Blog #4
It all falls into place....
Welcome back! The title says it all, my Audio Note (UK) system is coming together nicely so far, source(s) (blog#3) and amplification (blog#2) in the bag!
However sharp eyed and knowledgeable readers have identified that the process of amplification isn't yet complete, one more item is required which I referred to earlier. Please take a pace forward.....The Audio Note (UK) S2 step up transformer!
The Audio Note (UK) S2 step up transformer (SUT) is a level 2 component (£1450 RRP as of Nov 2025) and sits happily between the turntable and the moving magnet (MM) phono input on the amplifier.
Interesting, but why do I want one?
In Blog #3, if I had plumped for the IQ3 MM cartridge, then I wouldn't need the S2 SUT at all. I would plug the turntable into the MM inputs on the amplifier and enjoy my music. It's all down to the output of the cartridge. A MM cartridge such as the IQ 3 has an output of 4-5 Mv, a low output MC cartridge such as the IO 1 has an output of 0.04 Mv. As you can see it's a LOT lower and needs a way of "stepping up" the voltage with a step up transformer the output to 4-5Mv that the MM input can accept.​
An MC step up transformer remains one of the most effective ways to amplify the delicate signals from low-output moving-coil cartridges, you can enjoy music reproduction with stunning clarity, dynamic range, and that elusive “magic” many audiophiles associate with MC cartridges.
Sounds good but how does it work? Keep it simple.......
An SUT is a passive device: it requires no power supply and draws no current.
It consists of a primary and secondary winding and magnetic core.
When the MC cartridge signal enters the primary winding, the turns ratio between the primary and secondary windings steps up the voltage. This process does not generate power but rather converts low voltage and high current into higher voltage and lower current, ensuring compatibility with an MM phono stage.
That's it!
This is my actual AN S2 step up transformer under construction, primary and secondary windings clearly visible. Hand made by an expert using the very finest components available at level 2.
If you wish to know more about step up transformers, click the below button, it really is a very easy to understand guide, recommended.
Now these are beauties...
Time to select the loudspeakers! I have already posted miniature pictures of my chosen loudspeakers in blog #1, so would like to proudly announce....
My chosen speakers, I proudly present Audio Note (UK) AN K/LX level 2 in gloss olive.
(RRP £4250 as of Nov 2025) on AN K stands (£670 as of Nov 2025).
What a magnificent finish! As soon as I saw the olive I knew that was the one for me. You will note the pictures I have here are all satin rather than gloss, I couldn't find a picture of AN K in gloss olive, so here's some AN J. I'm in love.
The highest quality birch ply for the entire cabinet. Bracing and internal damping is kept to a minimum and strategically applied to help, not hinder, the drivers.
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The birch ply laminations are clearly visible in this picture.
The crossover is simple, essentially first order, hardwired and incorporates air-cored chokes and selected bipolar and copper foil polypropylene capacitors. The internal cabling is AN Lexus LX 99.99% pure copper.
My musical memory regards the AN K speaker very positively. They are not rear ported like the larger AN J and AN E and are absolutely made for my intended 16" x 8" listening room. A common thread I picked up from numerous other reviews, the WAF (wife acceptance factor) is very high too!
I have also purchased the dedicated AN K stands, a very wise purchase and they'll sound and look loads better on those. I'll put small bags with sand into the legs so they'll be nice and heavy, leaving the spikes off whilst manoeuvring them into the correct position, once the spikes are on that'll add a small amount of focus to the sound.
Last but definitely not least...
In a recent podcast I was listening to Audio Note (UK) founder Peter Qvortrup extolling the virtues of a system completely designed and built by a single company, minimising as far as possible the negative effects of "gates" between components allowing the music to travel from source to ear as unhindered as possible.
Audio Note (UK) use a system called "comparison by contrast" involving extensive critical listening sessions of systems and components to ensure this happens in your system.
This is the secret sauce.
What's in the secret sauce? ....Cables
Firstly......
