APOS GREMLIN This Tiny HEADPHONE MONSTER May Be Your GATEWAY TO TUBE AUDIO
United States of Analog | October 23, 2024
🎙️ Early Video Analysis
What is this video about?
This is an “on the radar” style video – a new format the host is trying where he presents early news about a product before doing a full hands-on review. The focus is on the APOS Gremlin, a tiny Class A headphone amplifier that’s available for purchase today at $120. The host explains this format was inspired by watch YouTube channels that showcase products before actually reviewing them.
What gear, products, or brands are discussed?
- APOS X Community Gremlin [00:01:55] – $120 tiny Class A headphone amplifier in plexiglass case, collaboration between APOS and their community/fans, currently available for purchase, unit is inbound to host for future full review
What are the host’s main opinions or takes so far?
- On learning from other creators [00:00:21]: He studied watch YouTube channels instead of audio channels to avoid imposter syndrome and being influenced by “real pros”
- On the new format [00:01:36]: Believes there’s value in sharing product news quickly for viewers who want to be “first on the block” rather than wait for full reviews
- Personal admission [00:02:28]: Describes himself as “a sucker for gadgets, especially around this price”
Provide a 3-paragraph summary of this portion
Host Bob introduces a new video format called “on the radar,” inspired by watch YouTube channels that showcase products before doing hands-on reviews. He explains that when starting his channel, he deliberately watched watch videos instead of audio content to avoid imposter syndrome from seeing established audio reviewers. This led to him collecting watches (Seiko, Bulova, 30+ Casios) and learning from watch creators like Mad Watch Collector, Britt Pierce, Just One More Watch, and Teddy from Cleveland.
The concept behind “on the radar” is to bring viewers early news about products they might want to purchase immediately, rather than waiting for a full review. He positions this as serving viewers who want to be “first on the block” with new gear. The format borrows from watch channels that use internet images and videos to showcase products before actually handling them.
Today’s featured product is the APOS X Community Gremlin, a $120 tiny Class A headphone amplifier housed in plexiglass. It’s a collaboration between APOS and their community/fans, though the host admits he’s unclear on exactly what the community aspect entails. The unit is currently available for purchase and the host has one inbound for a future full review, describing himself as “a sucker for gadgets” especially at this price point.
⏱️ Mid-Video Analysis
What gear, products, or brands are discussed in this portion?
- [00:02:34] APOS Gremlin headphone amplifier
- [00:02:37] Apos Audio (retailer)
- [00:02:47] RayTubes Core 12AU7 tubes
- [00:02:51] 6922 tubes (alternative option)
- [00:04:22] RayTubes Select Tubes (upgrade option)
What are the host’s key findings, verdicts, or opinions?
- [00:03:23] Impressed by the frequency response range (12 hertz to 50 kilohertz): “Oh, that’s pretty impressive”
- [00:02:53] Excited about tube rolling possibilities due to owning many 12AU7 tubes
- [00:04:40] Enthusiastic about the emotional appeal of tube audio, describing the visual “glow” and feeling in your heart
What are the host’s key technical specifications mentioned?
- [00:03:16] Output power: 1250 milliwatts at 32 ohms
- [00:03:20] Frequency response: 12 hertz to 50 kilohertz
- [00:03:25] Signal to noise ratio: 110 dB
- [00:03:31] Channel separation: 104 dB at 1 kilohertz
- [00:03:34] Compatible impedance range: 8 to 600 ohms
- [00:03:38] Dimensions: 5″ wide, 3.25″ deep, 2.5″ high
- [00:03:11] DC power requirement: 18-24 volts
Were there any price/value assessments?
- [00:04:25] Upgrade package with both tube sets and XLR cables available for approximately $320
- [00:04:35] Described as having tiered pricing options
Any audiophile tips, advice, or how-to content?
