Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
Phono Box E
reviews
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Input impedance: 47 kohms
- Input capacitance: 120 pF
- Gain: 40 dB
- Output voltage: 500mV/1kHz at 5mV/1kHz
- Noise floor: 88 dB (A weighted)
- THD: <0.05%
- RIAA deviation: max. 0.5 dB/20 Hz - 20 kHz
- Input: 1 pair RCA socket
- Output: 1 pair RCA socket
- Power supply: 18 V/500 mA DC; 220 - 240 V, 50 Hz
- Standby power consumption: < 1 watt
- Power consumption: 20 mA DC
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 120 x 32 x 100 (106) mm
- Weight: 269 g without power supply
Description
Today, many amplifiers do not have a specific phono cartridge input. Phono Box E is an ideal phono preamplifier for these hifi systems. Phono Box E accepts MM cartridges and offers an audiophile music experience at an entry level price.
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- Pro-Ject offers a range of turntables and components that focus on simple setup and ease of use, often arriving pre-configured, making them particularly appealing to beginners.
- They prioritize sonic performance, often incorporating higher-end components like carbon fiber tonearms and Ortofon cartridges, even in their more affordable models.
- Pro-Ject is known for its all-in-one audio systems that combine a turntable, amplifier, and receiver into a single unit, aiming to provide component-like sound quality in a smaller, more convenient package.
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Select product comparisons
A2
- Positioning: The entry-level, fully automatic turntable designed for ease of use and convenience.
- Description: Offers a fully automatic operation with a sub-chassis design that isolates the tonearm and platter from vibrations, making it ideal for small spaces where speakers are close to the turntable. Unlike the more manual and high-end models like the Signature series, focuses on user-friendly features and affordability, making it suitable for those with a limited budget who still want quality sound.
The Classic Reference
- Positioning: Positioned as a mid-range turntable, combines traditional design with modern technology.
- Description: Features a high-end EVO 9 AS HG tonearm and a precision motor control system, providing excellent sound quality with a touch of luxury. It offers more advanced features compared to the A2, such as a balanced XLR output.
RPM 10 Carbon
- Positioning: A high-end turntable known for its innovative design and superior sound quality.
- Description: With its carbon fiber chassis and 10" Evo tonearm, delivers exceptional sound clarity and stability. It stands out from the Classic Reference with its advanced materials and design.
Signature 10
- Positioning: A premium turntable that combines mass-loading with magnetically-floating principles for high-end audio performance.
- Description: Features a 10" single-pivot tonearm and a magnetically decoupled platter, providing a resonance-free listening experience. It offers more precise adjustments and a higher level of performance compared to the RPM 10 Carbon.
Signature 12.2
- Positioning: The flagship model, representing the pinnacle of Pro-Ject's turntable lineup.
- Description: Boasts a groundbreaking 12" 3-point pivot tonearm and a flywheel belt drive system, ensuring the most accurate and stable playback. It surpasses the Signature 10 with its larger tonearm and enhanced stability.
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Avg. Product Price
$500
Used For Sale
244
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
15
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
105
Founding Year
1991
Our take on the brand
Pro-Ject Audio Systems, an Austrian brand founded in 1991, has been at the forefront of reestablishing analog music reproduction to the public. The company handcrafts 95% of all components in the European Union. The turntables focus on manual operation and minimalist design with a wide selection of colors that make their turntables both audio devices and stylish furniture pieces. The brand stands out for offering one of the broadest ranges of high-fidelity products in the world, including turntables, CD players, DACs, streamers, phono preamps, amplifiers, and speakers. Pro-Ject products are engineered with a focus on best audio reproduction for the money and omission of costly, unnecessary features.
Look inside the brand
Brand Page
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
Pro-Ject Audio Systems was founded with a passion for analog audio reproduction. Our very first product, introduced in 1991, was a record player – a time when the entire industry was turning its back on vinyl. We didn’t jump on the bandwagon when vinyl became hip – we were instrumental in bringing vinyl back.
We manufacture – not only assemble – 95% of our products in the EU. Raw materials come in – finished products leave the factories. Since we make everything ourselves, we are able offer a 25 year spare part availability!
Today, we offer one of the broadest ranges of high-fidelity products in the world, including turntables, CD players, DACs, streamers, phono preamps, amplifiers, speakers, and a variety of accessories designed to enhance your system and vinyl care.
What's your approach to customer support?
Pro-Ject Audio Systems has a worldwide network of dealers and distributors. We ensure that our team members are highly knowledgeable in the field of high-fidelity audio setup and repairs. In the event of a need for support, the first point of contact is the local dealer. If the dealer cannot handle the problem, the second tier is the distributor in the respective country. By handling as many problems as possible locally, we can ensure the quickest and smoothest resolution.
