I owned the An-J’s for 2 years, and had both paper and hemp. Martin Grennall at AN advised the hemp because he feels it’s richer sounding. I think if you prioritize tonal richness and fluidity, hemp is the correct choice. If you prefer dynamic articulation, paper works better.
I sold my J’s and upgraded to the E’s, which provide significantly more satisfaction in my space. I’m not sure of the size of your room, but the body of the music, the bass, and the power all increase in quality and size with the E’s. They work remarkably well in small rooms, and I cherish their ability to fill my space effortlessly with a wall-to-wall hologram of sound vs the J’s more dainty projection. It’s a difference experience, and which is better is subjective.
regarding your LTA: I haven’t heard the Z40. I’ve heard the microzotl drive my fathers ls3/5a speakers, and he’ll soon have AN-K’s to test, but my impression of LTA is a precise, light, airy sound quality, which I imagine would pair quite well with AN speakers. I’ve owned the AN Cobra and now own the P3 Tonmeister, but have tested Pass Sit 4’s, which may offer a similar sound to LTA, and they sound excellent with AN speakers… less warm and fleshy than AN amps, but pure sounding - clean and clear.
Audio Note speakers
Hello- I am setting up a living room system in which the obvious placement would be speakers in the corners and so I am thinking Audio Note AN-J for the speakers. Amplifier will likely be the Linear Tube Audio Z40+.
Does anyone have experience with this combination?
Also any thoughts on whether I want the paper or the hemp cone, and silver or copper wiring for the Audio Note speakers? Not sure what difference it might make.
Also any suggestions for an affordable speaker wire that might work well with this system?
Thanks!
Margot
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- 22 posts total
- 22 posts total

