blog #2
Choices, choices
Now the time has come for the best bit! Choosing and selecting the components that will make up my ideal Audio Note (UK) system.
My selection will be using several criteria:
A) Space - as you saw in blog #1, my chosen listening room is a 16 foot by 8 foot slightly oddly shaped upstairs room.
B) Budget - I have allocated certain funds to this audio system which by necessity are fixed.
C) 2 sources, turntable and CD player.
D) Audio Note only components from mains block through to loudspeakers. This is to absolutely maximise the synergy of all components and reduce the negative effects of the musical signals passage from start to my ears. This is rarely reported on, most reviews have 1 or 2 Audio Note components shoehorned into systems containing multiple items from various different manufacturers. How can this be beneficial? Surely the only way to listen to an Audio Note system is as intended. Holistically working together using the Audio Note performance level system article written by Audio Note founder Peter Qvortrup in April 2000. This article is really essential reading for a prospective Audio Note customer as it covers the thoughts of Peter Qvortrup in how and why components are selected, chosen and implemented in the best sounding solution possible.
E) An audio system that will be the best I have ever heard in a domestic situation and a big improvement on what I have owned in the past as a retailer. From memory the sound of the Audio Note OTO SE amplifer and the fleet of foot lightness in the sound moving coil cartridges, have stuck in my mind over the years so I'd really like to include these in my chosen system.
Where and how to start for me? From the above performance level system article I see that all Audio Note™ products are graded according into a system of seven levels, each of which primarily places a product according to its sonic performance, this is meant to serve as a guideline for customers to help in choosing the right Audio Note™ components to build and/or upgrade an Audio Note system.
​
"the rule of thumb is that any given system should be based around the Level of the amplifier and should generally not contain products which are more than one Level above and two Levels below the amplifier used."
Well there's my perfect starting point! I've decided I will build my system around the OTO level 2 amplifier which will guide the levels of the rest of the system in order to maintain ideal system synergy. I intend to have an entire Audio Note (UK) level 2 system from start to finish so I'll be looking to the minimum of yellow items in my planned shopping list (as per the handy blue to black colour diagram I've scattered around this blog.)
As far as I can see, there have been no reviews (long or short term) of many complete Audio Note (UK) systems from mains block to speakers, let alone a complete level 2 system so I'm intrigued and mystified to experience this for myself in my home. I'll continue to post blogs as the system burns in and sounds better and better over time, it's a hard job but someone's got to do it!
​​
​Back to the amplifier: I know I like the sound of the OTO already. The size will fit into the furniture I have planned to purchase. It now comes in 2 options: an aluminium front with red font writing and aluminium knobs or gloss black acrylic fascia with gold writing and gold knobs. I fancy the aluminium.
I know I need an OTO PHONO as I wish to use a turntable, the CD player will happily plug into one of the line level inputs. So the OTO PHONO will again suit my needs, however there are now 4 models in the range. Even if I purchased an OTO SE at level 2 it would undoubtably be far superior to the OTO I owned 25 years ago. However referring back to point E) on my wish list, I'd like to push for the very best combined system within my budget...So that leads me to look at the OTO PHONO SE Silver Signature.
OTO Phono SE £4850 GBP (current as of Nov 2025)
OTO Phono SE ​Signature £7150 GBP (current as of Nov 2025)
OTO Phono SE ​Silver Signature £11350 GBP (current as of Nov 2025)
Some of the superior quality components used in the OTO SE Silver Signature include: -
1) Audio Note (UK) Copper foil capacitors used in the most critical areas.
2) Audio Note (UK) 1 Watt Ni-Chrome resistors used in the most critical areas.
3) Audio Note (UK) KAISEI NP and KAISEI standard electrolytic capacitors.
4) SHiB copper / copper c-core output transformers, custom designed and manufactured in-house by Audio Note (UK). These output transformers—one of the most critical areas of valve amplifier design—allow the OTO SE Silver Signature to produce impressively extended and controlled bass.
​From the OTO SE Silver Signature user manual : "The OTO Phono SE Silver Signature fulfils or exceeds all Audio Note (UK) Level 2 criteria: - Pure Class A Single Ended Pentode operation Materials and component quality".
So what is my choice?
I have ordered the OTO SE PHONO Silver Signature as it meets all my criteria. It is being built as I type this blog. I feel I know the OTO sound with the EL84 valves and like it a lot so wanted to own another. In addition, the OTO SE PHONO Silver Signature is a rare beast, if you look online there are precious few mentions of it apart in hushed whispers as to how radically better it is. Yes, it is more than double the price of the OTO Phono SE but I am truly excited about having it as the cornerstone of my chosen Audio Note (UK) level 2 system and surely excitement about your purchases is the key factor.
What's in Blog #3?
Well that ran on a bit so I'll end it here for your sanity! Blog #3 will be the selection of the vinyl front end and (spoiler) there's some very tasty items chosen. See you soon and happy listening.