*Thank you for stopping by. Are you an Audio Note fan or are you not? Lets discuss in the comments* Audio Note Tonmeister: www.audionote.co.uk/meishu-tonmeister Tube Upgrade Recommendation: amzn.to/3IIWBSt (plus version): amzn.to/3OJXZYU Speakers mentioned: CSS Typhon: www.css-audio.com/typhon OGY Speakers: www.stereopolis.com/collections/bookshelf-loudspeakers KEF LS50 Meta Speakers: howl.me/cjOI92TjkoL Support on Patreon: www.patreon.com/jayiyagi follow on Instagram: instagram.com/jays_iyagi/ follow on Facebook: facebook.com/jayiyagiofficial Follow soundstage take 2 reviews: kzfaq.info/sun/PLPOzvlhtSqn5xdc__ftuSt4Rxy_wm5Af0 Speaker stands: amzn.to/3ssRhI3 Better speaker stands: solidsteel.it/my-product/ss-7-vintage-hi-fi-speaker-stands/ acoustic panels I use: ua-acoustics.com/ acoustic curtain: amzn.to/31d1zAM BDI Cabinet I use: bit.ly/2OJRwQQ amzn.to/3chBuFZ other BDI Cabinets: bit.ly/3ctxXV1 amzn.to/30bsUCH my fav hifi tweaks: (Isoacoustics devices) amzn.to/3j5FGvM 0:00 Audio Note? 1:06 Audio Note Build Quality Review 7:11 Audio Note Interal Parts Review 13:16 Audio Note Sound Review 23:51 Enough Power? 25:00 Best Soundstage Ever! 26:32 Best Tubes For Audio Note

I used to work for Audio Note, let me answer some of your points: Binding posts - These are one piece so the banana plug is directly connected to the output and not a shell which merely touches the threads. Top cover screws - I believe thats EU standards and it also helps stop the chassis bending in transit - heavy transformers! The amp does sound better with the lid off as the case doesn't interfere then with the transformers magnetic fields. All the solder joints ae silver solder, all connectors are silver plated I've heard lots of Audio Note gear and build my own and if you can afford the transformer C-core upgrade then do it - its the last amplifier you'll ever buy! Edit: I'll pass this video on to Audio Note, I'm sure they'll be fine with it! :o)

I have the Soro SE Phono Signature. I absolutely love it. I have it in black, and agree that it’s much better than the silver. It’s not quite so tall as the this, giving it more rectangular (and, to me, more pleasing proportions). As for sound, it’s astounding. It gives similar magical levels of soundstage, naturalness, musicality, and warmth and smoothness without being smeary or hazy. The 6L6s give it a bit more weight than I hear with 300b amps. So it’s definitely worth a try for anyone who loves a 300b but considers them just a bit too delicate. (Not to mention tube rolling is much cheaper with 6L6s). It also puts out 18 watts, which can make it a better choice for certain rooms and speakers. The phono stage is also sublime. A moving coil + a quality, well-matched SUT + an Audio Note tube phono stage is just perfection. I hope you’ll get a chance to review the Soro. There aren’t many single-ended 6L6 amps reviewed, and I think for many people it could be the perfect amp.

I personally love how it looks, but more importantly, Audio Note is one of those brands I’ll never forget how pleasurable and engaging the sound was. If I could afford it, I’d likely go with a full AN system. Thanks, Jay. Fantastic video 🔊😊🎶

absolute work of art. old school hand crafted, built like a Rolls Royce. i can see why they are revered in UK and Japan. i had one of their pre-amps. pure heaven.

The ability of tube amplifiers to deliver wide voltage swings (electromotive force) is one key to tube amp magic. This is why they sound much larger than their wattage rating suggest and control speaker loads well. Not the best at running sine waves and load resistors, but best on variable impedance loudspeaker loads when making music. Bob Carver is using near 700 volts B+.

I love this guy’s listening room he makes the videos in. Awesome vibe going on.

