Apos x Community Gremlin Tube Amp Review Compendium
Our Apos x Community Gremlin is a hybrid tube amplifier loved by many, punching above and well beyond its slated price-point. Critics and hobbyists gravitate toward its hybrid architecture because it marries the raw power of solid-state components with the warmth of vacuum tubes.
Call us biased, but for $120 USD, what’s not to like?
We’ve rounded up reviews from across the web to show you why critics call this "little monster" the one to beat.
Written Reviews
Head-Fi (Apos x Community Gremlin Review)
“Apos should be proud of this product. It’s an affordable, accessible, true audiophile amp. I hope it gains a community of modders and enthusiasts who explore its full potential.” - killthrash
“For $120, the gremlin feels unbeatable. I can't think of anything else at this price point which is as enjoyable.” - DeviousEnigma
“While this is not quite a giant killer, it comes close. The Gremlin sound be thought of – at least in my case – as a workhorse.” - Barra
Headfonia (Apos Gremlin Review)
“Again, I wouldn’t be surprised by getting all this from an amp five times the price of the Apos Gremlin. For 120 bucks, color me impressed!” - Rudolfs P.
Headfonia (Best Amplifiers)
“I will say straight up that Apos have done a bang-up job designing the Gremlin. It tickles both my inner engineer and the sound lover. Discrete, balanced, tubes, Class A, and at that price? You have to be kidding me.” - Rudolfs P.
Ecoustics (Apos x Community Gremlin Tube Headphone Amplifier Review)
“Apos and Geshelli clearly listened to their community, and the result is a tiny amp with real personality, serious engineering choices, and far better performance than its size suggests.” - Will J.
Headphone Audio (Facebook)
“The base tubes it ships with are amazing so if you don’t want to pay the extra $170 for the select, you don’t have to in order to have a great time.” - Matt T.
Video Reviews
UnitedStatesofAnalog (Youtube)
Bob from UnitedStatesofAnalog shares a first look at the Apos x Community Gremlin Tube Headphone Amp, showcasing its design, features, and affordable price point of $120 USD.
Joshua Valour (Youtube)
"In summary, the world of tube amps is vast and they can be very, very good. I by no means think that this is a world beater or anything like that, but I do think that it is a good value at its price range... with the core tubes at 120 bucks, I actually think this thing is a bit of a steal" - Joshua Valour
Passion for Sound (Youtube)
"...the gremlin is a really great amp. It performs well above its price point, it's wonderfully upgradeable and adjustable with the right choice of tubes, and it's suitable for most headphones on the market at any performance level. It's not going to get the most out of a flagship headphone, but it won't sound out of place and so I wouldn't say it's a giant killer, but for the price it's absolutely amazing." - Lachlan, Passion for Sound
Forever Analog (Youtube)
“If you have never owned a hybrid tube amp and are intimidated by the cost and process of buying tubes, the Gremlin makes it easy to get started for just $120, ensuring you get quality Ray Audio tubes” - Forever Analog
GadgetryTech (Youtube)
Regarding the Gremlin amp, the GadgetryTech concludes that it is an "absolute Beast of an amp" that brings a "holographic Sound Stage" and colors the sound in a way that is "highly rewarding". - GadgetryTech
TylersEclectic (Youtube)
"...for the price like this is ridiculous... the sound alone makes this worth it... this is the one to beat" - Tyler, TylersEclectic
Z Reviews (Youtube)
"Just shut up and take our money, Apos. Grab the Gremlin and thank me later." - Zeos, Z Reviews
iiWi Reviews (Youtube)
"This is a little monster. It puts supreme musicality before raw technical prowess." - iiWi
Reviews by WaveTheory (Youtube)
"It’s a gritty, punchy, and soulful little monster that proves you don't need to spend four figures to get that 'tube magic' everyone talks about." - WaveTheory
Paul Wasabii (Youtube)
"This one is probably a keeper for me." - Paul Wasabii
MrAyrit (Youtube)
"I just... there's nothing really that comes to mind that I would change. I don't feel like it was doing anything wrong. I was just enjoying myself" - MrAyrit
The Honest Audiophile (Youtube)
“For $120, if you want a balanced tube hybrid that has gobs of power and a very musical, fun, and engaging sound—the Gremlin is a no-brainer.” - Dave, The Honest Audiophile
MagnoliaMo (Youtube)
"I’m honestly shocked at what they’re offering for $120. To get a fully balanced, Class A tube hybrid that actually has enough power to drive demanding headphones? That’s almost unheard of." - MagnoliaMo
Prime Audio Review (Youtube)
"I think the Gremlin genuinely punches above its weight. I think it sounds better than it should for a $120 tube amplifier." - Prime Audio Reviews
BadSeed Tech (Youtube)
"I don't think there's a more value-packed way to spend $120 in all of the audio hobby" - Brian, BadSeed Tech
Audio Masterclass (Youtube)
"At $120, this isn’t just an amplifier; it’s an affordable masterpiece in the making for anyone who wants to understand why people have been obsessed with vacuum tubes for the last hundred years." - David, Audio Masterclass
Tharbamar (Youtube)
"The price-to-performance ratio is simply off the charts. It’s rare to find a fully balanced Class A buffer at this level that doesn't sacrifice musicality." - Tharbamar
Amplify Audio Review (Youtube)
"You're getting balanced XLR and 4.4mm inputs for $120. That is practically unheard of in the tube world. It’s the perfect desktop companion if you already have a balanced DAC." - Amplify Audio Review
We’ll keep updating this list as more reviewers get their hands on the Gremlin, so stay tuned for more.
