for 1V Output |
| OUTPUT IMPEDANCE |
<10 Ohms |
| UNIT WEIGHT | 7 kg |
| UNIT DIMENSIONS | 140mm (h) x 295mm (w) x 450mm (d) |
| MAINS INPUT | AC 100-120V / 220-240V 50/60Hz |
| NOTE | Due to Audio Note (UK)’s ongoing research and development program, our valve pre-amplifier specifications are subject to change without notice. |
M3
The M3 Pre-Amplifier uses a single-ended, zero feedback circuit topology. This is simply the most linear design possible, demanding pure Class A valve operation and removing the need for a phase splitter, which introduces unnecessary crossover distortion.
Product details
The Audio Note (UK) M3 Line Pre Amplifier has been specifically engineered for sonic performance rather than technical specification, and fulfills all Audio Note (UK) Level 3 criteria: –
-
- Pure Class A operation
- Zero negative feedback
- Single Ended circuit topology
- Valve rectification
- Materials and component quality
It is well known that the accurate reproduction of music, not just sound, requires the purity of the incoming signal to be preserved. It is therefore not difficult to conclude that, in order to achieve this goal and to retain the musicality of the original performance, the complexity of the circuitry itself must be kept to a minimum. In response to this, the M3 Pre Amplifier uses a single-ended, zero feedback circuit topology. This is simply the most linear design possible, demanding pure Class A valve operation and removing the need for a phase splitter, which introduces unnecessary crossover distortion.
In contrast to the majority of the audio industry, we design our circuits with the aim of minimising non-harmonic and time base anomalies, rather than producing vanishingly small harmonic or low intermodulation distortion measurements. These non-harmonic amplitude and time base distortions have a highly perceptible and adverse affect on the signal waveform, and it is far more important to address these factors than participate in the increasingly irrelevant numbers game that chases “perfect measured response‟.
As a result, the M3 was designed for maximum linearity and minimum transient distortion, and avoids the need for detrimental “corrective‟ measures, such as inherently error-prone feedback loops.
Rather than using separate controls for volume and balance, the M3 is equipped with a dedicated Audio Note (UK) stepped attenuator for each channel. This not only brings the enormous improvements in sound quality expected from the now legendary Audio Note (UK) stepped attenuators, but also provides a level of channel balance accuracy that is impossible to achieve with conventional volume and balance potentiometers.
The M3 Line Pre Amplifier features an ECC82 and 5687WB line stage, powered by a 6X5 valve rectified power supply based on the M10‟s Galahad PSU. This power supply also features an ECL82 for voltage regulation and a 5651 for voltage stabilizer. Audio Note (UK) Copper wiring, a mix of Beyshlag and AN(UK) tantalum resistors, SILMIC capacitors and Audio Note (UK) copper foil signal capacitors are used throughout the circuit, along with in-house designed and manufactured, custom Audio Note (UK) output transformers which feature I-E M4 cores and copper windings. The M3 Line also has a correctly designed and implemented balanced output circuit.
The M3 Phono Pre Amplifier features an ECC82 and 5687WB line stage, powered by a 6X5 valve rectified power supply based on the M10‟s Galahad PSU. This power supply also features an ECL82 for voltage regulation and a 5651 for voltage stabilizer. Audio Note (UK) Copper wiring, a mix of Beyshlag and Audio Note (UK) tantalum resistors, SILMIC capacitors and Audio Note (UK) copper foil signal capacitors are used throughout the circuit, along with in-house designed and manufactured, custom Audio Note (UK) output transformers which feature I-E M4 cores and copper windings.
This version of the M3 Phono is also equipped with a pair of balanced / XLR inputs, connected to in-house designed and manufactured input transformers, offering the best possible connection for sources with correctly specified Balanced / XLR outputs. Output connections are provided by two pairs of Single Ended / RCA sockets and a single pair of correctly specified and implemented Balanced / XLR outputs.
Additionally, it incorporates an exceptionally fine Moving Magnet phonostage which uses three GE 5670 valves, Audio Note (UK) copper foil signal capacitors and its own dedicated, valve regulated and rectified power supply.
