Nautilus Rev 2
Best high-end tube amplifier for discerning headphone and speaker enthusiasts.
The Nautilus Rev 2 is a flagship Personal Audio Tubed Integrated Amplifier from ampsandsound, representing years of refinement. This iteration features a new tube cage and an upgraded Gen 5 power supply, resulting in the quietest Nautilus yet. It offers a dual-mono design within a single chassis, with independent power transformers and supplies for each channel. Built with a robust 12-gauge steel chassis and true point-to-point wiring on turret boards, it embodies classic, durable amplifier construction. The Nautilus provides flexible system matching with five selectable impedances and 8-ohm speaker outputs, all managed through a 24-step stepped attenuator for precise control.
$12000.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1163
/ 1719
#1163 in Power Amplifiers
Price vs Category Average
+45%
Above average
Weight
74
/ pounds
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking rich, emotional, and detailed tube-driven sound
- Listeners needing a flexible hub for headphones and efficient speakers
- Collectors valuing American-made craftsmanship and timeless, durable design
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious buyers looking for entry-level or mid-range audio gear
- Users wanting a low-maintenance, cool-running, and set-it-and-forget-it system
- Listeners with limited desk space or constrained listening environments
Performance breakdown
Build Integrity
Heavy-duty steel chassis and point-to-point wiring ensure a lifetime of performance.
Noise Floor
Gen 5 power supply refinements deliver an exceptionally silent background for music.
System Versatility
Five selectable impedance taps accommodate a vast range of headphone sensitivities.
Channel Separation
True dual-mono architecture provides expansive imaging and precise stereo soundstage depth.
Volume Precision
The 24-step stepped attenuator offers tactile, accurate control over listening levels.
Component Quality
Premium Jupiter copper foil capacitors elevate the overall sonic transparency and texture.
Key Specs
Weight
74 pounds
Chassis
12-gauge steel with heavy bracing
Wiring
True point-to-point wiring on turret boards
Output Impedance
Five selectable impedances
Speaker Outputs
8-ohm
Volume Control
24-step stepped attenuator
Input Transformers
XLR to RCA conversion
Capacitors
Jupiter copper foil in wax
Features
- Dual-mono design in a single chassis
- Independent power transformers and supplies for each channel
- Quiet operation due to improved design and power supply
- Dedicated transformer taps for system matching
- Easy switching between speaker and headphone outputs
- Custom-wound output transformers for extended frequency response
- Low noise floor and improved clarity from input transformers
- Input transformers handle XLR to RCA conversion
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Nautilus Rev 2 by ampsandsound for its exceptional build quality and sophisticated audio performance. Reviewers frequently highlight the amplifier's robust construction and elegant design, noting its premium feel and aesthetic appeal. The sound reproduction is often described as rich, detailed, and immersive, providing a truly engaging listening experience. While a significant investment, many users perceive its lasting quality and sonic excellence as justifying the cost, affirming its position as a top tier component for discerning audiophiles.
Know before you buy
The Rev 2 features an upgraded Gen 5 power supply and a refined internal layout. These improvements significantly lower the noise floor, ensuring a cleaner, blacker background for your music.
Yes, the Nautilus Rev 2 is designed for both. It includes dedicated outputs for speakers and headphones, with an easy switching mechanism to toggle between them.
By using independent power transformers and supplies for each channel, the amplifier prevents crosstalk and interference between the left and right signals. This results in superior channel separation, improved imaging, and a more expansive soundstage.
These settings allow you to optimize the amplifier's output to match the specific requirements of your headphones or speakers. By selecting the correct impedance tap, you ensure the best possible power transfer, frequency response, and control over your drivers.
Yes, the unit features built-in input transformers that handle XLR to RCA conversion. This allows you to use balanced sources while maintaining the amplifier's signal integrity.
Point-to-point wiring on turret boards is a hallmark of high-end, durable amplifier construction. It eliminates the need for printed circuit boards, which can degrade over time, and allows for shorter, more direct signal paths that improve sonic clarity and long-term reliability.
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$12000