Ampsandsound Unveiled Three New Tube Models

At AXPONA 2026 in Chicago, California-based company Ampsandsound introduced three new components at once: the updated Kenzie Reimagined headphone amplifier, the Badlands preamplifier, and the Stereo 17 stereo power amplifier. All three new models continue the brand’s commitment to hand-built construction, classic tube-based design, and highly expressive, musical sound.

Ampsandsound has long been associated with uncompromising tube equipment, where respect for traditional circuit design is combined with a modern engineering approach. The new models once again show that the company has no intention of moving away from that philosophy: tonal richness, build quality, and the emotionally engaging presentation characteristic of tube gear remain at the center of its design priorities.

The Kenzie Reimagined marks a new stage in the development of one of the best-known headphone amplifiers in the Ampsandsound lineup. The unit is built around 5751/12AX7 tubes in the input stage and 1626/VT-137 tubes in the output stage, which, according to the manufacturer, delivers a dense, harmonically rich, and immersive sound. At the same time, the new version has made a noticeable step forward in technical performance, with the noise floor reduced to 30 µV, an especially important improvement when used with sensitive headphones.

According to the company, total harmonic distortion in the Kenzie Reimagined does not exceed 0.7% at an output power of 750 mW. Gain of 18 dB, provided by the 12AX7 stage, should ensure solid compatibility with a wide range of headphones, while the frequency response of 7 Hz to 35 kHz points to the amplifier’s ability to handle both deep bass and an open, airy top end. As a result, the unit retains the original Kenzie’s signature warm and intimate presentation, while offering lower noise, better dynamics, and a higher overall level of refinement.

The Badlands preamplifier demonstrates how Ampsandsound approaches system control while preserving signal purity. Built around 12AX7 and 12BH7 tubes, the model combines classic tube richness with setup flexibility. One of its key features is compatibility with several types of rectifier tubes, including 5Y3, 5V4, 5U4, and 5AR4. This allows the owner to influence the character of the power supply section and, accordingly, fine-tune the overall sonic presentation of the system.

With 16 dB of gain and an extremely low distortion figure of no more than 0.007%, the Badlands is designed to handle the musical signal as carefully as possible. At the same time, according to the manufacturer’s concept, it should preserve the liveliness, fluidity, and natural texture for which high-quality tube preamplifiers are valued. In addition, the model will be offered in two versions: one with traditional point-to-point wiring for enthusiasts of the classic approach, and another with a printed circuit board for those who value stability and consistency in serial production.

The third premiere was the Stereo 17 – a compact tube stereo power amplifier delivering 2 x 17 watts in ultralinear mode. It is built around a push-pull output stage using EL84 tubes, long admired for their lively midrange, coherent presentation, and musical involvement. The input stage uses a 12AX7, while phase inversion is handled by a 12AU7, which should ensure stable and balanced overall performance.

While the Stereo 17 is not a record-breaker in terms of raw output power, its concept is built not around brute force, but around speed, finesse, and harmonic richness. This amplifier is primarily intended for use with sensitive loudspeakers, where it should be able to reveal its tonal expressiveness and emotionally engaging character to the fullest.

With the release of the Kenzie Reimagined, Badlands, and Stereo 17, Ampsandsound has once again reinforced its reputation as one of the notable specialists in high-end tube audio. These components serve different purposes, but together they form a cohesive lineup in which musicality, flexibility, and craftsmanship take priority. Their debut at AXPONA 2026 looks like more than just another product launch – it feels like a confident reminder that tube sound remains as relevant as ever, especially when backed by experience, engineering culture, and a genuine passion for music.