Technical Specifications
| INPUT IMPEDANCE | 100K Ohms – Line Level 47K Ohms – Phono |
| INPUT SENSITIVITY | 126mV for 1V Output |
| OUTPUT IMPEDANCE |
<10 Ohms |
| UNIT WEIGHT | 16 kg |
| UNIT DIMENSIONS | 140mm (h) x 295mm (w) x 450mm (d) |
| MAINS INPUT | AC 100-120V / 220-240V 50/60Hz |
| NOTE | Due to Audio Note (UK)’s ongoing research and development program, our valve pre-amplifier specifications are subject to change without notice. |
M5
The M5 Pre-Amplifier was designed for maximum linearity and minimum transient distortion, and avoids the need for detrimental “corrective‟ measures, such as inherently error-prone feedback loops.
Product details
The Audio Note (UK) M5 Pre Amplifier has been specifically engineered for sonic performance rather than technical specification, and fulfills all Audio Note (UK) Level 3 criteria: –
-
- Pure Class A operation
- Zero negative feedback
- Single Ended circuit topology
- Valve rectification
- Materials and component quality
It is well known that the accurate reproduction of music, not just sound, requires the purity of the incoming signal to be preserved. It is therefore not difficult to conclude that, in order to achieve this goal and to retain the musicality of the original performance, the complexity of the circuitry itself must be kept to a minimum. In response to this, the M5 Pre Amplifier uses a single-ended, zero feedback circuit topology. This is simply the most linear design possible, demanding pure Class A valve operation and removing the need for a phase splitter, which introduces unnecessary crossover distortion.
In contrast to the majority of the audio industry, we design our circuits with the aim of minimising non-harmonic and time base anomalies, rather than producing vanishingly small harmonic or low intermodulation distortion measurements. These non-harmonic amplitude and time base distortions have a highly perceptible and adverse affect on the signal waveform, and it is far more important to address these factors than participate in the increasingly irrelevant numbers game that chases “perfect measured response‟.
As a result, the M5 was designed for maximum linearity and minimum transient distortion, and avoids the need for detrimental “corrective‟ measures, such as inherently error-prone feedback loops.
Rather than using separate controls for volume and balance, the M5 Line is equipped with a dedicated Audio Note (UK) stepped attenuator for each channel. This not only brings the enormous improvements in sound quality expected from the now legendary Audio Note (UK) stepped attenuators, but also provides a level of channel balance accuracy that is impossible to achieve with conventional volume and balance potentiometers.
The M5 Pre Amplifier features an ECC82 and 7044 line stage, and uses a 6X5 valve rectified power supply based on the M10‟s Galahad PSU. This power supply also incorporates an ECL82 for voltage regulation and a 5651 as a voltage stabilizer. Audio Note (UK) Copper wiring, tantalum resistors, SILMIC filter capacitors and Audio Note (UK) copper foil signal capacitors are used throughout the circuit, along with in-house designed and manufactured, custom Audio Note (UK) output transformers which feature a HiB c-cores and copper windings. The M5 Linealso has a correctly designed and implemented balanced output circuit.
At the heart of the M5 RIAA is an exceptionally fine Moving Magnet phonostage which uses three GE 6072a / 12AY7 valves. This is followed by an ECC82 and 5687 line stage, and both sections are powered by their own dedicated 6X5 valve rectified power supply based on the M10‟s Galahad PSU. These power supplies also incorporate an ECL82 for voltage regulation and an OB2 as a voltage stabilizer. Audio Note (UK) Copper wiring, tantalum resistors, SILMIC capacitors and Audio Note (UK) copper foil signal capacitors are used throughout the circuit, along with inhouse designed and manufactured, custom Audio Note (UK) output transformers which feature IHiB double c-cores and copper windings. The M5 RIAA also has a correctly designed and implemented balanced output circuit.
Current models
-
- M5 Line
- M5 Line Balanced CD Input
- M5 Phono
- M5 Phono Balanced CD Input
- M5 RIAA
Available finishes
Fascia – Anodised Aluminium or Black Acrylic
Technical Specifications
| INPUT IMPEDANCE | 100K Ohms – Line Level 47K Ohms – Phono |
| INPUT SENSITIVITY | 126mV for 1V Output |
| OUTPUT IMPEDANCE |
<10 Ohms |
| UNIT WEIGHT | 16 kg each unit |
| UNIT DIMENSIONS | 140mm (h) x 440mm (w) x 410mm (d) |
| MAINS INPUT | AC 100-120V / 220-240V 50/60Hz |
| NOTE | Due to Audio Note (UK)’s ongoing research and development program, our valve pre-amplifier specifications are subject to change without notice. |
M6
The M6 Pre-Amplifier was designed for maximum linearity and minimum transient distortion, and avoids the need for detrimental “corrective‟ measures, such as inherently error-prone feedback loops.
