Nobsound T3 MM Phono Preamp for Turntables 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.

Specifications

How it compares

The T3 is the cheapest phono preamp in this group and the plainest: MM only, one RCA output, a volume knob, a power switch with a red light and a 12V adapter. The Douk Audio T14-EQ MM/MC Phono Stage Preamp review ($49.99, $5.00 more) is smaller (84 x 84 x 28mm against 118 x 99 x 33mm) and lighter (176g against 290g) and adds MC support, ±5dB tone controls and a headphone jack on USB 5V power with no adapter, but it prints a phono SNR of 80dB or better against the T3's 98dB, with the same 0.1% THD.

The Douk Audio T3 PRO Tube MM Phono Preamp review ($59.99, $15.00 more) repeats the T3's 600mV at 3mV output, SNR of 98dB or better, 0.1% THD and 12V supply and adds two replaceable 6A2 tubes, a 3.5mm AUX input and a 39/42/45dB gain switch, in a 117 x 95 x 30mm, 310g case with an RCA cable in the box. Neither has a headphone output. Choose the T3 for a basic MM phono stage on a tight budget; choose the T3 PRO for tubes and gain steps; choose the T14-EQ for an MC cartridge or 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 has a 'Shipping to' selector (US, UK, EU, AU, Other) and shows Free Shipping, 2-8 Days Arrival, 30-Day Return and 2-Year Warranty badges near the price.