Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Magazine reviewers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below.
Compared to their other products
We think it's helpful to understand how this product fits into the brand's full lineup (below). To learn more about these products, visit the brand's page.
Chubby Jinx
- Positioning: The entry-level stereo amplifier in the lineup.
- Description: Offers a sweet sound with its 6V6 tubes, providing warmth and texture. Unlike the Kenzie Ovation, which focuses on low noise for headphones, this is tailored for stereo listening with a more neutral and resolving sound, making it ideal for small rooms and budget-conscious users.
Kenzie Ovation
- Positioning: A mid-range hybrid amplifier designed for both headphones and speakers.
- Description: Praised for its romantic sound and low noise, making it perfect for high-efficiency headphones. It differs from the Bryce Monos by offering a more intimate sound with less power.
Stereo 17 - Little Nugget
- Positioning: A compact stereo amplifier offering a no-compromise entry into bespoke audio.
- Description: Known for its EL84 tube bliss, provides a stable 17 watts, making it suitable for high-sensitivity speakers in small rooms. Unlike the Nautilus, which offers more power and versatility, this focuses on delivering a liquid midrange.
Nautilus
- Positioning: A flagship personal audio integrated amplifier.
- Description: Celebrated for its dual-mono layout and ultra-wide bandwidth, offering a reference-class sound. It stands out from the Arch Monos by providing a more compact solution with excellent headphone compatibility.
Bryce Monos
- Positioning: High-end single-ended amplifiers in the lineup.
- Description: Deliver ultra-wide bandwidth and high output, making them suitable for most speakers. Compared to the Arch Monos, which offer more power, these focus on single-ended purity.
Arch Monos
- Positioning: The flagship monoblock amplifiers in the lineup.
- Description: Designed for ultimate fidelity and power, with a bandwidth of 2Hz to 110kHz. They surpass the Bryce Monos in power and transparency.
Read the reviews
Jinx
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Manufacturer's notes
UL circuits typically need small amounts of feedback. As the Jinx utilizes the famed 6SL7 front end and 6V6 power tubes, rolling rectifiers became the upmost priority. Given its modest power output, and to make a tube rollers dream; the Jinx allows for nearly any 5V tube rectifier. This includes 5V4s, 5AR4s, 5U4s and the famous 5Y3.
At its core, the Jinx balance design decisions intended to provide silent operation, neutral voicing and ultra wide bandwidth. Tube choices that are common and yet avalible as very old examples without breaking the bank. Tubes known to be romantic while utilizing a circuit well intended to extract detail coaching enough power while demanding absolute silence.
The Jinx would be nothing without our custom transformers which our wound just for us. We default the Hi-Z @ 100ohms and the Low-Z at 8ohm. This is a perfect paring for both planers and dynamics alike. Give us your hyper efficient dynamics, you'll be rewarded with tone and s...
- Input impedance: 10K ohm with alps pot
- Input Sensitivity: 1.2V for full power out
- 8ohm power: 3Watts RMS @ 1khz
- Noise on 8ohm tapp: 350uV RMS
- 100ohm power: 2.5Watts RMS @ 1khz
- Noise on 300ohm tapp: 430uVV RM
- Dimensions: 12.5" Wide x 9.5" Deep
- Output Impedance: 8/100
Our take on the brand
Used
ampsandsound
What if you spend a bit more?
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The Little Nugget is meant to pair with the stereo pre and provide a no compromise entry into bespoke audio. With 17watts you can run nearly any speaker practically in most rooms. Fantastic pairings include JBL L100, KEF LS50, Tekton double impacts, Zu Dirty Weekend 6s, Klipsch Fortes, LS3/5a, Harbeth 30.1s.
The Stereo 17 (Little Nugget) is an EL84 ultra linear amp with 17 watts of tube bliss. 2 EL84 tubes in push-pull configuration per channel with 12AX7 for input and a 12AU7 for the phase splitter. The Stereo 17 is based on the famous Halfer circuit with cathode bias allowing trouble free operation. 8ohm and 4ohm taps with 8ohm and 16ohm combination as an option.
The circuit used is widely famed for its stability and liquid midrange. With fixed bias, tube rolling is a breeze. The removable tube cage protects your tubes when family and pets cant be trusted. The Stereo 17 produces perfectly stable 17 watts RMS with 22watt peaks.
The output transformers utilize massive cores which resist saturation and deliver jaw dropping low end performance. Like all ampsandsound amplifiers, it is dead quiet with reliable performance. When we say dead… we mean put your ear to the mouth of your horn-loaded system and all you will hear is silence!
