LOL, at the 5:15 mark we are told (with a straight face) that one preamp allows the audio to rise and fall as recorded, while the other keeps it at a constant level. I never heard of a preamp coming with a built-in compressor, and one that works that well.
I have a Schiit Mani and I also have a Sansui AU-717 Integrated Amp with a phono preamp. The Mani is great but the phono preamp in the Sansui is on a higher plane. Much warmer and natural sounding.
Overall if you are new to phono pre-amps this one is a winner! I think it sounds great! Beautiful sound stage. Backing vocals go to a whole new level. Instruments do not sound crowded especially on 1950's jazz! Lead vocals ,,,you can really hear the room or studio intended effects on the the lead vocals or both while being recorded. I have a Douk Audio T3 Plus coming soon also. Honestly I think it is a very good pre. Sure you could spend a bazzilion dollars more but the T4 Pro,,,,,,it is good enough for me and fun to listen to regarding said turntables. Have fun! There are no rules regardless of what anyone tells you. If your system,,, you think rocks,,, then it does bottom line period!
Just set up a nice little desk top headphone system for my son. Fluance RT81+Elite, Douk Audio T4Pro, Wiim Pro, Phillips SHP9600. For a 1st time setup, not bad and really flexible.
The original loudness switch was always subjective and not always practical but some amps got a nice in between general setting when being used. Heck fire that's all they could do at the time to make up of for the lack of tube amps (SST amps) at low volumes as tech moved forward.
There is one other thing regarding this pre. It gives you just a tiny "little" bit of support bass frequencies at low volume levels and all the detail is still there to. So I say win, win. Definitely not a loudness switch per say as 70's integrated amp setting but just enough of little bit low end to where you can still enjoy the music at lower levels. IMO. Guess what I am trying to say is the music has more presence at a lower volume level over all. I will take it!
i use 2 phono preamps. an ifi zen which sounds super clean that goes into a marantz class a/b amp and the built in phono on a dynavox tpr-3 tube preamp that goes into a reisong tube amp. i feel like pairing a phono stage to the equipment is key to getting the best out of it.
Great timing and awesome content as always. I just upgraded to a AT-VM530EN cartridge on my AT-LP5 turntable and I think it might be time to move away from the internal preamp. I've been looking at stuff like the Douk T4 Pro and the Pro-Ject Phono Box. Not sure if I should go cheap chifi, because it's fun and "non pretentious" ...or if I should look at more traditional options ($200+ range).
I really enjoy using external phono preamps - I often try to find them lightly used from folks who upgraded to something more expensive and start my journey there. Thanks for watching and sharing!
Forget everything. If it sounds good to you that is all that really matters and it will not cost you a million dollars to get there. Douk Audio T4 Pro in my book is it!
Hello great video on the pre amp. Question, I have a nice turntable (1 by one) MM cartridge with a built in preamp. It is hooked up to my QFX triple 12”& triple tweeter amped system. Which plays my records crisp and clear. Normally I don’t push it past a 1/4th of the volume. Because it will start vibrating my walls and shake things. Although, I have about three old records that range from the 50’s to the 70’s with these three albums, I have to turn the volume up to the max in order to play it at any audible level whatsoever. I have tried flipping the switch on the back from line to phono. Doing this it makes it worse. I have tried switching to another album to see if it was a problem with the amp on the turntable or speaker system and the other records from the 50’s. This wasn’t the case they were blasting the speakers after leaving the volume on about 3/4 of the way up. My question is do I need another pre amp and line it up with the turntable to the speakers or do I need a class 5 amp to do the work instead? Also both the speaker system and the turntable are connected by RCA plugs. Thank you
Got a t4pro after my $15 amazon junk died just to get me through till i find a higher end one. Restored an SL-D2, had it temporarily on top of an accordion case. The t4pro definitely boosted the bass and mids so much i had to make a proper table with rubber isolation because it was feedback into the turntable lol. Isolated it sounds very nice/analog through my HS5 studio monitors well see if it lasts. Maybe replace tube with some good NOS GE's
I went from an Art DJ Pre II to Bellari VP130. I like both in different ways. Mk1 VP130, but for $140 on eBay I gave it a go. Both have adjustable gain which I like. What's funny I didn't really like the Schiit Mani 2 for the brief trial I had it. But, we each have to go with what our ears like.
How are you getting on with this? I am very interested in it to replace a big amplifier (only the record player is attached) which is playing through a soundbar. How do you decide what to put the volume knob on and then adjust the volume for the speakers? My record player is a Technics 1700 mk1 and shure V15 Type III cartridge.
I have it on loan to my friend who is having some trouble with his phono preamp but it worked great for me. I just set the volume to a spot I like it and adjust it going forward with my amp.
Hi I am new to this. I have an NFJ&FX phono preamp. It was not through research but recommendation of a friend. When I watched your video I kept on hearing about better sound etc. Does that mean that it gives better bass, highs and mids? Personally I find my configuration which is a Cambridge audio amp, Nfj preamp audio technica lp60 turntable and Bose speakers, lacking the bass. Its there but very understated. Would a better preamp!p help?
