About Verellen Devices

Ben Verellen owned and operated Verellen Amplifiers for over 15 years, designing and building over 2,000 custom amplifiers, speaker cabinets, effects pedals, preamps, hi-fi components,  and more. In addition to designing audio gear, Ben is a musician with over 20 years of touring and playing experience.

Brian Otis and Ben first met 18 years ago at the University of Washington, where Brian was Ben’s electrical engineering professor. Brian helped to inspire and was an initial investor in Ben’s amplifier company. Since then, Brian has continued his passion for teaching and music while also building multiple products and teams in the technology and medical device industries.

Nate Pletcher guitar player and Ph.D. in electronics design, has previously designed and shipped mobile phone power amplifiers used all over the world.  He has built and led multiple R&D teams and shipped many successful products. 


During the COVID shutdown, Brian and Ben started exploring a new partnership focused on ways to explore the interface between music, technology, and the human ear/perception. Ben’s idea for a power tube alternative became the first project of their partnership, with hopes of it leading to a broader range of future innovations.