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Bigger Ben (Rev 3, 2026)

The same amplifier also drives loudspeakers through an 8 ohm tap, and its large output transformers provide dedicated taps for headphones.

Type
Valve headphone amplifier
Output
6.5 W into 8 ohms
Weight
Not published
List
$6,400

Output into any load

The line is what the Bigger Ben (Rev 3, 2026) delivers, estimated from its published ratings. Each square is a headphone in the catalog at the power it needs for a loud 110 dB peak.

Grado Signature HP100 SE: needs 0.20 mW at 38 ohmsFocal Stellia: needs 2.51 mW at 35 ohmsFocal Clear MG: needs 3.98 mW at 55 ohmsFocal Utopia (2022): needs 3.98 mW at 80 ohmsMeze Audio Elite: needs 7.94 mW at 32 ohmsSony MDR-Z1R: needs 10.0 mW at 64 ohmsAudeze MM-520: needs 6.31 mW at 18 ohmsFostex TH900mk2: needs 10.0 mW at 25 ohmsYamaha YH-5000SE: needs 15.8 mW at 34 ohmsFinal D8000 Pro Edition: needs 15.8 mW at 60 ohmsRosson Audio Design RAD-0: needs 15.8 mW at 29 ohmsHIFIMAN HE1000se: needs 25.1 mW at 35 ohmsZMF Caldera: needs 31.6 mW at 60 ohmsMeze Audio ARTA: needs 15.8 mW at 225 ohmsZMF Vérité Closed: needs 12.6 mW at 300 ohmsAudio-Technica ATH-ADX5000: needs 10.0 mW at 420 ohmsSennheiser HD 820: needs 16.6 mW at 300 ohmsAudeze LCD-5s: needs 100 mW at 35 ohmsMeze Audio Empyrean II: needs 100 mW at 32 ohmsSennheiser HD 800 S: needs 20.9 mW at 300 ohmsDan Clark Audio Expanse: needs 100 mW at 26 ohmsAbyss Diana TC Signature: needs 100 mW at 72 ohmsAbyss AB-1266 Phi TC: needs 158 mW at 50 ohmsDan Clark Audio Stealth: needs 100 mW at 23 ohmsHIFIMAN Susvara: needs 501 mW at 60 ohmsPublished: 6.5 W into 8 ohmsPublished: 5 W into 32 ohmsPublished: 5 W into 300 ohms
Output into each loadPublished ratingHeadphone it drives at 110 dB (25)Needs more (0)Load in ohms across, power up, both on log scales

Build a setup with it

Start with the HIFIMAN Susvara, the hardest headphone here it drives with power in reserve.

Open in the setup builder →

Where to buy

$6,400

Price: RCA input or XLR input version, same price.

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Title block

Maker
ampsandsound
Model
Bigger Ben (Rev 3, 2026)
Type
Valve headphone amplifier
Made in
USA
Output impedance
Not published
Weight
Not published
List price
$6,400 USD
Output power
6.5 W into 8 ohms; 5 W into 32 ohms; 5 W into 300 ohms
Topology
Single-ended Class A, zero feedback, tube (6SL7 input; output tubes 6L6GC, EL34, KT66, KT77, KT88, 6550 or KT90), cathode bias; input transformers and custom output transformers with 8/16/32/100/300 ohm headphone taps plus an 8 ohm speaker tap
Finish
Wood chassis, 15.75 in wide by 9.75 in deep

What it drives

How the matching works

Plenty in reserve

10 dB or more above loud 110 dB peaks.

25

Other valve amplifiers

Sources