Product details
The Audio Note (UK) M6 preamplifier has been specifically engineered for sonic performance rather than technical specification, and fulfils all Audio Note (UK) Level 4 criteria: –
-
- Pure Class A operation
- Zero negative feedback
- Single Ended circuit topology
- Valve rectification
- Materials and component quality
It is well known that the accurate reproduction of music, not just sound, requires the purity of the incoming signal to be preserved. It is therefore not difficult to conclude that, in order to achieve this goal and to retain the musicality of the original performance, the complexity of the circuitry itself must be kept to a minimum. In response to this, the M6 Line uses a single-ended, zero feedback circuit topology. This is simply the most linear design possible, demanding pure Class A valve operation and removing the need for a phase splitter, which introduces unnecessary crossover distortion.
In contrast to the majority of the audio industry, we design our circuits with the aim of minimising non-harmonic and time base anomalies, rather than producing vanishingly small harmonic or low intermodulation distortion measurements. These non-harmonic amplitude and time base distortions have a highly perceptible and adverse affect on the signal waveform, and it is far more important to address these factors than participate in the increasingly irrelevant numbers game that chases “perfect measured response‟.
As a result, the M6 was designed for maximum linearity and minimum transient distortion, and avoids the need for detrimental “corrective‟ measures, such as inherently error-prone feedback loops.
Rather than using separate controls for volume and balance, the M6 Line is equipped with a dedicated Audio Note (UK) stepped attenuator for each channel. This not only brings the enormous improvements in sound quality expected from the now legendary Audio Note (UK) stepped attenuators, but also provides a level of channel balance accuracy that is impossible to achieve with conventional volume and balance potentiometers.
The M6 Line Pre Amplifier features an ECC82 and 7044 line stage, and uses a 6X5 valve rectified power supply based on the M10‟s Galahad PSU. This power supply also incorporates an ECL82 for voltage regulation and a 5651 as a voltage stabiliser. Audio Note (UK) Silver wiring, tantalum resistors, SILMIC filter capacitors and Audio Note (UK) copper foil signal capacitors are used throughout the circuit, along with in-house designed and manufactured, custom Audio Note (UK) output transformers, which feature a UHiB c-core, copper primary and silver secondary. The M6 also has a correctly designed and implemented balanced output circuit.
The M6 Phono Pre Amplifier features a ECC82 and 7044 equipped line stage and uses a 6X5 valve rectified power supply based on the M10’s Galahad PSU. Audio Note (UK) Silver wiring, 1 Watt AN(UK) Tantalum resistors, SILMIC filter capacitors and Audio Note (UK) copper foil signal capacitors are used throughout the circuit, along with in-house designed and manufactured, custom Audio Note (UK) output transformers, which feature a UHiB c-core, copper primary and a silver secondary. The M6 also has a correctly designed and implemented balanced output circuit. Additionally, it incorporates an exceptionally fine Moving Magnet phonostage which uses three 5670 valves, Audio Note (UK) copper foil signal capacitors and pure silver wiring and its own dedicated, valve regulated and rectified power supply.
At the heart of the M6 RIAA is an exceptionally fine Moving Magnet phonostage which uses three 5670 valves. This is followed by a 7044 equipped line stage, and both sections are powered by their own dedicated 6X5 valve rectified power supply based on the M10‟s Galahad PSU. These power supplies also incorporate an ECL82 for voltage regulation and an 5651 as a voltage stabiliser. Audio Note (UK) Copper wiring, Audio Note (UK) 1 Watt Tantalum resistors, SILMIC capacitors and Audio Note (UK) copper foil signal capacitors are used throughout the circuit, along with inhouse designed and manufactured, custom Audio Note (UK) output transformers which feature UHiB double c-cores, copper windings for the primaries and Silver windings for the secondaries. The M6 RIAA also has a correctly designed and implemented balanced output circuit.
