Audio T Verdict
The Audio Note Conqueror is a specialised single-ended 300B power amplifier intended for a carefully matched system rather than a universal replacement for a high-powered transistor amplifier.
Its pure Class A operation, directly heated 300B output valves, valve rectification and zero-negative-feedback circuit follow Audio Note’s Level 3 design principles.
Eight watts per channel places real importance on the preamplifier, loudspeakers and listening environment. Get those decisions right and the Conqueror provides a particularly focused route into Audio Note’s 300B amplification.
Audio Note Conqueror 300B Stereo Power Amplifier
The Audio Note Conqueror is a Level 3 stereo power amplifier delivering 8 watts per channel through a pure Class A single-ended output stage.
One directly heated 300B triode is used for each channel, supported by two 6SN7 input and driver valves and a single 5U4G valve rectifier.
The Audio T product options cover the standard Conqueror and the upgraded Conqueror Silver. Both share the same fundamental 300B single-ended circuit and published power output.
This Is a Power Amplifier
The Conqueror is intended to partner a separate preamplifier. It does not provide source selection, remote volume control, a phono stage, digital inputs, streaming or a headphone output.
A source should not normally connect directly unless the source provides a suitable high-quality variable output and the complete electrical match has been confirmed.
Pure Class A Operation
The Conqueror’s 300B output valves operate in pure Class A.
In this arrangement, each output valve conducts throughout the complete signal cycle rather than switching on and off according to the changing demands of the music.
Class A operation produces considerable heat even when the amplifier is playing quietly, making ventilation and safe positioning essential.
Single-Ended Output Stage
Each stereo channel uses a single 300B output valve rather than dividing the signal between pairs of valves in a push-pull configuration.
The complete waveform for each channel is handled by one output device before being coupled to the loudspeaker through its output transformer.
This deliberately simple circuit is one of the defining characteristics of the Conqueror and other single-ended triode amplifiers.
Directly Heated 300B Triodes
The 300B is a directly heated power triode, with the valve’s filament forming part of its active electron-emitting structure.
The Conqueror uses two 300B valves in total, with one dedicated to each channel.
Output-valve quality, condition and correct matching can affect channel balance and performance, so replacement valves should be selected with appropriate guidance.
Zero Negative Feedback
The Conqueror operates without an overall negative-feedback loop.
Negative feedback is commonly used in amplifier design to reduce measured distortion and alter output behaviour by returning part of the output signal to an earlier circuit stage.
Audio Note instead designs the Conqueror around the intrinsic behaviour of its valves, transformers and passive components without applying overall corrective feedback.
Valve Rectification
A 5U4G rectifier valve converts the incoming alternating mains supply into the direct current required by the amplifier’s internal circuits.
This valve forms part of the power supply and is separate from the two 300B output valves and two 6SN7 input-stage valves.
All five valves are necessary for correct operation and should only be replaced with suitable types.
Standard Valve Complement
- Two 300B: directly heated output triodes, one per channel
- Two 6SN7: input and driver-stage dual triodes
- One 5U4G: power-supply rectifier valve
The separately available Low Gain version uses two 6J5 valves instead of the standard model’s two 6SN7 valves.
Standard Gain or Low Gain?
This Audio T page lists the standard-gain Conqueror and Conqueror Silver. Audio Note also manufactures separate Low Gain versions using 6J5 input valves.
Low Gain should not be treated as a simple valve substitution. The required version should be established when ordering according to the preamplifier, source level and system gain.
8 Watts per Channel
The Conqueror delivers a maximum of 8 watts RMS per channel into suitable 4O or 8O loudspeaker loads.
This is sufficient for an appropriately sensitive and electrically compatible loudspeaker, but it will not suit every speaker or listening room.
Loudspeaker sensitivity, impedance behaviour, listening distance, room size, musical preferences and required volume should all be assessed before purchase.
