Chubby Jinx Amplifier
Best tube amplifier for audiophiles seeking versatile, warm, and detailed sound.
The ampsandsound Chubby Jinx Amplifier is a handcrafted tube headphone amplifier built in the USA. This 6V6-based design utilizes an Ultra linear (UL) circuit for enhanced power output while maintaining a neutral, resolving sound. It excels at pairing romantic tube warmth with detailed circuit extraction. The Jinx offers flexibility by supporting rolling nearly any 5V tube rectifier, making it an excellent choice for both planar and dynamic headphones. Its custom transformers provide dual impedance settings for versatile pairing.
$2800.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
53
/ 807
#53 in Headphone Amplifiers
Price vs Category Average
+100%
Above average
Power Output (8 ohm)
31
/ Watts RMS @ kHz
Who it's for
- Listeners using diverse, power-hungry headphones or high-efficiency speakers
- Collectors valuing heirloom-quality craftsmanship and long-term component reliability
- Audiophiles seeking rich, textured, and emotionally engaging vocal performances
Who should skip it
- Casual listeners working within a strict or modest audio budget
- Users preferring the convenience and low maintenance of solid-state gear
- Desktop users with limited space or poor ventilation for equipment
Performance breakdown
Tube Versatility
Broad rectifier compatibility allows for extensive and rewarding sound signature tuning.
Power Delivery
Robust output effortlessly drives both demanding planars and sensitive dynamic headphones.
Sonic Transparency
Ultra linear circuitry balances classic tube warmth with impressive modern detail.
Build Integrity
Handcrafted American construction ensures long-term reliability and a premium desktop presence.
Impedance Flexibility
Dual impedance settings provide excellent synergy across a wide headphone range.
Noise Floor
Remarkably silent operation preserves the delicate nuances of high-resolution audio tracks.
Key Specs
Power Output (8 ohm)
3 Watts RMS @ 1kHz
Power Output (100 ohm)
2.5 Watts RMS @ 1kHz
Input Impedance
10K ohm with Alps potentiometer
Output Impedance
8 ohms / 100 ohms
Tube Rectifier Compatibility
5V4s, 5AR4s, 5U4s, 5Y3s
Dimensions
12.5" Wide x 9.5" Deep
Input Sensitivity
1.2V for full power output
Amplifier Technology
Vacuum Tube
Features
- Handcrafted 6V6 tube headphone amplifier
- Ultra linear (UL) circuit design
- Supports various 5V tube rectifiers
- Silent operation and neutral voicing
- Custom transformers with dual impedance
- Pairs well with planar and dynamic headphones
- Romantic tube sound with circuit detail
What customers say
Customers express deep satisfaction with the ampsandsound Chubby Jinx Amplifier, consistently praising its signature tube warmth and rich musical texture for an engaging, nonfatiguing experience. Reviewers highlight the robust power output, noting its authority in driving diverse headphones, from sensitive planars to high impedance dynamics. Build quality receives major commendation; the unit is perceived as premium and built for longevity. While the initial cost is notable, users view the Chubby Jinx as offering exceptional long term value due to its superior sound reproduction and impeccable craftsmanship. Overall sentiment shows high loyalty, positioning this amplifier as a benchmark in its class.
Know before you buy
The Chubby Jinx is designed to handle both planar magnetic and dynamic headphones. With dual impedance settings of 8 ohms and 100 ohms, it provides the versatility needed to drive a wide range of headphone sensitivities effectively.
Yes, the amplifier is designed for tube rolling. It supports a variety of 5V tube rectifiers, including 5V4s, 5AR4s, 5U4s, and 5Y3s, allowing you to fine-tune the sonic character to your personal preference.
The Ultra Linear circuit design allows the amplifier to deliver higher power output while maintaining a neutral, resolving sound. It strikes a balance between the romantic warmth typically associated with tubes and the clinical detail required for high-fidelity listening.
The Chubby Jinx is optimized for headphones up to 100 ohms. If you are using headphones with significantly higher impedance, you may want to consider if this unit meets your specific power requirements.
As a handcrafted tube amplifier, it requires standard care for vacuum tube equipment, such as allowing for proper ventilation and periodic tube replacement as they age. Its robust construction and high-quality custom transformers are built for long-term reliability.
The unit features a standard RCA input for your source components and a 6.35mm (1/4 inch) jack for your headphones. It is designed as a straightforward, high-performance desktop solution.
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$2800