Audio Note (UK) ISIS level 3 mains cable
(1 metre) (RRP £375 as of Nov 2025).
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Audio Note (UK) ISIS level 3 mains cable into 6 way gang block (£590 as of Nov 2025)
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The Audio Note ISIS is an excellent power cord and a dramatic improvement over the usual black cord which is provided in the box.
Audio Note's ISIS mains cable is based on their supreme SOOTTO cable. With specially designed high purity copper conductors, it offers superb performance and good value for money. Each of the three conductors are made up of 50 copper strands, this cable is not a litz type. It offers a smooth refined sounds with extended and powerful low frequencies.
So I've put 3 ISIS mains cables in my basket (turntable/CD/amplifer), plus 1 ISIS 6 way gang mains block. That's a great start to give each component the best and cleanest main supply I can.
Secondly......
Audio Note (UK) ISIS level 3 interconnect cable (1 metre) (£815 RRP as of Nov 2025).
As the cost of precious metals such as silver began to rise dramatically, Audio Note (UK) decided to expand their range of more affordable copper cables. They took groundbreaking designs they developed for their higher level silver cables, and applied them to a new range of more affordable copper designs. The results were astonishingly good, and provided a level of performance to their customers that previously could not have been attained at such realistic prices. AN-ISIS is a copper version of the Audio Note (UK) flagship interconnect, AN-SOOTTO.
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It is praised in reviews for excellent imaging, a very natural and open top end, and a soundstage that makes instruments and orchestras sound lifelike.
The opportunity to own the finest copper interconnects Audio Note (UK) make was too tempting, so I added 2 pairs (AN S2 SUT and CD) to my basket.
Thirdly....
Speaker cable, specifically Audio NOTE (UK) AN Lexus LX level 2 in bi wire format.
I ordered 2 x 5 metre runs (£3075 RRP as of Nov 2025). I deliberately selected this speaker cable as it matches the cable in the AN K/LX loudspeaker in order to minimise disruption to the path of the musical signal.
My AN lexus LX cable under construction by hand (September 2025). What tidy work.
Why order bi wire cable, doesn't that double the cost?
In bi-wiring, each loudspeaker has two pairs of connectors and two cables are run from the same amplifier output to the speaker cabinet: one for the high frequency or tweeter driver and one for the low-frequency driver (through two separated crossover filters).
Yes, you do need double the amount of cables, however many owners of Audio Note (UK) systems do report improved clarity, enhanced detail, control and improved bass from biwiring so in this top level 2 system I should do it and it's in the basket.
Speakers in biwire format
Speakers single wired, note metal "jumpers", only need 1 run of cable rather than 2.
That's it! System in the bag!
So, to summarise, my final system is as follows:
Audio Note (UK) CD 3.1x/ii £6500
Audio Note (UK) TT two turntable £4150
Audio Note (UK) TT two external PSU £2500
Audio Note (UK) Arm two/ii £1850
Audio Note (UK) IO 1 (blue) MC cartridge £3999
Audio Note (UK) S2 SUT £1450
Audio Note (UK) OTO SE PHONO Silver Signature £11350
Audio Note (UK) AN K/LX speakers £4250
Audio Note (UK) AN K stands £670
Audio Note (UK) total cabling costs £6795
Total £43514
My aim has been achieved! All the boxes I referred to (A to E) in blog #2 have been ticked, I have specified the best Audio Note (UK) level 2 system I can get (with a few "splashes" into level 3 such as IO cartridge and ISIS cabling). I have been careful to ensure the best synergy from mains block to speaker and from my knowledge this will allow each component to shine. Plus, the anticipation + excitement factor is off the scale!!
What's in blog #5?
Thank you for sticking with me! My chosen system has been picked and ordered and I have arranged to collect from Audio Note (UK) in person in 2 weeks.
The plan is for the next blog will be a report of the visit to Audio Note (UK) and if space allows some unboxing, Can't wait!
Happy Christmas everyone, see you soon and happy listening!