Audio Note Conquest Silver Signature 300B Mono Power Amplifier Pair

The Audio Note Conquest Silver Signature is supplied as a pair of Level 3 mono valve power amplifiers.

Each chassis operates two 300B directly heated triodes in parallel to power one loudspeaker channel, producing a rated 18 watts in pure Class A.

These are dedicated power amplifiers and require a suitable preamplifier for source selection and volume control. They do not include digital inputs, a phono stage, streaming, headphone output or user-adjustable volume controls.

Parallel Single-Ended 300B Operation

A single-ended amplifier uses its output valve, or group of output valves, throughout the complete musical waveform.

In each Conquest monoblock, two 300B valves operate together in parallel. This allows Audio Note to retain a single-ended output stage while increasing the available power beyond that of a design using one 300B per channel.

Each amplifier produces a rated 18 watts for its respective channel. The complete stereo pair is therefore rated at 18 watts per channel rather than 36 watts per channel.

More Power Than a Single-300B Amplifier

Eighteen watts remains modest compared with many transistor amplifiers, but it is substantial by single-ended 300B standards.

The additional output can provide greater system flexibility than Audio Note's single-300B Conqueror power amplifier , which is rated at 8 watts per channel.

Loudspeaker sensitivity, impedance behaviour, listening distance, room size and preferred volume should still be considered carefully before purchase.

Pure Class A Operation

The output valves remain active throughout the signal cycle, so the amplifiers operate continuously in Class A.

Class A operation avoids switching the output devices on and off during the musical waveform, but it also generates considerable heat and consumes power even when the amplifiers are not being driven loudly.

Both chassis therefore require stable, heat-resistant support and generous ventilation.

Zero Global Negative Feedback

The Conquest Silver Signature does not use global negative feedback.

Audio Note instead places emphasis on circuit simplicity and the quality of the valves, passive components, power supplies and output transformers.

This zero-feedback approach is one of the defining requirements of Audio Note's amplifier design system.

Silver Signature Component Specification

The Silver Signature sits above the standard Conquest and Conquest Silver models.

Its internal component specification includes:

• Audio Note AN-Vx silver internal signal wiring
• Audio Note 2W tantalum film resistors
• Audio Note copper-foil signal capacitors
• Audio Note SHiB Double C-core output transformers

The term Silver Signature describes the internal component grade. It should not be confused with the choice of black or silver exterior panels.

SHiB Double C-Core Output Transformers

The output transformer provides the electrical interface between the high-impedance 300B output stage and the much lower impedance of the connected loudspeaker.

Audio Note manufactures the Silver Signature version with its SHiB Double C-core transformers. These sit above the IHiB transformers used in the Conquest Silver.

Separate 4O and 8O loudspeaker connections allow the amplifier to be matched to the nominal impedance of the connected speakers.

AN-Vx Silver Internal Wiring

The Silver Signature uses Audio Note AN-Vx silver cable for its internal signal wiring.

AN-Vx is a higher-grade silver cable than the AN-V wiring used in the Conquest Silver and forms part of the Silver Signature model's overall component hierarchy.

Tantalum Resistors and Copper-Foil Capacitors

Audio Note 2W tantalum film resistors are used in selected parts of the circuit.

The amplifier also employs Audio Note copper-foil signal capacitors. These components are chosen as part of the complete circuit specification rather than being treated as isolated upgrades.

Valve-Rectified Power Supplies

Each monoblock has its own power supply and uses a 5U4GB valve rectifier.

Valve rectification forms part of Audio Note's Level 3 design criteria and keeps the two amplifier channels electrically and mechanically separate.

Because each chassis is a complete independent amplifier, each one requires its own mains connection.

Valve Complement

Each standard-gain Conquest Silver Signature uses one 5U4GB rectifier, one 6SN7 input and driver valve and two 300B output valves.

Across the complete stereo pair, the valve complement is:

• 2 x 5U4GB rectifier valves
• 2 x 6SN7 input and driver valves
• 4 x 300B directly heated output triodes

The exposed valves and surrounding metalwork become hot during normal operation and should not be touched until the amplifiers have been switched off and allowed to cool.