This thing looks beastly - I just picked up an INT-25 to demo and that was a bear to haul. I cannot imagine all the fun you had hauling that thing 😂

I used to be a sceptic until I heard an Audionote system. It kind of wrecks you for anything else really. I'm working towards an Audionote system as a result. The silver upgrade on the Tonmeister is next level. It's important to understand where this superb amplifier sits in the Audionote universe. Its Level Three designation means in overall design terms is that the Meishu utilizes a pure Class A, zero negative feedback, directly-heated, single-ended-triode output stage, with valve rectification. The "Silver" designation in the Meishu's name means upgrades to the standard version's circuitry with Audio Note (UK) silver internal wiring, Audio Note (UK) copper foil signal capacitors, Audio Note (UK) tantalum film resistors, and hand wound with Audio Note (UK)manufactured silver wire, HiB C-core output transformers. Also note the "Tonmeister" designation is the newly redesigned Meishu's name. The new Meishu utilizes the Tonmeister Voicing Strategy The new Meishu also utilizes a new input and driver stage that is very similar to that found in the top-of-the line 211 triode based Jinro, Tomei, and Ongaku integrated amplifiers, with a "… 12AU7 and 5687 driving an in-house designed and manufactured inter-stage transformer for the best energy transfer, evenness and authority. This is the most important, fundamental upgrade over the original design. Jay, have you tried this Amplifier with a pair of Audionote speakers, like the AN-J or AN-E both have lots of possibilities and have really high efficiencyKiller combination. I like the Audionote range planning. You kind of decide what level product to go with and match it to the same level product or higher, its that simple, if you want all or most Audionote products in your system. Level 4 and level 5 OMG, it's something else that ongaku i heard left me speechless; my jaw was on the floor but even the level 2 cobra is a great sounding amplifier. BTW the Tonmeister price performance at 19k USD is, in my view, much better than you'd get from say, a top end Mackintosh integrated, which frankly is not in the same league IMO. Oh, and the black finish is way nicer than the silver. Nice to see you looking at this quality of gear though. Have a look at EAR Yoshino really great sounding and aesthetically beautiful too. Keep up the great work👏🏾👏🏾

This was an absolutely brilliant review, it was just so real and captivating - honestly glued to it from the first moment to the last - epic work man! 👏 👍

I have owned various Audio Note gear from affordable to expensive inclusive of 300b, 2A3 and 6L6 output tubes. All the gear is very musical and the less expensive gear is very satisfying. When I first heard the original M2 preamplifier I stayed up all night listening to it, for instance. The companion P2 amplifier drove my Quad ESL 57s superbly. I have not owned this particular amplifier you reviewed but it strikes me as a very practical avenue to the Audio Note experience and I’ve always admired it. When I visited Peter Qvortrup and we went to his office this was the amplifier he was using, which speaks to his personal likes and believe me he is very well informed. The looks have never bothered me, it simply is what it is, I’m a bit surprised at your reaction but you were just being honest. It is a challenge to review such a component and I think you did a good job.

I love the purposeful, no frills, look of this amp.

I think it looks awesome! So much high end just looks gaudy and blingy, this thing looks the business!

I built a a Stereo 2A3 Amplifier. The output transformers are Audio Note. All I can state is that Audio Note Output Transformers are super high quality, and the sonics are so rare, most people have never had the opportunity to experience such performance. The aesthetics of Audio Note is not anything special. But in the performance area, Audio Note is beyond audible belief.

Audio Note shocks a lot of people. Mostly when they see the price.

the amount of R&D they put into their components sets them apart within the electronics industry. all in the service of their passion in music reproduction the aesthetic is 'understatement' also kind of the opposite of the industry in general

I think your channel has improved more and more.

Great review Jay ! , Audio Note is the cure for audiophilia nervosa ! :DD

I love how this review came out as soon as I got my audio note Otto phono SE signature which I highly recommend you review. Its paired to clear audio concept turntable,blue sound node and klipsch forte IV an unbelievable synergy! Now I will say audio note is highly revealing to any source you connect to it. It's so transparent to changes like cable, sources, and dac components you name it. But getting to the esthetics the black is much nicer! Night and day! But no remote is a pain in the rear! But nothing is perfect unfortunately. If the esthetics were nicer, and the remote would make this an end game! Also power to me is plenty to rock and roll!

Thanks very much for your review on Wellsinton R800i so I bought it a year ago without trying it (I live in Thailand so no chance for that.) The amp sounds just as your review. I recently upgraded only my cartridge tags from C****** gold plated brass ones to Gold Note pure silver ones. I could imagine how the sound would change if I can upgrade all the internal wires, all capacitors, all RCA jacks, all biding posts in my R800i amp (not to mention the difference of pure 300B and 300Bs push 805) and that would be the Audio Note 300B Tonmeister. This review all make sense. I will definitely buy this amp as soon as got enough money.

