Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Magazine reviewers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below.
Product Strengths
- Straightforward, high-quality preamp that does everything asked of it, very well
- Includes tone control knobs for bass and treble to personalize the listening experience
- Allows turntable users to switch between moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) modes
- Features seven source audio inputs, a front-panel 3.5mm headphone jack, Bluetooth 5.1, optical and USB inputs, as well as a phono stage for turntables
Product Considerations
- Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity, while present, is not super high resolution compared with Wi-Fi and may not appeal to those seeking a more robust streaming experience
- Has no balanced inputs
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Against Rotel's RC-1572 MKII, the Adcom GFP-915 wins in many audiophile categories, such as a lower reported total harmonic distortion and noise floor
- The Schiit Freya S stereo preamp at $599 is another solid, no-frills audiophile option that can compare to the Adcom GFP-915
- The NAD C 3050 integrated amp's HDMI switching, internal DAC, Bluetooth 5.4 and phono stage might sway one to spend a few hundred more dollars than the Adcom
Takeaway: The Adcom GFP-915 is a traditional stereo preamp that delivers quality performance and offers a range of useful features for audiophiles. It is a worthwhile option for those seeking a simple and effective way to manage audio sources and volume control.
Compared to their other products
We think it's helpful to understand how this product fits into the brand's full lineup (below). To learn more about these products, visit the brand's page.
LUNA
- Positioning: An entry-level, portable wireless speaker designed for ease of use and modern connectivity.
- Description: Offers a distinct blend of wireless connectivity, long battery life (22 hours), and a design by Jacob Jensen that emphasizes simplicity and style.
GIA-275 SERIES II
- Positioning: A compact, integrated amplifier combining both amplification and preamplifier functions with a range of connection options.
- Description: Features a built-in high-resolution DAC and Bluetooth V4 with aptX support, offering an all-in-one solution for digital and analog sources.
GFP-915
- Positioning: A stereo preamplifier engineered for high-fidelity signal routing and clean, transparent audio performance.
- Description: Features a 192KHz/24bit internal DAC along with phono connectivity and tone controls, ensuring accurate and detailed audio reproduction. Compared to the integrated approach of the GIA-275 and the high-power focus of the GFA-565se, it is best suited for users prioritizing detailed preamplification in setups where refined signal control is essential.
GFA-565SE
- Positioning: A high-power amplifier built for demanding high-end audio systems with a focus on driving challenging speaker loads.
- Description: Delivers 250W into 8 ohms with high current drive, backed by a robust power supply that maintains low distortion even with complex loads. In contrast to the more integrated and preamplifier-centered designs of the GIA-275 and GFP-915, it is targeted at users needing maximum power output and performance.
Read the reviews

Manufacturer's notes
- Frequency Response: 5 Hz – 100 kHz High Level, 50 Hz – 50 KHz
- THD + Noise: 0.005% High Level, 0.15% MM, 0.03% MC
- Signal to Noise: ≥100 dB High Level, ≥95 dB MM, ≥95 dB MC
- Weight: 15.7 lbs (7.0 kg)
- Input Sensitivity: 500 mV High Level, 3.5 mV MM, 25mV MC
- Input Impedance: 11 Ω High Level, 11 Ω MM, 11 Ω MC
- RIAA accuracy: ± 0.25dB (20Hz – 20kHz) phono
- Output Impedance: 100 Ω Bypass Outputs, 100 Ω Main Outputs, 475 Ω Tape Outputs
- Output Level: 2.0 Vrms Bypass Outputs, 2.0 Vrms Main Outputs, 1.0 Vrms Rec Outputs
- USB Input: 192K/24bit maximum
- Optical Input: 192K/24bit maximum
- Bluetooth Version: Qualcomm 5.0
- Power: 110 VAC – 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
- Dimensions: 4.13" x 16.9" x 14.3" (105 mm x 430 mm x 335 mm)
Our take on the brand
Used
ADCOM
What if you spend a bit more?

Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Ultra-low noise with remarkably quiet backgrounds and effortless transparency
- Delivers Al Harewood's delicate brush work with an outstanding balance of brush "edge" and "swish"
- Clear and distinct sound, with a soundstage that is tall, wide, and deep
- Natural and matter-of-fact nature, one that doesn't feel processed or constrained in any particular way
- The V10 is a highly musical phonostage that resolves fine details, honors tonal colors, and allows the dynamic life in music to breathe at levels that belie the unit's modest price
Product Considerations
- Adjustments to capacitance, gain, and impedance are accomplished by means of a bank of DIP switches on the rear panel, which can be a bit confusing
- The instruction manual states it's possible to set impedance "freely between 50 and 550 ohms" and add 6 addition dB of gain, but to do so contact your Hegel dealer for more information
- Not as versatile as the PS Audio Stellar
- The V10 does not try to mask physical imperfections on the record
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Simaudio MOON by Simaudio 610LP—the Hegel V10 performs so well in comparison to the much more expensive 610LP as to be encouraging
- Vs Aurorasound VIDA Prima—the Hegel V10 seemed to pull out more detail than the VIDA Prima
- Vs Aqvox Phono 2 Ci—V10 allows one to easily explore the musicians' context and intent better
- Vs Rega Aria 3—the V10 betters it by quite a way, showing how the Hegel has a more incisive and detailed nature
Takeaway: The Hegel V10 is a great sounding, well-made phono stage that produces the 3D, of both the music and the space behind it, while honoring the purity and simplicity of the recording. It has connectivity and configurability as well.
Video review
Our take on the brand

Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Comprehensive spec sheet
- Versatile phono stage with balanced outputs offers greater levels of gain
- Depth, detail, and an analogue character
- Flexible and capable
- Extracts the very best from any cartridge
- The casework feels solid and beautifully finished
Product Considerations
- Adjusting capacitance and loading via hidden dip switches under two small covers for left and right channels is a little trickier than the previous model's dial adjusters
- DIP switches are fiddly to use
- Busiest and brightest recordings can appear just a little sanitised
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The R35 offers a thorough update of its feature set, making it—on paper at least—one of the most versatile phono stages on the market today
- The R35 ups the ante by some margin, despite looking deceptively identical to the retired R32 front on
- Compared to the Hegel V10, the R35 is more playful dynamically with fatter bass, there is more depth in the soundscape, and a slightly larger range of timbres
Takeaway: The R35 is a versatile phono stage that can extract the best from any cartridge and has a comprehensive spec sheet. It offers depth, detail, and an analogue character that underlines vinyl's enduring appeal.
Video review
Our take on the brand

Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Crisp, clean, and spacious tone, which is fun to listen to, tonally neutral, and detailed
- Good and solid build quality
Product Considerations
- Substandard interface, with tiny buttons and labels, can be difficult to use
- In single-ended mode, the sound presentation can have slightly edgy mids
- Smaller interface font than the M6 makes the values slightly harder to read
- Size and weight might require sturdy shelf support
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- M6x has an appreciable reduction in its noise floor and improved dynamic range compared to M6 Vinyl
- M6x has a slightly well-lit upper midband and a drier and leaner bass compared to ModWright PH 9.0 tube phono stage
- M6x Vinyl is a clear step up, having a crisp, clean, and spacious tone compared to Rega Aria Mk3
Takeaway: The M6x is a versatile phono stage that offers balanced connections, multiple inputs and solid build quality. It is sonically neutral and lets records speak for themselves.
Video review
Our take on the brand

Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Offers a 'truthful' signal transmission with attributes of speed, low noise, vanishing grain, and purity—delivering a solid sonic performance
- Excellent build quality, with robust aluminum chassis and quality parts
- The knobs offer a silky-smooth feel, and the remote is well-designed and easy to use
- Offers a detailed sound
Product Considerations
- The XLR inputs and outputs are more for interface convenience, as the internal circuitry is single-ended
- Some reviewers note a lack of density in the lower midrange compared to other preamps
- The EX-P7 can sound too analytical if paired with already analytical components
- May not match high-end SET amplifiers in accurately conveying timbre and texture of vocals
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Denafrips Athena preamp, the EX-P7 is faster, more linear and agile, but lacks some density in the lower midrange
- Vs Kinki Studio EX-M1 Integrated Amplifier, the EX-P7 (paired with EX-B7 monoblocks) sounds beefier, more extended in the bass, and rounder, while the EX-M1 is leaner and feistier
- Vs Audia Flight FLS1 preamplifier, EX-B7 monoblocks combined with the FLS1 gained resolution, clarity and transparency
Takeaway: The Kinki Studio EX-P7 preamp is well-built and offers a technically correct sound, making it a great option for those seeking a detailed and revealing listening experience when paired with the right components. It is designed with quality components, inside and out, and the overall product exudes quality.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What else competes at this price?

Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Offers a versatile range of adjustments, including nine input impedance choices and four gain options, to match various cartridges
- Offers three different equalization curves (RIAA, Decca London, and American Columbia), unusual for phono stages in its price range
- Produces a clean, smooth, lucid, and well-balanced sound that is uncolored and neutral, allowing for greater transparency and speed
- Musical, smooth, coherent and dynamic, with a very good pace, rhythm, and timing
- Touchscreen interface is easy and intuitive to use
Product Considerations
- Moving magnet capacitance is set at 220pF and is not adjustable
- Some reviewers express concern about potential RF interference from the digital display affecting the analog circuitry, particularly with sensitive MC cartridges
- Instrumental images may be smaller than with other phono stages
- May sound a little weightless compared to significantly more expensive phono preamps
- Reviewers note the forthcoming PSU-5 power supply
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to a similarly priced phono stage, the Gold Note PH-5 provided greater insights into how Miles Davis played each note, and was more full-bodied and dynamic
- The Pathos In the Groove was more spacious and shapely sounding but lacked the PH-5's sense of control and smoothness
- Compared to the Gold Note PH-10, there's a remarkably similar sound, with a tad more weight to recordings played through the more expensive PH-10
- The PH-5 sounds closer to the GrandiNote Celio MK IV—a bit richer, smoother, and more saturated—whereas the ESE Lab Nibiru is more about speed, precision, and transparency
Takeaway: The Gold Note PH-5 is a versatile phono stage that sounds musical and natural. It provides many options to adjust the sound, and it is an affordable way to get great performance from vinyl records.
Video review
Our take on the brand

Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Features a fully discreet headphone amplifier built-in that sounds good
- Offers flexibility with passive, low gain, and high gain settings, not commonly found at its price point
- Build quality feels good, with a nice textured black finish
- Features a precise 128-step attenuator for accurate left-right balance, unusual for a $699 preamplifier
- Features a metal remote with volume, mute, and input selection
Product Considerations
- One reviewer experienced the Kara going into protection mode and muting the sound when adjusting the volume quickly—requiring a power cycle to resolve
- One reviewer said they prefer the RCA input and output sound
- XLR inputs for stereo mode are not available
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Schiit Freya S: It replaces the Freya S and has significant upgrades, including a headphone jack and a more powerful power transformer
- Vs Pass Labs HPA1: The Pass Labs is a better-sounding pre-amplifier and headphone amplifier overall, but is significantly more expensive
Takeaway: The Kara preamplifier offers great flexibility with gain options and a good-sounding headphone amplifier. It's a well-built component that could be a good addition to an audio setup, especially if clarity is valued.
Video review
Our take on the brand

Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Balanced connections improve sound, though stellar audio is available via RCA inputs
- Tighter and continuous control over load impedance via a potentiometer control
- Discrete circuit design offers a more neutral sound than integrated circuits
- Two turntables can be connected at once, one with XLRs and one with RCAs
- Expanded soundstage and individual instrument placement both horizontally and vertically
Product Considerations
- Turntable with XLR outputs needed to experience its best features
- More expensive if balanced connection features are not being used
- Tube box will push coloration into the mix, so tubes need careful system matching
- Balanced outputs and moving coil cartridge are needed to reveal the sort of detail that vinyl aficionados champion
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs NAD Phono Preamp PP-1: Allows for markedly more detail and separation between instruments
- Vs Phono Box S3 B: Integrates all the technology from the SB3 and adds in a few extra features, as well as a potentiometer
- Vs Projects Tubebox DS3: The sound is far more clear, and the weighted treble and upper spectrum sound more pronounced
Takeaway: The Pro-Ject Phono Box DS3 B unlocks the potential of a turntable, enhancing the listening experience with more dynamics, details, and soundstage. It's a versatile phono preamp with remarkably neutral and detailed sound.
Video review
Our take on the brand

Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Offers much of what conrad-johnson learned with the GAT preamplifier, providing high performance at a lower budget
- The ET3SE's phonostage is essentially the TEA-2SE, offering great phono performance
- Strikes a perfect balance with a hybrid design, being extremely quiet and providing healthy tonal contrast, yet powerful and controlled
- Makes music collection come alive, especially after an hour or two to fully warm up
- Offers great sound, top build quality, and immense flexibility
Product Considerations
- The SE model with Teflon capacitors takes around 500 hours to sound its best
- Has only a single-ended design, complete with RCA jacks for inputs and outputs
- Only has one pair of main outputs, a second pair would be nice for those who use a powered subwoofer
- Remote is a stripped-down plastic model compared to billet aluminum remotes of higher-end conrad-johnson preamplifiers
- The non-SE versions have a somewhat warmer tonal balance with less extension at the frequency extremes
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The ET3SE offers about a quart and a half of the GAT's sound for less than a quarter of the price
- Given that the TEA2SE outboard phonostage is $4,000, the ET3SE's level of phono performance is amazing
Takeaway: The ET3SE is a great choice if you want high-end sound at a more affordable price. It is built well, sounds fantastic, and gives you a lot of flexibility for enjoying your favorite music.
Video review
Our take on the brand

Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Innovative features and intelligent engineering for 21st-century analogue playback
- Features a BLACK Mode, providing isolation from AC mains via an integrated lithium power cell for up to 30 hours of playback
- Fully configurable via a bespoke app (iOS/Android) for precise adjustment of gain and loading settings
- Can accommodate two turntables simultaneously, supporting both Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC) cartridges
- Ensures maximum channel separation and minimal system noise due to a fully mirrored internal layout
Product Considerations
- Premium pricing may be a barrier for some customers
- May be overkill for casual vinyl listeners
Takeaway: The VP4 offers a unique and customizable vinyl listening experience with its innovative features and high-quality construction. It allows users to get the best performance from their vinyl setup.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Magazine reviewers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below.
Product Strengths
- Straightforward, high-quality preamp that does everything asked of it, very well
- Includes tone control knobs for bass and treble to personalize the listening experience
- Allows turntable users to switch between moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) modes
- Features seven source audio inputs, a front-panel 3.5mm headphone jack, Bluetooth 5.1, optical and USB inputs, as well as a phono stage for turntables
Product Considerations
- Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity, while present, is not super high resolution compared with Wi-Fi and may not appeal to those seeking a more robust streaming experience
- Has no balanced inputs
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Against Rotel's RC-1572 MKII, the Adcom GFP-915 wins in many audiophile categories, such as a lower reported total harmonic distortion and noise floor
- The Schiit Freya S stereo preamp at $599 is another solid, no-frills audiophile option that can compare to the Adcom GFP-915
- The NAD C 3050 integrated amp's HDMI switching, internal DAC, Bluetooth 5.4 and phono stage might sway one to spend a few hundred more dollars than the Adcom
Takeaway: The Adcom GFP-915 is a traditional stereo preamp that delivers quality performance and offers a range of useful features for audiophiles. It is a worthwhile option for those seeking a simple and effective way to manage audio sources and volume control.
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