Ampapa A1 Phono Preamp and MORE! It’s a Triple Threat! REVIEW!
United States of Analog | November 30, 2023
🎙️ Early Video Analysis
What is this video about?
This video is a review of the Ampipa A1, a three-in-one audio device that functions as a phono preamp, regular preamp, and headphone amplifier. The host Bob is unboxing and introducing the $140 unit, explaining its multiple functions and positioning it as an affordable option for vinyl enthusiasts.
What gear, products, or brands are discussed?
- Ampipa A1: $140 three-in-one device (phono preamp/preamp/headphone amp), comes with tubes, tube cleaner, cables, and Apple-inspired packaging [00:00:04 – 00:02:13]
- Black Ice Audio Big Boy phono preamp (Fusion 9): Over $1000, previously reviewed and received rave reviews from the host [00:02:24 – 00:02:49]
- MoFi Studio Deck turntable: One of host’s four turntables [00:03:03]
- Project X2 Carbon Evo turntable: Another of the host’s turntables [00:03:03 – 00:03:07]
- Thorens TD-166 Mark II: Recently refurbished turntable owned by host [00:03:07]
- Audio-Technica Soundburger: Host owns two of these (not counted in his main four turntables) [00:02:56 – 00:02:59]
What are the host’s main opinions or takes so far?
- The Ampipa A1’s main attraction will likely be its phono stage functionality at the $140 price point [00:02:13 – 00:02:24]
- The Black Ice Audio Big Boy phono preamp is worth the high price if you can afford it [00:02:47 – 00:02:49]
- Not everyone has the budget for expensive phono preamps, making affordable options like the Ampipa relevant
- The packaging is well-designed and Apple-inspired [00:01:20 – 00:01:23]
Any funny moments, strong opinions, or memorable quotes?
- Host struggles with pronouncing the brand name: “Ampampa. No, see I said it wrong. Ampipa.” [00:01:08 – 00:01:12]
- Excited reaction to the vacuum-sealed packaging: “You hear that vacuum? That was exciting.” [00:01:23 – 00:01:31]
- Playful opening about the confusing one-in-one, two-in-one, three-in-one usage: “Confused? Don’t be. I’m going to straighten it all out for you.” [00:00:16 – 00:00:19]
3-Paragraph Summary:
Bob from United States of Analog introduces the Ampipa A1, a $140 three-in-one audio device that serves as a phono preamp, regular preamp, and headphone amplifier. He’s filming from his custom-built Tokyo Jazz Kissa-inspired listening room, complete with vinyl collection and holiday records on display. The unboxing reveals Apple-inspired packaging with a vacuum seal, and the unit comes with tubes, cables, a tube cleaner, and documentation.
The host positions this device as an affordable alternative for vinyl enthusiasts who need a phono preamp but can’t afford high-end options like the Black Ice Audio Big Boy Fusion 9 that costs over $1000 (which he previously reviewed favorably). He acknowledges that while the expensive option is worth it for those who can afford it, the Ampipa A1’s main appeal will likely be its phono stage capabilities at a fraction of the cost.
Bob explains his need for multiple phono preamps given his extensive turntable collection, which includes four main units: a MoFi Studio Deck, a Project X2 Carbon Evo, a recently refurbished Thorens TD-166 Mark II, plus two Audio-Technica Soundburgers. He hints that he’s been using the Ampipa as a “one-in-one” device, suggesting he’ll explain the various usage scenarios as the review progresses.
⏱️ Mid-Video Analysis
What gear, products, or brands are discussed in this portion?
- [00:03:15] Technics 1200 M7L (anniversary edition)
- [00:03:33] Macintosh amp
- [00:03:35] Jolita tube amp
- [00:03:59] KEF LS50 Metacones (red)
- [00:05:18] NAD amp
- [00:05:03] Fender Telecaster (mentioned for knob comparison)
- Ampapa A1 Phono Preamp (main subject)
What are the host’s key findings, verdicts, or opinions?
- [00:04:27] Beautiful metal case with good feel and rounded edges
- [00:05:11] Knobs “click nice” with great feel and subtle clicks
- [00:05:53] Describes the switches as “super cool”
- [00:06:35] Notes the unit comes in a “beautiful box”
- [00:03:26] Likes gear that performs well AND has visual appeal with lights
- Appreciates that it’s a versatile triple-threat unit (phono preamp, line preamp, headphone amp)
Any price/value assessments?
- [00:06:35] Mentions the unit costs $140
Any comparisons to other gear mentioned?
- [00:05:03] Compares the knobs to Fender Telecaster knobs (but notes the Ampapa has machined silver lines)
- [00:05:16] Contrasts these analog knobs favorably against digital knobs on a recently reviewed NAD amp
Any audiophile tips, advice, or how-to content?
