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.

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.

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.

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.

Product Strengths

• Creates an extraordinarily vivid sound
• Has the seeming ability to turn up the contrast knob on everything passed through it
• Offers great color and body

Product Considerations

• When playing very loud passages at extravagant volume levels, it clipped less elegantly
• Bass output was just a bit excessive

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Surpasses the Haut-Brion in terms of color saturation
• The Haut-Brion has a somewhat better sense of scale overall, is capable of greater delicacy when needed, and sounded a shade righter, timbrally, on trumpets and singing voices
• The Haut-Brion offered the more well-balanced bass, relative to the volume of sound in the rest of the audible range—the Haut's bass was also drier and a little more detailed

Takeaway: The Shindo Montille CV 391 is a hand-wired tube amp that delivers vivid and colorful sound, making music come alive. It's a great match for less sensitive speakers and offers a unique listening experience.