Интегральные усилители — Audio Note Meishu Tonmeister Line

The Meishu Tonmeister Line is the variant of the Audio Note (UK) Meishu Tonmeister integrated amplifier supplied without a phono section, aimed at owners who prefer a dedicated external phono stage. Four line inputs and a tape loop are fitted on the rear, and the model is classed by Audio Note as meeting its Level 3 criteria. Its output stage is single-ended and relies on two 300B triodes of the directly heated type, operated in pure Class A without any global feedback, and its supply is rectified by a valve.

Key specs that matter

Audio Note quotes about 8 W per channel, with identical output into 4 and 8 ohm loads. Line level input impedance is 100k ohm and the amplifier reaches full output with a 240 mV signal. Channel balance stays within 0.3 dB either way. In the United States the Meishu Tonmeister carries a warranty of two years that includes both parts and labour. The case is 220 mm high, 460 mm wide and 530 mm deep, and it weighs 29.5 kg. Power consumption peaks at 200 W, and versions are made for 100-120 V or 220-240 V mains at 50 or 60 Hz.

Engineering and use context

A 5U4G handles rectification, the output stage uses the pair of 300B triodes, and a 5687 works as driver. An ECC82 completes the line-stage complement, replaced by a CV4068 in Silver Signature builds. The input circuit was reworked from the original Meishu, which used a 6SN7 preamp section. Half of the ECC82 now feeds half of the 5687, and that stage is capacitor coupled to the 300B, following circuitry first developed for the 211 Jinro line model. The power supply section consists of one mains transformer, the 5U4 rectifier and one choke. Audio Note custom designed the output transformers. The component list includes custom resistors, foil capacitors produced by the company and custom-made electrolytic capacitors. The phono-equipped Meishu versions add an ECC83 and a 6DJ8 or ECC88 for their moving magnet stage. The line model shares its enclosure and power stage with those versions.

Pairing

Separate speaker terminals let loudspeakers of either nominal impedance connect to a matching output transformer tap. The modest power rating points to high-efficiency loudspeakers. Vinyl playback needs an outboard phono preamplifier feeding one of the line sockets.

Alternatives

The Audio Note Ongaku is a stereo integrated model from the same maker with 211 output triodes, rated at about 20 W per channel.