Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Full-bodied texture, as if the instrument is playing right in front of you, and it does not sound like anything coming out of a machine
- Intimate vocals are full of humanity, or to put it simply, his alto voice is thick and mellow
- Vocals are both relaxed and dynamic, while staying pure and spotless
- The Meishu Tonmeister is the best of both worlds—an amplifier capable of gentleness and politeness, but can also bring it with rock and roll
- Offers the best sonic blend of the ECC83/12AX7 and ECC88/6DJ8 dual triodes in anode followers, with RIAA correction between the stages, that are optimally biased for a good dynamic transfer, yet sweet transients
Product Considerations
- New amplifier requires roughly 200 hours of initial use (called "bedding in") before the circuitry becomes stable and optimum performance is realized; as the amplifier "beds in," the sound will become increasingly smoother, detailed, and open
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the older Audio Note Meishu, the new Meishu Tonmeister is better, as it is the best of both worlds—an amplifier capable of gentleness and politeness, but can also bring it with rock and roll
Takeaway: The Audio Note Meishu is a great amplifier that is capable of gentleness and politeness, but also can deliver rock and roll. It's a good choice if you want to forget all about time and simply enjoy the music.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
Meishu Tonmeister
reviews
[{"title":"Audio Note integrated, Meishu Line Silver Signature Tonmeister,","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A99hJEkAS2I","source":"Audiophile Journeyman","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"Audio Note Meishu Tonmeister Phono integrated amplifier $19,300 Review | Audiophilepure","link":"https://audiophilepure.com/2023/02/26/audio-note-meishu-tonmeister-phono-integrated-amplifier-19300-review","source":"Audiophilepure","datePublished":"2023"},{"title":"Audio Note UK Meishu Tonmeister 300B built-in amplifier, P3 Tonmeister stereo amplifier, M6 Phono Balanced Preamp Review – Premium vinyl record cleaners","link":"https://chisto.com/audio-note-uk-meishu-tonmeister-300b-integrated-amplifier-p3-tonmeister-stereo-amplifier-m6-phono-balanced-preamp-review","source":"Chisto","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"Audio Note UK Meishu Tonmeister 300B integrated amplifier, P3 Tonmeister stereo amplifier, M6 Phono Balanced Preamp Review - Dagogo","link":"https://www.dagogo.com/audio-note-uk-meishu-tonmeister-300b-integrated-amplifier-p3-tonmeister-stereo-amplifier-m6-phono-balanced-preamp-review","source":"Dagogo","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"Audiotechnique – Equipment Review Audio Note Meishu Line 300B Tonmeister Silver － an everlasting melody that stirs your soul – Elephant Holdings Ltd","link":"https://www.elephant.com.hk/blog/2020/06/12/audiotechnique-equipment-review-audio-note-meishu-line-300b-tonmeister-silver-－-an-everlasting-melody-that-stirs-your-soul/ ","source":"Elephant Holdings LTD","datePublished":"2020"},{"title":"Positive Feedback Review Sneak Peek: Audio Note (UK) Meishu Phono Silver Tonmeister 300B SET Integrated Amplifier: The Mighty Master of Tone! - Jeff's Place","link":"https://jeffsplace.positive-feedback.com/positive-feedback-review-sneak-peek-audio-note-uk-meishu-phono-silver-tonmeister-300b-set-integrated-amplifier-the-mighty-master-of-tone","source":"Positive Feedback","datePublished":"2022"},{"title":"Listening (and watching): Audio Note (UK) Meishu Phono Silver Tonmeister 300B SET Integrated Amplifier! - Jeff's Place","link":"https://jeffsplace.positive-feedback.com/listening-and-watching-audio-note-uk-meishu-phono-silver-tonmeister-300b-set-integrated-amplifier","source":"Positive Feedback","datePublished":"2022"},{"title":"The most pleasant amplifier I have ever heard","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7M51YCvkYgs","source":"Real HIFI Help","datePublished":"2022"},{"title":"Audio Note Meishu Phono 300B Tonmeister SE Integrated by Clement Perry","link":"https://www.stereotimes.com/post/audio-note-meishu-phono-300b-tonmeister-se-integrated-by-clement-perry","source":"Stereo Times","datePublished":""},{"title":"Audio Note Meishu Tonmeister Phono integrated amplifier | Stereophile.com","link":"https://www.stereophile.com/content/audio-note-meishu-tonmeister-phono-integrated-amplifier","source":"Stereophile","datePublished":"2023"}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Input Impedance: 100K Ohm, line level