This Is the Standard-Gain Version

This Audio T listing describes the standard-gain Conquest Silver Signature.

The standard version uses a 6SN7 input valve in each amplifier and has a published input sensitivity of 250mV for full output.

Audio Note also manufactures a separate Conquest Silver Signature Low Gain model. That version uses a 6J5 metal input valve and requires 3.15V for full output.

Low Gain is a distinct amplifier model rather than a switchable operating mode or front-panel setting.

Preamplifier Matching

The Conquest Silver Signature requires a separate preamplifier with suitable outputs, source selection and volume control.

With its 100kO input impedance and 250mV standard-version sensitivity, it should be partnered with a quiet, electrically compatible preamplifier.

Total system gain should be considered carefully, particularly when the amplifiers are used with high-output source components and very efficient loudspeakers.

Audio T can help assess preamplifier output, system gain and likely volume-control range before ordering.

Source Component Options

A source component cannot normally be connected directly unless it includes a suitable variable output and volume control.

Source options might include the Audio Note CD3.1x/II CD player or a separate transport such as the Audio Note CDT Three , connected through an appropriate DAC and preamplifier.

Loudspeaker Matching

The amplifier's 18-watt output does not make it suitable for every loudspeaker.

Loudspeaker sensitivity provides a useful starting point, but nominal impedance alone does not describe how demanding a speaker will be. Impedance variation, electrical phase, listening distance, room size and desired volume are also important.

Efficient speakers with a reasonably stable impedance generally provide the most suitable starting point.

Selected Audio Note loudspeakers, including models such as the Audio Note AN-K/LX , may be considered as part of a matched system, although compatibility should still be assessed for the intended room and listening requirements.

4O and 8O Loudspeaker Connections

Each monoblock provides connections for 4O and 8O loudspeaker loads.

Use the connection recommended for the loudspeaker and system. If the loudspeaker manufacturer supplies specific amplifier-tap guidance, that advice should be followed.

If there is uncertainty, Audio T can help determine the appropriate connection during installation.

Installing Two Monoblocks

Each amplifier measures 506mm deep and weighs 20kg, so shelf depth and support capacity should be checked carefully.

Both chassis require their own mains lead, interconnect from the preamplifier and loudspeaker cable connection.

The monoblocks may be positioned closer to their respective speakers to permit shorter loudspeaker cables, provided that ventilation, mains access and signal-cable routing remain suitable.

Ventilation and Heat

Pure Class A valve amplifiers generate significant heat even when music is playing quietly.

Do not place either amplifier inside a sealed cabinet or directly beneath a shelf that restricts airflow around the valves.

Keep both chassis away from curtains, papers, record sleeves and other heat-sensitive or flammable materials.

The amplifiers should be allowed to cool fully before they are moved, cleaned or fitted with replacement valves.

Safe Switching Sequence

Connect the preamplifier and loudspeakers before switching on either power amplifier.

Source components should normally be switched on first, followed by the preamplifier and then the Conquest monoblocks.

When shutting the system down, switch off the power amplifiers first, followed by the preamplifier and source components.

This sequence helps prevent switching noise from upstream equipment reaching the loudspeakers at full amplifier gain.

Exterior Finish Options

The Silver Signature name does not determine the exterior colour.

The current Audio T product options identify the following pairs:

• Black top plates with black fascias
• Black top plates with silver fascias
• Silver top plates with silver fascias

Finish availability and current production lead times should be confirmed when ordering.

Key Features

• Supplied as a pair of mono valve power amplifiers
• Audio Note Level 3 design
• 18 watts per channel
• Parallel single-ended 300B output stage
• Two 300B output valves in each monoblock
• Pure Class A operation
• Zero global negative feedback
• Valve-rectified power supply in each chassis
• AN-Vx silver internal signal wiring
• Audio Note 2W tantalum film resistors
• Audio Note copper-foil signal capacitors
• SHiB Double C-core output transformers
• 100kO input impedance
• 250mV input sensitivity for full output
• 4O and 8O loudspeaker connections
• Separate amplifier and power supply for each channel
• Black and silver exterior combinations

Frequently Asked Questions