Audio note M2

 Audio note M2 - Pre-amplifiers

The Audio Note M2 RIAA Phonostage builds on the strengths of the M1 model by adding a valve power supply. The unit is based around an all-tube phono and equalisation circuit, which uses one ECC83 and one 6DJ8 valve. The power supply is carefully designed and uses a 6X5 tube for rectification and an ECL82 for voltage stabilisation. Internal signal wiring is in high-purity copper and the output is capacitor coupled. The casework and internal layout has been designed with great care to effectively eliminate interference and hum.

The M2 Phono is a Level 2 phono pre-amplifier,developed for the best possible sonic performance ratherthan technical specifications. To this end, the M2 Phonoincorporates thermionic valve technology to produce themost accurate sound possible and has been brought tomaturity through a development process we callcomparison by contrast, which is currently unique toAudio Note. The article from which this technique isbased, named 'Audio Hell', is available from AudioNote by request.

Inputs

The M2 Phono offers three standard unbalanced line inputs, one phono input and atape input.

The inputs each consist of a pair of RCA connectors, one red and onewhite, for right and left channels respectively.The line inputs and tape input are suitable for connection to any line level sourceequipment, such as a CD or DVD player.

The phono input is suitable for connection to a turntable with a moving magnet (MM)type cartridge. Turntables with moving coil (MC) type cartridges will require a step-up transformer between the turntable and the pre-amplifier; Audio Note produce someof the best step-up transformers available.

Outputs

The M2 Phono provides two unbalanced outputs and a tape output. Again, all of theseoutputs consist of a pair of colour coded RCA connectors.

The two main outputs are for connection to a power amplifier and are identical,making them suitable for biwiring.

The tape output is routed directly from the input selection switch; this provides asuitable level for recording.

The tape input is not routed to the tape output.

Feedback switches

Two feedback switches are located next to the ground terminal on the rear panel.These are used for matching the pre-amplifier to the rest of your system. Set theswitches to the 'on' position if any of the following apply, when in doubt, choose thesetting that provides the best sonic performance:

• If the volume control is too sensitive.
• If the interconnects between the pre-amplifier and the power amplifier arelonger than 3 metres.
• If your amplifier has an input impedance of less than 50kO

Specifications