Website author headshot
Cameron Oatley
ExtremeHiFi
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi

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

Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.

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.

What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.

All

Lybra 300B

reviews

[{"title":"Fezz Lybra Parallel Single-Ended 300B integrated amplifier","link":"https://www.hifi-advice.com/blog/amplifier-reviews/integrated-amplifier-reviews/fezz-lybra-parallel-single-ended-300b-integrated-amplifier-part1/2","source":"HiFi Advice","datePublished":""}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022

Manufacturer details

  • Type: Stereo vacuum tube amplifier
  • Model: Lybra
  • Max. output power: 2x15W
  • Circuit type: PSE parallel single ended
  • Output impedance: 4Ω/8Ω
  • Inputs: 3xRCA
  • Harmonic distortions THD: <0,25%
  • Frequency response: 12Hz-60kHz (-3dB)
  • Power consumption: 180W
  • AC fuse: 3,15A T
  • Net weight: 23,5 kg
  • Dimensions: 420x380x226 mm
  • Tubes: 4x 300B, 2x 6sn7, 1x 12AX7, autobias
  • Colours: black, white, burgundy, red
An amplifier designed for the most demanding enthusiasts of 300B tube sound.
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.
Manufacturer Site

Brand highlights

Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:

  • Fezz Audio leverages its parent company, Toroidy.pl, a specialized transformer manufacturer, to create unique toroidal transformers specifically designed for their tube amplifiers, a departure from the more common E-I core designs.
  • The brand often presents a sonic profile that balances traditional tube warmth with clarity, detail, and accurate frequency response, resulting in a sound that appeals to both tube enthusiasts and those seeking a more neutral presentation.
  • Fezz Audio uses readily available and relatively inexpensive tubes such as EL34s, KT88s and 12AX7s while retaining great performance, making tube replacement affordable.
  • They offer a range of customization options, such as different colors, Bluetooth connectivity, or home theater inputs, at an affordable price, allowing customers to tailor their amplifier to their specific needs and preferences.

TORUS 5060  

  • Positioning: A complete solid state integrated amplifier offering modern connectivity for everyday home audio.  
  • Description: It stands out with its built-in DAC, Bluetooth 5.0 streaming, and multiple digital and analogue inputs, a feature not seen in the tube-based models. In comparison to the power amplifiers and tube preamplifiers, it serves users with smaller rooms or multimedia setups at a more approachable price point.  

FEZZ TITANIA KOPIA  

  • Positioning: A versatile power amplifier offering both stereo and mono operation for flexible use.  
  • Description: It features dual-mode output (2×45W in stereo and 1×90W in mono) with an efficient push-pull design that delivers full-bodied yet neutral sound.

FEZZ SAGITA PRESTIGE  

  • Positioning: A tube line preamplifier introducing fully balanced XLR connectivity to the lineup.  
  • Description: It uses a balanced circuit with hand-selected vacuum tubes to offer warm, immersive tones and precise signal definition, a unique feature among Fezz products.

FEZZ MIRA CETI 300B EVOLUTION  

  • Positioning: A single-ended tube amplifier designed for authentic analogue reproduction with a focus on midrange clarity.  
  • Description: It is distinguished by the use of toroidal speaker transformers that deliver a saturated midrange and solid bass response, a rarity for single-ended designs. Compared to the higher-end Lybra, this model offers a balanced tube character ideal for those seeking true analogue warmth on a moderate premium while still providing robust dynamics.

FEZZ LYBRA 300B EVOLUTION  

  • Positioning: A high-end tube amplifier crafted for the most demanding audiophiles seeking superior tube sound quality.  
  • Description: It uses an unprecedented PSE structure with custom toroidal transformers and delayed anode voltage switching to ensure extended tube life and a spacious, linear soundstage, features not found in other models.
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Avg. Product Price
$5,001-$10,000
Used For Sale
6
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Brand Popularity
192
 of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
28
Founding Year
2014

Our take on the brand

Fezz Audio distinguishes itself by being the first to implement toroidal output transformers in single-ended tube amplifiers, a design choice that enhances efficiency and reduces noise. Their Evolution series, developed in collaboration with the KABO & PYDO design studio, has been recognized with prestigious awards such as the Red Dot Design Award.

