Kondo Audio Note
Kagura 2 i
$ 1,699,999
Kagura 211 parallel single ended monaural power amplifier has been accomplished by putting every know-how that Audio Note/Kondo created.
The world of elastic and coordinated sounds can be delineated only by analog amplifier, where music breathes of original sounds are brought back.
The new perspective flagship power amplifier is how Audio Note/Kondo would really like to be listened to by those who have been indulged in the deep charm of music.
Features
Circuit design is configured with 12AU7～6SN7 x2 for amplification and 6SN7 x2 (cathode follower) for the driver stage to powerfully drive the large-scaled transmitter 211 tube.
These circuits are independently powered by grand-scale, low ripple and low impedance power supply sections supporting high purity amplification stages.Further, in order to attain prime audio quality expected from Kagura, each part stage has been re-examined and newly developed.
Grand-Scale Power Supply Circuit
There are total of 3 power supply transformers that are employed; B power supply transformers above the rear section of the chassis, and amplifying heater transformers and rectifier heater transformers inside the chassis.Further, 4 choke coils are installed to form 3 system power supply circuits with 4 different voltages +/-200V, +450V, and +950V.Powerful and high grade power supply section with oil capacitors rated at 1000V withstand voltage, and newly developed cut-core type choke coils.In addition, two power cables come with one unit of Kagura due to the fact that main power supply and heater power supply are separated from AC inlet.
Modularized Units
By modularizing voltage amplifying section, the merits of manual wiring and shortening of paths have been realized. By placing 3 system decoupling capacitors quite near each module, high purity signal loops could be formed in each stage.
Compactly arranged 211 output tubes and the near heater peripheral section are placed at very near the amplification unit so that from the first stage tube to output tube base could be stowed in a compact space eventually minimizing the wiring travel to the utmost limit.The 211 heather circuit is mounted with large capacitors (40000uF x2) to minimize ripple elements while residual noise level could be attained quite low thanks to employing hum balancer circuit.
High Grade Parts
Between amplification stages we employed newly developed electrode oscillation proof silver foil capacitors contributing to the improvement of sound density.
Instead of conventionally used EI core choke coil, we have developed cut-core type anew for drastic improvement in sound quality natural and strain-free by having removed unpleasant signals.
Kagura's pure silver coiled output transformer handles output impedances of 4, 8 and 16Ω. The setting is preset for 4Ω and 8Ω for speaker impedance in the factory.
Specifications
Product
211 parallel single ended monaural poweramplifier
Model
Kagura2 i
Rated power
50W @1kHz, 5% THD
Frequency response
8Hz ～ 55kHz (+0dB, -3dB @1W)
Input / Impedance
RCA x1(unbalanced) / 70kΩ,
XLR x1(unbalanced, 2:HOT) / 70kΩ
*Exclusive use
Output
4Ω, 8Ω, 16Ω (2 outputs factory preset)
Noise
Less than 0.5mV
Vacuum tube
211 x2, 6SN7 x2, 12AU7 x1, GZ34 x4
Power consumption
270W
Dimension
320mm(W) 370mm(H) 558mm(D)
(excluding protrusions)
Weight
62kg
The world of elastic and coordinated sounds can be delineated only by analog amplifier, where music breathes of original sounds are brought back.
The new perspective flagship power amplifier is how Audio Note/Kondo would really like to be listened to by those who have been indulged in the deep charm of music.
Features
Circuit design is configured with 12AU7～6SN7 x2 for amplification and 6SN7 x2 (cathode follower) for the driver stage to powerfully drive the large-scaled transmitter 211 tube.
These circuits are independently powered by grand-scale, low ripple and low impedance power supply sections supporting high purity amplification stages.Further, in order to attain prime audio quality expected from Kagura, each part stage has been re-examined and newly developed.
Grand-Scale Power Supply Circuit
There are total of 3 power supply transformers that are employed; B power supply transformers above the rear section of the chassis, and amplifying heater transformers and rectifier heater transformers inside the chassis.Further, 4 choke coils are installed to form 3 system power supply circuits with 4 different voltages +/-200V, +450V, and +950V.Powerful and high grade power supply section with oil capacitors rated at 1000V withstand voltage, and newly developed cut-core type choke coils.In addition, two power cables come with one unit of Kagura due to the fact that main power supply and heater power supply are separated from AC inlet.
Modularized Units
By modularizing voltage amplifying section, the merits of manual wiring and shortening of paths have been realized. By placing 3 system decoupling capacitors quite near each module, high purity signal loops could be formed in each stage.
