Audio Note UK TT3 Reference System Complete Analogue Playback Package

AUDIO NOTE UK TT3 REFERENCE INCLUDING THE ENTIRE PHONO FRONT END SYSTEM - 240V configuration (conversion to 120V available) During a recent interview,Peter Qvortrup, owner of Audio Note UK (ANUK) said: "Without being too modest, I think we are probably the only manufacturer that actually makes everything in-house, do any real serious, and basic research and development,and make a complete products range end-to-end, and bottom-to-top using custom-made parts. My belief is that in order for an audio chain to work properly all the interfaces between the different parts have to be very carefully managed. The standard audio industry approach, which is to combine products from different manufacturers – who have very different ideas what constitutes “good”– creates a mishmash sound which in most cases is limiting the sound, rather than expanding it, as each part detracts from the other because there are barriers to the signal at each junction point. A fact that makes it hard to raise the sound much above mediocrity, regardless of how expensive the individual parts are.” For several years, I have been fortunate to own a top level ANUK system. The whole is truly greater than the sum of its parts. Unfortunately, I will soon be moving into much smaller premises. As there will be no room for my stereo system or my large collection of LP’s, I am compelled to sell it all. I have decided to start this process by first offering my entire phono section. All components are in black finish. Those familiar with ANUK will already be aware of all of the components offered here. Such potential buyers can simply scan the headings below to see a complete list of the components that comprise the phono section package. For those less familiar with the ANUK range of products, I have provided links to specific pieces as described on the ANUK website. If the links do not work directly from the listing, copy each link individually into your browser and go to the ANUK website from there. These include better photos and descriptions than I can provide. For those components not described in detail on the website, I have included additional information. The TT3 Reference Turntable: http://www.audionote.co.uk/products/analogue/tt-3_01.shtml In early 2015, the turntable was instrument checked by one of the factory managers to ensure all motors were turning at the identical speed. Of course, one gets better results over time if the belt is changed about twice a year depending on play time. Belts are not expensive and the system offered here comes with a supply of several new factory recommended belts in their own individual packages for years of no hassle operation. Each of the three solid state power supplies comes in its own chassis. These supplies are dead quiet in operation and can be situated near the turntable or even in another room as the smaller control box remotely turns the power supplies on and off. The IO Ltd. Cartridge: http://www.audionote.co.uk/products/analogue/_home_cart_01.shtml The IO Ltd. cartridge comes with its own power supply. Also included in the phono section package is a second IO Ltd. cartridge I acquired as a spare. Both cartridges have recently been inspected under a professional jeweler’s microscope and found to be in excellent condition. Having owned several ANUK cartridges over the years, I feel that the IO Ltd. is superior in every respect to the others in the range. The IO Ltd. Power Supply: The power supply unit for the IO Ltd. cartridge is shown in the photo in the above link for the cartridge; however, it is not separately described. I therefore include the following: This solid state component is housed in a small chassis of the same size as the turntable motor controller and the step up transformer. It feeds the cartridge through two wires that run inside the tonearm. The Tonearm: http://www.audionote.co.uk/products/analogue/arm_an-1s-sogon_01.shtml The tonearm shown in the link is one of the first produced. The one offered in this phono package has been slightly improved since that time; however, it still looks almost identical to the prior model and functions as per the descriptions in the previous links. It is fitted with the top of the line tonearm wiring. S9-L step up transformer: The output of the IO Ltd cartridge is the lowest of all ANUK cartridges. This pays dividends in the detail department but demands a high gain step up transformer to feed the phono stage. ANUK’s top of the line solid state step up transformer fitted with Pallas cabling performs this task. Extras: The system as offered includes two armboards. One for a single tonearm and one for two tonearms. These are easily interchangeable by the user. As mentioned above, this system will be supplied with a second IO Ltd. cartridge so that one need never experience significant downtime should stylus repair of replacement become necessary. Also included is a custom made clip on device for the IO Ltd. power supply which improves the performance of the IO Ltd. cartridge. This can be attached in seconds and enables the owner to make comparisons with or without the device in place. Manuals: Manuals were never an ANUK strong point so whatever, I received as the original owner is the buyer’s to have. I will say that over the years, repairs have not been an issue but I have always received prompt attention and cooperation from the factory whenever needed. Boxes: I have always kept and stored any original boxes for my system. The exception was the packaging for the TT3 which was torn down from a pallet by the local ANUK dealer. I have recently acquired a new set of boxes for the phono system from the factory. These plus any additional packaging which is required for safe shipping will be provided by me at no additional cost. Other Comments: Despite what anyone says in their listing, nothing substitutes for the buyer actually listening to the system and examining all components to ensure everything is as stated. I recommend that serious buyers come to hear the phono section as now configured in an ANUK level 5 system. I am offering a fixed travel cost rebate to the eventual buyer of my system. Terms to be discussed. Of course, I can also provide references at the ANUK factory so that authenticity can be checked. Serious enquiries are welcome. Again, thank you for reviewing this detailed listing. Original list price: Approximately $175,000US (I consider this to be irrelevant information regarding offer price but people will ask anyway.) Offer Price: Open Audiogon requires an asking price but the price above is not an actual one. For products which trade in large numbers, there is a given price range based on many sales. For limited production components such as the ones in this package, there is no readily established price range. Realistically, the issue is not what I want to get for this analogue package but, instead, what you, the buyer, are willing to pay. So, I am open to any and all reasonable offers. Terms for shipping and insurance to be negotiated as these will not be insignificant. If you are interested in making a fair offer, please do so; however, low ball or fire sale offers will neither be considered nor responded to.