Aura Note V2 All-In-One Integrated Amplifier

The Aura Note V2 uses exactly the same design as the first version of the Aura Note. The first Aura Note partially owes its success to the design by British designer Kenneth Grange and of course, the Aura Note V2 uses the same design. It is twice as powerful than the 1st version, stepping up from 2 x 50 W to 2 x 125 W! With such power in store, the Aura Note V2 can power a large number of speakers. The amplifiers are Bang & Olufsen's ICEPower 250ASX high-end digital models. The connectors, RCA (cynch) and speaker terminals have also been improved and are far superior to the first version. The resolution and sampling rate were limited to 16 bits/48 kHz for the USB port, with the second version, the resolution and sampling rate are accepted up to 24 bits/192 kHz. The Aura Note V2 has a chassis made up of thick metal panels for great rigidity. The polished stainless steel front panel features a series of buttons made from the same metal and the red display is reminiscent of vintage Hi-Fi systems.

Like its predecessor, the Aura Note V2 is a CD player, radio tuner and a digital-to-analogue converter (DAC). The CD player has a top-loading system. The CD is clamped to the mechanical system. The radio tuner has a 20 station pre-selection. It has an optical digital input, an iPod input (or USB key with flash memory) and a USB type B connector for PC or Mac. It also has a 6.35 mm jack output. The iPod input, USB type B input and the headphone output are on the right hand side of the housing. The Aura Note V2 has a pre-out output to add a subwoofer or power amplifier if necessary. 

The CD player, radio tuner, as well as the digital-to-analogue converter as well as its line inputs enable the Aura Note V2 great flexibility. The audio reproduction is very punchy, the 2 x 125 W roar from the first notes. It is definitely one of the most physical all-in-ones on the market. The bass is taut and light and the top of the spectrum soars high without any harshness. Naturally, it must be paired with a pair of good quality bookshelf or floorstanding speakers to use the Aura Note V2 to full capacity. Though many all-in-ones have been developed recently, few can rival with separate elements. The Aura Note V2 is one of them. A must!

The Awards of the Aura Note V2 all-in-one amplifier: Choc de Classica, Diapason d'Or, HiFi Choice Winner, Editor's Choice of The Absolute Sound.