View Full Version : Audio Note Oto SE - In Stock !
Ninanina
13-02-2013, 21:21
As some may know I have been using an integrated from 'Mr Angry'
However I have, for the last 8 years or so, had an Audio Note Oto SE "In stock" so to speak. Please believe me when I say I am not that well off; I just purchased very carefully
I used to use the Oto with a pair of Lowther speakers, and then some Tannoy DC's, but things changed in my system and all the nice sensitive speakers went. I could never quite manage to get to grips with selling the Oto though
Maybe a good omen, because I have just re-introduced the Oto into my system, which does not comprise of sensitive speakers
I forgot how superb this amp is, even through insensitive speakers
I think the way I may now go is to get some sensitive speakers back into the system and see what the AN can do
Can anyone suggest some sensitive speakers to go with the 10w Oto? The trouble is I cannot have too large a speaker in my room as it is not very big
Thanks for any help
Bev
Zu Omens or Zu Definitions Bev. They have a compact footprint, are very sensitive and would be fabulous with the OTO IMHO.
Ninanina
13-02-2013, 22:02
Hi Paul
I have never heard of them
Do you own a pair?
Regards
Bev
No but I've heard them and a mate has a pair of Definitions.
Details here:
http://www.zuaudio.com/omen-standard-loudspeaker.php
(://www.zuaudio.com/omen-standard-loudspeaker.php)
http://www.zuaudio.com/omen-standard-loudspeaker.php#omen-def-1b-loudspeaker.php
They are very good loudspeakers. Airy, detailed, great imaging. The Definitions have more bass weight than the Omens which are more suited to small to medium rooms. A good SET amp like the OTO will have no problems driving either of these.
Check out the sensitivity of the Definitions :smoking:
http://www.zuaudio.com/docs/OmenDef-1B_Specs.pdf
My Valhalla is not that much more powerful than your AN Bev at 15wpc and yet it drives the DM2's very well indeed so your choice of speakers may be somewhat broader than you anticipate. I am so glad you decided to keep the amp :)
Ninanina
13-02-2013, 22:46
Well the AN seems to be quite happy driving the Royd Minstrels at the moment but I am quite sure that more sensitive speakers would show the AN off better
Luckily I am not a million miles from AN headquarters, and Peter Qvortrup is a gentleman.....maybe slightly eccentric, but a thoroughly nice and interesting chap, i met him a few years ago and he left quite an impression on me, maybe that's why I couldn't quite get around to selling the Oto
I will try to visit him and see what speakers would fit the bill
Exciting times ....... :) :) :)
Ninanina
13-02-2013, 23:13
I'd love some snells but they are just too big for my room, which is a shame:rolleyes:
The Grand Wazoo
13-02-2013, 23:19
You say you have a small room. Are you sure you really need to change your speakers at all? Is the amp actually running out of puff when you're using it? If not, then why bother changing just because it's a low powered amp?
chris@panteg
13-02-2013, 23:26
Snell type k are not too big , how small is your room ?
julesd68
13-02-2013, 23:28
I will try to visit him and see what speakers would fit the bill
Er, he might say Audio Note AX-2's - very easy to drive ...
Ninanina
13-02-2013, 23:37
Well the little AN seems quite happy at the moment with the Minstrels. I may even try the LS 3/5a 's with it
I don't think the AN's running out of puff as such I just thought a more sensitive speaker may help it
Boy does it sound good at mo though :D
Well, if it sounds good and ain't running outta puff then it don't need fixing, just sit back and enjoy the music :cool:
The Grand Wazoo
13-02-2013, 23:48
Well, if it sounds good, then why change it?
Just because perceived wisdom says you need more sensitive speakers with low powered amps, you're not obliged to change them!
My Radford STA15 is currently hooked up to my massive bipole speakers, normally powered by 2 massive Mark Levinson amps - the room is 18' long. It sounds great & I don't feel the need to swap speakers.
