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Fern and Roby Amp No. 2
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
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Professional Reviews 90/100
Nicely Roasted
Sound Quality
92/100
Build Quality
92/100
Features Connectivity
83/100
Value for Money
88/100
Refined yet high-energy, the Amp No. 2 pairs a natural, easygoing balance with surprising drive, giving vocals a realistic presence and helping speakers open up with confidence. Part Time Audiophile and Audiophilepure both praise its vivid sound, while the walnut styling, solid build, and built-in phono stage make it feel unusually complete.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Delivers vivid, engaging sound with strong dynamics and a natural tonal balance.
Produces realistic vocal placement and a clean presentation that reduces glare.
Offers excellent build quality, including a handsome walnut faceplate and machined remote.
Includes a capable internal MM/MC phono stage, adding real flexibility for vinyl listeners.
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Cons
Its feature set is intentionally simple, with only one balanced input and limited adjustment options for the phono stage.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 92/100
Reviewers consistently describe a lively, engaging amplifier that makes music sound vivid and easy to follow. The strongest comments point to a natural, open presentation with impressive speaker matching and a sound that reveals more texture and realism, especially on vocals and records with tricky treble.
Transparency Resolution
91/100
Marc Phillips says the amp was adept at capturing “all those new facets” on a Steely Dan LP and specifically notes the reduction of “digital glare,” which points to strong clarity and cleanliness. The reviews suggest a revealing presentation without sounding etched or overcooked.
Tonal Balance Musicality
92/100
The amp is described as “linear, natural and without surprises,” while also being praised for turning the Ravens and DeVores into more convincing, appealing performers. Reviewers emphasize vividness and excitement alongside tasteful balance rather than brightness or heaviness.
Dynamics
94/100
This is one of the clear strengths: the amp is called “vivid” and “high-energy,” and it is said to light up the DeVores with a sense of punch and drive. Phillips also notes that it surpassed expectations with low-powered, high-current behavior and worked very well with most of his speakers.
Soundstage Imaging
90/100
The stage comments are very positive, especially the remark that Lyn’s voice was placed in a “comfortable and realistic way” that seemed “preternaturally easy to hear.” The reviews point to convincing placement and ease, though they do not go into much detail about width, depth, or layering.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
92/100
The build is praised as “heavy and solid” with “top-notch fit and finish,” and Phillips calls the faceplate and overall execution “a new benchmark for integrated amplifiers under $10K.” Reviewers also single out the machined remote and walnut front panel, presenting a product that feels carefully made and distinctive.
Features Connectivity
83/100
This is a deliberately simple integrated amp: the reviews mention a single balanced input, basic line-level integration, and a remote control. There is also a phono stage, which adds useful flexibility, but overall the feature set remains minimal compared with more fully equipped modern integrated amplifiers.
Value for Money
88/100
At $8,500, the amp is clearly a premium purchase, but both reviews frame it as compelling rather than extravagant. Phillips says he would choose it for himself, calls the fit and finish a benchmark under $10K, and the overall tone suggests it earns its price through execution and sound rather than by offering lots of features.
Reviews
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Verified Dealers
Online 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)
- Mimic Audio — online and in-store — Chicago, Illinois, United States (website)
- Turntable Lab — online and in-store — Brooklyn, New York, United States (website)