The EL84 OTO se signature integrated amp from AN is half the price and sounds amazing! It’s a 10 watts class A single ended amp that I uses with Zu DW6 or Snell type E iii or JM labs focal electra 1027e or marginally LRS+ with a T9X sub. I can’t compare it to the one you just reviewed.

Excellent review Jay! ...as most of your reviews... My respect

Thanks Jay, great review! would love a review of the oto phono se sometime.

I gave Peter the idea and Darko build it. Tonmeister is a beast.

Nice review , this amp is amazing the music it produces is magic. If you hear this with AN/E SPE HE speakers your in audio heaven.

Honest review, I have to agreed most Audio Note fan only pay attention to the sound and it delivered amazingly. I personally like Audio Note but can’t afford the price tag but if you have the budget & don’t mind the look, it is one of the best 300b SE amp. I heard them many times in high ended audio shows & never disappoint. Great review 👍

There is a pretty nasty story behind Audio Note UK, it is well documented if you search the web (Audio Asylum). Audio Note UK ripped off the designs and name of the late Hiroyasu Kondo the mythical japanese audio designer and creator of the Ongaku amp. Audio Note UK was the distributor for Kondo Audio Note Japan. After reading the bitter story of how Audio Note UK got hold of Kondo's designs and name I lost all my faith in Audio Note UK. The company to look after is really Kondo Audio Note japan, still alive and kicking.

Nice review that describes the attributes fairly accurately, I’ve heard the forbearer many years ago when it was offered as a kit, I’m sure the quality of the internal parts has improved dramatically but the inherent pros and cons will carry through. For tube amps especially single ended it’s all about the OPTs. I’m willing to bet that when you craft all your own parts the synergy is beyond reproach

Thanks Jay...I'll take an audition for this stuff...with the parameters you've mentioned..very interesting

Great stuff & Beautiful sounding; yet, out of my range.

Jay Great video. I have the 3.1x balanced DAC in black and it looks elegant. I of course have the cover off to see the amazing "guts" of the DAC. It also sounds amazing, better than my Mola Mola.

Good attempt to explain hearing live instruments vs recorded. The brain is smarter than any playback system.

Love these high end reviews! Please review Japanese tube amps like AIRTIGHT, SHINDO, and LEBEN. Would be great to hear your take on these.

I agree with you about the aesthetics. I can't understand why anyone would hide tubes inside a box, and that front panel is ugly. I trust your opinion about the sound.

I used to run Kinki Studio separates feeding Tekton DI but since switched to all tube chain (Abbas Audio DAC, Audio Note M5 pre-amp, Bob Carver Cherry 180) driving Marten Design Bird 2 speakers. I would run all AN gear if I could afford it. The gear probably doesn't measure well but the sound is on another level.

At 13:30 when you started the section on performance, you said "totally contrary to the first impressions that I first had with build quality and aesthetics" ... Prior to this point you loved the build quality, apart from the high number of cabinet screws... (Which I feel are necessary for a unit of this weight) just noticed it that's all, and wondered if some people might think there is an issue, whereas really I feel you loved the build quality:) nice review, I often find audio note products sound superb but look somewhat slab like :) it's all about the music x

I would like to see a follow up on this amp vs the Silver Signature Tonmeister and the AN-E speakers in your room, how you hear the changes from this more basic model. And maybe also adding a AN DAC to it...

I listened to AutoBahn (by Kraftwerk) on CD through this Amp (with 300B stock valves) + AZ2 speakers the other day at AudioCounsel...The sound was extraordinary. BTW, my AudioNote system budget extended to the OTO Signature Amp + AZ2s + CD player which is on order...arriving soon.

You should test AN ams with their AN-E line of speakers(including AN speaker cables). There is a huge difference between regular Tonemeister and Silver Signature version. In Munich hifi show 2023 they showed Level 5 Tonemeister prototype, this might be remarkable gear to test.

Great amp first to say Autonote amps are hand made it's the highest craftsmanship. It's like a Bugatti Veyron..❤ Autonote has very gorgeous tube amps you can see the tubes and all this console is good for say a audio rack or shelf. Home theater etc. With all those screws it could be to keep the cover save from vibration and using for travel or music sets... It top engineering they use real silver I there components.. there's channels called av show reports and av showerooms and av reviews this sight some years ago toured Autonote factory and talked with the owner.. they have lots of different amps . I'd cry in joy if I had this amp thanks for the video...