Available finishes
Fascia – Anodised Aluminium or Black Acrylic
Current models
-
- M6 Line
- M6 Line Balanced CD Input
- M6 Line Signature
- M6 Phono
- M6 Phono Balanced CD Input
- M6 RIAA
Technical Specifications
| INPUT IMPEDANCE | 100K Ohms – Line Level 47K Ohms – Phono |
| INPUT SENSITIVITY | 126mV for 1V Output |
| OUTPUT IMPEDANCE |
<10 Ohms |
| UNIT WEIGHT | 16 kg each unit |
| UNIT DIMENSIONS | 140mm (h) x 440mm (w) x 410mm (d) – PRE140mm (h) x 440mm (w) x 410mm (d) – PSU (if applicable) |
| MAINS INPUT | AC 100-120V / 220-240V 50/60Hz |
| NOTE | Due to Audio Note (UK)’s ongoing research and development program, our valve pre-amplifier specifications are subject to change without notice. |
M8
The M8 Line was designed for maximum linearity and minimum transient distortion, and avoids the need for detrimental “corrective‟ measures, such as inherently error-prone feedback loops.
Product details
The Audio Note (UK) M8 Pre Amplifier has been specifically engineered for sonic performance rather than technical specification, and fulfils all Audio Note (UK) Level 5 criteria: –
-
- Pure Class A operation
- Zero negative feedback
- Single Ended circuit topology
- Valve rectification
- Materials and component quality
It is well known that the accurate reproduction of music, not just sound, requires the purity of the incoming signal to be preserved. It is therefore not difficult to conclude that, in order to achieve this goal and to retain the musicality of the original performance, the complexity of the circuitry itself must be kept to a minimum. In response to this, the M8 Pre Amplifier uses a single-ended, zero feedback circuit topology. This is simply the most linear design possible, demanding pure Class A valve operation and removing the need for a phase splitter, which introduces unnecessary crossover distortion.
In contrast to the majority of the audio industry, we design our circuits with the aim of minimising non-harmonic and time base anomalies, rather than producing vanishingly small harmonic or low intermodulation distortion measurements. These non-harmonic amplitude and time base distortions have a highly perceptible and adverse affect on the signal waveform, and it is far more important to address these factors than participate in the increasingly irrelevant numbers game that chases “perfect measured response‟.
As a result, the M8 Line was designed for maximum linearity and minimum transient distortion, and avoids the need for detrimental “corrective‟ measures, such as inherently error-prone feedback loops.
Rather than using separate controls for volume and balance, the M8 Line preamplifier is equipped with a dedicated Audio Note (UK) stepped attenuator for each channel. This not only brings the enormous improvements in sound quality expected from the now legendary Audio Note (UK) stepped attenuators, but also provides a level of channel balance accuracy that is impossible to achieve with conventional volume and balance potentiometers.
The M8 Line Pre Amplifier features an ECC82 / 6189 and 6463 line stage, and uses a 6X5 valve rectified power supply based on the M10‟s Galahad PSU. Audio Note (UK) Silver wiring, tantalum resistors, SILMIC filter capacitors and Audio Note (UK) silver foil signal capacitors are used throughout the circuit, along with in-house designed and manufactured, custom Audio Note (UK) output transformers, which feature a HiB 50% nickel c-core, silver primary and a silver secondary. The M8 also has a correctly designed and implemented balanced output circuit.
The M8 Phono Pre Amplifier features an 6189 and 6463 line stage, and uses a 6X5 valve rectified power supply based on the M10‟s Galahad PSU. Audio Note (UK) Silver wiring, tantalum resistors, SILMIC filter capacitors and Audio Note (UK) silver foil signal capacitors are used throughout the circuit, along with in-house designed and manufactured, custom Audio Note (UK) output transformers, which feature a HiB 50% nickel c-core, silver primary and a silver secondary. The M8 also has a correctly designed and implemented balanced output circuit. Additionally, it features an exceptionally fine Moving Magnet phonostage which uses three 5670 valves, Audio Note (UK) copper foil signal capacitors and pure silver wiring and its own dedicated, valve regulated and rectified power supply.
