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
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Wider soundstage, better imaging, and a more open sound
- Neutral, clear, and detailed performance
- Excellent volume control with the ALPS Blue Velvet volume knob and remote
- Very quiet, allowing quieter passages in music to flow nicely
- Solid build quality and understated looks
- Does not have XLR input
- Cannot be put into standby
- Does not have a balance knob
Product Considerations
- Lacks the absolute detail of reference preamplifiers
- Should factor in the Lab 12 power cable to the price
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Benchmark HPA4—the pre1's soundstage is wider, and music comes through a bit smoother
Takeaway: The Pre 1 offers a dry, clean, and detailed performance. It integrates effortlessly into any hifi system, offering good value for the money.
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Manufacturer details
- Power: 230VAC 50Hz (115VAC 60Hz)
- Power consumption: 80 VA max
- Frequency response: 5Hz to 200 kHz, +0-3dB
- Distortion: 0.04% at 2V RMS output
- Gain: 21dB
- Signal to Noise ratio: 90dB
- Maximum output: 14V RMS
- Input impedance: 50K ohm
- Output impedance: 900 ohm
- Tube complement: 2x 6922 dual triodes
- Inputs: 5x line stereo (RCA connectors)
- Preamp outputs: 2x line stereo (1x RCA connectors, 1x XLR connectors)
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 43x11x29 cm
- Weight: 7 Kg
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- Lab 12 emphasizes a "fine symmetry design," which focuses on technical symmetry and parts matching between the two channels, leading to sharper image focus and superior transparency.
- The brand's designs are focused on optimizing the listening experience, prioritizing a natural and involving sound that avoids analytical or clinical qualities.
- Lab 12 uses a "separate rails, separate grounds" (SRSG) technology to keep high current circuits independent from signal circuits to minimize noise and maintain signal purity.
- They implement fully tube-based designs in many products while keeping the build quality high and the pricing relatively accessible within the high-end audio market.
Select products
SUONO MK2 – TOROID VERSION
- Positioning: A compact tube amplifier designed for smaller spaces and budget-minded buyers.
- Description: Features a low-noise toroidal transformer with bias adjustment directly on the top cover, ensuring a focused, intimate listening experience. Compared to higher-powered models like Suara and Integre4, it offers lower wattage and simplicity for those seeking warmth and ease of use in a modest room.
SUARA MK2 – TOROID VERSION
- Positioning: A mid-level, pure Class A power amplifier delivering robust performance.
- Description: Uses a true dual mono design with heavy toroidal transformers and selectable Triode/Ultra Linear modes for flexible tube rolling. In contrast to SUONO's modest output and Integre4's integrated functionality, it provides higher power for larger rooms while focusing exclusively on pure amplification.
INTEGRE4 MK2 – TOROID VERSION
- Positioning: A high-end integrated tube amplifier featuring advanced control and performance.
- Description: Offers independent dual mono channels with dedicated toroidal transformers and an innovative built-in bias system featuring an OLED display for instant tube rolling adjustments. When compared to SUONO and Suara, it delivers elevated wattage and superior control.
MIGHTY
- Positioning: A premium Class A, single-ended power amplifier aimed at delivering immersive, detailed sound.
- Description: Uses meticulously selected audiophile grade components and a pure Class A design that minimizes noise and distortion for fatigue-free listening. Compared to integrated solutions like Integre4 and passive units like True, it emphasizes dedicated power amplification for users prioritizing top-tier sonic purity and compatibility with a range of preamplifiers.
TRUE
- Positioning: A flagship passive preamplifier and input selector engineered for uncompromised signal delivery.
- Description: Features multiple inputs with ultra-transparent volume control, preserving the original signal without adding its own coloration. Unlike active amplifiers such as Integre4, Suara, or Mighty, its passive design focuses on pure, unaltered sound and minimal intervention in the audio chain.
