AIYIMA T3 PRO MM/MC Phono Preamp - Unboxing & Review!

[@timallen2336]

Wow, to my ears there was a huge difference between the two sources. I was skeptical, but the Ayiima pre-amp won me over! Take care...

[@aiyimaaudio8133]

Thank you for your support!

[@larrylarry1]

The reign of Rain must continue! Ordered my ice blue adapters. Great video!

[@steveweinberg462]

A plus to reusing Enoch Light is that it makes it easier for us to compare products between videos.

[@SkiBumMSP]

Very nice. I can definitely tell a difference between the Aiyima T3 and that built-in phono pre-amp on that Lucinia turntable. The Aiyima came across (at least on my little PC rig) having a richer and fuller sound. It was like a veil got lifted off. I would probably put that Aiyima about the same level as my trusty ol' Pro-Ject Phono Box II. With that being said, I actually bought that Ampapa A1 pre-amp with the tubes that was featured on here a couple months ago and found I really like the sound of that thing. Was quite impressed considering the $130-odd or so I paid for it. For starters, the build-in pre-amp on these turntable will work in a pinch to get one started, but getting a decent external pre-amp, such as this one or that Ampapa one, will indeed be a very nice upgrade, especially for something like the venerable Audio-Technica AT-LP60x-style turntables.

[@Jeep_on_audio]

I just tried it. It is awesome with MC even. I upgraded the opamps with 4 discrete dual opamps and it's incredible. This can really amplify an MC without noise and without sounding thin or veiled. MC: Standard: quiet, some depth, good balance with punch. Voices can sound larger than life. Upgraded: quiet, wide, deep, clear, detailed, great voices, defined bass and some air. I payed €75 + 4x€15 for the SX52B opamps (thats including 21% EU VAT). For that price there is nothing, nothing that even comes close! PS, there's a connector rod in the way of big opamps. Just leave it out. The case closes fine with only 3 screws.

[@barrywilliams606]

What op amps did you use

[@ronaldweed6103]

Awesome sound. Must investigate more because I'm so new about this stuff...thx for sharing this have an excellent day

[@ronaldweed6103]

This time, I used headphones & there is a huge difference in sound,YES!!

[@ralphalder14]

You’re back! Your wife did a great job but I’m glad to see you’re getting better!

[@MuzikJunky]

I have to say that the external pre-amp sounds better than the turntable’s internal pre-amp, even on the iPad’s tiny speakers through which I’m watching your video! Glad you’re feelin’ better, RO! Peace.

[@CrashTestingAudio]

No tubes! I have the Ifi Zen phono with the upgraded power. Wondering how it’d compare.

[@aiyimaaudio8133]

Not bad.

[@almueller2446]

The t3 pro sounds a heck. A lot better than the built-in

[@Zebrajellyfishphoto]

Thanks for the review BUT your eBay link for the 45 adapter is dead.

[@ralphalder14]

T3 pro better sounding by leaps and bounds. Clarity and separation vastly superior

[@proverbialmind_spread9421]

I just got one and immediately sent it back. I've not used/tested a phono preamp that was so castrated. I have a Douk that was half the price and twice as good.

[@GeorgeWPush]

which douk? I dont see any in the $50-60 range

[@BryanRuby]

I have had this AIYMA T3 PRO for a few days and I've been struggling with the volume (MM cartridge). It's the first phono pre-amp I've owned with both volume and gain...every other pre-amp I've owned has only had gain/trim options. On it's own it sounds fantastic with improvement over my previous phono preamp. However, when I compare the volume to other input devices on my receiver (CD player, Cassette deck, etc)...the volume is lower coming from the T3. Did you experience the same issue? I can only get the turntable's volume to match the other input devices by maxing the volume on the T3 PRO and pushing the gain half way up on the dial.

[@Recordology]

Interesting....I have not played with it outside of the video test I did. Does it distort when you do that?

[@proverbialmind_spread9421]

Interesting you were even able to achieve that. I couldn't get levels near what other preamp can achieve. I had maxed the gain and volume and had to crank my amp up to what would normally be ear bleeding levels to get decent sound from this unit. I immediately sent it back.

[@TheBinaryWolf]

On a guitar amp, increasing the gain adds (wanted) distortion. With the type of pre-Amp you feature, do we need to be concerned about turning the gain up too high?

[@johnmarchington3146]

Another excellent video. I'd say it's a really nice little pre-amp, particularly for the price, and I thought it sounded great. I wonder what changing the gain setting would achieve (probably in conjunction with adjusting the volume level to compensate). By the way, when I tried to watch Mrs Record-ology a couple of nights ago I could only see her down at the bottom right of my screen and nothing I did would bring it up into full view. (Pressing the Expand logo did absolutely nothing). I've noticed that on a couple of other channels too.

[@aiyimaaudio8133]

The gain cannot be changed, it is all set at a fixed value.

[@barrywilliams606]

If you have tried the fosi box x2 is the aiyima t3 better

[@sanadcanmahmoud]

First! Great video! What do you think of Project Debut Carbon Evo turntables?

[@CrashTestingAudio]

Second, actually, but we’ll call it a tie lol

[@Recordology]

I reviewed the Crosley c10, which I believe is the same turntable… But I definitely would like to see an actual debut carbon Evo

[@seanchong4596]

Do the T3 pro comparable to ifi zen phono or Schiit mani?

[@Recordology]

Sounds a tad warmer than the Zen but I like its quick boot up time and smaller size. Haven't tried the Mani yet.

[@Jeep_on_audio]

Way better. And the best thing is, you can even upgrade it with better opamps. I use it for MC which is really taxing for budget phono preamps and it is far above any sub 1k phono I ever had. With upgraded opamps I would rate it $500 class.

[@ralphreinhardt6020]

I feel like by now, we should know your first name. After all we know your wife's name. Don't need to know your last name, for anonymity's sake. To me you look like a Steve. Steve Record-ology, that'll work. ✌🙂

[@MuzikJunky]

He DOES look like a Steve, doesn’t he? But Flying Lotus is also a Steve (and a friend of mine) who doesn’t look anything like a Steve-LoL! Peace

[@LoveElectricStuff]

One of her videos was on the granite counter top.

[@carjo512]

The t3 pro sounds a heck. A lot better than the built-in