Our customers frequently ask which amplifier is right for them. There are many ways to answer that question, and comparing specs only gets you so far. Below is a chart that shows some important information to consider when choosing a Bottlehead amplifier. But remember - the most important thing about an amplifier is how it sounds. Pop over to our user forums to get user impressions and building tips.

Speaker Amplifier Comparison Table

Specifications in this table represent stock models. Some models have upgrades to enhance or alter performance.

Power

~4.5 WPC

Power

3.5 WPC

Power

8 WPC (stereo) or 16 WPC (monoblock)

Gain

17 dB (low feedback mode), 11 dB (high feedback mode) at 8 ohm tap

Gain

12 dB at 8 ohm tap

Gain

18 dB at 8 ohm tap

Inputs

One unbalanced input

Inputs

Three unbalanced inputs

Inputs

One unbalanced input

Outputs

One speaker output, one unbalanced headphone output (6.5mm)

Outputs

One speaker output

Outputs

One speaker output

Input Impedance

100K ohms

Input Impedance

50K Ohms

Input Impedance

100K Ohms

Output Impedance

2 ohms (low feedback mode), 1.5 ohms (high feedback mode)

Output Impedance

Output Impedance

Damping Factor

3.96 (low feedback mode), 5.44 (high feedback mode)

Damping Factor

Damping Factor

3 (wired for 8 ohms)

Operating Mode

Stereo, configurable for monoblock (requires two SEX 4s)

Operating Mode

Stereo

Operating Mode

Stereo, configurable for monoblock (requires two Kaijus)

Input Sensitivity

800mV (low feedback mode), 1.53V (high feedback mode)

Input Sensitivity

1.33 vrms

Input Sensitivity

Bandwidth

-3dB at 17Hz & 36.5kHz (low feedback mode), -3dB at 17Hz & 35.5kHz (high feedback mode)

Bandwidth

-1dB at 20Hz, -3dB at 50kHz

Bandwidth

Volume Control

None

Volume Control

Integrated volume and balance potentiometers, upgradable to coarse/fine attenuators

Volume Control

None

Tube Complement

2x 6FM7

Tube Complement

2 x 2A3, 2 x 12AT7

Tube Complement

2 x 300B, 2 x 5670

Assembled Footprint (L x W x H with tubes)

9 in x 13 in x 6 in

Assembled Footprint (L x W x H with tubes)

16 in x 14 in x 10 in

Assembled Footprint (L x W x H with tubes)

18 in x 12 in x 12 in

Shipping Weight

Shipping Weight

Shipping Weight

Bottleblog Posts

View all

Which Bottlehead headphone amplifier is right for me?

Which Bottlehead headphone amplifier is right for me?

We've created an easy-to-use chart to show how our headphone amplifiers compare to one another. Check it out to help decide which is right for you.

Read moreabout Which Bottlehead headphone amplifier is right for me?

Which Bottlehead speaker amplifier is right for me?

Which Bottlehead speaker amplifier is right for me?

We've created an easy-to-use chart to show how our speaker amplifiers compare to one another. Check it out to help decide which is right for you.

Read moreabout Which Bottlehead speaker amplifier is right for me?

What comes in a Bottlehead kit? - Bottlehead

What comes in a Bottlehead kit?

Ever wonder what comes in a Bottlehead kit? We'll show you.

Read moreabout What comes in a Bottlehead kit?