AUDIO NOTE AN-E SPX

Second-hand, in good condition, both speakers have some scratches (see pictures). Without their original package.

Pair of Floorstanding Speakers

The AN-E is currently the largest speaker model from Audio Note, and like all other products from this manufacturer, there are many different variants with modifications to wiring, drivers, crossovers (both internal and external), and cabinets. A fairly large, two-way speaker with rear ports, designed to be mounted on stands, featuring an 8-inch woofer/midrange and a 1-inch soft dome tweeter. The speaker's proportions might seem quite different from modern trends, being wider rather than deeper, but in many rooms, this design is much more space-efficient, and it is responsible for the speakers' impressive scale and sound imaging.

With an efficiency claimed to range from 94dB to 98dB and an easy load for the amplifier, these speakers offer a massive choice of amplifiers to pair with. While they naturally suit low-feedback valve amplifiers, they perform well with any amplifier of sufficient quality.

Great attention is given to the design and construction of these speakers; the cabinets are made entirely of birch plywood, which is then veneered with a wide range of stunning wood veneers. The attention to detail also extends to cooling the front and rear panels before mounting the components, so only the minimum amount of adhesive is used, a technique that has been found to improve sound quality. The crossovers are all hard-wired, and the tweeter network is precisely adjusted to ensure a perfect match between the speakers (with a difference of no more than 0.4dB from a reference). The AN-E is designed to be used against walls or even in corners if possible; this not only allows the speaker to "push" low frequencies very effectively in the room but also means that a reasonably large speaker can "disappear" visually much better than many smaller speakers that require much more floor space.

One of the more recent innovations in the Audio Note range is the use of Hemp cones. As expected, paper cones sound incredibly fast, clean, and exciting to listen to. In comparison, Hemp cones provide a slightly richer and more relaxed presentation (almost as if you were sitting a couple of rows further back in a concert hall). The main advantage of Hemp is the improved texture, tonality, and resolution of the midrange.

Like all efficient speakers, the dynamics are impressive and believable. Furthermore, the bass extension is remarkable, considering their size and efficiency (the manufacturer claims a notable in-room -6dB point at 18Hz). There is never any sign of strain, they are completely effortless regardless of the complexity of the performance.

Technical Specifications:

• Characteristic Impedance: 6 Ohms
• Frequency Response: 18Hz to 23kHz, =/-6dB in room
• Minimum Amplifier Power: 8 Watts RMS per channel
• Maximum Amplifier Power: 150 Watts RMS (unclipped) per channel, Peak
• Cabinet & Finish Material: Birch Ply with real Wood Veneer, High Gloss finish as standard
• Unit Weight: 29kg per speaker
• Unit Dimensions (HxWxD): 790 mm x 360 mm x 270 mm – per speaker