Title: Quiet and serviceable
Product review: I bought this when I replaced a stereo receiver with a pre/power amp combo that didn't include a phono input. There are silly expensive phono pres out there, so I figured I'd start here since this is generally positively reviewed, and at $22, it's more or less disposable.It doesn't introduce hum to my system, which is nice. The sound is entirely pleasant, could even be called lively. There's a reasonable amount of gain and the bottom end is nice and full. What I'd like is a more defined soundstage and maybe some top-end detail, but I'd be a fool to expect it at this price point. Speaking objectively, ignoring the price, this preamp is just fine but nothing exceptional. At its price, it's probably a screaming bargain, but that doesn't stop me from wanting a bit more.For el cheapo HiFi types like me, it might be smarter to start with the ART DJ phono pre, which is about twice as expensive but may be legitimately very good based on reviews.
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