Review on 🎶 AIYIMA Tube T3 HiFi Tube Phono Preamp for Turntable MM Phonograph Stereo Audio Preamplifier with Adjustable Gain & DC 12V Power Adapter for Record Player System by Zach Sornsin

I've been a big fan of Art DJ preamps for years as they deliver really good balanced sound at a great price. Having recently made changes to my setup, I wanted to try a tube preamp. I understand that this is actually a hybrid tube/SS amp and that the tubes are mainly used to color the sound a bit. To that end, they do an excellent job of delivering classic tube sound with crisp highs that don't sound harsh but are detailed and don't tire the ears. Compared to Art DJ, this preamp greatly improves the sound quality. . Immediately I noticed a much more open soundstage and better separation. In many of my recordings I now hear even more small details that I never noticed with Art DJ. The mids sound rich, the bass is tight and full, and the highs are finely detailed, all with excellent separation. It's more like a $300-400 preamp, but the price is the same as Art DJ. I wish it had a fully adjustable volume control with a clipping indicator, like Art DJ. Instead, it has a four-position switch. That being said, it works great on my system at the lowest settings and I don't hear any clipping or distortion. Some reviews don't like the blue LEDs that illuminate the tubes. In fact, I like them because I can see that the unit is on - more than once I forgot to turn off the preamp and then noticed the lightbulbs. One last thing to note is that the preamp picks up some buzz from nearby LED bulbs which I have on the dimmer. In conclusion I still give it 5 stars as it's hard to fault, especially given the amazing (!) sound. it produces, and the price you pay for that superior sound. I ordered mine with upgraded bulbs, but the sound is great even without them - the difference is subtle but noticeable. I don't consider myself an audiophile, but I'm a music producer with over 200 recording sessions to my credit - I'd like to think I have a good understanding of what makes "good" sound, and I certainly have. Definitely worth a try if you're looking for a good preamp or want to improve your sound.