Audio Note UK Celebrates 35 Years of the Oto Integrated Amplifier with Special Edition

Marking a milestone in high-end audio, Audio Note UK honors 35 years of the legendary Oto integrated amplifier with the new Oto SE 35 Anniversary Edition.

Celebrating a True Audiophile Classic

There’s something magical about an audio device that not only stands the test of time but continually evolves while staying true to its roots. Audio Note (UK) has done exactly that with its iconic Oto integrated amplifier, now celebrating 35 continuous years since its debut. This isn’t just any anniversary—it’s a heartfelt tribute to a piece of audio history that has defined musicality and vacuum tube amplification for over three decades.

The Oto SE 35 Anniversary Edition, basking in daylight.

The Origins of a Legend

Back in 1991, Audio Note’s founder Peter Qvortrup and renowned designer Andy Grove unveiled the Oto, the first amplifier fully developed and handcrafted by the company. While Audio Note was already revered for the legendary Ongaku integrated amplifier, the Oto made high-end, vacuum tube refinement accessible to a wider audience. It was a game-changer, blending the warmth and musicality of tube sound with a price point that welcomed more audiophiles into the fold.

Peter Qvortrup reminisces, “When I set Andy the challenge to design a single-ended [SE] pentode version of the Oto in the early 90s, single-ended amps were a big outlier. The Oto and now the Oto SE 35 stand as a testament to our philosophy on timeless quality audio design. We still maintain and service our customers’ Oto’s, making sure they’re good for years to come. This is what true longevity looks like, and that will never change.”

His words beautifully capture the ethos behind Audio Note’s enduring commitment—not merely to create fine equipment but to nurture a lifelong relationship with their customers and their cherished amplifiers.

The Evolution of Excellence

Time hasn’t stood still for the Oto. Chief Designer Andy Grove shares how the amplifier’s design has morphed over the years, culminating in the latest Oto SE 35:

“Over the last three decades, the design of the Oto has undergone various evolutions. I decided it was time to give the Oto SE a complete makeover. The result is an amplifier with a more realistic ‘bass kick’, the kind of physical presence you feel when you are in the room with a kick drum or a bass guitar. It remains an all-round musical, fun-to-live-with amplifier, but it can now summon a serious amount of attitude when the recording demands it.”

For listeners, this means the Oto SE 35 doesn’t just reproduce sound—it brings it to life. That tactile kick in the bass, the nuanced textures in the mids, and sparkling highs all come together to create a truly immersive listening experience.

Why the Oto Still Matters

It’s rare for any piece of audio gear to enjoy such longevity. The Oto's success stems from more than just its technical specs; it’s about the emotional connection it fosters. The amplifier’s vacuum tubes breathe warmth into every note, crafting an intimate atmosphere right in your listening room. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering it anew, the Oto SE 35 delivers that special spark that keeps music lovers hooked.

Over 35 years, countless audiophiles have made memories with the Oto—whether it was their first tube amp or a trusted staple in their hi-fi setup. The SE 35 is not just a nod to the past but a promise of continued excellence.

FAQ

• What makes the Oto SE 35 different from previous models?
  The Oto SE 35 features a complete design overhaul, delivering a more realistic and impactful bass response while retaining its signature musicality and warmth.
• Who were the key figures behind the Oto’s design?
  Peter Qvortrup, founder of Audio Note (UK), and Andy Grove, the company’s chief designer, were instrumental in conceptualizing and evolving the Oto amplifier.
• How long has Audio Note been producing the Oto amplifier?
  The Oto has been in continuous production since 1991, marking over 35 years of availability and refinement.
• Is servicing and maintenance available for older Oto models?
  Yes, Audio Note (UK) continues to maintain and service Oto amplifiers, ensuring they deliver quality sound for years to come.
• What type of amplifiers does the Oto SE 35 represent?
  The Oto SE 35 is a single-ended (SE) pentode integrated amplifier that blends vacuum tube warmth with high-end audio performance.

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