Rockville BluTube Amplifier Review

Though transistors have become preferred to vacuum tubes, you’ll find that many music enthusiasts are still loyal to the vacuum tube amplifier.

Although transistors are more durable and reliable, audiophiles still love vacuum amps, as they give a more warm sound. This is especially the case for music lovers who appreciate and look for an amp that’s capable of giving off deep and authentic audio.

Old gramophone in the vintage room

In this Rockville BluTube amplifier review, we’ll take an in-depth look at one such vacuum amp. So sit back and enjoy this all-access pass to the good and the bad of this amp. We’ll give you all the details you need to make a well-informed decision. 

The Rockville BluTube Amplifier 

The Rockville BluTube vacuum amp is especially great for hooking up to your home theater or stereo system. Music lovers will love the Rockville BluTube amplifier for the quality deep sound it gives, in addition to the great features this amp boasts.

Features and Benefits

This amp has some great features that set it apart from others in the same category. 

Tube Design

The design of this Rockville amp is beneficial on two levels. First, the elevated tube design helps you avoid getting burnt as these babies get hot.

Second, the tube design gives you a smoother, deeper sound.

USB Port 

One of the great features of this amp is the fact that it’s compatible with almost any kind of audio speakers. Not only that, but the USB port also allows you to connect to any of your devices.

This is a wonderful benefit that allows you to easily access your digital content. An important feat in today’s digitized world.

Bluetooth Range

This amp has a relatively good range. You can wirelessly connect it via Bluetooth to your speaker, home theater, or any other device in the range of 33 feet. 

This is great, if you don’t particularly enjoy moving your amp around, and would rather have it set-up in one place. 

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Specifications and Details

Not only that, it has both Bluetooth and a USB port, so you can also easily connect it to your speakers or any other device you choose.

It doesn’t hurt too that it looks cool with the tubes and lights that flash when the amp is on.

This amp comes in several options and at different price variations. You have the black option with LED, optical, and sub out. Another one with the same features but made of wood, and one with just optical and sub out.

Last but not least there’s the original Rockville BluTube amplifier option, which we’re reviewing here. 

What’s in the Box?

  • BluTube amplifier with home theater receiver
  • RCA to 3.5MM cable
  • Power cable
  • User manual
  • Warranty card

Specifications

  • Rockville BluTube with built-in Bluetooth 
  • Weight: 6.6 lbs.
  • Dimensions: 10.6 ̋ x 10.2 ̋ x 5.1 ̋
  • Bluetooth Range: 33 feet
  • Power output 25 watts RMS x 2 at 8-ohm impedance
  • Power output 35 watts RMS x 2 at 4-ohm impedance
  • Includes built-in pre-amplifier
  • Power supply: 110 V
  • UV meter
  • 2 Speaker output

Pros 

When you buy the Rockville BluTube amp, you’ll be making use of these wonderful advantages.

Device Compatibility

This model comes with a USB port that makes it compatible with many devices. Apart from that, you can also use the USB port to play content off a USB flash drive.

Audio File Compatibility

The Rockville BluTube amp is compatible with almost all audio type files including WMA, MP3, and FLAC files. This is perfect as it removes any restrictions you may face with other amps.

Anti-hard Clip 

Thanks to this feature you can enjoy your music as loudly as you like uninterrupted. Even at high volumes, this amp doesn’t hard-clip tube giving a sound that seems to be double the rated power.

Headphone Compatibility

This amp has a headphone output, so you can easily hook up your wired headphones to this amp for a wonderful musical experience.

Easy Storage

This amp is designed for easy storage. It won’t take up much space and still give you that sweet sound you’re looking for.

2-Band Equalizer

This model comes with a 2 band equalizer that allows you to adjust both the bass and treble to your preference.

Cons 

You should know these points that may be of concern to you before buying this amp. 

Not a Hybrid

A hybrid amp supports both solid-state and tubed amps at the same time. Depending on your usage of the amp, this may be an issue.

Flashing Light

When you connect this amp to any of your devices via Bluetooth, the connectivity light keeps flashing. This may be annoying for some.

What Customer Reviews Say 

The Rockville BluTube is rated as Amazon’s Choice and has 128 customers reviews, 64% of which are 5 stars reviews vs. 9% 1-star reviews. 

The Good

Customers who reviewed the amplifier favorably found it sounds great and balanced with deep bass.

Others found it to be great for use with headphones. The Bluetooth works smoothly, great for connecting to your TV and listening to music. 

Overall at this price point, the customers are very satisfied with this Rockville amp’s performance.

The Bad

On the other hand, 9% of customers rated this Rockville amp poorly. They didn’t like that they faced issues with Bluetooth connectivity. Others found that the product came with some faulty parts such as a blown fuse. 

Generally, the bad reviews were due to quality control issues, as some received the product with pre-existing defects.

However, when exchanged for one that’s not flawed, most of the discontent customers found that it worked fine. 

Conclusion

This is an ideal option if you’re looking for a relatively compact basic amp that will do the trick.

The Rockville BluTube, for a 70-watt amp, performs quite nicely, giving you the sound you’re looking for. Moreover, the fact that it has both Bluetooth connectivity and a USB port, allows you to connect to a wider range of devices.

This is a good quality amp that’ll give you authentic sounds without breaking the bank.

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