Audio Note UK Ongaku Kensei 211 valve Single Ended Triode balanced amplifier now up & running!

Any observations?

 

That is quite a bit less than the Takatsuki 300B tubes these days or some NOS WE300B tubes.

 

I am glad some of my amps use EL34, 2A3 and EL84. Although last time I bought 6550, they were $300 each NOS TungSol 6550, 16 of them for two mono amps plus a few spares, and I jumped on that price for truly NEVER USED 1950s vintage.

 

I've got to hear one of these systems some day! Would love to find an Audio Note enthusiast in my area.

 

I know what you mean. I only know of three ~level 5 systems here in California. It seems that most of the really high end AN systems are in the Far East

 

Researching my first AN purchase, just a couple of years ago, is what brought me here, so I understand. Everything else that's here is why I hang around. Nice place you've got, Steve!

 

In what sense?

 

I concur. They have worked perfectly in my Ongaku Kensei for 6 months now.

 

On a general note having begun my AN ‘journey’ at level 2/3 and now owning a Level 5 system I feel that the upgrade from 4 to 5 is the most satisfying and the biggest improvement of all. The one caveat is the transport. I use a CDT Four because i find the CDT Five clean but somewhat ‘sat on’ sounding. The new belt drive transport will re-address this I am sure. Tube rolling is essential. Only the phono tubes in my M9 are the original spec. Like Steve I use the 4242e 211’s. In my opinion the mids and highs are superb!

 

Hi Steve. Don’t be worried . I assume that you’re SEC Sigs are fully run in now...

 

I had the chance to try out a brand new CDT-5 and an older one in my system. A pretty striking difference, and I much preferred the older one. It was more lively and engaging.

 

. Indeed

 

Ok Steve.

The simple response is :-

All ECL82’s. Telefunken (Diamond Base) Unbeatable there. A terrific recommendation from Darko G.

ALL 6X5’S Brimar CV572 Thank you PQ for this recommendation. Expensive but great sound.

ECC802 Telefunken in M9 pre Say no more..

ECC 82. Mullard (Kodak) in DAC 5 Sig. I actually prefer this valve here to a Tele ECC802 which cost me
three times the price. As you know with tube rolling a balance is essential and this Mullard sounds smooth and warm but never thick and soft in that spot in combination with the Tele’s.

All E80CC. Mullard’s but i have not explored many options there because of the lesser sonic significance


Ongaku Kensei wise i use the same valves as you . RCA 6V6’S (brown base and smoked top) AN 4242E’s and Phillips 524GYS regulators. A terrific combination.

 

Yes, being locked down inside the house with a level five system is the way to go! Let me see, should I play a record or pop in a CD?! Nice choices to make while pouring yourself a coffee ; )

 

That’s because our mutual friend owns most of them ))