Усилители мощности стерео — Audio Note P3 Tonmeister

The P3 Tonmeister is a two-channel 300B power amplifier from Audio Note UK, with both channels on one chassis and one directly heated triode driving each loudspeaker. According to Audio Note, this single-ended valve amplifier runs in pure Class A and was developed for sonic performance rather than for figures on a specification sheet. Three grades share the chassis - P3 Tonmeister, P3 Silver Tonmeister and P3 Silver Signature Tonmeister - and buyers pick a front panel in black acrylic or anodised aluminium.

Key specs that matter

Maximum output is 8 W RMS per channel, quoted for 4 ohm and 8 ohm loads alike. The line-level input has an impedance of 100 kohm and needs 450 mV for full power, and the two channels match within plus or minus 0.3 dB. The amplifier stands 220 mm high, 460 mm wide and 530 mm deep and weighs 27.5 kg. Mains consumption peaks at 200 W, from a supply that can be set for 100-120 V or 220-240 V at 50/60 Hz.

Engineering and use context

Only five valves are fitted - a 5687 and an ECC82 in the input and driver positions, the two 300B output triodes and a single 5U4GB rectifier. The 5687 and ECC82 stages are joined by capacitor coupling, and the driver then reaches each 300B through an interstage transformer that Audio Note winds in-house to tight specifications. The power supply is deliberately simple, combining the valve rectifier with choke smoothing. Internally the amplifier uses copper wiring, copper foil in oil capacitors and tantalum resistors. No negative feedback is applied. Audio Note measures every product against the six design features of its Ongaku, Kegon and Gaku-On amplifiers, and Level 3 status needs at least three of them, and the P3 Tonmeister goes well past that minimum by fulfilling all six, including the brand's criterion for materials and component technology. The Tonmeister name is shared with the Meishu Tonmeister, a 300B integrated amplifier in the same catalogue. A front-mounted volume knob allows gain to be set at the amplifier itself.

Pairing

With single-digit output per channel, the P3 Tonmeister belongs with high-efficiency loudspeakers that reach usable levels from a few watts. The 450 mV sensitivity is within reach of most valve and solid-state line preamplifiers, and the front volume control also allows the level to be trimmed when a preamplifier with high output is used.

Alternatives

The Audio Note P2 is a two-channel alternative built on four 6L6G output valves and rated at 18 W RMS per channel in single-ended form or 20 W in push-pull.