The Audio Note AN-CD2 is a high-fidelity, tube-equipped compact disc player from Audio Note (UK), designed with a strong focus on musical performance over technical measurements. It’s admired especially by listeners who enjoy a warm, engaging sound and simplicity of design.

🔊 Key Features

Valve/Tube Output Stage: Uses a single ECC82 / 12AU7 triode tube in its analogue output, contributing to a rich, musical sound signature.

1× Oversampling, Direct-From-Disc Circuit: Audio Note uses their own oversampling approach (rather than heavy digital filtering) to present audio with minimal alteration, aiming for a more natural, “tape-like” feel.

Digital to Analog Conversion: Based around an AD1865 18-bit DAC (with oversampling direct from the disc), which was an advanced design choice for its era.

Classic Build: Larger metal chassis typical of British high-end equipment of the 1990s.

📊 Technical Specs

Disc Format: Standard Red Book CD playback.

DAC: AD1865 18-bit converter (no heavy digital filtering).

CD Mechanism: Sony-based transport mechanism (often Sony drive parts).

Channel Separation: >80 dB.

Line Output Level: ~3.0 V RMS.

Outputs: Analogue fixed (line) outputs — typically RCA.

Valve/Tubes: Single 6111/ ECC82 tube in output stage.

Dimensions: ~470 × 116 × 350 mm.