Upgrading equipment can provide better bass, yes. It's hard to say which component exactly will do that in your system. Bose speakers aren't always known for the best bass (Bose = all highs no lows is the joke) and your turntable is a starter model that will perform fine, but could also be upgraded for better bass with a nicer cartridge (needle). Getting better sound from our systems is a long journey, so be patient!
I bought one of these T4s for my record player but it just sounds awful. like a bunch of distortion and warping. not sure what the issue is but im returning it almost immediately
Gotcha. Well, sometime when a preamp sounds distorted, it’s due to an incorrect connection. I’ve made some videos on my channel showing how to connect one if you still have the unit and want to try again. Of course you could’ve just got a lemon too!
What you expain is just your imagination. Both devices are extremly primitive. T4 has simple RIA correction using chips. It stays unknown what they do exactly. Then signal is being amplified using chinese vacuum tubes. Absolutely nobody was working on improving your experience.
Why wast your and our time testing a phono amp using a cheap AF cart? Put a decent cart on the thing. No one but the novice would be using the lowest ended cart
Thank you for the feedback. As I mentioned in the video, it didn't seem appropriate to test a $70 preamp with a $200+ shibata stylus since most people buying the T4 Pro will most likely be using a budget cartridge. That was my approach for this video but perhaps I'll test again with more expensive gear and update with another video down the road.
I always use my lowly Shure M75 with a Kyowa stylus prior to using my premium Nagaoka and Denon MC carts. And if the LP sounds good with the Shure, I know I'll be in heaven with the premium carts.
Do you have a favorite external phono preamp?
I went from a Tube Box DS to a Sutherland KC Vibe mk2. Love my Sutherland so much even though it's really big for just a phono stage lol.
I have a Lounge Audio LCR MkIII Silver. I upgraded from a Schiit Mani and before that an NAD PP1
EAR835 DIY tube phone
LOL, at the 5:15 mark we are told (with a straight face) that one preamp allows the audio to rise and fall as recorded, while the other keeps it at a constant level. I never heard of a preamp coming with a built-in compressor, and one that works that well.
My T4 Pro came in today. It sounds killer with a Shure V15 III on my AR XA turntable. I like it a lot!
Awesome! Thanks for sharing!
I have a Schiit Mani and I also have a Sansui AU-717 Integrated Amp with a phono preamp. The Mani is great but the phono preamp in the Sansui is on a higher plane. Much warmer and natural sounding.
Awesome!
here's a tip guys... leave it at about 12 to 2 o'clock and let your amp do the heavy lifting :)
Overall if you are new to phono pre-amps this one is a winner! I think it sounds great! Beautiful sound stage. Backing vocals go to a whole new level. Instruments do not sound crowded especially on 1950's jazz! Lead vocals ,,,you can really hear the room or studio intended effects on the the lead vocals or both while being recorded. I have a Douk Audio T3 Plus coming soon also.
Honestly I think it is a very good pre. Sure you could spend a bazzilion dollars more but the T4 Pro,,,,,,it is good enough for me and fun to listen to regarding said turntables. Have fun! There are no rules regardless of what anyone tells you. If your system,,, you think rocks,,, then it does bottom line period!
Just set up a nice little desk top headphone system for my son. Fluance RT81+Elite, Douk Audio T4Pro, Wiim Pro, Phillips SHP9600. For a 1st time setup, not bad and really flexible.
That sounds like a great system, great job!
The original loudness switch was always subjective and not always practical but some amps got a nice in between general setting when being used. Heck fire that's all they could do at the time to make up of for the lack of tube amps (SST amps) at low volumes as tech moved forward.
There is one other thing regarding this pre. It gives you just a tiny "little" bit of support bass frequencies at low volume levels and all the detail is still there to. So I say win, win. Definitely not a loudness switch per say as 70's integrated amp setting but just enough of little bit low end to where you can still enjoy the music at lower levels. IMO. Guess what I am trying to say is the music has more presence at a lower volume level over all. I will take it!
i use 2 phono preamps. an ifi zen which sounds super clean that goes into a marantz class a/b amp and the built in phono on a dynavox tpr-3 tube preamp that goes into a reisong tube amp. i feel like pairing a phono stage to the equipment is key to getting the best out of it.
Awesome thank you for sharing!
Thank you, good information.
I have the Schiit Mani 2 which is tremendous. It punches way above its weight.
Awesome!
were talking Douk.. we don't give a Schiit :)
Great timing and awesome content as always. I just upgraded to a AT-VM530EN cartridge on my AT-LP5 turntable and I think it might be time to move away from the internal preamp. I've been looking at stuff like the Douk T4 Pro and the Pro-Ject Phono Box. Not sure if I should go cheap chifi, because it's fun and "non pretentious" ...or if I should look at more traditional options ($200+ range).
I really enjoy using external phono preamps - I often try to find them lightly used from folks who upgraded to something more expensive and start my journey there. Thanks for watching and sharing!