I soldered 8 Audio Note resistors into the tube stage of my Schiit Freya+ Preamp. …. It saved me $18,700! 🤓 It looks way cooler, TOO! 👍🏼

heheh.. Man Calls the Q Acoustic ' insensitive " ,,haha =) I love it! Makes me think it's a rude .. in your face sound. =) .. Yah.. I agree .. Audio Note has something extremely comforting to listen to. It's rather difficult to put any words to ... but it's obvious when we listen. Nice review - captures the almost ' speechless ' response I can relate to when I hear the systems also. .. Great work!

What an awesome review. 🎉. I enjoyed your passion for the sound and musicality of this piece. But it is the visual discontinuity in the front, Is ugly. I would want to look at that thing all day. But because the sound is sublime, I could forgo the aesthetics. I can’t believe a tube based amp can have such great bass. It goes against conventional logic. The holographic imaging and instrument tonality says it all. I wonder what the silver wire upgrade offers? Probably more clarity. Great review 😊!!! Thanks for the passion and enthusiasm. 🎉

I have at home pass int25, audion set with border patrol upgrade and take meishu tonmeister silver to demo with guarneri homage. The tonmeister is different level of experience, by far the best amp i ever heard at my place.

Jay slays and I love it. You're not wrong here. AN has my interest, but no remote?

If you get the chance. Listen to Airtight models also. Much like Audionote. Beautifully smooth, warm & holographic.

Still would like Jay to review the Mastersound 845 Evolution integrated, though they slso have 300B units, compared to the Audio Note. The most musical I have ever heard and now in production over 20 years.

After your have sent this unit back, please get a Kondo Audio Note unit for comparison. I worked be very interested.

My Emerald Physics 3.4s OB 12" concentric driver had really good meatiness

I remember buying a second hand Audio Note Meishu with phono stage about 20 years ago. Paid £1200 and used it with my Audio Note type E speakers. It was very nice indeed but not for all music. It exceeded in voice which suited me because I liked female vocal. I wished I’d kept it now due to what it’s worth today but because I’m an audiophile I sold it all to move on and buy other gear.

I actually found most modern amps are over designed in terms of looks. There's no need to 2 inch thick faceplate that's carved out of solid aluminum. All gaudy looking. The Audio Note harks back to industrial design of the old days. Simple and functional. Yes, they could add a few aesthetic touches to match the price tag. I don't have a problem with it. I wish they make everything rack mountable though because I always prefer the pro gear look, especially with handles.

Audio Note is an enigma to me. Never heard a bad sounding AN system at shows but still has me wondering how it would fare in a real world day to day setting with a wide variety of music compared to a more traditional setup. BTW Jay...completely off topic but where could I find a small paper lamp exactly like the one in the clip?

Great reviews. Thanks. Is the unit you have the regular version or the silver version ? $19'000 would seem like the silver version. Thanks for clarification

The kid gets it ✨

When I was young, how components looked was important to me. Now, as long as it’s reliable and tidy, all I care about is how it sounds.

Audio note stuff is way overpriced but it does sound amazing with the right speakers

I kinda like how it looks?? Reminds me of medical lab equipment, looks simple clean and reliable. Rather than looking like some cheesy guy's money flex. I'm good with it.

I love the look

Hi Jayi, I really don't mind the looks at all. Its the lack of remote that gets under my skin, for that kind of money I would like just a volume control at the most.

I'd be really curious on where ANK products stand compared to AN; ANK have a few 300B models, like the interstage monoblock power amplifiers.

I remember your reference speakers are the maxima amator and you reviewed the decware zma on them. it was not a perfect match with the sonus faber. How does this amp sounds with them?

Jay, will you be reviewing Audio Note in the future? Such as the cheaper Cobra, Otto and Soro models.

Dear Jay, I'm a musician, performer, composer and producer from Spain. I'd like to make you a quick question, Nowadays musicians have a wide variety of options when it comes to record our music, But at the end all ends up to the final satge witch is the mastering of your recorded music. I've been always trying to record my music the best I can up to the mastering stage wich I usually do at Abbey Road Studios in London. My question is, what kind of material would you recommend to actually capture what the musician wants to show to their audience. What devices , speakers etc,,,, you think would be more accurate in order to satisfy the musisian and the listener?? Thank you, And congratulations for your channel

Anyone know the deal with audio note uk v Japan?

There is Audio Note Japan that makes the Kondo Ongaku and Audio Note UK. I don’t think the companies are not associated and have different product lines.