Sometimes perceived wisdom doesn't apply & what's truly wise is to trust what you perceive.
Ninanina
14-02-2013, 00:01
Maybe I'll stick to what I have for now then
Bev
The Grand Wazoo
14-02-2013, 00:06
Sometimes perceived wisdom doesn't apply & what's truly wise is to trust what you perceive.
Bloody hell, that was a bit profound, wasn't it?! A bit worrying really, 'cos I'm totally sober!
Bloody hell, that was a bit profound, wasn't it?! A bit worrying really, 'cos I'm totally sober!
Would you help me to see the light oh great one :D
Ninanina
14-02-2013, 00:08
Yeah that was pretty impressive Chris :doh:
The Grand Wazoo
14-02-2013, 00:09
!!!
He's showing off now by engaging the second of his two brain cells... :eyebrows:
Stop it, Chris. You know that it makes your head hurt and then that women comes and takes you away!
Marco.
The Grand Wazoo
14-02-2013, 00:14
Look at you showing off just 'cos you can count to two!
What, we can fit two braincells in there? Where do I go for an upgrade??? :doh: :D
Ninanina
14-02-2013, 00:32
He he he !
On a serious note though can my precious AN come to any harm pushing inefficient speakers?
I must say the extra heat it's giving out is nice on this chilly night !
I'l leave that to someone with more experience than I. My amp makes for a pretty good radiator too, it's toasty in here :)
The Grand Wazoo
14-02-2013, 00:38
Well, they're not inefficient really - they're rated at 87 dB for 1 watt @ 1 metre and 8 ohm - they're just a little less efficient than some others!
If you turn it up so loud the amp is struggling, then you'll most likely not want to listen to it anyway. I honestly shouldn't worry about it.
My speakers are much less efficient than yours (83 dB and 6-4 ohm) and everything's fine. I often play loudly! I tried a 10 watt Mini T amp & it went pretty loud before it ran into trouble.
Ninanina
14-02-2013, 00:43
Well I've not had to turn volume up too much at all; maybe 9 o'clock
Doesn't seem to be struggling to me
It is just superb at mo!
:wow:
The Grand Wazoo
14-02-2013, 00:44
Save your money & spend it on music - a far better investment!
It's nice when that happens, isn't it? I had the same experience when the Valhalla landed here. I wouldn't switch back to the T-Amp for all the tea in China unless I had to, I'd miss all the little subtleties and ambience :cool:
Ninanina
14-02-2013, 01:04
I'm all for spending more on music, that's what it's all about after all
I'll probably try my Ls 3/5a's (my babies!!) with the AN tomorrow night. I'll let you know how it goes
Ninanina
14-02-2013, 01:29
"This week I will mostly be listening to A Note" :lol:
Dingdong
14-02-2013, 01:30
The Otto might start to clip a little if you try to run it too hard. Probably won't sound as harsh as a solid state amp, but I haven't heard an Otto clip.
I recently heard an Otto Se with a pair of AN J's and it was a superb combination. I'm sure it would also work well with the AX or AZ's.
But if it sounds good with the speakers you have just leave it well alone.
Ninanina
14-02-2013, 22:08
Doesn't seem to be clipping to me
Chris Isaak seems quite happy
Bev
The Otto might start to clip a little if you try to run it too hard. Probably won't sound as harsh as a solid state amp, but I haven't heard an Otto clip.
I recently heard an Otto Se with a pair of AN J's and it was a superb combination. I'm sure it would also work well with the AX or AZ's.
But if it sounds good with the speakers you have just leave it well alone.
I have AZ 2s which sound superb with a Oto, next step up would be J's or Tannoys as i know have, The Zu's sound nice i heard a pair at Scalford but i haven't tried the DM 2's on one but have a pair knocking about so really ought dig them out and give them a go, their price tag belies there abilities they really sound very nice on valve amps, but if you are happy leave well alone :D
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