Fern and Roby Amp No. 2
The Amp No. 2 marries vivid, high-energy drive with an unusually natural, glare-free presentation, bringing voices into crisp, believable focus. Marc Phillips admired its tonal, speedy MM/MC phono stage and wide speaker compatibility, while its walnut-faced, meticulously machined build makes this compact 25Wpc integrated a seriously distinctive analog centerpiece.
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Nicely Roasted
Sound Quality
90/100
Build Quality
95/100
Features Connectivity
85/100
Value for Money
88/100
Pros
Vivid yet natural sound combines energetic drive, realistic vocal presence, and revealing detail without harsh digital glare.
Built-in MM/MC phono stage is praised for excellent tonality, speed, detail, and nuance.
Exceptional under-$10,000 craftsmanship, with a solid chassis, American-walnut faceplate, and machined remote.
Cons
Its 25Wpc output is not intended for highly power-hungry loudspeakers such as the YG Acoustics Sonja 3.2.
Switching the phono stage between MM and MC requires removing the cover rather than making an on-the-fly adjustment.
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What Reviewers Are Saying
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 90/100
Reviewers describe an unusually vivid, natural and engaging presentation from this compact 25Wpc integrated. It is praised for illuminating detail without digital glare, producing realistic vocal presence, and bringing energetic life to sympathetic loudspeakers; very demanding speakers remain outside its intended comfort zone.
Transparency Resolution
90/100
Part Time Audiophile found the Amp No. 2 adept at revealing new facets in Steely Dan's Aja while reducing the digital glare the reviewer had previously heard on the recording. Audiophilepure likewise heard a vivid, high-energy presentation that brought DeVore loudspeakers to life.
Tonal Balance Musicality
92/100
The amplifier is repeatedly characterized as natural, linear and easy to listen to rather than overly showy. Its phono stage was specifically praised for tonal excellence, while vocals were reproduced with a comfortable, realistic presence.
Dynamics
90/100
Despite its modest 25Wpc rating, the Amp No. 2 was heard as lively and high-energy, with Audiophilepure surprised by how much excitement it delivered. Part Time Audiophile found it an excellent partner for nearly every speaker on hand, although the reviewer noted that the power-hungry YG Sonja 3.2 requires substantially more wattage.
Soundstage Imaging
87/100
Part Time Audiophile singled out the convincing placement of Lyn's voice, describing it as realistic and preternaturally easy to hear. The available reviews provide little broader discussion of stage width, depth, or image layering.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
95/100
Part Time Audiophile calls the heavy Class AB chassis solid, with top-notch fit and finish, and regards its walnut-faced execution as a new benchmark among integrated amplifiers under $10,000. The machined remote and carefully executed faceplate reinforce the impression of unusually high craftsmanship.
Features Connectivity
85/100
The Amp No. 2 keeps the core amplifier straightforward, offering 25Wpc, a phono stage, one balanced input, and a machined remote control. It favors an analog-focused, minimalist approach rather than providing digital inputs, streaming, or home-theater-oriented facilities.
Value for Money
88/100
At $8,500, it is a serious purchase, but Part Time Audiophile found its appeal compelling enough to say it would be a personal purchase outside the reviewer role. The same review calls its fit and finish exceptional for an integrated amplifier below $10,000, supporting the sense of a justified premium for buyers who value craftsmanship and refined sound.
Reviews & Sources
Professional reviews and sources for this product's Watt'n Potatoes analysis.
Online Reviews & Mentions
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Specifications
Manufacturer's Description — Fern and Roby
Integrated Solid State Amp with Phono — Sold Out
This component was so popular we’re planning another production run! Check back here for updates about Amp No. 2, or contact us with any questions.
“Shaking my head in awe of the purity, staggering dimensionality, and unaffected beauty of the recorded sound." — Herb Reichert, Stereophile
“We were both stunned at the detail and the warmth that was produced by this amp.” — David Z., Amp No.2 Owner
Featuring a solid walnut faceplate and brass buttons and dials, the Amp No. 2 is our second collaboration with Michael Bettinger who has been designing and building amplifiers for nearly 40 years. Integrated amplifiers make building a great high fidelity audio system easy. Our goal in this project was to produce something that will turn your living room into the best listening room possible. Fewer components, cables, and cost, but delivering world class audio into your home.
Specs & Features
High Current Class A/B design
25 watts per channel
On-Board Phono Pre (MM/MC)
Balanced XLR Input
Two additional Line Inputs (RCA)
Sub Woofer Out (RCA)
High quality RCA connectors and binding posts with copper base metal for the best conductivity
Download the Amp No. 2 Manual
We offer a 14-day audition period for limited products made by Fern & Roby during which you can return your Fern & Roby speakers or amplifier for any reason.
This program is subject to the following conditions:
Payment in full for the products covered by this program.
Our payment processor does not refund processing fees, therefore all returns will incorporate a 3.5% fee for the original transaction and also for the refund deducted from the refund.
14-day time period for the home trial begins upon receipt of product.
Return can be for any reason, but you must call or email within the given time period for return authorization.
Equipment must be returned in as-new condition, or you may be liable for repair costs or re-stocking fees.
Returns must be shipped within one week of receiving the return authorization.
Customers (US & International) are responsible for all shipping charges, outbound and return.
International returns must be shipped to us with all shipping and customs brokerage fees prepaid.
Shipping charges, customs fees, and customs brokerage fees will not be refunded or reimbursed.
Original purchase funds will be processed within five business days of the receipt of the unit.
Sales that involve a trade-in are final and cannot be combined with other discounts.
Sales that involve a package discount with other products are final.
Sales of b-stock, demo, or trade-in units are final.
More information on our shipping and return policies as well as our warranty can be found on our FAQs page here
Verified Dealers
Online Dealers
All Dealers
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Authorized dealers for Fern and Roby Amp No. 2
- Afton Mountain Audio — in-store — Afton, Virginia, United States (website)
- fern roby — online and in-store — Richmond, Virginia, United States (website)
- Linear Tube Audio — online and in-store — Takoma Park, Maryland, United States (website)
- Mimic Audio — online and in-store — Chicago, Illinois, United States (website)
- Turntable Lab — online and in-store — Brooklyn, New York, United States (website)