ampsandsound Ovation Amplifier
Best tube amplifier for audiophiles seeking versatile, high-fidelity headphone and speaker playback.
The ampsandsound Ovation Amplifier is a meticulously handcrafted, high-end integrated unit designed for both headphone and loudspeaker enthusiasts. Evolving from previous designs, it features larger iron and increased capacitance for enhanced performance. This amplifier utilizes the 1626 tube, celebrated for its natural sound, and incorporates input transformers to significantly reduce the noise floor for superior clarity. Its versatility is highlighted by five distinct impedance settings, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of high-efficiency headphones. Reviewers consistently praise its transparent, detailed sound, exceptional midrange presence, and spacious audio quality, making it ideal for extended listening sessions.
$4600.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
53
/ 807
#53 in Headphone Amplifiers
Price vs Category Average
+229%
Above average
Dimensions
15.759.75
/ " Wide x " Deep
Who it's for
- Listeners powering demanding, low-sensitivity speakers with authority
- Audiophiles seeking rich, musical, and detailed tube-driven sound
- Collectors valuing heirloom-quality craftsmanship and long-term durability
Who should skip it
- Owners with limited desk space or restricted rack capacity
- Budget-conscious buyers prioritizing value over high-end performance
- Users wanting a low-maintenance, cool-running audio setup
Performance breakdown
Midrange Fidelity
The 1626 tube delivers a lush, intimate vocal presence.
Impedance Versatility
Five distinct settings ensure a perfect match for diverse headphone loads.
Noise Floor
Input transformers effectively silence background hiss for a pristine signal.
Build Craftsmanship
Meticulous point-to-point wiring reflects a commitment to long-term reliability.
Sonic Transparency
Significant design upgrades provide a clearer, more detailed audio presentation.
System Flexibility
Dual-purpose design handles both high-efficiency headphones and sensitive loudspeakers.
Key Specs
Dimensions
15.75" Wide x 9.75" Deep
Input Impedance
10K ohm with alps pot
Output Impedance settings
8/16/32/100/300 ohms
Frequency Response
8hz -1db to 18khz -2db
Power Output (8ohm)
500mWatts RMS @ 1khz
Supplied Tubes
Input tube: 5751 or 12AX7, Output tubes: 1626 or VT-137
Amplifier Class
Tube
Input Sensitivity
1V for full power out
Features
- Handcrafted for exceptional build quality
- Utilizes the 'Poor Man's 300B' 1626 tube
- Input transformers for a lower noise floor
- Five impedance settings for versatile headphone use
- Excellent midrange color and vocal presence
- More transparent and detailed than predecessor
- Designed for both headphones and loudspeakers
- Attention to wiring detail ensures reliability
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly praise the ampsandsound Ovation Amplifier for its exceptional versatility and superior sonic performance. Users highlight its powerful, dynamic sound, which blends rich tube warmth with outstanding detail and impactful bass. This unit seamlessly drives both demanding planar magnetic headphones and efficient speakers, often replacing separate amplification components. The robust, hand-built quality reinforces its perception as a durable, boutique centerpiece. While it is a significant investment, the dual functionality and musical output deliver excellent long-term value. Minor considerations regarding its size and heat generation are accepted trade-offs for its profound satisfaction and enthusiastic recommendation among audiophiles.
Know before you buy
Yes, the Ovation is designed as an integrated unit that supports both. It features banana plug outputs for loudspeakers and five distinct impedance settings to accommodate a wide variety of high-efficiency headphones.
The 1626 tube, often referred to as the 'Poor Man's 300B,' is prized for its natural, organic sound signature. It provides the Ovation with exceptional midrange color and a vocal presence that makes it particularly well-suited for long, fatigue-free listening sessions.
The inclusion of input transformers is a key design choice that significantly lowers the noise floor. This results in a more transparent, detailed sound compared to previous models, allowing for greater clarity in your music.
The Ovation offers five settings—8, 16, 32, 100, and 300 ohms—to ensure a proper match with your specific headphone load. You should select the setting that most closely aligns with your headphones' rated impedance to ensure optimal power delivery and frequency response.
As a pure tube amplifier, the Ovation does not have a built-in DAC or digital features, so it is strictly an analog component. Maintenance is limited to standard tube care, and because it is handcrafted with meticulous attention to wiring, it is built for long-term reliability.
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$4600