Compactly arranged 211 output tubes and the near heater peripheral section are placed at very near the amplification unit so that from the first stage tube to output tube base could be stowed in a compact space eventually minimizing the wiring travel to the utmost limit.The 211 heather circuit is mounted with large capacitors (40000uF x2) to minimize ripple elements while residual noise level could be attained quite low thanks to employing hum balancer circuit.
High Grade Parts
Between amplification stages we employed newly developed electrode oscillation proof silver foil capacitors contributing to the improvement of sound density.
Instead of conventionally used EI core choke coil, we have developed cut-core type anew for drastic improvement in sound quality natural and strain-free by having removed unpleasant signals.
Kagura's pure silver coiled output transformer handles output impedances of 4, 8 and 16Ω. The setting is preset for 4Ω and 8Ω for speaker impedance in the factory.
Specifications
Product
211 parallel single ended monaural poweramplifier
Model
Kagura2 i
Rated power
50W @1kHz, 5% THD
Frequency response
8Hz ～ 55kHz (+0dB, -3dB @1W)
Input / Impedance
RCA x1(unbalanced) / 70kΩ,
XLR x1(unbalanced, 2:HOT) / 70kΩ
*Exclusive use
Output
4Ω, 8Ω, 16Ω (2 outputs factory preset)
Noise
Less than 0.5mV
Vacuum tube
211 x2, 6SN7 x2, 12AU7 x1, GZ34 x4
Power consumption
270W
Dimension
320mm(W) 370mm(H) 558mm(D)
(excluding protrusions)
Weight
62kg
Ongaku
$ 871,999
1989, the year of the bright history of Audio Note.
Audio Note's ONGAKU was born this year, instantly attracted attentions from audiophile around the world.
Audio Note's vacuum tube amplifiers started shipping overseas. Reviewers from leading audio magazines, e.g. "Hi-Fi Choice", "Audiophile" from UK and "The Absolute Sound" from US, reported their surprises and appreciations about the good sound qualities which they had never heard of. Among them, ONGAKU which employed big size power tubes 211 in the amplification stage; stole the hearts of audio fans with her overwhelming expression of rich musical details.
ONGAKU's magic and its good comments are still spinning around the world without slowing down.
Audio Note's high reputation and good comments are building up on this solid platform.
Features
Circuit which fully utilize the merits of 211.
The best circuit designed to retain high linearity and low distortion characteristic of 211.
Silver winding output transformer to keep the graceful and dignity sound of 211.
High impedance of 12kΩ with multi-layer, multi-compartment structure.
Best routes and wiring by skillfull technician to secure the best quality.
Copper chassis which help improving sound extends and liveliness.
Original parts
Silver Output Transformers
In order to realize the best performance of output transformer, it is designed to a high impedance of 12kΩ with multi-layer, multi-compartment structure.Winding are all done by skillful technician hands using pure silver wires.It is one of the most important procedure to keep the graceful and dignity sound of 211.We also applied special insulating materials in considering its high voltage operation.
Silver Capacitors
Silver capacitor which use pure silver foil as electrode.It is specially designed to prevent the potential oscillation with the foil, which can easily generate muddy sound when lignal surge from low to high level. All silver foil capacitors are Audio Note hand made.
Original Silver wire "SSW"
All conductor materials are pure silver.In order to supress the unwanted vibrations, natural silk is used and twisted around the silver conductor.It works as an insulating layer between the silver wires and the exterior PVC jacket.
Specifications
Product
211 single ended stereo amplifier
Rated Power
27W + 27W @1kHz, 5% THD
Frequency Response
8Hz ～ 21kHz (+0dB, -3dB @1W)
Input / Impedance
4pairs (RCA, unbalanced) / 100kΩ
Output
speaker (8Ω), REC OUT 1pair
Noise
Less than 1mV
Vacuum tube
211 x2, 6072 x2, 5687 x2, GZ34 x4
Power consumption
270W
Dimension
284mm(W) 240mm(H) 550mm(D)
(excluding protrusions)
Weight
34kg
Audio Note's ONGAKU was born this year, instantly attracted attentions from audiophile around the world.
Audio Note's vacuum tube amplifiers started shipping overseas. Reviewers from leading audio magazines, e.g. "Hi-Fi Choice", "Audiophile" from UK and "The Absolute Sound" from US, reported their surprises and appreciations about the good sound qualities which they had never heard of. Among them, ONGAKU which employed big size power tubes 211 in the amplification stage; stole the hearts of audio fans with her overwhelming expression of rich musical details.