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
Aside from one of the audio industry’s widest range of high-fidelity products, Pro-Ject also produces limited runs of high-quality vinyl records. 7Ray’s Jazzy Zoetrope is a double album of fine Jazz standards played by 7Ray and his quartet. One of the two records was recorded live at our headquarters in the Weinviertel region of Lower Austria. We produced the whole album in AAA for the highest analog purity. Here’s a link to the records we offer, which double as fine reference recordings across multiple musical genres.
What other products pair best with yours?
From our interview with
Shareef Karl Fahim
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Used
Pro-Ject
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What if you spend more?
Pro-Ject
Phono Box DS3 B
799
799
/
3
Reviews
Pro-Ject Audio Systems, an Austrian brand founded in 1991, has been at the forefront of reestablishing analog music reproduction to the public. The company handcrafts 95% of all components in the European Union. The turntables focus on manual operation and minimalist design with a wide selection of colors that make their turntables both audio devices and stylish furniture pieces. The brand stands out for offering one of the broadest ranges of high-fidelity products in the world, including turntables, CD players, DACs, streamers, phono preamps, amplifiers, and speakers. Pro-Ject products are engineered with a focus on best audio reproduction for the money and omission of costly, unnecessary features.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Balanced connections improve sound, though stellar audio is available via RCA inputs
- Tighter and continuous control over load impedance via a potentiometer control
- Discrete circuit design offers a more neutral sound than integrated circuits
- Two turntables can be connected at once, one with XLRs and one with RCAs
- Expanded soundstage and individual instrument placement both horizontally and vertically
Product Considerations
- Turntable with XLR outputs needed to experience its best features
- More expensive if balanced connection features are not being used
- Tube box will push coloration into the mix, so tubes need careful system matching
- Balanced outputs and moving coil cartridge are needed to reveal the sort of detail that vinyl aficionados champion
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs NAD Phono Preamp PP-1: Allows for markedly more detail and separation between instruments
- Vs Phono Box S3 B: Integrates all the technology from the SB3 and adds in a few extra features, as well as a potentiometer
- Vs Projects Tubebox DS3: The sound is far more clear, and the weighted treble and upper spectrum sound more pronounced
Takeaway: The Pro-Ject Phono Box DS3 B unlocks the potential of a turntable, enhancing the listening experience with more dynamics, details, and soundstage. It's a versatile phono preamp with remarkably neutral and detailed sound.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Pro-Ject Audio Systems, an Austrian brand founded in 1991, has been at the forefront of reestablishing analog music reproduction to the public. The company handcrafts 95% of all components in the European Union. The turntables focus on manual operation and minimalist design with a wide selection of colors that make their turntables both audio devices and stylish furniture pieces. The brand stands out for offering one of the broadest ranges of high-fidelity products in the world, including turntables, CD players, DACs, streamers, phono preamps, amplifiers, and speakers. Pro-Ject products are engineered with a focus on best audio reproduction for the money and omission of costly, unnecessary features.
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Expand Details
Our summary
Product Strengths
- The Freya+ offers a balanced design with XLR inputs and outputs, a 128-stepped attenuator, and dual single-ended outputs
- Multiple reviews mention its versatility due to its three distinct circuit configurations—passive, solid state, and tube—effectively functioning as three preamplifiers in one
- The Freya+ excels at accurately reproducing the natural timbre of instruments, offering a transparent, clear, and ultra-resolved sound across the entire musical range
- Reviewers highlight the improved features over previous models, including a better remote control, upgraded chassis, and a redesigned tube stage that lowers the noise floor
- Connectivity options with XLR inputs and outputs, a 128-stepped attenuator, and dual single-ended outputs
Product Considerations
- Several reviewers mention the tiny and cryptic labels on the front panel controls and remote, making them difficult to see and requiring memorization or constant reference to the manual
- Some find the remote control's volume adjustments to be too sensitive, making minimal incremental changes difficult
- The placement of the power switch on the back of the unit is inconvenient
- The unit gets hot in active tube mode
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Schiit Saga+, the Freya+ includes a FET buffered passive output or active tube amplification, and more inputs/outputs
- Compared to the Rotel RC-1572 MKII, the Freya+ has a clear edge due to bigger, more three-dimensional sound, and more dynamically engaging sound with Freya's tube mode engaged
Takeaway: The Schiit Freya+ is a versatile preamplifier with multiple modes and flexible connectivity, offering great sound quality. It provides an accessible way to explore tube amplification with added convenience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Schiit Audio, an extremely popular direct-to-consumer hifi brand, specializes in entry-level DACs and amps for both headphones and speakers. Through their distinctive, authentic voice and low-price philosophy, they've built a very loyal customer base.
