Audio Note Japan, now operating as Kondo Audio Note, was founded in 1976 by the legendary Hiroyasu Kondo, known as 'the Picasso of audio design' and 'the Audio Silversmith.' Born the son of a Buddhist priest, Kondo taught electronic engineering and molecular metallurgy before pioneering the use of aged annealed silver in audio designs, including transformer windings - importing silver from Italy for its purity and musical instrument heritage. After Kondo's death at CES Las Vegas on January 8, 2006, the company continues under President Masaki Ashizawa, producing Kondo's original designs unchanged for future generations. Based in Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture (30 minutes from Tokyo), the factory hand-manufactures ultra-premium tube amplifiers, preamplifiers, and other high-end audio equipment. All products now bear the 'Kondo' logo, maintaining the founder's uncompromising approach to silver conductor technology and artisan craftsmanship that made Audio Note Japan legendary among discerning audiophiles worldwide.