Website author headshot
Cameron Oatley
ExtremeHiFi
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi

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

  • 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.

What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.

All

True

reviews

[{"title":"Lab 12 TRUE Input Selector Review: The Purist's Path to Audio Excellence","link":"https://www.theaudiotailor.com.au/blogs/reviews/lab-12-true-input-selector-review-the-purists-path-to-audio-excellence","source":"The Audio Tailor","datePublished":""}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022

Manufacturer details

  • Input impedance: 50 kohm
  • Output impedance: Variable
  • Inputs: 3x line stereo RCA connectors
  • Output: 1x line stereo RCA connectors
  • Dimensions (WxHxD): 32x11x29 cm
  • Weight: 3.5 Kg
Everyone in high-end audio is familiar with the straight gain concept – the best amplifier is a cable with gain. It's the most pure, unaltered way of signal delivery that adds none of its own signature and keeps the flow of music untouched and unadulterated. Nothing keeps the level of micro and macro details intact as passive preamplifiers and our Lab12 True can transfer the musical energy with feather-like lightness and uncompromising dynamic impact at the same time – a fine balancing act few manage to achieve.
Manufacturer Site

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.

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.
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Avg. Product Price
$501-$1,000
Used For Sale
1
 Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
278
 of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
12
Founding Year
2012

Our take on the brand

Lab12 is a hifi brand known for their unique use of older Philips TDA1543 multi-bit chips in their DACs, which they implement in a distinctive way despite these chips typically being found in lower-cost devices. Their amplifiers and phono preamps feature Separate Rails, Separate Grounds technology and Fine Symmetry Design for enhanced channel separation, while offering extensive tube-rolling options for users who want to customize their sound.

Look inside the brand

Brand Page

Our interview with the brand

What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?

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From our interview with
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Used

Lab 12

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What if you spend more?

Product image
Lab 12
melto1
2424
2424
/
1
Reviews
Lab12 is a hifi brand known for their unique use of older Philips TDA1543 multi-bit chips in their DACs, which they implement in a distinctive way despite these chips typically being found in lower-cost devices. Their amplifiers and phono preamps feature Separate Rails, Separate Grounds technology and Fine Symmetry Design for enhanced channel separation, while offering extensive tube-rolling options for users who want to customize their sound.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Exceptional tube-based sound quality, delivering warmth and harmonic richness
  • Versatile MM/MC compatibility, supporting both Moving Magnet and Moving Coil cartridges
  • Comprehensive impedance and capacitance adjustment for optimal settings with specific cartridges
  • Premium build quality with a 5mm aluminum face panel
  • No-feedback design for superior clarity in sound presentation

Product Considerations

  • Requires occasional tube replacement
  • May need warm-up time for optimal performance

Takeaway: The Lab 12 Melto 1 Phono Preamplifier combines traditional tube technology with modern engineering, creating a high-quality phono stage for vinyl enthusiasts. It offers great flexibility and clarity in sound reproduction, enhancing the vinyl listening experience.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Lab12 is a hifi brand known for their unique use of older Philips TDA1543 multi-bit chips in their DACs, which they implement in a distinctive way despite these chips typically being found in lower-cost devices. Their amplifiers and phono preamps feature Separate Rails, Separate Grounds technology and Fine Symmetry Design for enhanced channel separation, while offering extensive tube-rolling options for users who want to customize their sound.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Hegel
V10
1650
1650
/
14
Reviews
Known for producing all-in-one integrated amplifiers, Hegel has become a favorite among hi-fi enthusiasts and dealers worldwide. Their amplifiers are particularly praised for their exceptional bass control, attributed to their high damping factor, which ensures precise management of even difficult-to-drive speakers like planar magnetics and dipoles. With competitive pricing and high performance, Hegel integrateds stand out as some of the best options available for audiophiles seeking simplicity and excellence in a single component.
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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

Known for producing all-in-one integrated amplifiers, Hegel has become a favorite among hi-fi enthusiasts and dealers worldwide. Their amplifiers are particularly praised for their exceptional bass control, attributed to their high damping factor, which ensures precise management of even difficult-to-drive speakers like planar magnetics and dipoles. With competitive pricing and high performance, Hegel integrateds stand out as some of the best options available for audiophiles seeking simplicity and excellence in a single component.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Primare
R35
1679
1679
/
9
Reviews
Primare is a Scandinavian hifi brand whose UFPD 2 Amplification technology provides a consistent 26dB feedback loop gain across the entire audio range, making their amplifiers exceptionally stable and accurate. Their modular design approach lets users customize their systems by adding or upgrading components like DACs and network modules.
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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

Primare is a Scandinavian hifi brand whose UFPD 2 Amplification technology provides a consistent 26dB feedback loop gain across the entire audio range, making their amplifiers exceptionally stable and accurate. Their modular design approach lets users customize their systems by adding or upgrading components like DACs and network modules.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
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Musical Fidelity
M6x Vinyl
2399
2399
/
6
Reviews
Musical Fidelity is known for its unique amplifier designs, particularly the A1 integrated amplifier that uses its top plate as a heatsink and features a distinctive current-mode phono stage. The brand stands out for its innovative dual-monoblock approach in integrated amplifiers, where separate power transformers and dedicated power supplies are housed in a single chassis, as seen in their M8xi and M6i models that deliver exceptional power output.
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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

Musical Fidelity is known for its unique amplifier designs, particularly the A1 integrated amplifier that uses its top plate as a heatsink and features a distinctive current-mode phono stage. The brand stands out for its innovative dual-monoblock approach in integrated amplifiers, where separate power transformers and dedicated power supplies are housed in a single chassis, as seen in their M8xi and M6i models that deliver exceptional power output.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

What competes at this price?

