Douk Audio T4 PLUS Tube Phono Preamp with VU Meter Review

The Douk Audio T4 PLUS is a tube phono preamp priced at $109.99, sold as a step up from the T4 PRO. An update from April 2022 added a VU meter adjustment on the side panel, so the meter sensitivity can be matched to different input signals.

Its party piece is cartridge flexibility: the phono input supports both MM and MC cartridges, with a multiple input impedance switch offering 1KΩ, 470Ω, 220Ω, 100Ω, 47Ω, 22Ω and 10Ω settings so low-output moving coils can be matched properly. There is also a 3.5mm AUX input for phones, tablets, PCs and MP3 players, and the listing notes the AUX input has priority, so the cable needs to be unplugged to use the phono input. The unit ships with JAN5725 tubes on pluggable sockets, described as an upgrade over the 6J1 series for detail, transparency and tone, and there is a built-in VU meter whose needle moves in warm light while the music plays.

The headphone output uses the classic circuit from the rest of the range, two NE5532 op amps matched to 32-300Ω headphones, and the stereo RCA and 3.5mm headphone jack can both be used at once with the single knob controlling both volumes. Power management is handled by a TI TPS5430 with 7205MOS devices, and the phono stage uses a TL071 + JRC2068 circuit. The case is a grey integrated moulding in aluminium alloy with gold-plated terminals, and the listing describes the T4 PLUS as a phono preamp, stereo preamp and headphone amplifier in one desktop-sized unit. The published parameter list is truncated on the store page, so check with the seller for the complete dimensions and weight.

Shipping is worldwide, with free and expedited options priced by country. Orders under 2kg ship by airmail (10-25 days) and above 2kg by DHL, UPS or FedEx (5-8 days). Customers pay any import duties or customs charges. Every item comes with a 30-day free return or full refund and a 1-year warranty; the exclusions are orders placed by mistake, man-made damage or misuse, a subjective change of mind, and anything else outside the warranty terms.