Our take on the brand
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Exceptional signal purity is a key strength
- Outstanding build quality with a robust 5mm aluminum chassis and glass-blasting anodizing finish
- Premium ALPS potentiometer (Blue Velvet ALPS Audio Grade) allows for precise volume control
- It maintains micro and macro details
- It handles dynamic shifts with remarkable grace
- It offers zero coloration to the sound
- Versatile input options (3x line stereo RCA inputs)
- Offers flexible ground settings (3-position ground switch)
Product Considerations
- Premium price point
- Limited to 3 inputs, though sufficient for most setups
- May be too purist for those seeking tonal manipulation
Takeaway: The Lab 12 TRUE Input Selector is a high-quality passive preamplifier that provides exceptional signal purity and preserves the authentic character of music sources. It's a standout choice for serious audiophiles seeking to experience the true essence of their music collection.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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
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.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Good sound quality, warm with lows and highs present, and a quiet noise floor
- Supports both Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC) cartridges
- Adjustable gain settings to match different cartridge output levels
- Metal construction for durability and shielding
- Offers DIY upgradeability with a socketed op-amp that can be swapped to change the sound signature
Product Considerations
- The ground post is positioned close to the power input, which can be inconvenient
- To power it off, one must press and hold the power button instead of pressing it quickly to turn it on, which is not intuitive
- Lacks a headphone jack
- Does not have a subsonic filter or capacitive loading switch
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Schiit Audio phono preamp, the Fosi Audio Box X5 is on par or better than the Schiit Audio phono preamp generation one version
Takeaway: The Fosi Audio Box X5 is a great value phono preamp that provides good sound quality and versatile features for both MM and MC cartridges. It is a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade from a built-in preamp or start with their first turntable.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- A very low noise floor, even with high gain settings for moving coil cartridges
- Various gain settings for moving magnet and moving coil cartridges, making it versatile
- An 'intelligent' subsonic filter effectively reduces rumble without negatively impacting bass frequencies
- A balanced 4.4mm output, which is uncommon in phono stages at this price point
- Impressive sound quality for its price, including a wide soundstage and good dynamics
Product Considerations
- Large diameter RCA plugs may not fit due to the small chassis
- The number of load settings is stated inconsistently across sources, with some stating four and others stating three
- Connecting RCA and balance output together simultaneously to two different amplifiers can result in noticeable humming noise
- One reviewer mentioned a 'clinical' sound that might pair better with warmer cartridges, though this was addressed by changing the setup
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The ZEN Phono 3 has a wider soundstage and better dynamics than the iFi Zenfone Stage
- The ZEN Phono 3 has deeper bass than the Accuphase AD-60, but slightly less clarity and definition in the bass region
- The ZEN Phono 3 delivers a larger, beefier—and more rhythmic sound than the built-in phono stage in the U-Turn Orbit Special
- The ZEN Phono 3 produces significantly less noise than the Musical Fidelity M5SI phono stage
Takeaway: The ZEN Phono 3 is a valuable phono stage that provides a clean and dynamic sound, along with features typically found in more expensive units. It is especially useful for those looking to upgrade from a basic phono stage or for vinyl enthusiasts who want to explore different cartridge types.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Offers a full feature set including balanced XLR inputs and outputs, typically found in more expensive units
- Provides remote control functionality for adjusting gain, loading, and filters from the listening position
- Delivers detailed, clean, and modern sound reproduction, with good transient clarity and precision, and quiet backgrounds
- Offers versatile settings for both Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC) cartridges
- Improves system sound, adding clarity and a warmer feel compared to budget options
Product Considerations
- Some users experienced a static or buzzing noise in the left channel, with inconsistent severity
- The initial balanced input tests revealed D.C. issues, causing speaker drivers to alarmingly suck in and out
- The unit's physical aesthetics are not particularly eye-popping or luxurious
- The tiny silkscreened letters and icons associated with the front panel LEDs might be difficult to read
- May not be ideal for systems already on the lean side, as it might not add warmth
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Schiit Manny, the Skoll is much quieter
- Vs Michael Yee PFE1, the Skoll has less hum and more hiss
- Vs Fosi Audio Box X4, the Skoll has better clarity
Takeaway: The Schiit Skoll is a versatile and feature-rich phono preamp that delivers impressive sound quality and customization options. It can be a great upgrade to get more enjoyment out of vinyl records.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- True balanced connections reduce noise and increase detail, dynamics, and musicality
- Settings are easily adjustable on the front panel, including impedance, capacitance, and gain
- Well-made metal chassis is compatible with both MM and MC cartridges
- Discrete circuits are used in its gain stages, which Pro-Ject believes delivers the best sound
- Offers both single-ended (RCA) and balanced (XLR) inputs and outputs
Product Considerations
- Balanced cables are required for optimal performance if using balanced connections
- Relay switching causes a time lag when switching impedance, capacitance, or gain
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Lehmannaudio Black Cube had more power in the low end, while the Pro-Ject tended toward a drier character
Takeaway: The Phono Box S3 B is a well-designed phono stage offering balanced connections, making it a great choice for those wanting to upgrade their vinyl listening experience. The adjustable settings and solid build quality make it a versatile and worthwhile addition to any system.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Cohesive, lively, and musical performance
- Expressive dynamics and good insight
- Strong rhythmic drive
- Quality of build and finish is perfectly fine for the money
- Adds some warmth to the sound, along with vitality—with the right cartridge
Product Considerations
- Only cosmetic changes over the previous generation
- Only compatible with moving magnet cartridges
- Treble could be a bit sweeter
- The review mentioned a feel of a cheap Chinese amp, and the power button feeling cheap
- Matching well with the right cartridge is critical to get the best sound
Takeaway: The Rega Fono MM Mk5 offers a strong and engaging performance for the price, making music sound lively and fun. It's a great choice if one wants to enhance their vinyl listening experience with a moving magnet cartridge.
Video review
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