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iFi
micro iPhono3 Black Label
799
799
/
7
Reviews
iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
Expand Details
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Very low noise floor, resulting in quiet backgrounds and enhanced dynamic range
- Highly adjustable, with DIP switches and an online calculator for easy setup with various cartridges
- Offers multiple EQ curves beyond RIAA for older LPs
- Provides a detailed and accurate sound reproduction
- Excellent micro- and macro-dynamics
Product Considerations
- The dip switches on the underside for adjustments are considered fiddly by some reviewers
- Its lightweight can make it difficult to sit flat due to cable weight
- Some may find its accuracy lacking in 'character' or 'warmth', preferring a more colored sound
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The iPhono3 offers vast improvements in dynamics, lower noise floor, smoother treble, and better resolution compared to iFi iPhono2
- Dynamics are where the iPhono3 excels, while the Allnic Audio H-1202 offers a warmer, more tube-like sound with greater midrange purity
- Microdynamics are comparable, but the iPhono3 lacks the midrange 'flesh on bones' of the Zesto Andros 1.2
- The iPhono3 clearly surpassed the PS Audio in noise floor, resolution, imaging—and bass response
Takeaway: The iFi iPhono3 Black Label is a versatile and high-performing phono stage that offers a clean and detailed sound. It's a great option for those seeking accuracy and adjustability in a compact design.
Video review
Our take on the brand
iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
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Topping
Topping PRE90 + EXT90
599
599
/
5
Reviews
Topping Audio is a measurement-focused hifi brand that developed its own proprietary PSRM DAC architecture and NFCA amplifier topology to achieve exceptionally low distortion levels. Their products, from the flagship D90 III Discrete DAC to entry-level interfaces like the E2x2, use advanced technologies like custom I/V conversion stages and high-feedback Class B designs to deliver clean, accurate sound reproduction.
Expand Details
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent measurements and state-of-the-art signal-to-noise ratio imply high transparency
- Fully balanced design with both single-ended (RCA) and balanced (XLR) inputs and outputs
- Small form factor and sleek design with cases matching other Topping Series 90 components, allowing for easy integration into various spaces
- Precise volume control with 0.5dB steps via high-quality Japanese analog relays ensures perfect channel balance
- Can significantly improve sound quality when paired with DACs that have weaker output stages or higher output impedance
Product Considerations
- Remote control is unresponsive, requiring precise aiming and close proximity to the unit to function properly
- Limited number of inputs (one RCA and one XLR) unless the EXT90 input extender is purchased separately
- Some reviewers found the Pre90 to sharpen up the sound and bring things more forward, potentially leading to listening fatigue for some users
- The included umbilical cord for the EXT90 is short, limiting placement options to an over-under configuration
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Pre90 offers more focused and detailed imaging, tighter bass, and a lower noise floor, while Freya has tube airiness and extended decay
Takeaway: The Topping Pre90 is a transparent and high-performing preamplifier that can improve the sound of many systems, especially when paired with DACs that need a boost, or when a high level of detail retrieval is desired. It is a great value for those seeking clean and precise sound without coloration.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Topping Audio is a measurement-focused hifi brand that developed its own proprietary PSRM DAC architecture and NFCA amplifier topology to achieve exceptionally low distortion levels. Their products, from the flagship D90 III Discrete DAC to entry-level interfaces like the E2x2, use advanced technologies like custom I/V conversion stages and high-feedback Class B designs to deliver clean, accurate sound reproduction.
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What competes at this price?
Pro-Ject
Tube Box S2
499
/
Released
2020
Tube Box S2 is our very first product to feature a fully discreet circuit design without using any operational amplifiers (OpAmps). It also is the first product to come with replaceable tubes for tube rolling and sound-shaping. This gives the customers many options to pick from and alter the sound signature to their preferences.
