Is this a tube preamp?

No. The circuit is built on the NE5532 dual op-amp, a solid-state chip. The 'tube preamp' wording in the name does not match the design.

What does a preamp like this actually do?

It buffers and can add gain to a line-level stereo signal before it reaches a power amp or powered speakers. It does not power passive speakers on its own.

Can I connect a turntable directly?

Only if your turntable has a built-in phono stage or you use a separate one. This unit has no RIAA phono input.

Does it have tone or volume controls?

The design is a plain line stage with no tone controls. Check the unit's own controls before buying if you need volume adjustment on the box.

What comes in the box?

The package contains the front audio amplifier only. A power supply and cables are not listed, so plan on sourcing them separately.

Will it drive headphones?

No. It is a line-level preamp with no headphone output, so headphones need their own amp.

Unbranded

NE5532 Dual OP Amp Front Audio Amplifier, Stereo Tube Preamp

Best price now

$17.78at WalmartChecked Nov 12

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Walmart

Unbranded

NE5532 Dual OP Amp Front Audio Amplifier, Stereo Tube Preamp

Best price now

$17.78at WalmartChecked Nov 12

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Walmart

Ask our agent about this product

It checks today's price at every store, compares the alternatives and answers in about a minute.

Price facts

Last seen at $17.78 at Walmart on Nov 12.

Our take on the NE5532 Dual OP Amp Front Audio Amplifier, Stereo Tube Preamp

This is a small metal desktop preamp built around the NE5532 dual op-amp, sold as a stereo front-end for a home audio chain. It is a line-level buffer and gain stage, not a tube amplifier despite the 'tube preamp' wording in the name, and it has no tone controls, no display and no remote. It suits a tinkerer or budget listener who wants a compact box to add gain or buffer a source between a DAC, phone or turntable stage and a power amp. Against branded preamps it is far simpler: fewer inputs, no phono stage, no headphone output, and no measured specs published, so it competes on size and simplicity rather than features.

Best forDesktop setups short on spaceAdding gain between a source and a power ampDIY and hobby audio projectsListeners who want a plain buffer without tone controls

Pros

Very compact metal case that fits on a desk
NE5532 op-amp is a well-known, low-noise dual op-amp
Simple two-channel line-level design with little to configure
Runs from a small external supply, so it stays cool

Cons

Not a tube preamp, despite the name
No published gain, distortion or noise figures
No tone controls, input switching or headphone jack
Unbranded, so support and documentation are thin
Small size means cramped connectors and light weight that slides

NE5532 Dual OP Amp Front Audio Amplifier, Stereo Tube Preamp prices at every store

WalmartNew
In stockSold by Port cornerReturns: Sold by a Walmart Marketplace seller; returns go to the seller under the seller's returns policy.
$17.78Free shippingChecked Nov 12
Visit Walmart

About the NE5532 Dual OP Amp Front Audio Amplifier, Stereo Tube Preamp

This is a front audio amplifier built around a dual NE5532 op amp, sold as a stereo preamp. It has a metal housing in black and sits on a tabletop.

Type: Front audio amplifier, stereo preamp
Op amp: NE5532 dual
Style: Tabletop
Material: Metal
Color: Black
Dimensions: 88 x 52 x 38 mm
In the box: 1 x Front audio amplifier

Specifications

color: BlackSource
size: 88 x 52 x 38mmSource

Questions and answers

Is this a tube preamp?: No. The circuit is built on the NE5532 dual op-amp, a solid-state chip. The 'tube preamp' wording in the name does not match the design.
What does a preamp like this actually do?: It buffers and can add gain to a line-level stereo signal before it reaches a power amp or powered speakers. It does not power passive speakers on its own.
Can I connect a turntable directly?: Only if your turntable has a built-in phono stage or you use a separate one. This unit has no RIAA phono input.
Does it have tone or volume controls?: The design is a plain line stage with no tone controls. Check the unit's own controls before buying if you need volume adjustment on the box.
What comes in the box?: The package contains the front audio amplifier only. A power supply and cables are not listed, so plan on sourcing them separately.
Will it drive headphones?: No. It is a line-level preamp with no headphone output, so headphones need their own amp.
Where is the NE5532 Dual OP Amp Front Audio Amplifier, Stereo Tube Preamp cheapest?: At Walmart, for $17.78, as of our latest check.
What do buyers say about the NE5532 Dual OP Amp Front Audio Amplifier, Stereo Tube Preamp?: Rated 3 out of 5 from 1 ratings.