JL2 Ultimate

About the JL2 Ultimate

The Convergent Audio Technologies JL2 Ultimate stereo amplifier is an extremely rare and highly regarded tube amplifier designed by Ken Stevens. It features a pure class A design delivering 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms, using sixteen 6550 output tubes. The amplifier is known for its exceptional bass extension, organic weight, and bloom, as well as a warm, midrange-centric sound that is sweet and forgiving, bringing listeners closer to the music. The JL2 Ultimate includes upgraded transformers, capacitors, and resistors compared to earlier versions, making it one of the best amplifiers Ken Stevens has designed. It weighs around 200 pounds and is built with high-quality components including exotic capacitors and a robust steel chassis. The amplifier is finicky about tubes and requires careful tube selection and biasing, with KT120 tubes often recommended as a modern alternative to the original 6550s. The JL2 Ultimate is praised for its detailed, dynamic, and non-fatiguing sound with excellent headroom and a wide frequency response extending from 1 Hz to 65 kHz. It is considered a top-tier amplifier in the audiophile community and commands a price around when new.