Douk Audio NS-13G MAX Amplifier with Phono Review

The Douk Audio NS-13G MAX is a mini 2-channel stereo amplifier priced at $114.99. It pairs the TPA3255 amplifier chip with a built-in MM phono stage, letting turntables connect directly alongside stereo RCA sources, and it ships with a 48V/5A power adapter ready to power typical home passive speakers.

Power output reaches a maximum of 600W total (300W x 2) into 4 ohms, with matched speaker impedance of 4-8 ohms and a total harmonic distortion of 0.005% at 1kHz. SNR is 107dB or better and the frequency response spans 20Hz-20kHz within plus or minus 1dB. Input sensitivity is 5mV for the phono input and 2V for RCA, feeding banana speaker outputs plus a 3.5mm AUX output rated at 2.4V, which can connect another amplifier or active speaker and subwoofer for a 2.1 or multi-channel setup.

Enthusiast details abound: a tone/bypass switch lets you fine-tune bass and treble (plus or minus 6dB) or take the tone circuit out of the path completely, and the NE5532P op-amp sits in a pluggable socket that accepts dual op-amps such as OPA2604, OPA2134 or MUSE02. Rubycon and WIMA capacitors are used throughout, heat is managed by side and bottom vents that also keep dust out, and the CNC precision-cut aluminum case with a metal DC outlet is compact enough for desktop use. The maker notes that the AUX and speaker outputs are controlled by the same volume and tone knobs, and that if you want even more power than the 48V/5A adapter provides, a larger high-quality adapter is your own project.

Specifications

How it compares

The Douk Audio ST-01 PLUS is the other TPA3255 amp here with an MM phono input (5mV). It lists $99.99 without an adapter, $119.99 with a 32V5A one and $129.99 with a 48V5A one, so against the NS-13G MAX ($114.99 with its 48V/5A adapter in the box) it is $15.00 higher on a 48V adapter. It adds Bluetooth 5.2 and a VU meter, but it lists THD+N 0.02% at 1kHz against 0.005% for the NS-13G MAX (both give SNR 107dB or better). The Douk Audio A5 PRO costs the same $114.99 with a 32V/5A adapter and trades the phono input for Bluetooth 5.1 and a 500mW at 32Ω headphone output. The Douk Audio A5 at $89.99 with a 32V/5A supply is $25.00 below and has no phono input, Bluetooth or headphone output, but adds a 30-200Hz high-pass filter.

Who it suits: the NS-13G MAX fits a turntable owner who does not need Bluetooth and wants the 48V/5A adapter included. The ST-01 PLUS fits the same turntable setup with wireless and a VU meter, for less only if you already own a supply, the A5 PRO suits headphone and Bluetooth listening, and the A5 suits a wired RCA desk on the tightest budget.

Shipping, returns and warranty

• Shipping: Douk Audio's current shipping page says orders are generally processed no later than the next business day and arrive in 2-8 business days, with duties, taxes and customs fees included in the checkout price unless noted otherwise.
• Older shipping terms are still online: airmail at 10-25 days for parcels under 2 kg, DHL, UPS or FedEx at 5-8 days above that, and a line saying the store is not responsible for import duties. Check the delivery estimate and any duties at checkout.
• Returns: ask within 30 days of delivery and wait for approval before sending anything; an approved return has to ship within 7 days. Items need all packaging and accessories and no excessive wear, or the store can refuse them or refund part of the price. Refunds go to the original payment method after inspection.
• Not refunded: original and expedited shipping, duties, taxes and customs charges, unless the law requires it or the store made the error. The return page does not say who pays return postage, and the older refund page excludes mistaken orders and change-of-mind returns from free after-sale service.
• Warranty: 24 months from purchase for manufacturing defects, with free repair, a replacement unit and free shipping both ways for covered repairs. Drops, liquid, DIY repairs, lightning, extreme temperatures and misuse are excluded (partial fees may apply), and damage from weak packing on the way back may not be covered. The older refund page still says 1 year.
• Seller: the site is run by Shenzhen Anba Technology Co., Ltd (Shenzhen, China) and HONGKONG LONGSHENG Import and Export Trading Co., Limited (Hong Kong); support is by email at [email protected]. These terms cover orders placed on doukaudio.com; other sellers apply their own.

For this product, the page lists US, UK, EU, AU and Other under SHIPPING TO and shows Free Shipping, 2-8 Days Arrival, 30-Day Return and 2-Year Warranty badges near the price.