The Best Phono Preamp Under $100

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I've had the pleasure of working with all phono preamplifiers under $100. In this video, I review them all: the fluance PA10, Music Hall Mini, U-turn Pluto, Art Dj pre ii, and the pro-ject phono box line and explain which I prefer and why.

[NothingLikeVinyl]

I've had my ART DJPRE II since 2014 and have absolutely no plans of replacing it. Still extremely happy with it. One of the best price / quality relationships in a product ever.

[stephc]

I just received a PA10 and have several phono stages to compare it to. It does not distort vocals at all. It sounds very good, is musical and quiet. I can find zero fault with it.

[Finn-McCool]

The ART DJ PRO II is now a $65 item. Thanks to positive reviews!!! 😄

[VinylRescue]

I use my ART Pre DJ II with my Pioneer in my living room stereo system. The main reason I bought it a few years ago was the adjustable gain for when I used it to record my LPs. Still works great. I now use my Schiit Mani with the Schiit SYS to reord since I can use the SYS to adjust the recording level. Besides, the Schiit Mani just plain kicks ass for a $129 MM/MC preamp! I'm going to buy a second Mani to pair up with my Technics and Denon DL-103R cart so I won't have to keep swapping out cables back and forth to play them.

[benjaminfogler]

Just found your channel. Great fast videos that get right to the point! Making my life of building a turntable setup so much easier so thank you!!!

[IceBullit]

Thank you for making it short and sweet, I like your review style.

[dixielandfarm]

Yay! I won! People still occasionally will dismiss my setup (in comments) because of the DJ Pre II - I never did try it on battery power, but apparently that brings it up to the next level. I've always been happy with mine - always powered on and no issue for the years I have been running it.

[davidgena]

I have the Fluance PA10 hooked up to my Fluance RT85 and think it sounds terrific. Shows you how much I know.

[blaisesantangelo]

You really answer a lot of questions in your detailed research.

[likesnoozn]

I own two. One hooked up to my recently pulled out of storage and still working perfectly 1982 Technics SL-5 linear tracking and new Fluance RT-85, and I’m very satisfied.

[SantiagoCarmona]

Thank you AUDIORPHEUS for uploading. These videos are great.

[TheHitmanAgent]

Just bought my first record player (a Sony PS-T30) and coupled it with the Pro ject phono box MM. I picked it up for @ $50. Can’t find the Art dj in my country. All in all, very pleased with the sound quality

[taylor]

Thanks for the informative review.
I just purchased one through your link in the description! I cannot wait for it to arrive!
I've been looking high and low for a decent preamp that wouldn't break the bank, but would also be an improvement over my built-in preamp on my AT-LP120. I think this one will do it for me.

[markuss]

Please try the IMG Stageline SPR-6. It costs under $50 and people claim it's way better than the ART DJPRE, definitely better than the project phono box and even comparable to the Schiit Mani. It would be really great if you could review it!

[blaisesantangelo]

Enjoy your detailed review. Totally subbed. Thanks for all your hard work.

[vinniemorciglio]

I have the ART, and am shocked at how good it is.

[catminister]

Ive been using the Art Pro Audio DJPRE II - Phono Pre amplifier with my vintage Pioneer PL-117D turntable with the Audio Technica VM540ML Dual Moving Magnet Phono Cartridge with MicroLine Stylus, thats connected to a Behringer FBQ3102 EQ and a DBX 3BX Series II Expander which is connected to an AUX input on a Pioneer AVR VSX-933....in my view the pre amp is over looked and under rated.

[samben]

Got the behringer pp400 . It is really good as the pp400 provides a flat response all the eq handled by the amp so don't need a pre amp to mod the sound although the filter is a good function in artdj but I like the organic music feel get artdj if you have a poor amplifier

[GrotrianSeiler]

Excellent video. Short clear and to the point.

[wobblinwheel]

I have the ART DJ preamp. How do I know what setting to use for the "capacitance" button? I can't seem to hear a difference...🤔 Are there specs on the cartridge or stylus that I need to look for?