Audio Note M3 Pre-Amp with Phono/Balance CD Input
The Audio Note (UK) M3 Line Pre Amplifier has been specifically engineered for sonic performance rather than technical specification, and fulfills all Audio Note (UK) Level 3 criteria: -
Pure Class A operation
Zero negative feedback
Single Ended circuit topology
Valve rectification
Materials and component quality
It is well known that the accurate reproduction of music, not just sound, requires the purity of the incoming signal to be preserved. It is therefore not difficult to conclude that, in order to achieve this goal and to retain the musicality of the original performance, the complexity of the circuitry itself must be kept to a minimum. In response to this, the M3 Pre Amplifier uses a single-ended, zero feedback circuit topology. This is simply the most linear design possible, demanding pure Class A valve operation and removing the need for a phase splitter, which introduces unnecessary crossover distortion.
In contrast to the majority of the audio industry, we design our circuits with the aim of minimising non-harmonic and time base anomalies, rather than producing vanishingly small harmonic or low intermodulation distortion measurements. These non-harmonic amplitude and time base distortions have a highly perceptible and adverse affect on the signal waveform, and it is far more important to address these factors than participate in the increasingly irrelevant numbers game that chases „perfect measured response?.
As a result, the M3 was designed for maximum linearity and minimum transient distortion, and avoids the need for detrimental „corrective? measures, such as inherently error-prone feedback loops.
Rather than using separate controls for volume and balance, the M3 is equipped with a dedicated Audio Note (UK) stepped attenuator for each channel. This not only brings the enormous improvements in sound quality expected from the now legendary Audio Note (UK) stepped attenuators, but also provides a level of channel balance accuracy that is impossible to achieve with conventional volume and balance potentiometers.
The M3 Phono Pre Amplifier features an ECC82 and 5687WB line stage, powered by a 6X5 valve rectified power supply based on the M10?s Galahad PSU. This power supply also features an ECL82 for voltage regulation and a 5651 for voltage stabilizer. Audio Note (UK) Copper wiring, a mix of Beyshlag and Audio Note (UK) tantalum resistors, SILMIC capacitors and Audio Note (UK) copper foil signal capacitors are used throughout the circuit, along with in-house designed and manufactured, custom Audio Note (UK) output transformers which feature I-E M4 cores and copper windings. This version of the M3 Phono is also equipped with a pair of balanced / XLR inputs, connected to in-house designed and manufactured input transformers, offering the best possible connection for sources with correctly specified Balanced / XLR outputs. Output connections are provided by two pairs of Single Ended / RCA sockets and a single pair of correctly specified and implemented Balanced / XLR outputs. Additionally, it incorporates an exceptionally fine Moving Magnet phonostage which uses three GE 5670 valves, Audio Note (UK) copper foil signal capacitors and its own dedicated, valve regulated and rectified power supply.
INPUT IMPEDANCE - 100K Ohms - Line Level, 47K Ohms - Phono
INPUT SENSITIVITY - 126mV for 1V Output
OUTPUT IMPEDANCE - <10 Ohms
UNIT WEIGHT - 16 kg
UNIT DIMENSIONS - 140mm (h) x 440mm (w) x 410mm (d)
MAINS INPUT - AC 100-120V / 220-240V 50/60Hz
?NOTE - Due to Audio Note (UK)'s ongoing research and development program, specifications are subject to change without notice.