- [00:06:51] States preference for “regular turntables that don’t have phono preamps” as a “grown man”
- [00:06:38] Mentions collecting multiple phono preamps for his four turntables
Any memorable quotes or strong takes?
- [00:05:48] “This is the dumbest, dumbest review ever, right?” (while demonstrating the LED color switching)
- [00:06:56] “I’m a grown man, and I have regular turntables that don’t have phono preamps”
Summary:
The host provides a detailed walkthrough of the Ampapa A1’s physical features and build quality, emphasizing both its functional and aesthetic appeal. He explains that he specifically chose this $140 unit for his bar area because it combines good performance with visual flair, featuring LED-lit tubes that can switch between green, orange, or off. The construction impresses him with its metal case, perforated design, and high-quality analog controls that remind him of guitar knobs.
The host demonstrates the unit’s versatility as a “triple threat” device, showing its capability to function as either a phono preamp or line preamp, plus its headphone output. He particularly appreciates the tactile feel of the analog controls, contrasting them favorably with digital alternatives he’s recently reviewed. The switches and overall build quality seem to exceed his expectations for the price point.
His approach to the review is practical and personal, explaining how this fits into his setup with four turntables and his philosophy of preferring separate phono preamps over built-in options. The host’s enthusiasm for gear that combines performance with visual appeal is evident throughout, as he describes how the LED lighting and attractive design elements enhance the overall user experience in his bar setting.
🏁 Final Thoughts & Verdict
What gear, products, or brands are discussed in this final portion?
- Ampapa A1 Phono Preamp ($140) – marketed by Duke Audio [00:08:06, 00:10:49]
- Klipsch Heresy 3 speakers [00:07:23]
- Macintosh 50-watt amplifier [00:07:23]
- Technics turntable [00:09:15]
- JAN GE 5654 vacuum tubes [00:08:52]
- Jusheli Labs headphone amplifier [00:10:24]
- Bob Dylan’s Empire Burlesque record [00:09:15]
What is the host’s final verdict or conclusion?
The host concludes that the Ampapa A1 is “quite a value” at $140 and has been performing “absolutely fantastic” for three weeks in his setup [00:07:04, 00:10:49]. He states it does a “fantastic, fantastic job” as a preamp and that it will stay permanently in his bar room system [00:10:06, 00:10:50].
Were there any final recommendations — buy, skip, or consider?
Strong buy recommendation: “I think you’re going to like it. I think you’re going to like it a lot” [00:10:59, 00:11:00]. The host emphasizes it’s a great value and will continue using it in his system [00:10:50].
Any final tips, caveats, or advice for viewers?
- When using headphones, turn the master volume way down to around 9 o’clock position, as it can be much louder than when used as a preamp at 3 o’clock [00:09:45, 00:09:57]
- Better suited for desktop situations if using as a headphone amp [00:09:36]
- Good temporary solution for headphone listening if you haven’t saved up for a dedicated headphone amplifier yet [00:10:20]
How did the video wrap up?
The video ends with the host providing a link below for the product and other equipment he likes, describing it as “bringing you some more fun-fi today from a land far, far away” and signing off with “I’ll see you next time in the United States of Analog” [00:11:02].
Any memorable closing quotes or strong final opinions?
“Ask for it by name” [00:11:14] – emphasizing his strong endorsement of the Ampapa A1
“bringing you some more fun-fi today from a land far, far away” [00:11:05] – his playful description of the product
Summary
In the final portion of this review, the host delivers an enthusiastic endorsement of the Ampapa A1 phono preamp after three weeks of real-world testing in his bar room system. He details the technical specifications, including its 20-20kHz frequency response, headphone power output ranging from 30-125 milliwatts depending on impedance, and signal-to-noise ratios of 106 dB for line and 80 dB for phono. The unit features JAN GE 5654 vacuum tubes and weighs about two pounds with solid construction quality.
The host particularly praises the A1’s ability to extract detail from recordings, citing his experience listening to Bob Dylan’s Empire Burlesque where he noticed more detail than in previous listening sessions. He appreciates the warm tube sound combined with good detail retrieval, and finds the tone controls very useful for desktop situations. However, he cautions users about the volume control when switching between preamp and headphone use, noting the significant difference in optimal volume settings.
At $140 and marketed by Duke Audio, the host considers this exceptional value and plans to keep it permanently in his system alongside his Klipsch Heresy 3 speakers and Macintosh amplifier. He gives a strong buy recommendation, suggesting it works well as both a phono preamp and temporary headphone amp solution, while acknowledging it’s somewhat mid-centric in its sound signature but adjustable via the tone controls.
Analysis generated from archived transcripts. Channel: United States of Analog — hi-fi gear reviews, vinyl, and audiophile culture.