Look inside the brand

Brand Page

Our interview with the brand

What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?

One of the key technological innovations that differs Fezz from other manufacturers is the usage of patented toroidal output transformers in our tube amplifiers. While most tube amplifier manufacturers rely on traditional EI-core transformers, we design and build our amplifiers around custom toroidal output transformers. This results in lower magnetic leakage, much improved bandwidth, and more precise bass control—qualities that are not easy to achieve with conventional designs.

Secondly, we strongly believe in balancing modern engineering with classic tube sound. Our amplifiers are meticulously tuned to retain the musical warmth and dynamics that tube enthusiasts love, while also delivering the clarity, stability, and efficiency demanded by today's high-end audio systems.

What's your approach to customer support?

We handle customer support through a dedicated network of authorized dealers and distributors, who are the first point of contact for our customers. However, we also encourage direct contact with us if a customer needs additional help or feels their issue requires further attention. Our team is always ready to support end users with technical advice, service coordination, or general questions.

What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?

Great question! Music is the key to everything we do.

Melody Gardot – Worrisome Heart

Stacey Kent & Jim Tomlinson – So Nice

John Lee Hooker – Susie (feat. Johnny Winter)

Katie Melua – Piece by Piece

These tracks aren't just technical tests—they're emotionally engaging, which is exactly what we want our amplifiers to bring out in every listening session.

What other products pair best with yours?

We especially love pairing our amplifiers with Klipsch, and next is the Polish brand Pylon.

From our interview with
.
Brand Page

What if you spend more?

Product image
Fezz
Audio Lybra 300B
10306
10306
/
2
Reviews

One of the finest parallel single ended 300B tube amplifier made by Fezz Audio. It provides openness and spatial sound. Powerful, sublime, very involving and uniqe to itself. Fezz Audio Lybra gives you the best sounding experience you can get from the 300B tubes.

Fezz Audio distinguishes itself by being the first to implement toroidal output transformers in single-ended tube amplifiers, a design choice that enhances efficiency and reduces noise. Their Evolution series, developed in collaboration with the KABO & PYDO design studio, has been recognized with prestigious awards such as the Red Dot Design Award.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Delivers an incredibly rich, flavorful midrange and a sweet, relaxed treble
  • Has a more sophisticated presentation than the utilitarian bent-metal chassis sported by most integrated tube amps on the market, and the smooth lines of the chassis help the amp stand out from the crowd
  • Has a clever tube cage design with a clear Plexiglass front panel that delivers an unobstructed view of the tubes and is easy to install and remove
  • Is seriously quiet, and there was effectively zero noise through any of the speakers

Product Considerations

  • Can sound wildly different, depending on the impedance of the speakers
  • The four slightly squishy feet underneath the amp may cause stains
  • The power switch is on the rear of the chassis, which may be problematic if installing the amp in a cabinet with limited access
  • Needs a good 20 minutes to warm up, and on initial startup, the amp sounded a bit thin, bright, and constipated, but after one album, it opened right up
  • Limited power output (15Wpc) may not be sufficient for all speakers or listening preferences, especially when wanting to play music very loud

Takeaway: The Fezz Audio Lybra 300B is a well-designed tube amplifier that delivers a rich and flavorful sound. It can bring out the best in your speakers, offering clarity and great sound.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Fezz Audio distinguishes itself by being the first to implement toroidal output transformers in single-ended tube amplifiers, a design choice that enhances efficiency and reduces noise. Their Evolution series, developed in collaboration with the KABO & PYDO design studio, has been recognized with prestigious awards such as the Red Dot Design Award.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Thöress
SE-300B
10581
10581
/
3
Reviews

The SE300B Mono Amplifier is... an all-tube power amplifier employing the famous classic 300B filamentary triode in single-ended operation mode for an output of up to 10 watts into a 4, 8 or 16 ohm loudspeaker load. The 300B power tube is excited by an extraordinary single-stage driver employing two CV2382/EL822 power pentodes operated in triode mode with high idle current and works into a C-core output transformer built in-house to the highest possible standards so as to ensure ultimate performance. The amplifier is built with meticulous hand construction using our proven point-to-point wiring techniques whereas much care has been taken in arranging each aspect of the internal construction to ensure low noise performance, ease of service and the highest reliability for many years to come.