- Input Sensitivity: 240mV for full output
- Maximum Output: 8 Watts (approx.) per channel into 4 or 8 Ohm loads
- Channel Balance: +/- 0.3dB
- Valve Complement: 1 x 5U4G, 2 x 300B, 1 x 5687, 1 x ECC82 (CV4068 Silver Signature models only), 1 x ECC83 (Phono models only), 1 x 6DJ8/ECC88 (Phono models only)
- Unit Weight: 29.5 kg
- Unit Dimensions: 220mm (h) x 460mm (w) x 530mm (d)
- Mains Input: AC 100-120V / 220-240V 50/60Hz
- Max. Power Consumption: 200W
Description
As with what we learned developing the 211 amplifiers, each element in a circuit is like each lens in a microscope, and has to be perfectly chosen and formed to correctly work with the proceeding and following lenses (or stages in the amplifier circuit). If the lenses in a microscope are not correctly chosen and adjusted, the image becomes blurred, and detail and information is lost. The same is true for an amplifier circuit; if each stage is not absolutely correctly chosen and matched to work optimally with the rest of the amplifier, the result will be blurred, unfocused, uneven sound lacking in information.
As with what we learned developing the 211 amplifiers, each element in a circuit is like each lens in a microscope, and has to be perfectly chosen and formed to correctly work with the proceeding and following lenses (or stages in the amplifier circuit). If the lenses in a microscope are not correctly chosen and adjusted, the image becomes blurred, and detail and information is lost. The same is true for an amplifier circuit; if each stage is not absolutely correctly chosen and matched to work optimally with the rest of the amplifier, the result will be blurred, unfocused, uneven sound lacking in information.
So to create a better amplifier, the natural idea was to simplify the circuit and optimise every element, so the combination works seamlessly and harmoniously together. This is exactly what we have done with the MEISHU Tonmeister. The new PSU uses only one mains transformer, one 5U4 rectifier valve and one choke. When this arrangement is optimised, it works extremely well, producing a very homogeneous and 'complete' sound.
The input and driver stage is very similar to that found in the JINRO, TOMEI and ONGAKU, with a 12AU7 and 5687 driving an in-house designed and manufactured inter-stage transformer for the best energy transfer, evenness and authority. This is the most important, fundamental upgrade over the original design. The output transformers for the new MEISHU we...
So to create a better amplifier, the natural idea was to simplify the circuit and optimise every element, so the combination works seamlessly and harmoniously together. This is exactly what we have done with the MEISHU Tonmeister. The new PSU uses only one mains transformer, one 5U4 rectifier valve and one choke. When this arrangement is optimised, it works extremely well, producing a very homogeneous and 'complete' sound.
The input and driver stage is very similar to that found in the JINRO, TOMEI and ONGAKU, with a 12AU7 and 5687 driving an in-house designed and manufactured inter-stage transformer for the best energy transfer, evenness and authority. This is the most important, fundamental upgrade over the original design. The output transformers for the new MEISHU we...
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- Audio Note prioritizes musicality above technical specifications, focusing on creating components that sound like real music—regardless of measurements.
- Audio Note designs components with long lifespans, avoiding frequent model iterations and focusing on component quality and core design principles, resulting in products that remain relevant for decades.
- They often use tube rectification and valve amplification and are Single Ended Output Stage, directly Heated Triode operation.
