The P2 SE is a pure
Class A, single-ended amplifier. Its development is the result of Audio Notes
ongoing research to find ways to make better audio products. A side from the
six key features on which the design is based, atechnique called "Comparison
by Contrast" is used to ensure that the product is developed with the most
important specification of sound quality as the overriding factor.
The P2 SE design is
derived from the Audi Note 's key technological features originally embraced by
the On Gaku and kegon amplifiers.
These features
include:
Pure Class A
operation
Zero negative
feedback
Single-ended output
stage
Valve rectification
Directly heated,
triode output stage.
Pure Single-ended
operation.
The P2 SE is a
single ended amplifier. This means that the complete music wave form reproduced
by the amplifier is preserved as one "whole". Consequently, a true
single-ended amplifier must be pure class A and operates in a coherent and
natural way.
This produces
significant sonic advantage compared to convetional push-pull amplifers since
push-pull amplifers demand that a new "mirror" image wave form be
created for the topology to work. Creating this perfect mirror image of the
original wave form is rather a tall order and far from the only problem
associated with push-pull amplifiers.
The stage uses one
6SL7 dual triode per channel. These tubes are connected in a SRPP method and
this stage generates most of the required gain.
Since the amplifier
is single-ended, no complex phase splitting circuitry is required and the
signal from the 6SL7 tubes can be coupled to the output stage. Here, Audio Note
aluminium foil, paper in oil capacitors are used instead of the inferior
quality film types used so commonly in the audio industry.
The final output
trasformers (one of the most critical components in a vacum tube amplifer) are
of custom Audio Note design and provide previously unavailable performance
characteristics. These transformers use massive cores to reduce saturation
effects. This allows the P2 SE to produce impressively extended and controlled
bass performance.
Specifications:
Maximum Output: 18 Watts RMS per channel into 4 or 8 Ω loads
Tube
Compliment: 4 x 6L6 / 5881; 2 x 6SL7
Input
Impedance: 100 k Ω
Power
Consumption: 165 VA
Fuse Ratings: 2 A anti-surge (110 to 120 V supply); 1,2 A anti-surge (220 - 240 V supply)
Dimensions (W x H x
D): 300 x 140 x 410 mm
Weight: 19 kg