Nobsound P10 Headphone Amplifier and Preamp Review

The Nobsound P10 is a mini headphone amplifier priced at $39.99. It sits on a desk between a source — DAC, PC, phone or CD player — and a pair of headphones, with stereo RCA and 3.5mm AUX inputs and both 6.35mm and 3.5mm headphone outputs.

Output is quoted at 1100mW or more into 32 ohms, with matching for headphones from 24 to 600 ohms, so both sensitive IEMs and demanding over-ears are covered; the maker explicitly lists models such as the HD580, HD600, HD650, K701, K702, Q701, DT880, T70, T90, SR225, SR325 and RS1e as easily driven. A built-in 30V voltage boost raises headroom, which the maker ties to lower distortion and smoother transients. The published specs include a 20-30kHz frequency response, an SNR of at least 110dB and a 30V output voltage swing.

The 3.5mm output can also serve as a preamp output for amplifiers or active speakers, making the P10 useful as a small control hub. Inside are two pluggable NE5532 op-amps that can be swapped for LME49720NA-DIP-8 or other 8-pin dual op-amps with output current over 50mA. The aluminum enclosure measures 78x82x32mm and weighs 210g, and a DC 5V power adapter is included.

Two practical notes from the maker: the RCA and AUX inputs, and the two outputs, all work simultaneously, so do not connect both inputs at once or the signals will mix. And if you swap the power supply, use one rated at least 1A at DC 5V.

Specifications

How it compares

At $39.99 the P10 costs $3.00 more than the Douk Audio U3 ($36.99). The P10 lists 1100mW or more at 32Ω for 24-600Ω headphones, RCA and 3.5mm inputs, 6.35mm and 3.5mm outputs and a 5V adapter in the box; the U3 lists 1300mW or more for 18-600Ω headphones, an RCA input only, one 6.35mm output and no adapter. Both list an SNR of 110dB or better. The Nobsound P32 at $46.99, which is $7.00 more, adds a tube stage with 6J5 tubes, and lists 1000mW or more for 24-600Ω headphones and a 5V/2A adapter.

The Nobsound P10 PRO shares the name but not the job: at $109.99, $70.00 more, it is a battery-powered tube amp with a 3.5mm input and output, 8-10 hours of playback, and a page rating of 170mW at 32Ω for 16-200Ω headphones. Who it suits: the P10 fits a desk with a DAC or PC and demanding 24-600Ω headphones, and a buyer who wants the adapter in the box. The U3 suits a smaller budget with RCA sources; the P32 suits those who want tubes; the P10 PRO suits travel with lower-impedance headphones.

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 shipping to US, UK, EU, AU and Other (a destination list, with no warehouses named) and shows Free Shipping, 2-8 Days Arrival, 30-Day Return and 2-Year Warranty badges near the price.