ONGAKU's magic and its good comments are still spinning around the world without slowing down.
Audio Note's high reputation and good comments are building up on this solid platform.
Features
Circuit which fully utilize the merits of 211.
The best circuit designed to retain high linearity and low distortion characteristic of 211.
Silver winding output transformer to keep the graceful and dignity sound of 211.
High impedance of 12kΩ with multi-layer, multi-compartment structure.
Best routes and wiring by skillfull technician to secure the best quality.
Copper chassis which help improving sound extends and liveliness.
Original parts
Silver Output Transformers
In order to realize the best performance of output transformer, it is designed to a high impedance of 12kΩ with multi-layer, multi-compartment structure.Winding are all done by skillful technician hands using pure silver wires.It is one of the most important procedure to keep the graceful and dignity sound of 211.We also applied special insulating materials in considering its high voltage operation.
Silver Capacitors
Silver capacitor which use pure silver foil as electrode.It is specially designed to prevent the potential oscillation with the foil, which can easily generate muddy sound when lignal surge from low to high level. All silver foil capacitors are Audio Note hand made.
Original Silver wire "SSW"
All conductor materials are pure silver.In order to supress the unwanted vibrations, natural silk is used and twisted around the silver conductor.It works as an insulating layer between the silver wires and the exterior PVC jacket.
Specifications
Product
211 single ended stereo amplifier
Rated Power
27W + 27W @1kHz, 5% THD
Frequency Response
8Hz ～ 21kHz (+0dB, -3dB @1W)
Input / Impedance
4pairs (RCA, unbalanced) / 100kΩ
Output
speaker (8Ω), REC OUT 1pair
Noise
Less than 1mV
Vacuum tube
211 x2, 6072 x2, 5687 x2, GZ34 x4
Power consumption
270W
Dimension
284mm(W) 240mm(H) 550mm(D)
(excluding protrusions)
Weight
34kg
Gakuoh II
$ 943,999
The audio note 300B power amplifier has been reborn with the latest knowledge on traditional circuits.
Features
New Generation original OPT for optimized 300B bass extension and vocal fidelity
Improvements over classic 300B amplification circuit plus modern features
Dual GZ34 rectification and strengthened power supply design
New flagship silver signal capacitors and parts (applied also to Kagura, G-1000 and GE-10)
Circuit Configuration
Input stage is plate follower and direct connection cathode follower by 6072.Classic type phase inverter circuit is chosen for good balance of naturalness.300B power tubes are fully driven with low impedance by 6CG7 in parallel configuration.
By suppressing overall NFB to only 2 dB, a new level of dynamic and low distortion is achieved.Sound quality is also improved through adding high quality resistors in combination with the VR of hum balancing circuit.300B output stage is self-biasing circuit.This help owner to replace various kind of vintage 300B without stress.
Smart modular design and shortest wiring set good foundation for Gakuoh II's long durability with good sound.
Ideal Power Supply
High sound purity is obtained through independent rectification circuits for both amplification stage and output stage.Decoupling capacitors are installed close to each ripple filters to form clean signal loops.This design strongly reduced the inter-stage interference to minimum.
Using 2 pieces of rectifier tubes in parallel raise instantaneous current performance of the output stage.The rectifier tube is chosen with sound quality as prime concern.Independent power transformers are used to source clean high current to the heaters of the rectifier tubes.
High Grade Parts
Based on a full copper chassis, all premium grade parts are employed through listening tests.New design silver output transformers using in-house winding technique, Kagura generation silver signal capacitors, silver lead resistors, internal silver wiring materials SSW (silk silver wire), Ls-41 flagship interconnect, low vibration molded power transformer are all applied.All parts, including C and R, are placed at their optimized position.
Specifications
Product
300B Push-Pull Monaural PowerAmplifier
Model
Gakuoh II
Rated power
20W @1kHz, 5% THD
Frequency response
10Hz ～ 40kHz (+0dB, -3dB @1W)
Input / Impedance
RCA, XLR (unbalanced) / 70kΩ
Output
4Ω, 8Ω, 16Ω (2 outputs factory preset)
Noise
Less than 1mV
Vacuum tube
300B x2, 6CG7 x2, 6072 x1, GZ34 x2
Power consumption
120W
Dimension
294mm(W) 284mm(H) 485mm(D)
(excluding protrusions)
Weight
32kg
Features
New Generation original OPT for optimized 300B bass extension and vocal fidelity
Improvements over classic 300B amplification circuit plus modern features
Dual GZ34 rectification and strengthened power supply design
New flagship silver signal capacitors and parts (applied also to Kagura, G-1000 and GE-10)
Circuit Configuration
Input stage is plate follower and direct connection cathode follower by 6072.Classic type phase inverter circuit is chosen for good balance of naturalness.300B power tubes are fully driven with low impedance by 6CG7 in parallel configuration.
