American Audio USB 2.0 89dB Genie Pro Turntable Pre-Amplifier

I recently resurrected my STD 305M record deck SME arm etc. and even when hooked up to a Yamaha Surround Sound Amp which is not really designed for Phono I was astounded just how good the sound was, I suddenly realised what I had been missing all these years, so up to the attic, bring down a selection of LP's, terrific, memories come flooding back, but wouldn't it be great if I could take my vinyl music with me, to another room, another house, another country, in fact anywhere I wanted. After a bit of research, I decided the best answer was to convert my analogue recordings to Digital formats, it seemed I had two choices, either buy a dedicated USB turntable or a phono in, USB out, pre Amp. No contest, I already had one of the finest turntable arm combinations Britain has ever produced, and the USB turntables I looked at were flimsy pathetic affairs, so I plumped for the American Audio. It arrived within a few days, a diminutive bit of kit 5 inches X 3 inches, sturdily made with a feeling of quality about it, right let's set it up, WHOOPS it does not come with a UK 3 pin plug, just a two pronged affair, you will need to buy a "shaver" adapter, yes I know it can be powered via USB. There really is no set up as such, connect phono's from Deck to Line In, earth from deck to Pre Amp earth and USB out on Pre Amp to USB connection on computer WHOOPS again there is no USB lead supplied. Once you have bought your extras, simply switch on, Windows 7 recognised it immediately and installed drivers, I am using it in conjunction with Magix Audio Cleaner, however it also works well with Audacity Freeware. I have converted quite a few LP's so far to MP3 for In Car and Background, and to WAV. for a little more serious sit down with a glass of wine listening, results from both formats have been superb. Highly recommended, just don't forget to buy adapter and lead.

Excellent bit of kit! Not sure what the people are doing wrong in the negative reviews? I'm using this as a pre amp for my old turntable that I wanted to connect to a desktop surround sound speaker system that originally came with my old pc quite a few years ago but the sound on these little speakers and sub woofer unit are amazing so I thought I'd give them a try out with my old turntable, that's why I needed this pre amp as there are no dedicated phono inputs on the desktop speaker system. I'm using a 3.5mm adapter on the phono leads coming from the pre amp and these go into a Belkin 5 way splitter (excellent) along with the desktop 3 x 3.5mm connection lead, that leaves me space for my old CD player,iPhone etc to plug into the remaining space on the splitter. Anyway, back to the pre amp, it's really well built and looks great. Has some nice little indicator lights on the front along with a power button, input button, input gain, mix, and monitor level dials. Also a headphone socket which is a nice touch. On the back is the phono inputs and a ground wire connection to connect the wire from your turntable if needed to stop any hum. Also a USB socket and the power input socket. I've not tried the computer set up so can't comment on that. This thing works great on my set up, records sound as good as I remenber them on my old hifi set ups back in the 80's lol! Only slight negative is its a U.S two pin mains adapter but luckily I had an old shaver travel plug adapter that works perfectly with it. Top notch item!

I think the poor reports for this product are based on a misconception of its function. I bought this as a phono pre-amp and also use it as an analogue to usb converter for digitising my vinyl. The item works perfectly for both functions and is built like a tank. It is a pity that you have to remove the american plug and change it for a UK plug, otherwise 5 stars.

Excellent piece of equipment had to wait for it due to supply problems ,but. well worth the wait .Very well made with plenty of amplitude variationdon't know what other complaints were about Works well with Audacity soft ware, also with windows sounds but with larger files of course .Only comment is that the earphones need to be of fairly high impedance otherwise it pulls the input level down a little ,but no real problem ,you may find that the overload light will not come on.Otherwise just great

Returned this as I wasn't happy with the audio quality.

Works perfectly with a great sound. Very useful for the transfer LPs and old Tapes. No need to use the supplied power supply if you are using USB. Remember to go to your Capture Control (Audio Input) and select "LINE" and adjust the Volume level to your needs. If you do no do this, you will either under or over record!!! Very well pleased.

Bought a record deck with a built in preamp. It sounded a bit feeble and output seemed low. This little box gave it a lovely boost. Tried as straight preamp but prefer line in setting. Seems well made and all for £37. Impressed. Oh haven't used digi bit yet so can't comment.

its impossible to use this as it was meant to be used.....you have to set the controls for gain and volume to nearly 0 to get it to work and the subsequent sound quality is rubbish....don't waste your cash