Loudspeaker Matching Is Essential
A speaker’s quoted sensitivity provides a useful starting point but does not fully describe the load presented to the amplifier.
Large impedance changes, difficult crossover networks and low minimum impedance can make a speaker more demanding than its headline sensitivity suggests.
The Conqueror is best assessed with the actual loudspeakers or a closely comparable pair in a suitably sized listening room.
Check Before Ordering
- Loudspeaker sensitivity
- Nominal and minimum impedance
- Listening-room size
- Typical listening distance
- Required volume and musical dynamics
System Components Required
- Suitable source components
- Compatible line preamplifier
- Stereo analogue interconnect
- Efficient, compatible loudspeakers
- Correctly connected speaker cables
4O and 8O Loudspeaker Connections
The Conqueror is designed for use with suitable 4O or 8O loudspeaker loads.
The correct amplifier output should be selected according to the speaker’s electrical behaviour rather than its nominal figure alone.
If there is any uncertainty, Audio T can confirm the recommended connection with reference to the speaker manufacturer’s specification and practical system matching.
250mV Input Sensitivity
The standard Conqueror requires approximately 250mV at its line-level input to produce full rated output.
This relatively high sensitivity makes gain matching with the preamplifier important. Too much system gain can make useful volume adjustment difficult and may increase the audibility of background noise.
Audio Note’s separate Low Gain version may be more appropriate in systems with a high-output source or high-gain preamplifier.
100kO Input Impedance
The line-level input impedance is specified at 100kO.
This presents a relatively light electrical load to the connected preamplifier, but compatibility still depends on the preamplifier’s output level, output impedance and gain structure.
The complete preamplifier and power-amplifier combination should therefore be considered rather than selecting each component in isolation.
Standard Conqueror
The standard Conqueror establishes the core specification with pure Class A single-ended operation, zero negative feedback, directly heated 300B output valves and valve rectification.
It uses Audio Note’s standard component selection and output-transformer specification for this Level 3 amplifier.
The standard model delivers the same published 8-watt-per-channel output as the more advanced Silver version.
Conqueror Silver
The Conqueror Silver retains the same fundamental circuit and rated power output while introducing several internal component upgrades.
- Audio Note tantalum film resistors
- Audio Note copper foil signal capacitors
- Audio Note IHiB C-core output transformers
These upgrades distinguish the Silver model from the standard Conqueror. The word Silver refers to its model specification rather than simply its external colour.
Silver Is a Model Version, Not a Finish
The Conqueror Silver contains upgraded internal components. It should not be confused with an aluminium or silver-coloured fascia.
The external fascia and top-plate finish should be selected separately from the standard or Silver internal specification.
What About Silver Signature?
Audio Note also manufactures a Conqueror Silver Signature with a further-upgraded internal specification.
The current Audio T product options list the standard Conqueror and Conqueror Silver, not the Silver Signature.
Silver Signature and Low Gain combinations should be discussed separately with Audio T if required.
Fascia and Top-Plate Finishes
Audio Note lists anodised aluminium and black acrylic fascia options.
The top plate can be supplied in anodised aluminium or black anodised aluminium, subject to the selected model and current availability.
The desired internal version, fascia and top-plate combination should be confirmed carefully when ordering.
Substantial Narrow-Format Enclosure
The Conqueror is only approximately 205mm wide, but its enclosure is 506mm deep and the complete amplifier weighs 20kg.
Its unusually narrow and deep proportions mean that a conventional shallow equipment shelf may not provide adequate support.
Additional space must be allowed for rear connections, ventilation and safe access around the exposed valves.
Check the Equipment Support Carefully
The Conqueror is substantially deeper and heavier than its narrow front panel suggests.
Use a stable support rated comfortably above 20kg and check that the shelf accommodates the full 506mm depth plus rear cable connections.
Exposed Valves and Heat
The 300B, 6SN7 and 5U4G valves are exposed and become extremely hot during normal operation.