Thöress is a hifi brand known for its unique EHT Topology, which combines single-ended triode tubes with MOSFET output stages in Class-A mode, setting it apart from typical tube amplifiers through its transparency rather than warmth. The brand's products feature a distinctive vintage laboratory aesthetic with German labeling, and include the Phono Enhancer, which lets users adjust equalization curves on-the-fly without conventional tone controls.
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Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Pure sound, free of coloration while retaining musical detail, allows a graceful and effortless listening experience
  • Natural and tangible sound due to accurate reproduction of details, creates a believable presentation
  • Solid and controlled bass performance, unusual for a 300B single-ended triode amplifier
  • Excellent sense of touch and tactile sound, making instruments like plucked strings and bowed violins sound very convincing
  • Wide and deep soundstage with good 'air', providing a transparent and 'hear-through' sound, especially with complex music

Product Considerations

  • Careful matching with partnering equipment is required, especially speakers with high efficiency
  • Relatively low overall gain requires a source with a high output voltage
  • Output transformer links need to be correctly set for speaker impedance, requiring dealer assistance
  • Some reviewers found the top end sounding a bit rolled off before use of appropriate high efficiency speakers and source gain settings
  • Changing the EL803S driver valves requires carefully matched pairs supplied by Thöress

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Shindo Haut-Brion/Corton-Charlemagne, Thöress has more treble extension and transparency, Shindo has better upper-bass/lower-midrange substance and body—and more drive

Takeaway: The Thöress SE-300B offers a supremely musical and detailed listening experience with a focus on accuracy and sonic purity. When paired with the right speakers, this amplifier could be an excellent choice to bring out the best in music.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Thöress is a hifi brand known for its unique EHT Topology, which combines single-ended triode tubes with MOSFET output stages in Class-A mode, setting it apart from typical tube amplifiers through its transparency rather than warmth. The brand's products feature a distinctive vintage laboratory aesthetic with German labeling, and include the Phono Enhancer, which lets users adjust equalization curves on-the-fly without conventional tone controls.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Western Electric
91E
14999
14999
/
5
Reviews

Double the Performance Trouble-free, noise-free, and double the power of traditional 300B amps. Made possible by patented circuit design. A New Classic We’re proud to continue a legacy of quality, American manufacturing with innovative new features. Ships with Tubes The 91E ships with new production 300Bs, the most popular electron tubes in the world. Made in the USA.

Western Electric, one of the original developers of the 300B vacuum tube since 1938, stands out for their 91E Integrated Amplifier that delivers 20 watts per channel through their patented Steered Constant Current Source technology—significantly more power than typical single-ended triode amplifiers using 300B tubes. The brand's revival and continued production of the 300B tube have earned praise in the audiophile community, with their approach focusing on preserving classic tube sound while adding modern technological improvements.
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Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • New patented design SCS (source current steering) allows the amplifier to have a fabulous bottom end without affecting the glorious midrange
  • Proprietary noise reduction system eliminates noise that can be inherent in a single-ended design
  • Circuit protects the 300Bs and keeps them in their safe operating range, so there is no chance of damaging the tube or having a shortened life
  • More power from this amp than a traditional 300B, it's the difference in presentation
  • It has Bluetooth, phono stage (moving coil and moving magnet), and wireless remote control

Product Considerations

  • Instructions could be a little clearer about installing the 300Bs
  • More warm-up is needed for each listening session than originally allowed
  • The 91E was designed for operation with Western Electric manufactured 300B electron tubes
  • The brands and specifications of the capacitors, resistors, transformers, internal wires, RCA jacks, switches, and binding posts are not disclosed

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs WE 91A: 91E retains what's best about the early WE 91A—its delicacy, bloom, openness, and tonal magic—and adds modern improvements