The M8 Signature features a pair of correctly engineered balanced / XLR inputs for sources with suitable balanced outputs. Each input is connected directly to an inhouse custom designed and produced, silver wired input transformer, which offers the finest possible input for your XLR Line level source outputs. Each channel is powered by an independent power supply, housed in an external chassis. As one would expect, the output transformers for the M8 Line Signature are some of the finest possible examples we can produce. Each transformer is fully silver wound, and feature our own 55% nickel iron C-Cores
At the heart of the M8 RIAA is an exceptionally fine Moving Magnet phonostage which uses three 5670 valves. This is followed by a 6463 equipped line stage, and both sections are powered by their own dedicated 6X5 valve rectified power supply based on the M10‟s Galahad PSU. These power supplies also incorporate an ECL82 for voltage regulation and a 5651 as a voltage stabilizer. Audio Note (UK) Silver wiring, Audio Note (UK) 2 Watt Tantalum resistors, Black Gate capacitors and Audio Note (UK) Silver foil signal capacitors are used throughout the circuit, along with inhouse designed and manufactured, custom Audio Note (UK) output transformers which feature HiB 50% Nickel double c-cores, Silver windings for both the primaries and for the secondaries. The M8 RIAA also has a correctly designed and implemented balanced output circuit.
Available finishes
Fascia – Anodised Aluminium or Black Acrylic
Current models
-
- M8 Line
- M8 Line Balanced CD Input
- M8 Line Signature
- M8 Phono
- M8 Phono Balanced CD Input
- M8 RIAA
- M8 RIAA Signature
Technical Specifications
| INPUT IMPEDANCE | 100K Ohms – Line Level 47K Ohms – Phono |
| INPUT SENSITIVITY | 126mV for 1V Output |
| OUTPUT IMPEDANCE |
<10 Ohms |
| UNIT WEIGHT | 16 kg each unit |
| UNIT DIMENSIONS | 140mm (h) x 440mm (w) x 410mm (d) – PRE140mm (h) x 440mm (w) x 410mm (d) – PSU (if applicable) |
| MAINS INPUT | AC 100-120V / 220-240V 50/60Hz |
| NOTE | Due to Audio Note (UK)’s ongoing research and development program, our valve pre-amplifier specifications are subject to change without notice. |
M9
The Audio Note (UK) M9 Pre-Amplifier is without doubt or question, the finest Phonostage equipped pre-amplifier we have ever produced, and the Line Stage is only surpassed in performance by our own M10 Line.
As one would expect, no expense has been spared in the construction of the circuit or the components used, and is a full Audio Note (UK) Level 5 product.
Product details
It is well known that the accurate reproduction of music, not just sound, requires the purity of the incoming signal to be preserved. It is therefore not difficult to conclude that, in order to achieve this goal and to retain the musicality of the original performance, the complexity of the circuitry itself must be kept to a minimum. In response to this, the M9 pre-amplifier uses a single-ended, zero feedback circuit topology. This is simply the most linear design possible, demanding pure Class A valve operation and removing the need for a phase splitter, which introduces unnecessary crossover distortion.
In contrast to the majority of the audio industry, we design our circuits with the aim of minimising non-harmonic and time base anomalies, rather than producing vanishingly small harmonic or low intermodulation distortion measurements. These non-harmonic amplitude and time base distortions have a highly perceptible and adverse affect on the signal waveform, and it is far more important to address these factors than participate in the increasingly irrelevant numbers game that chases “perfect measured response‟.
As a result, the M9 was designed for maximum linearity and minimum transient distortion, and avoids the need for detrimental “corrective‟ measures, such as inherently error-prone feedback loops.
The phonostage installed in the M9 is without equal or parallel, and uses the finest possible components to produce a sound quality that is truly outstanding.
Unlike the majority of preamplifiers available today, the M9 Phono preamplifier is equipped with a “Stereo / Mono‟ switch, to maximise the performance and enjoyment of the large quantity of high quality mono recordings that are still available.
The M9 features a pair of correctly engineered balanced / XLR inputs for sources with suitable balanced outputs. Each input is connected directly to an in-house custom designed and produced, silver wired input transformer, which offers the finest possible input for your XLR Line level source outputs.
Each stage of the preamplifier is powered by an independent power supply, housed in a separate chassis chassis. As one would expect, the output transformers for the M9 are some of the finest possible examples we can produce. Each transformer is fully silver wound, and feature our own 55% nickel iron C-Cores.
