Nobsound T3 MM Phono Preamp for Turntables and Record Players Review

The Nobsound T3 is a dedicated phono preamplifier for home turntables, priced at $44.99. Its job is to take the low-output phono signal from a moving magnet cartridge and convert it to a line-level signal that a normal amplifier, receiver or pair of active speakers can accept.

The circuit uses low-noise integrated circuits and the listing describes pure copper GND wiring with gold-plated RCA terminals, which are there to remove low-frequency noise and keep the signal clean. A volume control on the unit lets you raise the amplification to make the most of a record player's output. Douk Audio lists a signal-to-noise ratio of ≥98dB, THD of 0.1%, an output level of 600mV at 3mV/1kHz and a frequency response meeting the standard RIAA curve.

The case is aluminium, which the maker says protects against vibration and electromagnetic interference, and it measures just 118 x 99 x 33mm at 290g, so it can sit beside a turntable or tuck behind it. The package includes the T3 preamp and a DC 12V adapter. Note the listing's own wording: this is only a preamp, and it needs to be used with amplifiers or active speakers.

Douk Audio ships worldwide with free and expedited options, with cost varying by country. Orders under 2kg go by airmail (10-25 days) and anything over 2kg by DHL, UPS or FedEx (5-8 days); the T3's 290g weight means airmail is the normal route. Any import duties or customs fees are the customer's responsibility. All items come with a 30-day free return or full refund and a 1-year warranty; returns are excluded for orders placed by mistake, man-made damage or misuse, a subjective change of mind, and anything else outside the warranty terms.