Cast your memory back 20 months in to the past, to that beautiful time when we could congregate in large numbers and admire the latest innovations in Hi-Fi and Home Cinema. That’s right, I’m talking about The Bristol Hi-Fi Show 2019. It is here that we first heard the Audio Note (UK) Cobra. An incredible integrated valve amp that offers an outstanding level of performance.

JUST LIKE ITS NAMESAKE, IT’S Ready to pounce…..

THE TECHNICAL BIT

The Cobra is an integrated amplifier with a pure Class A valve design, comprising an input stage of 2 x 6AU6 and 2 x 5670, feeding the push-pull configured EL34 output valves, two of which are used per channel. The C-core output transformers are custom designed and manufactured by Audio Note (UK) and are of extremely high quality, offering outstanding, class leading performance.

The power supply is a multi-element design with choke smoothing, ensuring precise operation of each circuit stage, whilst a separate DC supply feeds the valve filaments.

As with all Audio Note products, it has been specifically engineered for sonic performance rather than technical specification and fulfils all Audio Note (UK) Level 1 criteria of pure Class A Push-Pull Pentode operation and materials and component quality.

A bit of operational detail.

At 28 watts per channel, the Cobra is capable of driving a wide variety of 'speakers thanks to its exceptional double C-core output transformers.

It is equipped with three analogue stereo inputs, and an additional three digital inputs, via the onboard DAC. The digital coax inputs can accept signals up to 24-bit/176.4kHz (native bit-depth for the Philips TDA1543 D/A converter chip is 16bit, so anything above this is truncated down). The Optical SPDIF input can accept signals up to 24-bit/96kHz (see above). The USB input can accept up to 16-bit/48kHz.

And a first for an Audio Note integrated amplifier, an internal D/A section and a remote volume control, with mute and input selection!

The Cobra looks great in the flesh bringing some of the design clues of the Jinro, Tomei and the legendary Onganku.

The Cobra is intended to bring the virtues of Audio Note, that is to get as close to the dynamics of live music as possible, but here at a more “introductory” level price.

HOW DOES IT SOUND?

“Ghosts” on Japan’s Tin Drum - here the eerie nature and laments of this track were strongly conveyed, David Sylvian’s voice was to the fore as it should be, and the ghostly gongs and synthesiser effects were, well, sinister and unearthly! This track was conveyed with all the emotion intended and some.

Following a strong cup of coffee, we put on Rage Against the Machine “Killing in the Name Of”. This is a strong test of dynamics, particularly drums. The Cobra rocks big time, realising this music with superb pace and timing, the drums locked in and strong and the anger of the vocals intact. What a result!

Finally, as a come down, we put on Peter Gabriel’s Us album, choosing the harmoniously complex and laid back “Blood of Eden”. This track also has a warm, deep bass. The emotions of Gabriel and the exquisitely textured music and harmonies flowed along. Quite beautiful.

We can strongly recommend this integrated amp for all types of music. It is exciting, detailed, dynamic and tonally outstanding. A strong all-round package at the centre of any well curated music system. Just magical.

Come and hear it for yourself. Just remember that all Audio T stores are operating on an appointment only basis at the moment.

Audio Note (UK) products can be found at the Reading and Bristol Audio -T stores.

Gareth & Rob - Audio T Reading

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