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Re: Frank/RGA follow up on Audio Notes speakers

I can't speak to the K's, but as to the J's:
- approx. 23"high x 13"wide x 9"deep
- stand approx. 18"high
- price .. US list is $3575, stands are $400. I suspect the maple would be a special order for most dealers because of the large choice of veneer - the list may be higher, but the dealer may be expected to discount somewhat because they're pre-sold.

The maple veneer is downright gorgeous. The lighter finish actually seems to complement the boxy shape.

The cost is definitely higher than the de Cappo i's, but a purchase of the J's might alleviate a couple of steps of up-graditis. (Mine are older and were a lot less!)

The J's give the deepest, richest sound when placed near the corners, but they are also a very forgiving speaker when it comes to placement.
The sound is lighter away from the corners but still good if within 6 or 8 inches of the wall behind them. You may not have to pull them out too far from the wall to free them from the cabinet interference because there is an optimum toe-in for any particular placement of the J's which can provide considerable compensation for less-than-perfect positioning. It will take some experimentation to arrive at the best placement for your situation.

I'm not partial to near-field listening with any speaker as it places the listener more inside the soundstage. But if I understand your question correctly, the ANJ remains clear and tonally balanced in the near-field.

If you find the J's are within your budget, perhaps one of your local dealers will let you home audition a demo pair which will give you the opportunity to play around with the positioning for your application. Then you'll know for sure if they're for you.

A couple of things I failed to mention earlier - first, as RGA stated, Audio Note is all about SET amplification. And second, AN speakers are anything but harsh. Those were the two concerns in your original post that caught my atttention and prompted my reply.

Best regards.


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