Technical Pro PRE50 2-Channel Rechargeable Pre-Amplifier Pre-Amp w/USB/SD Preamp

This produce was defective, the manual was useless, and there was no phone help line. We couldn't make it work (without a constant hum), and the recommendation from the company (via email) was to use an adaptor without a ground! Yikes! It took several weeks to get permission to send it back and the info we needed to do that, and then were informed that we had to pay a restocking fee. I will not purchase from this company again.

First: There are no technical specs provided for the unit (either thru Amazon or the manufacturer). Several emails to Technical Pro got no response whatsoever. Questions left on Amazon got no customer response either. Up front problems I saw before buying was...No where does it mention an RIAA curve for phono, nor input impedance, nor s/n ratio, nor gain (output impedance and signal level), nor bandwidth, nor distortion (THD). Second: the item is listed as a preamp with several input sources. One of those sources is listed and labeled as PHONO, There is no ground terminal for the phono input...it's unknown if it's designed for a MM or MC type of cartridge. The manual says for the PHONO input "Connect any stereo signal output such as a DVD, CD, TAPE, mixer, etc. to this input. ..." Sorry folks....a PHONO input needs a RIAA curve amplification, or it simply won't be 'linear' across the audio spectrum. This wording from the manual is a copy of the same wording showing in the description of the MP3 INPUT and AUX INPUT. Maybe there is an RIAA curve in the preamp for PHONO, I have not connected a phono to it yet. There is both an USB and SD card input for MP3's...this is a good thing (main reason I wanted it, and have kept it). Third: Ergonomics - the unit uses the strongest (BRIGHTEST) blue LEDs known to mankind for indicators. These LEDs are waaaay too bright, Since the faceplate is a cheap-looking black plastic plate (probably over an aluminum plate), and has white lettering....I have to hold a hand over the LEDs to be able to read the faceplate. Suggestions for the manufacturer: 1) Replace the blinding blue LEDs with the 'old-fashioned' red LEDs that aren't so bright. 2) Replace the faceplate with a brushed aluminium and engraved faceplate (offer both AL silver and black). 3) List the technical audio specs. 4) Clarify the PHONO input (MM or MC), add the ground stud, and add/specify the RIAA curve amp is installed. Pre-amps nowadays are very scarce....unless you step into the mega-bucks tube type units. I believe this product (if my suggestions were implemented) would capture a niche where people may be trying to 'regroup' a vintage style home audio system. I believe many folks have grown tired of the 'tinny' sound from their audio system using cheapo speakers hooked to a computer. If you choose to buy this item, please be knowledgeable of my comments above. I would look very close at the Pyle Pro preamp. It's less expensive, but it seems to suffer from output gain.

This preamp works well and gets the job done..Most of the preamp only units i looked at were far more expensive and only offer a few more input's for devices for a lot more money.. Unlike other hybrid units from Technical Pro that have a tuner built in, this unit offers a dedicated circuitry. I think the low cost of this unit is partly related to the think light aluminium external housing.. Other preamps appear to have a thicker and heavier metal case that increases overall cost. I bought a less expensive Pyramid preamp before this one and had to return it because of poor performance I looked at about six other preamps which cost a lot more and finally decided that this was definately the best value.

no review, couse i returned, din't meet my expectitions