Nobsound NS-10P Mini Vacuum Tube Stereo Preamp with Treble and Bass Control Review

The Nobsound NS-10P is a mini vacuum tube stereo preamp priced at $49.99. It is the successor to the well-known NS-08E, and its job is to add tube warmth, treble and bass shaping and volume control to sources feeding an existing amplifier or active speakers.

Inside, two 6J1 tubes run in a pure Class A triode circuit on a high-voltage supply, providing 1.5-2.0x voltage amplification. Nobsound describes the result as warm and soft output that adds tube sound and removes the digital edge, suited to vocal, string, soft and classical music. The tube type is rollable if you want to experiment: 6AK5, 6BC5, 403A/B, 5654, EF40, F95 and CV850 are all listed as alternatives to the stock 6J1.

Around the tube stage, the NS-10P offers independent treble, bass and volume controls, an SNR of at least 110dB and a 20Hz-30kHz frequency response. Input and output are standard 3.5mm jacks, so the chain is source (phone, player, CD, DAC or computer) into the NS-10P and out to an amplifier, headphone amp or active speakers. Nobsound specifically points to its TPA3116 amps and NS-08E, NS-01E and NS-02E headphone amps as natural partners. The aluminum shell is CNC-machined with a black and gold finish and a blue tube light, and it weighs just 205g with the tubes fitted.

Douk Audio ships worldwide with free and expedited options; costs vary by country. Parcels under 2kg ship airmail (10-25 days), heavier orders by DHL, UPS or FedEx (5-8 days), and any import duties or customs fees are the customer's responsibility. The store offers a 30-day free return or full refund and a 1-year warranty on all items, excluding orders placed by mistake, man-made damage or misuse, subjective change of mind, and anything outside the warranty terms.