Takeaway: The Western Electric 91E is a uniquely designed amplifier providing great sound with modern features like Bluetooth and remote control, pushing what a 300B tube amplifier can achieve. It's a great option for audiophiles wanting to step up from other tube amplifier sounds.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Western Electric, one of the original developers of the 300B vacuum tube since 1938, stands out for their 91E Integrated Amplifier that delivers 20 watts per channel through their patented Steered Constant Current Source technology—significantly more power than typical single-ended triode amplifiers using 300B tubes. The brand's revival and continued production of the 300B tube have earned praise in the audiophile community, with their approach focusing on preserving classic tube sound while adding modern technological improvements.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
ampsandsound
Bryce
16000
16000
/
3
Reviews
ampandsound specializes in high-end, handcrafted tube amplifiers made in the USA. Their low-wattage amps pair perfectly with high-efficiency speakers and headphones. The company is known for classic, minimalist designs and a focus on delivering natural sound.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Impressive bass response, dynamics, and power for a 12-Watt single-ended tube amplifier
  • Dense, tactile, and sweet harmonic color with a clean and clear sound
  • Robust build quality with point-to-point hand wiring and exceptional parts
  • Easy biasing with a switch for KT88 to KT120/150 mode
  • Proprietary transformers that contribute to a flatter response and deeper low bass

Product Considerations

  • Careful speaker matching is required, ideally with speakers that have at least 94dB/W efficiency and a stable speaker load
  • Must be turned off for at least 10 minutes, preferably 30, before turning it back on, or the rectifier tube could blow
  • The correct tube type must be selected on the back of the amp, otherwise performance could be lackluster or tubes could be damaged
  • The XLR input involves a slight reduction in detail due to using an input transformer to convert the incoming balanced signal to single-ended

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The Bryce eliminates the shortcomings of ampsandsound Nautilus when used as a speaker amplifier, adding dynamics, bass, and an extended top end
  • The Bryce monoblocks are more romantic in execution, with single-ended construction—compared to the push-pull output of ampsandsound Zion

Takeaway: The Bryce Monos are high-quality amplifiers with a surprisingly powerful and detailed sound, providing an engaging listening experience. They are great for audiophiles looking for a tube amp that delivers both emotional connection and technical performance.

Video review

Our take on the brand

ampandsound specializes in high-end, handcrafted tube amplifiers made in the USA. Their low-wattage amps pair perfectly with high-efficiency speakers and headphones. The company is known for classic, minimalist designs and a focus on delivering natural sound.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
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What competes at this price?

Audio Note
Conquest
7346
/
Released
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:
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Audio Note UK is one of Europe's largest manufacturers of valve-based audio equipment, designing and producing nearly all components in-house, including transformers and capacitors. The brand has achieved cult status among audiophiles who appreciate its minimalist, non-oversampling approach and its emphasis on musicality over technical specifications.
Expand Details

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

Audio Note UK is one of Europe's largest manufacturers of valve-based audio equipment, designing and producing nearly all components in-house, including transformers and capacitors. The brand has achieved cult status among audiophiles who appreciate its minimalist, non-oversampling approach and its emphasis on musicality over technical specifications.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
ampsandsound
Little Nugget
6111
/
Released
The return of the ST15 is not of nostalgia but of evolution. The ST15 was one of ampsandsound's most popular amps but was retired to give space for higher power designs. Over the years, we have grown to fully embrace metal chassis amps that are brutalist in design and overwhelming in structural rigidity. Our customers have come to love the laboratory grade implementation of our work and its intended long lifecycle. The new Stereo 17 was built with our 11gage steel plate chassis providing a compact and extraordinarily solid amp (39lbs). Its sheer density and warn EL84 sound beckoned the name "little nugget".
Check Amazon
ampandsound specializes in high-end, handcrafted tube amplifiers made in the USA. Their low-wattage amps pair perfectly with high-efficiency speakers and headphones. The company is known for classic, minimalist designs and a focus on delivering natural sound.
Expand Details