Listen to it from the back if that's what floats your boat, I have never heard anyone else drip on so much about removing screws to exchange a faulty valve.

The sound you describe brings to mind my Leben integrated. Not the most technical, but musical as hell. Perhaps the Leben is the poor man’s AN, I don’t know.

Jay!?, you still have those Kendall’s in house?? I’m just thinking at 96db, and those 8 Watts, and the KLH’s lower frequency range… from what you said about them, I would think that this would be a great pairing, regardless of the difference in price range!! Let me know if you paired them up!!

There very musical

Hi jay I use Meishu, any cdp recommend , not use audio note cdp Thanks

It would be interesting to compare with Decware Zen Sarah Amp. Have you heard an Audiomat integrated amp?

review wells audio stuff, if you could please and TAD

It’s full of audiophillia …but we’d all like one! Great review/ rant . 👍☕️🍕

I don't mind a minimal look, but I think it's not minimal enough. The Cobra, Jinro etc has the tubes on show and they look great. The Oto, I Zero, Tonmiester etc hide the tubes and then you're left to focus on the chassis styling, which doesn't feel particularly considered. I'm not wishing for luxury like McIntosh, I'm just looking for something more minimal like the chassis on Yamaha etc. For example why doesn't the chassis match the face plate? Why not all aluminium?

How does it compare with your Korean experience with crying as your were listening. How does this compare.

Quite like the minimalist look without the red font part. But prefer to see thr damn tubes (ie Allnic)

How about a comparison to the new Western Electric 91E? At $15k USD (last time I looked), and 300B’s, it certainly is in the same wheelhouse.

🟦..... Something I very much like that was not mentioned are the porcelain tube sockets, I'm not a fan of phenolic or other resin sockets, I believe porcelain to be a superior insulator.

$19K and unbalanced?True high end from it's ugliness to the screw covers.TrueHigh End is supposed to piss you off (so your buddies know it must sound good)

I really buy into what amplifiers like this bring to the table. There is a magic at times thats hard to describe BUT is the amplifier actually telling you the truth. I had an experience a while ago with a DAC where the sound was absolutely gorgeous and very much as you describe. A musicianfriend had a listen and he says beautiful but that doesn’t sound like John Mayers rig. The sound was so lifelike but incorrect. This AudioNote seems to do so many things well aside from aesthetics and price but is it whispering sweet nothings?

What about the midrange, the textures, the right speed? I am a bit afraid....listen to a good 2a3 or 45...

My PrimaLuna Evo 300i is a very good looking Amp and a quarter the price.

Oh my goodness Jay. Is it a North american thing? The looks are great. I like them.

Audionote + Triangle Comète 40th anniversary ; I will check P1 pre-amp....pricy but quality seems to be here...

Try old Meishu, not Tonemeister, Especially Silver and top of the line Silver Signature models. For my taste they are even better than modern Tonemeister range. I personally have P3 Silver + Audio Note M2 Phono preamp. Wonderful combo

Hate the looks of the front. Inside is beautiful though. I'll never be able to afford it anyway, but I'd love to hear one.

Asthetic is great. Focus is on sound, not bling

How is this vs m900u ?

No MCUs, screens and SMPS etc will count for much. Serious HIFI used to be made like this. A bit surprised you didn't appreciate the external tape loop as you own a presumably 3 head reel to reel.

Much better amplifier is from Audiomat. Their tube integrated amps are jewels re construction and quality and the sound is unparalleled.

Is the house sound of Audio Note similar to Naim and/or Pass Labs?

Now, ....if everything goes right , i am looking for an upgrade for next year , and i already like audio note a lot ,....but that 8 watt r.m.s per channel .......

Audionote Meishu any speaker recommend

Isn't there also an Audio Note from Japan? Are there two Audio Notes?

I wish I could hear that ting

And compared with Decware standards?

U fail to answer the most obvious question many would ask, how does it compre with u Sarah decware 300b tube integrated

I think it is important to mention UK audio note is different from than Japan audio note. UK Audio Note is essentially a clone of Japan. The guy released AN Japan did not trade mark the name, so this guy did it. Japan audio note is now know as Kondo audio note.

Would buy this amp with audio note speakers , seems logic , An-e spe he alnico tweeter someone ?. 😅

I think if I paid $19000 for an amp, I wouldn't want to open the cover unless I really really have to, hence the 72890739827398237 screws ;)