Tube Control Amplifier
A tube line preamplifier and tabletop headphone amplifier with selectable inputs, a hardwood cabinet and documented performance.
Designed, built, and shipped from Wyoming.
Made to order · 56 days (8 weeks)
Estimated ship date if ordered today: 2026-12-11
We make every effort to finish and ship earlier. The estimated date allows for production and final checks.
Tax and shipping are calculated before payment. About made-to-order builds.
What it does
A combined line-level tube preamplifier and tabletop headphone amplifier. It sits between line-level sources and a power amplifier, powered speakers, or compatible wired headphones. It does not include headphones, speakers, a DAC, streaming, Bluetooth, or a phono input in the base configuration.
Required but not included
- Line-level source
- Power amplifier, powered speakers or compatible wired headphones
- Suitable interconnect cables
Included
- Serialized hardwood and grounded-metal control amplifier
- Validated tube complement and power arrangement
- Build record, manual and measurements at stated loads
What it does not do
- No headphones, speakers, DAC, streaming, Bluetooth or phono input in the standard design.
- High-impedance dynamic headphones are the first design target; low-impedance and planar compatibility is not established.
- Final gain, headphone power, output impedance, transient behavior and heat are unmeasured.
Specifications
Specifications apply to the selected configuration. Estimated values are identified below.
| Inputs | Estimate: 3 stereo unbalanced RCA line inputs |
|---|---|
| Line output | Estimate: 1 variable stereo RCA output; optional second buffered/duplicate output after validation |
| Headphone outputs | Estimate: 1/4-inch TRS standard; optional 4-pin XLR only after a released wiring standard |
| Headphone compatibility | Target: high-impedance dynamic headphones; measured power by load is to be confirmed for the final design |
| Gain | Estimate: Selectable low/high target; exact dB values after circuit validation |
| Volume | Estimate: Quality potentiometer standard; stepped attenuator option |
| Tubes | Estimate: Common current-production small-signal/output tubes selected by final circuit |
| Power | Estimate: 120 VAC, 60 Hz internal supply or approved external supply; final design controls |
| Enclosure target | Estimate: Approximately 12 W x 9 D x 4 H in body, excluding tubes |
| Construction | Estimate: Grounded metal chassis/subchassis inside hardwood perimeter |
| Standard lead time | Estimate: 8 weeks |
| Production estimate | Made to order; estimated 8 weeks, confirmed with the accepted order. |
| Opening price | $1,419 base; options priced only when available in the configurator. |
| Black finishes | Satin black or polished piano black; piano black adds approximately three weeks. We make every effort to ship earlier. |
| Optional handles | Pair of hand-machined, polished solid brass handles, nominal 6-inch grips. |
Design revision 12 · Current product reference.
Options
Choose the available options in Your configuration. Your selection updates the item price and is saved with your order.
What it does
A combined line-level tube preamplifier and tabletop headphone amplifier. It sits between line-level sources and a power amplifier, powered speakers, or compatible wired headphones. It does not include headphones, speakers, a DAC, streaming, Bluetooth, or a phono input in the base configuration.
System fit
This design selects line-level sources, controls listening level and drives compatible wired headphones. A variable output feeds a power amplifier or powered speakers. Check headphone load compatibility for the selected revision; the initial design target is high-impedance dynamic headphones.
Performance and safety
Ask for the measured performance and operating limits available for the selected revision. Exposed tubes require ventilation and protection from accidental contact. Follow the released power and service instructions.
Ordering and configuration
Configuration and specifications are confirmed during order review. Ask for the measurements and documentation applicable to your build.
Made-to-order price and scope
Base price $1,419. Estimated production 8 weeks. Exact configuration, included items, exclusions and ship date are agreed before payment.
Documentation & connections
Find connection details, operating requirements and product information in the reference below.
Read the product reference →Buying and setup guides
Made to order. Supported by people.
Read about shipping and production estimates, returns, repairs and warranty, and safety and certification.