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

ampandsound specializes in high-end, handcrafted tube amplifiers made in the USA. Their low-wattage amps pair perfectly with high-efficiency speakers and headphones. The company is known for classic, minimalist designs and a focus on delivering natural sound.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Shindo
Montille CV391
7995
/
Released
Check Amazon
Shindo Laboratory is distinguished by its dual mono preamplifier designs, where each channel has its own chassis, and its field coil speaker systems that achieve high sensitivity ratings of 96-100dB/W/m. The brand's products feature proprietary circuit designs and undergo continuous refinement during production, with notable examples being their Giscours preamplifier and Latour/Lafite speaker systems that deliver frequency responses from as low as 20Hz up to 20,000Hz.
Expand Details

Our Summary

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.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Shindo Laboratory is distinguished by its dual mono preamplifier designs, where each channel has its own chassis, and its field coil speaker systems that achieve high sensitivity ratings of 96-100dB/W/m. The brand's products feature proprietary circuit designs and undergo continuous refinement during production, with notable examples being their Giscours preamplifier and Latour/Lafite speaker systems that deliver frequency responses from as low as 20Hz up to 20,000Hz.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
ampsandsound
Rockwell
6097
/
Released
2021
The ampsandsound Rockwell brings the legendary Direct Heated Triode sound to personal audio. We chose the 6B4G as it stand tall next to other top shelf triodes while still being accessible in NOS form. Combining a single gain stage, zero feedback, and careful attention to grounding techniques, we can use a the Large 6B4G Triode with headphones without hum or noise.
Check Amazon
ampandsound specializes in high-end, handcrafted tube amplifiers made in the USA. Their low-wattage amps pair perfectly with high-efficiency speakers and headphones. The company is known for classic, minimalist designs and a focus on delivering natural sound.
Expand Details

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

ampandsound specializes in high-end, handcrafted tube amplifiers made in the USA. Their low-wattage amps pair perfectly with high-efficiency speakers and headphones. The company is known for classic, minimalist designs and a focus on delivering natural sound.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Enleum
AMP-23R
6250
/
Released
2021
Enleum was launched as a new brand with the AMP-23R. While our legacy AMP-13R had already been praised all around the world for its performance and unique design, we pushed the boundaries to create the AMP-23R with a new circuit that truly enhances the existing performance. We have drastically improved the PCB circuit board design, chosen new internal components and upgraded our JET2 Bias design. And the reviews and awards are unanimous. The AMP-23R's physical size and footprint may be compact, but with the all new chassis and thermal heatsink design, we've launched a product that's fit for the next generation reference compact amplifier.
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Enleum is a hifi brand known for its compact yet powerful amplifiers, particularly the AMP-23R, which delivers performance comparable to much larger systems through its unique gain control system and zero negative feedback circuits.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Addictive sound signature, unlike any other amp, with otherworldly instrument and voice reproduction
  • Delivers serious magic with Fleetwood Deville and Klipsch Heritage speakers, revealing obscure details and creating a massive soundstage
  • Dynamics for days
  • Combines the qualities of a nice SET amp without the downsides, like noise or tube replacement
  • Exceptional build quality and design with high-quality parts
  • Only has two RCA inputs, no XLR balanced connections

Product Considerations

  • Heavy speaker cables can cause the amp to tilt
  • The volume dial functions as a gain dial, which may be different than what some users are accustomed to
  • May not be suitable for hard-to-drive speakers in the 85db range that dip into 2–4 ohms

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The AMP23R offers more texture, layering, mid-bass, and vocal presence than Nagra INT
  • The AMP23R is more organic, ethereal, and dynamic than Kinki Studio EXM1
  • It sounds better than the Vinnie Rossi L2iSE, so long as the speakers are easy to drive
  • The Enleum has more delicacy and finesse than Pass Labs and Cary Audio
  • The AMP23R stacks up with the finest gear such as ampsandsound Bryce monoblocks
  • Pass Labs First Watt SIT-3 offers a bit more organic, warmer presentation

Takeaway: The Enleum AMP-23R is a small but mighty integrated amplifier with a unique and addictive sound signature, and it is built with high-quality components. It's a great choice for those with sensitive speakers looking for a reference-quality system in a compact package.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Enleum is a hifi brand known for its compact yet powerful amplifiers, particularly the AMP-23R, which delivers performance comparable to much larger systems through its unique gain control system and zero negative feedback circuits.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
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