The amplifier must be kept where children and pets cannot touch it. Do not place paper, fabric or another component above the valves.
Allow generous ventilation and leave the amplifier to cool completely before touching the valves, cleaning it or moving it.
Correct Switch-On Procedure
In a system using a separate preamplifier and power amplifier, the sources and preamplifier should normally be switched on before the Conqueror.
When shutting down, switch the Conqueror off before the preamplifier and sources.
This sequence helps prevent switch-on or switch-off transients from being amplified and passed to the loudspeakers.
Never Operate Without Loudspeakers Connected
A valve power amplifier should not be operated without a suitable loudspeaker load connected to its output transformers.
Speaker cables must be connected securely with the amplifier switched off, and stray wire strands must not be allowed to short the terminals.
Always switch off the amplifier and allow it to discharge before changing speaker or signal connections.
Valve Replacement and Servicing
Valves are consumable parts and will eventually require replacement.
Correct valve type, quality and matching are important, particularly for the two 300B output valves. Never substitute another valve type without confirmation from Audio Note or Audio T.
The amplifier contains potentially lethal internal voltages even after it has been switched off. Casework must only be removed by a qualified service technician.
Key Features
- Audio Note Level 3 stereo power amplifier
- Pure Class A operation
- Single-ended output stage
- Zero overall negative feedback
- Directly heated triode operation
- Valve-rectified power supply
- Two 300B output valves
- Two 6SN7 input and driver valves
- One 5U4G rectifier valve
- 8 watts RMS per channel
- 4O and 8O loudspeaker compatibility
- 250mV input sensitivity for full output
- 100kO line-level input impedance
- Standard and Silver versions
- Optional Low Gain versions available separately
- Anodised aluminium or black acrylic fascia
- Anodised aluminium or black anodised top plate
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Conqueror an integrated amplifier?
No. It is a stereo power amplifier intended to partner a compatible separate preamplifier.
How much power does it produce?
It produces 8 watts RMS per channel into suitable 4O or 8O loudspeaker loads.
Will 8 watts drive my speakers?
That depends on the speaker’s sensitivity, impedance behaviour, room size, listening distance and required volume. Compatibility should be checked before purchase.
Which output valves does it use?
It uses two directly heated 300B triodes, with one output valve serving each stereo channel.
What is single-ended amplification?
Each channel uses one output valve to handle the complete music waveform rather than dividing it between complementary banks of valves.
Does the Conqueror use negative feedback?
No. Audio Note specifies zero overall negative feedback.
What is the Conqueror Silver?
It is an upgraded version using Audio Note tantalum film resistors, copper foil signal capacitors and IHiB C-core output transformers.
Does Silver refer to the colour?
No. Silver identifies the upgraded internal model specification. The external fascia and top-plate finish are separate choices.
Is Silver Signature included on this product page?
No. The current Audio T options cover the standard Conqueror and Conqueror Silver. Silver Signature should be discussed separately.
What is the Low Gain version?
It is a separately specified version using two 6J5 input valves. It may suit systems with greater preamplifier gain or higher source output.
Can I connect a source directly?
A compatible variable-output source may be technically possible, but the Conqueror is intended to partner a preamplifier. Gain matching and safe volume control must be confirmed first.
Can it be used without speakers connected?
No. A suitable loudspeaker load should be connected before the valve power amplifier is switched on.
How large is the amplifier?
It measures approximately 205mm wide, 195mm high and 506mm deep and weighs 20kg. Additional room is required for ventilation and cables.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Experienced Audio Note valve-amplifier specialists
- Standard, Silver and gain-version guidance
- Preamplifier gain and impedance matching
- Loudspeaker sensitivity and impedance checks
- 4O and 8O output connection advice
- Safe placement and equipment-support guidance
- In-store demonstrations through participating branches
- Ongoing 300B valve and servicing support
Contact your local Audio T store
to discuss preamplifier and loudspeaker matching, version options or a demonstration of the Audio Note Conqueror.