That’s something Audio Note has been doing for a number of years, beginning with their top-of-the-line M10. Arguably, though, the M2B’s greatest design distinction is that it speaks to the world through a pair of output transformers, just like a tube amp. The M2 has come up for redesign, resulting in a product that not only nips at the M3’s heels but comes close to tying the race: the M2 Balanced.Īs its name implies, the M2 Balanced can drive the balanced inputs of any amplifier so equipped (although it isn’t designed for balanced throughput: all of its signal inputs are single-ended). The somewhat upmarket M2, sounds like a more refined version of the M1. It has the option of a phono stage to be added as well. The M2 is a refreshingly musical thing that brings the same kind of color and drama to preamplification that Audio Note’s more famous products brought to the driving of speakers. The Audio Note M2 Preamplifier is available in two models. It has a clean design, simple layout, ease to match characteristic with very affordable price, especially if we think that we want to have amplifier with pre and power sessions separately, otherwise, why not just pick an integrated amplifier to save the cost?” In fact, on the other hand, if we put M1 match with the other high end equipments, which I tried before in my friend’s house, we cannot tell M1 is one pull down the overall value of the system. Many tube pre-amp can cost us over US$ 10K but actually without a good match of the rest of the components, it spoils the value of the expensive pre-amp. Single tube, not complicated components around it.ĭefinitely, M1 is not at a top end tube pre-amp model. If we open the body, you may be amazed on how simple the circuit of this pre-amp. Compared to the rest, M1 gives me the impression of simple, clear, and musical. I have tried a number of transistor pre-amp, tube pre-amp before. “Though Audio Note M1 is about the entry level of the pre-amp series, it offers good details of sound.

Audionote amplifier