I have the pleasure of enjoying the Audio Note OTO Phono SE Signature amplifier in my system. Peter Qvortrup, the owner of Audio Note UK, was generous enough to send me a unit to test and review. In my initial email to him, I simply stated that I was interested in this pure Class A single-ended amplifier, which would probably suit my taste better than my push-pull Line Magnetic LM-211IA. A few weeks later, Andy Whittle, the Sales Manager of Audio Note UK, was standing downstairs with a large, 20-kilogram box containing the requested amplifier. After unpacking it, I realized that I’m not accustomed to seeing such solid build quality every day.
I want to tell you that before knocking on Audio Note’s door, I had approached several other audio equipment manufacturers, but my requests remained unanswered. It seems to me that some companies are more inclined to play it safe and pay for advertisements in glossy magazines than to support an independent blogger in his quest to explore the possibilities of audio reproduction. Some may also have been afraid that their own creations would not stand up to competition from the Chinese contender I use as a reference. Peter, however, not only wasn’t afraid of the competition—as you probably know, he isn’t even concerned about comparing Audio Note products directly with live performances—but, as he told me, “We are happy to help you expand your horizons!”
Right out of the box, I was able to discern the OTO’s more relaxed and natural presentation compared to my Class AB reference amplifier. Music has never sounded so involving, and I found myself much closer to its essence. The tone is richer, and there is an abundance of overtones I hadn’t heard before. It’s like a magnet for me: I sink deeper into the music and can’t tear myself away from the system. I don’t want to bother with tube rolling because the OTO’s way with music leaves nothing to be desired. It takes me on journeys where I forget myself and become completely immersed in its rich, complex tone.
What makes Audio Note different from the rest is that design decisions are based on listening with human ears, not on electronic measurements. In one of his emails, Peter pointed out two factors that distinguish Audio Note. The first is the role of critical listening, which is an indispensable and central part of the entire design process. The second is scale. He mentioned that over the last 30 years, Audio Note UK has grown enough to afford investing vast amounts of money in the research and development of parts and special manufacturing processes—something that is simply beyond the reach of most smaller companies.
The human ear is the factor that guides decisions, not measurements, and this is the trickiest part: being able to assess the acoustic outcome. Good judgment is the key, and that’s where the art lies. I am reminded of an old joke:
Once a pupil asked his master, “Master, what is the secret of life?”
“Good judgment,” answered the master.
“How do you get good judgment?” asked the pupil.
“Experience,” answered the master.
“How do you get experience?” asked the pupil.
“Bad judgment!” answered the master.
It might sound simple, but it is not. I’ll have more to say once the break-in period is over, so these are only my preliminary impressions. We will have a look under the hood and inspect the topology, as well as the way this product has evolved since it was conceived about a quarter of a century ago. I will ask Peter some questions regarding the materials that have been used and the design decisions that were made in order to achieve the level of performance that has impressed me so much.
What I can already tell you is that the Audio Note OTO Phono SE Signature is the most accomplished amplifier I’ve heard to date. It has its own distinctly human signature that makes the musical flow feel right—nothing is exaggerated, nothing is diminished, and every single note is in perfect balance with its harmonics and in proportion to the whole.
Thank you for stopping by, and as always, happy listening!
I am in total agreement, my OTO Signature, AN speakers and other AN components make my day complete.
Simple human referenced reproduction of sound.
This “entry level” AN system replaced a lot of mismatched very expensive equipment.
I keep looking at the idea of raising the bar with the higher level of AN but after listening to the more expensive units at Sound Hounds here in Victoria Canada, I decide to spend my money on better Scotch and more records.
The secret is to be found in a well designed SE, using EL84. I’m with 73 yr and a valve veteran, who owns also a hard wired EL84 with a rectifier using just 2 EL84. Which doesn’t sound much different. My speakers are 1 meter high transmission lines, with Audio note units and cross over (95db). On the internet, there are many people to be found, stating the EL84 together with the Triode 45, is their favorite tube!