Tangent Ampster Amp-30 Integrated Amplifier

At the Soundstage! Network, we’re suckers for high-value products, and we think we’ve found one in Tangent’s Ampster Amp-30 ($299).

This is a small 20Wpc class-AB integrated amplifier that might be half the size of a brick but seems to weigh as much as a whole one. The Ampster’s build quality looks to be top notch, and it even has a 1/4"-thick aluminum faceplate and large metal volume knob.

To save space on the back panel, custom banana-plug jacks are used in place of traditional five-way binding posts, and a set of banana plugs is included in case you haven’t got any. The rear panel also features a single pair of RCA inputs as well as a 3.5mm mini jack that is designed to receive the output from an MP3 player’s headphone jack. A female USB Type A port is also located on the back panel. However, this is not an audio input; rather it's a 5v charging point for an iPod or similar device.

One of the Ampster’s most ingenious accessories is the included orange bean-bag, which acts as an iPod holder. We were so taken with this little guy that we’ve asked for a review sample right away. Tangent begins shipping the Ampster in just a few weeks.