Technical Specifications
| INPUT IMPEDANCE | 100K Ohms – Line Level 47K Ohms – Phono |
| INPUT SENSITIVITY | 126mV for 1V Output |
| OUTPUT IMPEDANCE |
<10 Ohms |
| UNIT WEIGHT | 30 kg (between two units) |
| UNIT DIMENSIONS | 140mm (h) x 440mm (w) x 410mm (d) – PRE140mm (h) x 440mm (w) x 410mm (d) – PSU |
| MAINS INPUT | AC 100-120V / 220-240V 50/60Hz |
| NOTE | Due to Audio Note (UK)’s ongoing research and development program, our valve pre-amplifier specifications are subject to change without notice. |
M10 Line / Signature
The Audio Note (UK) M10 Pre-Amplifier is without doubt or question, one of the finest Line Level preamplifiers in production today, only surpassed in performance by our own M10 Signature, and is a full Audio Note (UK) Level 5 product.
Product details
It is well known that the accurate reproduction of music, not just sound, requires the purity of the incoming signal to be preserved. It is therefore not difficult to conclude that, in order to achieve this goal and to retain the musicality of the original performance, the complexity of the circuitry itself must be kept to a minimum. In response to this, the M10 preamplifier uses a single-ended, zero feedback circuit topology. This is simply the most linear design possible, demanding pure Class A valve operation and removing the need for a phase splitter, which introduces unnecessary crossover distortion.
In contrast to the majority of the audio industry, we design our circuits with the aim of minimising non-harmonic and time base anomalies, rather than producing vanishingly small harmonic or low inter-modulation distortion measurements. These non-harmonic amplitude and time base distortions have a highly perceptible and adverse affect on the signal waveform, and it is far more important to address these factors than participate in the increasingly irrelevant numbers game that chases “perfect measured response‟.
As a result, the M10 was designed for maximum linearity and minimum transient distortion, and avoids the need for detrimental “corrective‟ measures, such as inherently error-prone feedback loops.
Rather than using separate controls for volume and balance, the M10 preamplifier is equipped with a dedicated Audio Note (UK) stepped attenuator for each channel. This not only brings the enormous improvements in sound quality expected from the now legendary Audio Note (UK) stepped attenuators, but also provides a level of channel balance accuracy that is impossible to achieve with conventional volume and balance potentiometers.
The M10 Line features a pair of correctly engineered balanced / XLR inputs for sources with suitable balanced outputs. Each input is connected directly to an in-house custom designed and produced, silver wired input transformer, which offers the finest possible input for your XLR Line level source outputs.
The M10 Signature features two pairs of correctly engineered balanced / XLR inputs for sources with suitable balanced outputs. Each input is connected directly to an in-house custom designed and produced, silver wired input transformer, which offers the finest possible input for your XLR Line level source outputs
Each channel is powered by an independent external power supply, housed in a Meishu sized chassis.
As one would expect, the output transformers for the M10 are some of the finest possible examples we can produce. Each transformer is fully silver wound, and feature our own 55% nickel iron C-Cores.
Available finishes
Fascia – Anodised Aluminium or Black Acrylic
Current models
-
- M10 Line
- M10 Line Signature
Technical Specifications
| INPUT IMPEDANCE | 100K Ohms – Line Level 47K Ohms – Phono |
| INPUT SENSITIVITY | 126mV for 1V Output |
| GAIN |
16dB at 1 KHz |
| OUTPUT IMPEDANCE |
600 Ohms |
| OUTPUT NOISE |
-80dB unweighted (RMS) |
| VALVE COMPLEMENT |
1 x 6463 1 x 12AU7 2 x 5Y3 2 x 6X5 2 x OD3 2 x 9N9S/6SL7 (Standard) / 6SJ7 2 x EL34 (Standard) / CV345 [12E1] (Signature) |
| UNIT WEIGHT | 65 kg (between three units) |
| UNIT DIMENSIONS | 140mm (h) x 440mm (w) x 410mm (d) – PRE210mm (h) x 460mm (w) x 450mm (d) – PSU
210mm (h) x 460mm (w) x 450mm (d) – PSU |
| MAINS INPUT | AC 100-120V / 220-240V 50/60Hz |
| NOTE | Due to Audio Note (UK)’s ongoing research and development program, our valve pre-amplifier specifications are subject to change without notice. |