Forget everything. If it sounds good to you that is all that really matters and it will not cost you a million dollars to get there. Douk Audio T4 Pro in my book is it!
Hello great video on the pre amp. Question, I have a nice turntable (1 by one) MM cartridge with a built in preamp. It is hooked up to my QFX triple 12”& triple tweeter amped system. Which plays my records crisp and clear. Normally I don’t push it past a 1/4th of the volume. Because it will start vibrating my walls and shake things. Although, I have about three old records that range from the 50’s to the 70’s with these three albums, I have to turn the volume up to the max in order to play it at any audible level whatsoever. I have tried flipping the switch on the back from line to phono. Doing this it makes it worse. I have tried switching to another album to see if it was a problem with the amp on the turntable or speaker system and the other records from the 50’s. This wasn’t the case they were blasting the speakers after leaving the volume on about 3/4 of the way up.
My question is do I need another pre amp and line it up with the turntable to the speakers or do I need a class 5 amp to do the work instead? Also both the speaker system and the turntable are connected by RCA plugs. Thank you
Got a t4pro after my $15 amazon junk died just to get me through till i find a higher end one. Restored an SL-D2, had it temporarily on top of an accordion case. The t4pro definitely boosted the bass and mids so much i had to make a proper table with rubber isolation because it was feedback into the turntable lol. Isolated it sounds very nice/analog through my HS5 studio monitors well see if it lasts. Maybe replace tube with some good NOS GE's
Awesome, thanks for watching and sharing!
Schiit Mani
Loved it
Haven’t heard the second gen though
The Mani is awesome!
Mani 2 is a big improvement. Killer for the money.
@@TheHammerofDissidence I’ve heard good things! Thanks!
I went from an Art DJ Pre II to Bellari VP130. I like both in different ways. Mk1 VP130, but for $140 on eBay I gave it a go. Both have adjustable gain which I like. What's funny I didn't really like the Schiit Mani 2 for the brief trial I had it. But, we each have to go with what our ears like.
Very true. Thanks for sharing!
How are you getting on with this? I am very interested in it to replace a big amplifier (only the record player is attached) which is playing through a soundbar. How do you decide what to put the volume knob on and then adjust the volume for the speakers? My record player is a Technics 1700 mk1 and shure V15 Type III cartridge.
I have it on loan to my friend who is having some trouble with his phono preamp but it worked great for me. I just set the volume to a spot I like it and adjust it going forward with my amp.
Hi I am new to this. I have an NFJ&FX phono preamp. It was not through research but recommendation of a friend. When I watched your video I kept on hearing about better sound etc. Does that mean that it gives better bass, highs and mids? Personally I find my configuration which is a Cambridge audio amp, Nfj preamp audio technica lp60 turntable and Bose speakers, lacking the bass. Its there but very understated. Would a better preamp!p help?
Upgrading equipment can provide better bass, yes. It's hard to say which component exactly will do that in your system. Bose speakers aren't always known for the best bass (Bose = all highs no lows is the joke) and your turntable is a starter model that will perform fine, but could also be upgraded for better bass with a nicer cartridge (needle). Getting better sound from our systems is a long journey, so be patient!
@@ForeverAnalog what would you recommend as the first upgrade?
I know its not a fair fight but didnt you have a Vincent phono pre amp? And how does the Douk compare?
Yeah I don’t think it’s fair to compare an $800 phono preamp to a $70 one.
@@ForeverAnalog Fair enuff!thanks for the reply!
I bought one of these T4s for my record player but it just sounds awful. like a bunch of distortion and warping. not sure what the issue is but im returning it almost immediately
Strange. Does your table have a built in phono preamp?
@@ForeverAnalog no idea I think my receiver is too old for a preamp
Gotcha. Well, sometime when a preamp sounds distorted, it’s due to an incorrect connection. I’ve made some videos on my channel showing how to connect one if you still have the unit and want to try again. Of course you could’ve just got a lemon too!
WELL LET US HEAR IT INSTEAD OF JUST TALKING ABOUT IT
I like the idea but I don’t think my $30 iPhone Bluetooth clip on mic is going to adequately capture the sound lol
@@ForeverAnalog plug it direct
What you expain is just your imagination.
Both devices are extremly primitive.
T4 has simple RIA correction using chips. It stays unknown what they do exactly. Then signal is being amplified using chinese vacuum tubes.
Absolutely nobody was working on improving your experience.
Thank you for the feedback and for watching.
Why wast your and our time testing a phono amp using a cheap AF cart? Put a decent cart on the thing. No one but the novice would be using the lowest ended cart
Thank you for the feedback. As I mentioned in the video, it didn't seem appropriate to test a $70 preamp with a $200+ shibata stylus since most people buying the T4 Pro will most likely be using a budget cartridge. That was my approach for this video but perhaps I'll test again with more expensive gear and update with another video down the road.
I always use my lowly Shure M75 with a Kyowa stylus prior to using my premium Nagaoka and Denon MC carts. And if the LP sounds good with the Shure, I know I'll be in heaven with the premium carts.