By suppressing overall NFB to only 2 dB, a new level of dynamic and low distortion is achieved.Sound quality is also improved through adding high quality resistors in combination with the VR of hum balancing circuit.300B output stage is self-biasing circuit.This help owner to replace various kind of vintage 300B without stress.
Smart modular design and shortest wiring set good foundation for Gakuoh II's long durability with good sound.
Ideal Power Supply
High sound purity is obtained through independent rectification circuits for both amplification stage and output stage.Decoupling capacitors are installed close to each ripple filters to form clean signal loops.This design strongly reduced the inter-stage interference to minimum.
Using 2 pieces of rectifier tubes in parallel raise instantaneous current performance of the output stage.The rectifier tube is chosen with sound quality as prime concern.Independent power transformers are used to source clean high current to the heaters of the rectifier tubes.
High Grade Parts
Based on a full copper chassis, all premium grade parts are employed through listening tests.New design silver output transformers using in-house winding technique, Kagura generation silver signal capacitors, silver lead resistors, internal silver wiring materials SSW (silk silver wire), Ls-41 flagship interconnect, low vibration molded power transformer are all applied.All parts, including C and R, are placed at their optimized position.
Specifications
Product
300B Push-Pull Monaural PowerAmplifier
Model
Gakuoh II
Rated power
20W @1kHz, 5% THD
Frequency response
10Hz ～ 40kHz (+0dB, -3dB @1W)
Input / Impedance
RCA, XLR (unbalanced) / 70kΩ
Output
4Ω, 8Ω, 16Ω (2 outputs factory preset)
Noise
Less than 1mV
Vacuum tube
300B x2, 6CG7 x2, 6072 x1, GZ34 x2
Power consumption
120W
Dimension
294mm(W) 284mm(H) 485mm(D)
(excluding protrusions)
Weight
32kg
Overture 2i
$ 290,999
A new Overture with substantial improvements
Blending the high power output of Pentode EL34, with Triode's iconic richness in musicality.
Fully unleashed the wildness and dynamic of music while having all micro details expressed with textures.
Audio Note's philosophy of an ideal integrated amplifier. A simple audio system of excellent balance. Capable of giving the best from details, dynamic and musicality.
New design guideline "Cleaner with more Triode Splendidness" was refined through extracting the knowledge we learned from Kagura researches and applications.
New output transformer was designed for higher sound quality. By introducing a 3rd winding exclusively for NFB and re-calculated feedback amount, a well balance of dynamic and low distortion is realized.
Power and sound quality co-exist created by circuit re-design and re-tuning most CR values.
Power supply section is heavily improved and re-layout for outstanding channel separation.
Improved version of KONDO original silver foil signal capacitors for highest reliability.
Design.
Specifications
Product
EL34 Push-Pull stereo integrated amplifier
Model
PM-2 i
Rated Power
32W + 32W @1kHz, 1% THD
Frequency Response
6Hz ～ 140kHz (+0dB -3dB @ 1W)
Input / Impedance
4pairs (RCA, unbalanced) / 50kΩ
Output
4Ω, 8Ω
Noise
lower than 0.5mV
Vacuum tube
EL34 x4, 12BH7 x2, 6072 x2
Power consumption
180W
Dimension
438mm(W) 201mm(H) 409mm(D)
(excluding protrusions)
Weight
26kg
*Due to the characteristic of the vacuum tubes used, it takes around 15 minutes to reach nominal sound quality and performance level.
Blending the high power output of Pentode EL34, with Triode's iconic richness in musicality.
Fully unleashed the wildness and dynamic of music while having all micro details expressed with textures.
Audio Note's philosophy of an ideal integrated amplifier. A simple audio system of excellent balance. Capable of giving the best from details, dynamic and musicality.
New design guideline "Cleaner with more Triode Splendidness" was refined through extracting the knowledge we learned from Kagura researches and applications.
