Nobsound Douk Audio T3 PLUS Valve Tube Preamp for Turntables Stereo MM MC Phono Stage Pre-Amplifier Desktop Headphone Amp

This pre-amplifier is reminiscent of days gone by, when tube (known as Valves in the UK) amplifiers were common place in Radiograms, Radios and TV sets. The warmth of the audio is something I miss, as solid state devices lack the production of any 'atmosphere' with their audio quality. I feel the current technology has been pre-occupied with the perfection of audio reproduction, possibly making it all too clinical and precise to enjoy. The quality of a turntable and valve amplifier, with its deep warm rounded rumbling bass production is a joy to behold, and this device goes a long way in reaching that. On its own, it's not possible to drive speakers of any size but the quality through headphones is really impressive, and I'm sure it would make a good candidate for driving a powerful valve output amplifier. The main feature of this amplifier is the set of 6A2 valves, one for each channel. These Heptode valves are readily available and very easy to change, no disassembly required. They provide more than enough drive to accommodate most PA systems and can be fed with a variety of inputs with a choice of phono and aux jack. A DIP switch is included to choose between MC & MM cartridges together with a setting to select the required impedance in MC mode. The Pre-amp comes with a power supply and a twin phono to stereo 3.5mm jack audio. It's a very impressive amplifier, aesthetically very attractive and its compact design minimizes the space requirements. Recommended as the front-end component part of a bigger system.

This is a versatile tube phono pre-amp. It caters for MM and MC cartridges. It has an additional input for normal line level sources. As well as the usual RCA outputs it has a 3.5mm headphone output as well as a decent sized volume control which serves both outputs and also acts as an on/off switch. I would have preferred the volume knob to be a bit stiffer to turn. There is no USB output. The build feels solid and it's nicely designed to stand upright. This will not be to everyone's taste and it could do with being a bit heavier but it's not so light that it overbalances, unless you were to knock it over. Vacuum tube rolling with 6AK5 and its equivalents is possible, actually it's desirable to get the most out of this amplifier. To obtain the optimum sound from a tube its bias voltage should be accurately set. I do not know if there is an auto bias circuit built in, but there appears no way to manually alter the bias voltage of the tubes. As for the sound, paired with my AT- 60LPXUSB and using the supplied stock Chinese 6A2 tubes which I had never heard of before, Tamas Vasary's Chopin Nocturnes sounded very well focused, smooth and rich. To my ears, in my system, these sound very good tubes, which you may find sufficient. If you 'upgrade' to the recommended GE 5654 tubes you get a punchier more detailed sound with great atmosphere, though with slightly less focus than with the stock 6A2's. I rolled several other tubes, including Tesla EP251 and 6F32V, EI 6HM5, Sylvania GB 5654, Tung Sol 6AK5, Telefunken 6AK5 and Mullard CV4010. Listening with the Mullards to La Petite Bande's recording of Corelli's Concerti Grossi I was impressed how well the plangent tones of the original instruments were projected with both warmth and precision whilst the individual instruments were well defined and easy for the ear to follow. Sylvania's GB5654 is very highly regarded and it was easy to hear why when listening to a broad range of orchestral music: treble sweetness, mid-range clarity and well extended, controlled bass with a wide soundstage. Throughout all my listening I was never bothered by background noise or hum. All these different tubes impart their own characteristics to the sound to suit your preferences. That's what's nice about this class of tube, there is a plethora available and mostly at reasonable prices. They are generally free of microphonics and intrusive floor noise. If you are auditioning though remember that most tubes need 15-20 minutes to warm up to sound at their best. Finally to bear in mind, I do not know how I would go about obtaining assistance in the event of a fault after Amazon's 30 day return period ends. I have not found a way to contact China based Nobsound/Douk by telephone or email.

Good little amplifier, adds a bit of bottom end onto the sound, (I'm using sennheiser HD-25's) not unpleasant to listen to and easy on the ears definitely makes it louder than you got from your standard sorce that's for sure, so if your phone,TV,PC isn't as loud as you want it ... your prayers have been answered.. looks cool too 👍

A lot of cash for the poor quality, lots of settings but much better options at this price mine was faulty

Great item, worked as described