ampsandsound Bounty Amplifier
Best hybrid amplifier for demanding headphone and high-fidelity speaker enthusiasts.
The ampsandsound Bounty is a handcrafted, high-output tube amplifier designed in the USA to power demanding headphones and speakers. Its EL84 ultra-linear circuit delivers a robust 17 watts RMS, known for its stable and natural midrange. Built with a solid 11-gauge steel chassis, the Bounty offers versatile impedance matching options, including multiple XLR outputs, making it ideal for a wide range of audio setups. This amplifier expertly bridges the gap between high-power headphone requirements and uncompromising stereo speaker performance for an immersive listening experience.
$10368.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
421
/ 1719
#421 in Power Amplifiers
Price vs Category Average
+26%
Above average
Power Output
17221
/ Watts RMS with -watt peaks @ kHz
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking rich, detailed, and warm tube-driven sound
- Listeners powering demanding planar headphones or high-efficiency speakers
- Collectors valuing artisanal, hand-wired American craftsmanship and longevity
Who should skip it
- Desktop users with limited space for heavy, bulky equipment
- Budget-conscious buyers preferring affordable solid-state alternatives
- Users wanting a low-maintenance, cool-running audio setup
Performance breakdown
Drive Capability
Effortlessly handles demanding headphones and speakers with 17 watts of power.
Midrange Fidelity
The EL84 circuit produces a signature stable and liquid midrange performance.
Build Integrity
Heavy-duty 11-gauge steel chassis ensures long-term durability and vibration resistance.
Impedance Versatility
Multiple output taps accommodate a vast range of audio equipment setups.
Tube Maintenance
Fixed bias design makes swapping tubes simple for any enthusiast.
System Integration
Balanced design bridges the gap between headphone and stereo speaker systems.
Key Specs
Power Output
17 Watts RMS with 22-watt peaks @ 1kHz
Amplifier Class
Tube (EL84 ultra linear)
Channels
Stereo (2 channels)
Weight
45 lbs
Dimensions
17.5" wide x 12" deep x 6" tall
Output Impedance
8-ohm tap, 16-ohm, 32-ohm, and 100-ohm 4-pin XLR
Input Impedance
10Kohm
Frequency Response
10 Hz – 30kHz (-1db) @ 1Watt
Features
- Drives difficult headphones and speakers effectively
- Fixed bias for easy tube rolling
- Removable tube cage for protection
- Circuit famed for stable, liquid midrange
- Versatile impedance matching options
- Extraordinarily solid chassis construction
- Bridges power for headphones and speakers
- Fully balanced design for optimal performance
What customers say
The ampsandsound Bounty Amplifier earns high praise as a flagship component for serious listeners. Owners consistently highlight its exceptional sonic performance, noting a powerful, musical, and highly detailed sound signature typical of premium tube amplification. A key strength is its robust power output, effortlessly driving demanding, high-impedance headphones while revealing subtle nuances and strong bass authority. Beyond sound, the hand-built quality, premium components, and attractive design inspire pride of ownership. While the price is premium, the overwhelming consensus is that the extraordinary acoustic fidelity fully justifies the investment, often positioning it as an endgame amplifier due to its deep satisfaction and reliability.
Know before you buy
Yes, the Bounty is specifically engineered to bridge that gap. It features dedicated output taps for speakers and a 4-pin XLR output for headphones, allowing it to handle demanding loads for both setups effectively.
Not at all. The Bounty uses a fixed bias design, which simplifies the process of tube rolling and replacement, as you do not need to manually adjust the bias every time you swap tubes.
The EL84 circuit is widely celebrated for its stable, liquid midrange. It provides a natural, musical presentation that balances the warmth typical of tube amplification with enough power to maintain clarity and detail.
Yes, the Bounty includes a removable tube cage. This provides a layer of protection for the tubes while maintaining the aesthetic of the handcrafted steel chassis.
The amplifier is highly flexible, offering specific taps for 8-ohm, 16-ohm, and 32-ohm loads, plus a 100-ohm 4-pin XLR output. This ensures you can achieve optimal performance across a wide variety of speaker and headphone impedances.
The unit is quite substantial, measuring 17.5 inches wide by 12 inches deep and 6 inches tall. Given its 45-pound weight and the nature of tube amplification, ensure you place it on a sturdy surface with adequate ventilation.
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$10368