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Metal chassis provides better ergonomics and structural integrity compared to the previous wood chassis
- Robust power supply prevents compression, even with demanding speakers
- Has full bandwidth down into the low 20s without problem
- Warm lush midrange and the right 3d spatial cues up top
- Fast, accurate, proportionate sound that is warm but not dry or analytical
Product Considerations
- The reviewer mentioned they are going to work on adding name badges to the next versions
Takeaway: The amplifier is great sounding with a robust power supply. Its proportionate and warm sound makes it ideal for nearfield listening.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers a holographic soundstage and exceptional mid-range clarity, creating a visceral and nuanced listening experience
- Offers great tonal accuracy and mid-range performance, especially with acoustic and vocal-heavy music
- The amplifier is powerful enough to drive speakers and the reviewer's headphones with ease
- Can be re-tubed with entirely NOS (New Old Stock) tubes for under $300, making it a bargain to maintain compared to other amplifiers
- Has multiple output impedances allowing matching to pretty much any headphone
Product Considerations
- Direct Heated Triodes are naturally more noisy than indirectly heated tubes
- Users with highly sensitive headphones (north of 100dB/mW efficient), like Utopia or Stellia, might experience some background noise
- Bass presentation focuses on detail and texture rather than thick, chest-thumping slam
- Caution should be used when lifting it, as it is much denser than it appears
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs ampsandsound Nautilus: The Rockwell is more delicate and nuanced, with more space and air, whereas the Nautilus produces greater slam and is more tonally dense
- Vs ampsandsound Kenzie Ovation: There are similarities in tone and vocal rendering, but the Rockwell is more powerful, creating dynamics that explode
- Vs ampsandsound Bigger Ben: The Rockwell provides more low-end detail, while the Bigger Ben reaches slightly lower with more slam
Takeaway: The Rockwell is a seductive and fun amplifier that is worth owning, especially for those who appreciate the classic American hifi sound. It offers a remarkable listening experience and the ability to use affordable NOS tubes.
Video review
Our take on the brand
The Audio Note (UK) CONQUEST Mono Power Amplifiers are Pure Class A Parallel Single Ended valve amplifiers that use a pair of the highly regarded 300B triode valves per channel, producing a level of performance that is radically superior to the vast majority of current designs. They have been specifically engineered for sonic performance rather than technical specification, and fulfil all Audio Note (UK) Level 3 criteria: - Pure Class A operation Zero Negative Feedback Single Ended Output Stage Valve Rectification Directly Heated Triode operation Materials and component quality
The Silver version builds upon the already superb performance of the standard CONQUEST, and features the following component upgrades: - Audio Note (UK) AN-V internal cable Audio Note 1 Watt Tantalum film resistors Audio Note (UK) Copper Foil signal capacitors Audio Note (UK) IHiB Double C-core output transformers
The Silver Signature version builds upon the already superb performance of the standard CONQUEST, and features the following component upgrades: - Audio Note (UK) AN-Vx internal cable Audio Note (UK) 2 Watt Tantalum film resistors Audio Note (UK) Copper Foil signal capacitors Audio Note (UK) SHiB Double C-core output transformers
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Classic single-ended triode amplifier that caresses vocals and conveys warmth in vocal recordings
- Delivers rock-solid image placement and transparency, particularly in the midband
- Acts like a higher-wattage amplifier than its 18W rating suggests
- Can drive speakers that aren't absurdly sensitive
Product Considerations
- Build quality is not as refined as the more expensive Japanese-made Audio Note products
- Bass can be waffly/uncontrolled
- Top-end frequency performance can vary
- May not impress those familiar with higher-end Audio Note amplifiers
Takeaway: The Audio Note Conquest is a single-ended triode amplifier that can provide a lush, sweet midband and is more powerful than its specifications suggest. It offers single-ended triode performance at a more accessible price point.
Video review
Our take on the brand
An amplifier designed for the most demanding enthusiasts of 300B tube sound. The unprecedented PSE structure operating in class A was built using the highest quality toroidal transformers, designed especially for this amplifier. This guarantees linearity and wide frequency response. Extended tube life is ensured by delayed anode voltage switching. The unique tone of the 300B tubes is free, spacious and very involving.