- [00:04:04] Tube rolling instructions: unscrew four corner screws to access tubes
- [00:04:07] Always use gloves when handling tubes and Plexiglas/acrylic
- [00:04:12] Use microfiber cloths or gloves, never bare fingers for handling tubes or Plexiglas
Any memorable quotes or strong takes?
- [00:04:40] “let’s say you’ve never played around with tubes before and you wanna get that glow that you feel right here in your heart and you see it with your eyes and it’s so beautiful and you’re just like, wow, I’m doing tubes”
- [00:04:54] “punch that notification bell really hard until it hurts. Punch it real good”
Summary
This portion focuses on the technical specifications and features of the APOS Gremlin tube headphone amplifier. The host provides detailed specs including its 1250mW output power, impressive 12Hz-50kHz frequency response, and compatibility with headphones ranging from 8-600 ohms. The amplifier uses RayTubes Core 12AU7 or 6922 tubes in a compact 5″x3.25″x2.5″ acrylic case with easy tube rolling capabilities.
The host emphasizes the practical aspects of the device, explaining how users can easily swap tubes by removing four corner screws and provides important handling advice about using gloves for both tubes and the acrylic case. He mentions upgrade options including RayTubes Select tubes and notes that a complete package with additional tubes and XLR cables costs around $320.
Throughout this section, the host’s enthusiasm for tube audio is evident, particularly when describing the emotional and visual appeal of tube amplification. He positions this as an ideal entry point for newcomers to tube audio while also appealing to experienced users who already have tube collections for rolling experiments. The technical specifications he highlights suggest this is a well-engineered compact amplifier despite its small form factor.
🏁 Final Thoughts & Verdict
What gear, products, or brands are discussed in this final portion?
- APOS Gremlin headphone amplifier [00:05:03-00:05:48]
- ATX Apos R70X Refined headphones (Audio-Technica collaboration) [00:05:54-00:06:01]
- AposX Community products [00:06:32]
What is the host’s final verdict or conclusion?
[00:05:36-00:05:40] The host concludes this is “just a fun little item that is probably gonna work very well” and calls it “a cool idea” [00:06:36]
Were there any final recommendations — buy, skip, or consider?
The host suggests specific use cases rather than direct buy/skip recommendations:
- [00:05:08-00:05:11] “Great for like a bedside headphone listening station”
- [00:05:15] “Great for a desktop situation as well”
Any final tips, caveats, or advice for viewers?
[00:05:21-00:05:35] The host warns that “many serious audiophiles” will have issues with the plexiglass case, preferring metal cases due to resonance concerns, but dismisses these concerns as overthinking
How did the video wrap up?
[00:06:51-00:07:21] Standard YouTube outro directing viewers to YouTube’s algorithm-selected next video, followed by a tangential comment about the watch collecting community and losing money on watches
Any memorable closing quotes or strong final opinions?
- [00:06:06-00:06:09] About the ATX headphones: “the most comfortable headphones I have ever worn in my life”
- [00:06:45-00:06:48] Directly addressing Apos: “Let’s do it, Apos. Come on. You say you love me. Let’s do it. I could use the mailbox money”
Summary
In this final portion, the host wraps up his preview of the APOS Gremlin by positioning it as a practical and fun piece of gear suitable for bedside or desktop use, while acknowledging that audiophile purists might object to its plexiglass construction. He briefly showcases the ATX Apos R70X Refined headphones, praising them as the most comfortable he’s ever worn and suggesting they would pair well with the Gremlin amplifier.
The host expresses enthusiasm for potential collaboration opportunities with Apos, specifically mentioning interest in developing a phono preamp partnership. He frames both products as part of Apos’s community-driven approach to product development, indicating this is likely a first look rather than a full review.
The video concludes with a typical YouTube outro, directing viewers to algorithm-selected content while making a humorous aside about watch collecting. Throughout this segment, the host maintains a casual, conversational tone while building anticipation for future full reviews of both products he’s previewed.
Analysis generated from archived transcripts. Channel: United States of Analog — hi-fi gear reviews, vinyl, and audiophile culture.