- Their CD players often use a Philips CD Pro 2LF CD mechanism that has been custom modified and improved in-house, focusing on performance rather than technical specs, and often avoid oversampling and digital filtering.
Select products
Select product comparisons
DAC 0.1x
- Positioning: Entry-level model in the Audio Note DAC lineup.
- Description: Features a 1x oversampling technology that avoids digital filtering, which is unique compared to higher models that may include more complex circuitry. Uses a Philips TDA1543 chip and a 6111WA valve output stage, making it ideal for small rooms or budget-conscious users who still want quality tube sound.
DAC 1.1x
- Positioning: Positioned as a step above the entry-level, offering enhanced performance.
- Description: Improves upon the 0.1x with an 18-bit AD1865 chip, providing a richer sound experience. Maintains the no-oversampling approach.
DAC 4.1x
- Positioning: High-end model designed for serious audiophiles.
- Description: Features advanced components like custom transformers and a sophisticated output stage, providing superior sound clarity and detail.
DAC 5
- Positioning: Flagship model representing the pinnacle of Audio Note's DAC technology.
- Description: Features the most advanced digital circuit and highest quality materials, including silver-wound transformers.
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Avg. Product Price
$500
Used For Sale
33
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
73
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
54
Founding Year
1998
Our take on the brand
Audio Note UK is one of Europe's largest manufacturers of valve-based audio equipment, designing and producing nearly all components in-house, including transformers and capacitors. The brand has achieved cult status among audiophiles who appreciate its minimalist, non-oversampling approach and its emphasis on musicality over technical specifications.
Look inside the brand
Brand Page
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
What's your approach to customer support?
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
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From our interview with
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Brand Page
Used
Audio Note
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What if you spend more?
Feliks Audio
ECHO 2
943
943
/
7
Reviews
Feliks Audio is a Polish brand that handcrafts tube amplifiers, including their flagship Envy model which features single-crystal copper wiring and 300B tubes known for their linearity and low distortion. Their amplifiers stand out for their ability to drive both high-impedance dynamic and planar magnetic headphones, which is uncommon among tube amplifiers, while maintaining a low noise floor and delivering natural, warm sound.
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Product Strengths
- Unique and engaging musical experience, even with some hard-to-drive headphones
- Natural, fluid, musical sound with a bit of warmth, superb soundstage, and resolution
- Exceptional detail for the price category and low distortion
- Great build quality and a pleasing aesthetic, being hand-built
- Also works as a preamplifier for stereo setups
Product Considerations
- Not designed for planar magnetic headphones or for low impedance headphones
- May sound brighter, with lower bass quantity and precision, with low impedance headphones
- Tubes are consumables and will burn out after a couple thousand hours of use
- The power switch is located on the back, which some may find inconvenient
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs SPL Audio Phonitor 2 amp—Echo 2 provides a more refined experience
- Vs Hagerman Tuba—Echo 2 has better driving power and clarity for high impedance headphones
- Vs Audio-gd Master 19—Echo 2 has a more natural tonality and deeper soundstage for high impedance headphones
- Vs Violectric HPA V340—Echo 2 has a more magical musicality and a smoother presentation for high impedance headphones
- Vs Burson Soloist 3X Performance—Echo MKII leans towards a slightly more relaxed sound, while Soloist leans into a more forward aggressive one, and the Soloist has stronger treble extension
Takeaway: The Feliks Audio Echo 2/MKII is a great tube amplifier for those who appreciate engaging and emotionally rich listening sessions, especially with high-impedance dynamic headphones. This hand-built amplifier offers a unique musicality and adds warmth and depth to music.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Feliks Audio is a Polish brand that handcrafts tube amplifiers, including their flagship Envy model which features single-crystal copper wiring and 300B tubes known for their linearity and low distortion. Their amplifiers stand out for their ability to drive both high-impedance dynamic and planar magnetic headphones, which is uncommon among tube amplifiers, while maintaining a low noise floor and delivering natural, warm sound.
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