The Best Phono Preamp Under 50$

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Every phono preamp under 50$ ranked from worst to best. This is based on my experience working with each preamp, as well as feedback from you (the viewers) through poll results and comments on my comparison videos.

[yambo]

FOUND IT-! Band is Calico productions, album is called "Lost and Found, and the song playing is called OFF MY FEET.

[leon]

Fully agree, you could hear how the music got gradually better here just perfectly. Very well edited to make it seamless. The research has been worth it. I have friends who take these types of budget routes so I will no doubt link this video. Thanks my man!

[rlwings]

What a great video! Thank you for making this! ... This is exactly what I was looking for. A side by side good sound quality video which easily allows the listener to compare preamps quickly and confidently... Actually, I just found this video tonight, but earlier today I purchased the ART DjPre ll based solely on good reviews... Thanks to your video I am now sure I made the best possible choice! - After the fact! - Whew! Lol...

Do you know that I just returned the Project Phono Box USB - V because I felt that it sounded like it was playing through cotton! - Imagine that, the $40 DJPre sounds way better than the Project Phono Box USB - V which costs $250 here in Canada... I'm using a REGA P1 with a Ortofon 2M Blue.

Seriously, I'm no idiot. I have good equipment. Marantz receiver, Elac speakers, etc... The Art just has better sound-stage, better dynamics, better detail, better momentum, and better overall presentation than the Project preamp... Just proves that money doesn't always buy better sound. Very happy tonight. (And richer!).

[terrywho]

I would say the Art DJ Pre is the best phono preamp under $100. To get the most out of it, use it with a 9 or 12VDC (either will work) >300mA linear, regulated power supply. Cheers!

[jtrfgydsh]

Just started getting into vinyl and your videos on preamps under $50 have been very helpful for me. Your videos in general are great, I like how simple and to the point they are. I just bought a behringer PP400 for $14 used and can't wait till it arrives.

[bratmmmmm]

After your reviews I decided to change my cheap LD system PPA2 (25EUR), to DJPRE II. The difference is unbelievable. Very well balanced preamp. The design of blinking weird shaped DJpre is horrible, but I'm blinded by sound now:) Thank you!

[karellen]

Really thank you for all those comparisons! Small surprise here given the previous ones, I even bought the djpre without waiting this video! I even have a 12V power supply on my way, as I read it's a cheap way to get even more bang for the buck!

[boristahmasian]

Your reviews are fantastic. I bought an AT LP60 as a starter player. The sound is very muddy with the built in pre-amp and with the one in my Onkyo receiver. I was getting ready to return it thinking it is a bad unit. Last minute I decided to get an external pre-amp just to see if it would make a difference. I happened to order the Behringer PP400. I am waiting for it to come in to see if it makes a difference. I loved your video comparing the cartridges too. I am a subscriber now!

[Caedo]

Why can’t all reviews be so succinct and clear to understand? Thank you!

[olegyamleq]

video. i just added a FX-Audio DAC-X6 to my system, now i am looking for a phono preamp, your video will help!!! thanks

[NothingLikeVinyl]

I'm a happy ART DJPRE II phono preamp. So far, absolutely no intention of replacing it. One of the products with the best quality / price relationship EVER.

[louthds]

Great Format for comparison. Based on this and my old ears, I purchased the Rolls new and a used DJPREii to test the capacitance switch. I have 78's as well as LP's so interested if there is much a difference.

[ceejaydeesoozaa]

wah wow wee. been anticipating this.. ive also predicted go groove to be last. thanks so much for the valiant effort bro. appreciate it v much. will be watching this for at least 4 or 5 more times

[nw]

Fantastic and revealing. What about preamps for MC cartridges?

[manFromPeterborough]

After much frustration with the LP120 built in pre chopping in/out on low level passages, my first pre was the T7, then the TC-778, Moon 110LP, Project phono Box (later passed on to my Mum when her cheap/nasty batt pre died in one channel), it sounded like a cheap boom box when I tested it through my stereo, amazingly the right channel came to life but dicked out when handling it, the Moon got flipped on ebay, stillm using the TC-778. I uprated it with 4 1uf WIMA caps for beeter sound (superaudiobestfriends site has mods forum on TC-750

[andrewspoon]

Helped me make my decision on an open-box your #1 for 44$. I feel it was a good price.

[shoni]

Big thanks for this great comparation. I would like to see how Analogis Easy Phono stand with other pre-amps. It's very cheep also (under 50$), but have balanced sound. And btw what is this song in video ? Thnaks

[kylesmithiii]

Many thanks for this comparison (price vs features/performance). That helped decide what to buy too. Regards,

[andrewr]

Thanks for the video comparison. Very helpful. I'm curious how a tube amp would stack up (like the Little Bear T7). Maybe you've already done this, but if not I would be curious to see how that sounds. I've only just gotten back into records so I'm looking to see what all is out there. Also, I read a review somewhere that one person said they bought the PP400 and they liked it, but they switched to a vintage Sony TA-1010 and were blown away. Maybe you could dig one of these up and do a comparison as well. Thanks again for the great video.

[bulletzlife]

unfortunately the art dj is not in this price category anymore. it retails everywhere for around 65$, which now pins it against the project phono box