Home > Consumer Reviews > ART DJ Pre II Phono Preamp

I purchased this product specifically for the adjustable gain and clip signal LED for use with an early 80s relatively high-end vintage turntable with a very modern receiver. I was having issues where clipping, which is not necessarily audible and can vary greatly between different LPs, was triggering my receiver's protection circuit. Other preamps with an adjustable gain and switchable impendence with subsonic filters if needed, can cost considerably more than this unit's $50 price tag. As far I a can tell, other than similar products from ART, this may very well be the only unit on the market with a visual clip signal, which is a great feature for quick fine-tuning of individual LPs. So far, this unit fits my needs perfectly. The LEDs are very bright, but I keep this unit relatively out of sight, yet readily accessible. I cannot tell you how this unit compares to audiophile grade ones running $300 - $1,500, but I have owned a couple of different preamps and from what I can tell with the use of a Grado Gold1 cartridge, the music remains detailed and the range remains dynamic.

Tonight, I just ordered my second one. It's output is a flat line, 20-20,000hz, low noise, adjustable gain, durable case, ground wire for your turntable. I found the output of my second turntable (Denon DP300F) preamp wasn't as good as the ART DJ PRE II, so I ordered one for that turntable. I'm being honest, if you don't have $200-300, this is the only high quality preamp on the market.

Is a very nice and aficient Phono Preamp, no noise,no rumble, no distortion.
I'm happy with my buy.
Tray it with one.
Fernando

I'm only using this pre amp for a turntable in my home stereo, but the first thing I noticed was the solid metal case. Looks like this thing is built like a tank. Sound is great, and the level adjustment DEFINITELY makes this worth looking at over other pre amps. I could dial in the exact level I needed to work with my other components' levels.

The only negative I can think of is the bright LED (I assume it's an LED) that is always on, unless the amp is unplugged. It might be bothersome if you're using this in low lighting.

The ART DJPre II Phono Preamp has been a great way to hookup my turntable to my new av/receiver and with the preamp, my old albums sound better then before. It is easy to use and the cost factor makes this a good choice for those not wanting to spend hundreds of dollars more on a receiver with phono inputs. Great product and good price makes listening to our record collection easy and affordable.