Gold Note
PH-5
999
/
Released
2023
The PH-5 is the latest born at Gold Note's range of phono stages, designed to deliver the same high quality and excellent performance that made the PH-10 and PH-1000 famous, with an affordable price and all the cutting-edge features that stands out our products.
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Gold Note is an Italian hifi brand that manufactures all components in-house, with their DS-10 DAC offering 192 setup options to adapt to different music genres and listener preferences. Their products, including the IS-10 and IS-1000 integrated amplifiers, combine multiple functions like streaming, DAC, and phono stages in single units, delivering a rich, tube-like sound signature.
Expand Details

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

Gold Note is an Italian hifi brand that manufactures all components in-house, with their DS-10 DAC offering 192 setup options to adapt to different music genres and listener preferences. Their products, including the IS-10 and IS-1000 integrated amplifiers, combine multiple functions like streaming, DAC, and phono stages in single units, delivering a rich, tube-like sound signature.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
ADCOM
GFP-915
999
/
Released
2024
The ADCOM GFP-915 is a $999 stereo preamp that gets back to the basics. There's an internal 192KHz/24bit DAC for Optical, USB and Bluetooth inputs, This affordable stereo preamp is designed to switch inputs and control volume for your modern sources ranging from streaming to silver discs to vinyl and everything in-between. The ADCOM GFP-915 is a clean sounding preamp meaning that it is designed to not impart its own sound to your audiophile system.
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ADCOM is a hifi brand that pioneered high-current amplifier designs with their GFA-1 model in 1979, and their Nelson Pass-designed GFA-555 became a milestone in budget amplifiers. The brand caters to audiophiles who prefer physical media, offering features like phono stages for vinyl enthusiasts, while maintaining a trade-in program for older ADCOM gear that reflects their commitment to product longevity.
Expand Details

Our Summary

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

ADCOM is a hifi brand that pioneered high-current amplifier designs with their GFA-1 model in 1979, and their Nelson Pass-designed GFA-555 became a milestone in budget amplifiers. The brand caters to audiophiles who prefer physical media, offering features like phono stages for vinyl enthusiasts, while maintaining a trade-in program for older ADCOM gear that reflects their commitment to product longevity.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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Schiit
Kara F
799
/
Released
2023
Tubes, schmubes. Who needs tubes when you have an insane, fully discrete, solid state preamp running on 64V rails—something so over the top that the likes of this haven't been seen for 30+ years. Welcome to Kara F, the do-all Nexus™ preamp from Schiit Audio.
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Schiit Audio, an extremely popular direct-to-consumer hifi brand, specializes in entry-level DACs and amps for both headphones and speakers. Through their distinctive, authentic voice and low-price philosophy, they've built a very loyal customer base.
Expand Details

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

Schiit Audio, an extremely popular direct-to-consumer hifi brand, specializes in entry-level DACs and amps for both headphones and speakers. Through their distinctive, authentic voice and low-price philosophy, they've built a very loyal customer base.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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Pro-Ject
Phono Box DS3 B
799
/
Released
The Phono Box DS3 B model offers some of the high-end features of the Phono Box RS2 at an affordable price and trusted Pro-Ject quality. One of those is our new True Balanced Connection.
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Pro-Ject Audio Systems, an Austrian brand founded in 1991, has been at the forefront of reestablishing analog music reproduction to the public. The company handcrafts 95% of all components in the European Union. The turntables focus on manual operation and minimalist design with a wide selection of colors that make their turntables both audio devices and stylish furniture pieces. The brand stands out for offering one of the broadest ranges of high-fidelity products in the world, including turntables, CD players, DACs, streamers, phono preamps, amplifiers, and speakers. Pro-Ject products are engineered with a focus on best audio reproduction for the money and omission of costly, unnecessary features.
Expand Details

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

Pro-Ject Audio Systems, an Austrian brand founded in 1991, has been at the forefront of reestablishing analog music reproduction to the public. The company handcrafts 95% of all components in the European Union. The turntables focus on manual operation and minimalist design with a wide selection of colors that make their turntables both audio devices and stylish furniture pieces. The brand stands out for offering one of the broadest ranges of high-fidelity products in the world, including turntables, CD players, DACs, streamers, phono preamps, amplifiers, and speakers. Pro-Ject products are engineered with a focus on best audio reproduction for the money and omission of costly, unnecessary features.
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Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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conrad-johnson
ET3/ET3SE
599
/
Released
The ET3 line-stage is a "baby" version of our flagship line-stage preamplifier, the GAT. The family resemblance is much more than skin deep. With voltage gain provided by a triode vacuum-tube, the zero-feedback line-stage circuit of the ET3, along with its DC voltage regulators, closely replicates the circuit of the GAT.
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Conrad-Johnson is a hifi brand known for tube amplifiers that create emotionally engaging experiences through their use of KT120 output tubes, CJD Teflon capacitors, and proprietary wide-bandwidth output transformers. Their preamps, like the PV11 and GAT Series 2, stand out for their lack of negative feedback and use of Teflon capacitors with gold-plated silver contacts, contributing to their ability to follow subtle tempo changes and deliver refined sound.
Expand Details

Our Summary

No items found.

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

Conrad-Johnson is a hifi brand known for tube amplifiers that create emotionally engaging experiences through their use of KT120 output tubes, CJD Teflon capacitors, and proprietary wide-bandwidth output transformers. Their preamps, like the PV11 and GAT Series 2, stand out for their lack of negative feedback and use of Teflon capacitors with gold-plated silver contacts, contributing to their ability to follow subtle tempo changes and deliver refined sound.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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