Audio Note AN-S3
Step-up transformer
What it is
D6 rules context (updated 13 Jun — ratio corrected ~1:40 → ~1:125): (1) ratio/gain — verified 3Ω input Z → ~1:125, ~42 dB; 0.04 mV IO × 125 ≈ 5 mV, a proper MM level (the old 1:40 → 1.6 mV was an underestimate); (2) reflected impedance — 47kΩ/125² ≈ 3Ω at the cartridge, matching the AN-S3/L spec for the 1Ω IO; (3) hum/rumble multiplication — at 0.04 mV everything downstream is exposed: the SUT must be dead quiet and carefully sited away from mains/motors (ASC-2 [3051]) — deck quality interacts (a SUT steps up LF garbage with signal). Channel balance ±0.3dB (VERIFIED Deco Audio).
Six fixed-impedance versions, no switchable taps (official manual): L 3Ω / LM 4Ω / ML 9Ω / M 16Ω / MH 36Ω / H 64Ω. AN-S3/L is the IO-matched part used here.
Audio Note dealer: IO works with "almost any tonearm (Rega, Linn, SME)" despite 1Ω impedance (ASC-2 [445]).
What the reviewers said
out of this world Jeff's Place / Positive Feedback — IO I + AN-S series system· Harmonic texture
must be dead quiet and carefully sited Audio Note SUT lore / ASC-2 [3051]· Electrical noise floor
a more natural, organic sense of touch Stereophile, Art Dudley "Listening" — Audio Note AN-S series (web 2026-06-13)· Tonal body
natural, organic Stereophile, Art Dudley "Listening" — Audio Note AN-S series (web 2026-06-13)· Harmonic texture
superior flow and momentum ... scale dynamics Stereophile, Art Dudley "Listening" — Audio Note AN-S series (web 2026-06-13)· Micro-dynamic resolution
mu-metal screening canister to minimise noise and interference Audio Note (UK) AN-S3 product page / Walden High End (web 2026-06-13)· Electrical noise floor
super mumetal 250 ... mumetal screening canister Audio Note (UK) AN-S3 product page (web 2026-06-13)· Low-level noise floor
How it scores
Clarity
- Electrical noise floor 70 from listening evidence
Voice
- Tonal body 74 from listening evidence
- Harmonic texture 76 from listening evidence
LowerVolume
- Low-level noise floor 70 from listening evidence
- Micro-dynamic resolution 74 from listening evidence
Specifications
| turns ratio | ~1:125 |
|---|---|
| gain db | 42 |
| recommended cartridge impedance ohm | 1/4 |
| recommended cartridge output mv | 0.04/0.3 |
| input connector | RCA |
| output connector | RCA |
| shielding | mu-metal screening canister |
| core material | 0.1mm laminated Super Mumetal 250 |
| dimensions mm | 78/88/180 |
| notes |