Rockwell Rev 2
Best tube amplifier for audiophiles seeking a rich, quiet listening experience.
The ampsandsound Rockwell Rev 2 tube amplifier brings the sought-after Direct Heated Triode sound to personal audio, utilizing the accessible 6B4G tube. It features a single gain stage with zero feedback and advanced grounding for a hum-free experience. This redesigned circuit incorporates 12AX7/12AU7 family tubes for the input, enhancing the quiet architecture, expanding NOS availability, and improving noise floor, bandwidth, and power. It delivers a lively presentation with excellent transient peaks and ultra-quiet operation, all housed in a stylish wood chassis.
$6000.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
268
/ 807
#268 in Headphone Amplifiers
Price vs Category Average
+330%
Above average
Wood Chassis dimensions
15.759.75
/ " Wide x " Deep
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking an engaging and lifelike listening experience
- Collectors with diverse headphone setups needing versatile power
- Listeners valuing long-term reliability and classic design aesthetics
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious buyers looking for entry-level audio gear
- Users with limited desk space or poor ventilation
- Listeners wanting a low-maintenance, plug-and-play audio solution
Performance breakdown
Direct Heated Triode Character
Delivers the authentic, liquid midrange texture audiophiles crave from DHT designs.
Noise Floor Control
Advanced grounding and quiet architecture ensure a pitch-black background for listening.
Transient Response
Tube rectification provides snappy, lively dynamics across complex musical passages.
Headphone Compatibility
Versatile output impedance settings drive almost any headphone with effortless authority.
Build Craftsmanship
Hand-wound transformers and premium wood chassis reflect true boutique manufacturing standards.
Tube Rolling Flexibility
The 12AX7/12AU7 front end opens up a vast world of sonic customization.
Key Specs
Wood Chassis dimensions
15.75" Wide x 9.75" Deep
Input sensitive
with 12AX7 input @ 1.2V P-P
Noise
@ 300ohm/HiZ 1.2mV RMS
Max Power @ 8ohm @ 5.2 watts RMS
Max Power @ 32ohm @ 4.5watts RMS
Ultra-wide bandwidth; 12hz to 22khz @ 1 watt -1db
Output Impedance
8/16/32/100/300
All ampsandsound amps are handmade in Southern California with custom hand-wound output transformers and U.S. sourced parts.
Features
- Direct Heated Triode sound for personal audio
- Zero feedback design for classic single-ended sound
- Hum Pots and variable input transformers for enhanced control
- Quiet tube architecture with 9pin front end tubes
- Tube rectification for excellent transient peaks and lively presentation
- Massive power supply and generous choke for low noise
- Handmade in Southern California with custom hand-wound output transformers
- Wide compatibility with nearly all headphones
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Rockwell Rev 2 for its exceptional build quality and refined audio performance. Owners frequently highlight the amplifier's robust construction, noting its premium materials and meticulous craftsmanship. The sound quality receives high acclaim, described as detailed, engaging, and powerful, elevating the listening experience significantly. Many feel it delivers a truly high end sonic presentation, justifying its position in the market. This amplifier is celebrated for its ability to transform audio, making it a standout choice for discerning audiophiles seeking both durability and superior sound.
Know before you buy
The Rockwell Rev 2 uses a Direct Heated Triode design with tube rectification, which provides a warmer, more organic sound profile compared to the clinical precision of solid-state gear. Its zero-feedback circuit preserves the natural harmonic structure of your music, resulting in a more lively and engaging listening experience.
The Rockwell Rev 2 is highly versatile, featuring selectable output impedances of 8, 16, 32, 100, and 300 ohms. This allows it to drive a wide range of headphones, from sensitive low-impedance planars to high-impedance dynamic models, with ease.
Yes. The Rev 2 features a redesigned circuit with advanced grounding, a massive power supply, and a generous choke to minimize noise. With a noise floor of 1.2mV RMS, it is engineered to provide an ultra-quiet background even with sensitive gear.
Absolutely. The Rev 2 utilizes the 12AX7/12AU7 family for its input stage, which gives you access to a vast market of New Old Stock (NOS) tubes. This allows you to fine-tune the amplifier's tonal characteristics to better suit your personal preferences.
Like all tube amplifiers, the tubes will eventually need to be replaced as they age, though the 6B4G and 12AX7/12AU7 tubes are widely available. Aside from occasional tube swaps, the unit is built with high-quality, U.S.-sourced components designed for long-term reliability.
The Rockwell Rev 2 has a footprint of 15.75 inches wide by 9.75 inches deep. You should also ensure there is adequate vertical clearance and airflow around the chassis to allow the tubes to dissipate heat properly during operation.
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