New output transformer was designed for higher sound quality. By introducing a 3rd winding exclusively for NFB and re-calculated feedback amount, a well balance of dynamic and low distortion is realized.
Power and sound quality co-exist created by circuit re-design and re-tuning most CR values.
Power supply section is heavily improved and re-layout for outstanding channel separation.
Improved version of KONDO original silver foil signal capacitors for highest reliability.
Design.
Specifications
Product
EL34 Push-Pull stereo integrated amplifier
Model
PM-2 i
Rated Power
32W + 32W @1kHz, 1% THD
Frequency Response
6Hz ～ 140kHz (+0dB -3dB @ 1W)
Input / Impedance
4pairs (RCA, unbalanced) / 50kΩ
Output
4Ω, 8Ω
Noise
lower than 0.5mV
Vacuum tube
EL34 x4, 12BH7 x2, 6072 x2
Power consumption
180W
Dimension
438mm(W) 201mm(H) 409mm(D)
(excluding protrusions)
Weight
26kg
*Due to the characteristic of the vacuum tubes used, it takes around 15 minutes to reach nominal sound quality and performance level.
Melius
$ 343,999
In order to provide delicate details and high dynamic for wide variety of music, this unit is designed with great deliberation using famous Pentode EL34 in a new designed push-pull circuitry. Values of each part and current are set precisely so that tube power amplifier could drive modern speakers well.
Push-pull circuit further refined from Overture
The first stage and driver stage are direct coupled, and a new generation pure silver foil capacitors with vibration suppression are used for coupling with the output stage. Moreover, the low impedance design of the whole circuit is aimed the direct sound performance. The output stage continue to employ CCB (constant current bias circuit). The music signal is prevented from flowing into the bias adjustment VR, enabling pure signal transmission.
Optimized wiring
Internal wirings are skillfully arranged so that shortest paths and best performance are obtained. SSW (Silk Silver Wire) are used for internal wirings. Ls-41 are used for paths in which shielding are needed.
Super High Quality Parts
All parts were carefully chosen after massive hours of listening tests. Silver foil capacitors, silver lead resistors, SSW silk silver wires, Ls-41 shield cable, Audio Note custom made output transformers and power transformer. All CR part are carefully selected and arranged.
Specifications
Product EL34 Push-Pull stereo power amplifier
Model MELIUS
Rated Power 32W + 32W @1kHz, 1% THD
Frequency Response 6Hz ～ 110kHz (+0dB -3dB @ 1W)
Input / Impedance 2pairs (RCA, XLR, unbalanced) / 70kΩ
Output 4Ω, 8Ω
Noise lower than 0.5mV
Vacuum tube EL34 x4, 12BH7 x2, 6072 x2
Power consumption 180W
Dimension 438mm(W) 204mm(H) 369mm(D)
(excluding protrusions)
Weight 26kg
*Due to the characteristic of the vacuum tubes used, it takes around 15 minutes to reach nominal sound quality and performance level.
Push-pull circuit further refined from Overture
The first stage and driver stage are direct coupled, and a new generation pure silver foil capacitors with vibration suppression are used for coupling with the output stage. Moreover, the low impedance design of the whole circuit is aimed the direct sound performance. The output stage continue to employ CCB (constant current bias circuit). The music signal is prevented from flowing into the bias adjustment VR, enabling pure signal transmission.
Optimized wiring
Internal wirings are skillfully arranged so that shortest paths and best performance are obtained. SSW (Silk Silver Wire) are used for internal wirings. Ls-41 are used for paths in which shielding are needed.
Super High Quality Parts
All parts were carefully chosen after massive hours of listening tests. Silver foil capacitors, silver lead resistors, SSW silk silver wires, Ls-41 shield cable, Audio Note custom made output transformers and power transformer. All CR part are carefully selected and arranged.
Specifications
Product EL34 Push-Pull stereo power amplifier
Model MELIUS
Rated Power 32W + 32W @1kHz, 1% THD
Frequency Response 6Hz ～ 110kHz (+0dB -3dB @ 1W)
Input / Impedance 2pairs (RCA, XLR, unbalanced) / 70kΩ
Output 4Ω, 8Ω
Noise lower than 0.5mV
Vacuum tube EL34 x4, 12BH7 x2, 6072 x2
Power consumption 180W
Dimension 438mm(W) 204mm(H) 369mm(D)
(excluding protrusions)
Weight 26kg
*Due to the characteristic of the vacuum tubes used, it takes around 15 minutes to reach nominal sound quality and performance level.