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Neutral and transparent sound, more so than the reference amplifier
- Bass performance is remarkably tight, articulate, solid, and weighty, without typical 'tube character'
- Very good rhythmic capabilities
- Maintains control even with inefficient or difficult speakers
- Threads a fine middle path between a typical transistor sound and a typical tube sound—with an unmistakable midrange charm
Product Considerations
- Some might find it 'not characterful enough' because it is superbly even-handed
- With some speakers, the balance can be a little too lean and overly controlled
- Its low power rating ultimately imposes a limit on how loud one can play, which may not suit everyone
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Ayon Spirit III: The Lybra sounds almost as powerful and robust in the bass while being perhaps even tighter and articulate, and is more highly refined with subtler and airier treble
- Vs Trafomatic tube amps and MP's Jadis amplifiers: The Lybra offers something different, it's not as voluptuous, rich, and relaxed as the Trafomatic
Takeaway: The Fezz Lybra is a neutral and controlled amplifier that offers a balanced sound without sounding like a typical tube amp, providing articulate bass and a charming midrange. It could be worth buying if you like very good sound, especially if you have efficient speakers.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What else competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Beautiful and elegant design and high build quality
- Delivers a true single-ended triode sound field, offering enormous delicacy and a full organic sound presentation
- Simplifies the process of using tube amplifiers with automatic bias control
- Sound is concentrated in the midrange, dense, saturated, and organic
- Offers a variety of color options without an extra cost
Product Considerations
- Requires careful speaker matching
- The on/off switch's location on the back might be awkward
- The acrylic glass on the front of the tube cage might be scratched easily and its mounting is questionable
- May not be ideal for hard rock due to a tendency to smooth out some of the pain
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Unison Research Triode 25: The Unison has more interesting, bolder, more dynamic, transparent, and engaging sound
- Vs Unison Research Preludio: The Mira Ceti has better design, build quality, and sound performance
Takeaway: The Mira Ceti 300B is a beautiful amplifier that provides a delicate and organic sound, especially when paired with the right speakers. It's a great option for anyone looking for a quality tube amplifier.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Detailed and airy treble provides a holographic and three-dimensional soundstage
- Musical, transparent, and realistic mid-range
- High-quality internal components are used, including expensive capacitors
- Class A performance with less heat compared to some other Class A amps
- Well-constructed and uses parts sourced from North America
- Only has RCA inputs, no balanced inputs
Product Considerations
- Bass quality may be perceived as loose or lacking control compared to some other amplifiers
- Pairing with the right preamp is crucial to achieve desired sound characteristics
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Pass Labs XA-25, the TS-A20 has more detail and air in the treble, while the XA-25 is warmer and richer in the mid-band
- Vs AGD AGR2, the TS-A20 is richer and warmer, while the AGR2 has better bass articulation, quickness, and separation
Takeaway: The Galleon TS-A20 is a well-built Class A amplifier known for its detailed, airy sound and holographic imaging. It's a great option for listeners seeking a transparent and realistic sound signature with quality components.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Uses a Static Induction Transistor (SIT), which has characteristics similar to a triode vacuum tube
- It expands and opens up soundstage, with a gorgeous sound and great midrange, with voices sounding present and full-bodied
- The amp holds a conversation with the speaker, letting it 'have it your way'—rather than forcing its own sound
- It's spectacular on tone complexity, spatial hydration, fleshiness and vividness, making it sound off-charts organic, elastic and tangible
- The main aspect that positions it noticeably above all other amps is immersion, making music three-dimensional, material, enveloping
Product Considerations
- The SIT-4 is a limited production piece due to the limited availability of the Tokin SIT transistors
- The power output is limited (10 watts into 8 ohms, 5 watts into 4 ohms), so it's not a universal amplifier
- It is not ideal for speakers that require a lot of power, like Magnepans or electrostatic speakers
- The power switch is located on the rear of the unit
- Runs very hot
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs First Watt SIT3: It sounds cooler in tonal balance and has more 3D imaging and body
- Vs Pass Labs XA-25: It sounds more immersive, while the XA-25 is sharper and more focused
- Vs First Watt F7: SIT-4 felt more gathered, punchier and texturally juicier, the F7 was more diffused, innocent, icier, leaner and color-wise opaque
- Vs Elekit TU-8900: It is more rugged and expressive, while the TU-8900 presents recordings more aesthetically
Takeaway: The SIT-4 is a specialized amplifier that produces great sound with the right speakers, with beautiful tone and expands the soundstage. It's a good option for people who like tube amps but want a solid-state amplifier.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Exceptional build quality, indicated by its substantial 18kg weight and 5mm aluminum face panel
- Versatile tube compatibility, compatible with 6550, KT88, KT120, and KT150 tubes
- Zero feedback design ensures a pure signal path
- Stunning analog VU meters
Product Considerations
- 25W output might not suit all speaker choices
- Premium price point
- Requires regular tube maintenance
- Size may challenge some rack spaces
Takeaway: The Lab 12 Suono is a well-engineered tube amplifier that offers a blend of classic warmth and modern precision. Its exceptional build and engaging sound make it a worthwhile investment for music lovers.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Magazine reviewers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below.
Want to see more similar products?
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