Pro-Ject Audio Systems, an Austrian brand founded in 1991, has been at the forefront of reestablishing analog music reproduction to the public. The company handcrafts 95% of all components in the European Union. The turntables focus on manual operation and minimalist design with a wide selection of colors that make their turntables both audio devices and stylish furniture pieces. The brand stands out for offering one of the broadest ranges of high-fidelity products in the world, including turntables, CD players, DACs, streamers, phono preamps, amplifiers, and speakers. Pro-Ject products are engineered with a focus on best audio reproduction for the money and omission of costly, unnecessary features.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers a warm, engaging, and detailed sound signature
- Compatible with both MM and MC cartridges, making it versatile for different turntables
- Features adjustable impedance and capacitance settings for optimal cartridge matching
- Fully discrete circuit design avoids the use of OpAmps
- Offers tube rolling capabilities to customize the sound
Product Considerations
- Adjusting impedance and capacitance settings involves using dip switches on the bottom, which can be inconvenient
- Limited to ECC83 tubes and their direct equivalents for tube rolling
- The chassis rings and may benefit from damping sheets to reduce vibrations
- Soundstage doesn't expand as much vertically and horizontally, compared to other preamps
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. Denon AVR-2802's built-in phono preamp, the Tube Box S2 offers better bass, more defined detail, a wider soundstage, and cleaner timbral presence
- Vs. Rega Fono Mini A2D, the Tube Box S2 adds more warmth and character
- Vs. Cambridge Audio Alva Duo, it is more fun and engaging
- Vs. Rega Phono Mk5, the Pro-Ject is warmer with richer bass and smooth sonics, while the Rega is more detailed and transparent
Takeaway: The Pro-Ject Tube Box S2 is a versatile tube phono preamp that brings warmth and detail to vinyl playback, making it a great option for enhancing the listening experience. With adjustable settings and tube rolling, one can fine-tune the sound to match their system and preferences.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Pro-Ject Audio Systems, an Austrian brand founded in 1991, has been at the forefront of reestablishing analog music reproduction to the public. The company handcrafts 95% of all components in the European Union. The turntables focus on manual operation and minimalist design with a wide selection of colors that make their turntables both audio devices and stylish furniture pieces. The brand stands out for offering one of the broadest ranges of high-fidelity products in the world, including turntables, CD players, DACs, streamers, phono preamps, amplifiers, and speakers. Pro-Ject products are engineered with a focus on best audio reproduction for the money and omission of costly, unnecessary features.
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Pro-Ject
Phono Box S3 B
499
/
Released
2022
The Phono Box S3 B is an entry-level phono preamplifier that offers a fully balanced design in a neat, small package. We've packed this tiny chassis to the brim with high-end features. One of those is our new True Balanced Connection. At Pro-Ject, balanced connections were exclusive to our RS range of products until now. The Phono Box S3 B brings those features to an incredible new entry level.
Pro-Ject Audio Systems, an Austrian brand founded in 1991, has been at the forefront of reestablishing analog music reproduction to the public. The company handcrafts 95% of all components in the European Union. The turntables focus on manual operation and minimalist design with a wide selection of colors that make their turntables both audio devices and stylish furniture pieces. The brand stands out for offering one of the broadest ranges of high-fidelity products in the world, including turntables, CD players, DACs, streamers, phono preamps, amplifiers, and speakers. Pro-Ject products are engineered with a focus on best audio reproduction for the money and omission of costly, unnecessary features.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- True balanced connections reduce noise and increase detail, dynamics, and musicality
- Settings are easily adjustable on the front panel, including impedance, capacitance, and gain
- Well-made metal chassis is compatible with both MM and MC cartridges
- Discrete circuits are used in its gain stages, which Pro-Ject believes delivers the best sound
- Offers both single-ended (RCA) and balanced (XLR) inputs and outputs
Product Considerations
- Balanced cables are required for optimal performance if using balanced connections
- Relay switching causes a time lag when switching impedance, capacitance, or gain
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Lehmannaudio Black Cube had more power in the low end, while the Pro-Ject tended toward a drier character
Takeaway: The Phono Box S3 B is a well-designed phono stage offering balanced connections, making it a great choice for those wanting to upgrade their vinyl listening experience. The adjustable settings and solid build quality make it a versatile and worthwhile addition to any system.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Pro-Ject Audio Systems, an Austrian brand founded in 1991, has been at the forefront of reestablishing analog music reproduction to the public. The company handcrafts 95% of all components in the European Union. The turntables focus on manual operation and minimalist design with a wide selection of colors that make their turntables both audio devices and stylish furniture pieces. The brand stands out for offering one of the broadest ranges of high-fidelity products in the world, including turntables, CD players, DACs, streamers, phono preamps, amplifiers, and speakers. Pro-Ject products are engineered with a focus on best audio reproduction for the money and omission of costly, unnecessary features.
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Pro-Ject
Phono Box
149
/
Released
Today, many amplifiers do not have a specific phono cartridge input. Phono Box is an ideal phono preamplifier for these hifi system and accepts both MM and MC cartridges. The analogue output of Phono Box can easily be connected to a line-input (AUX,…) of your amplifier.
Pro-Ject Audio Systems, an Austrian brand founded in 1991, has been at the forefront of reestablishing analog music reproduction to the public. The company handcrafts 95% of all components in the European Union. The turntables focus on manual operation and minimalist design with a wide selection of colors that make their turntables both audio devices and stylish furniture pieces. The brand stands out for offering one of the broadest ranges of high-fidelity products in the world, including turntables, CD players, DACs, streamers, phono preamps, amplifiers, and speakers. Pro-Ject products are engineered with a focus on best audio reproduction for the money and omission of costly, unnecessary features.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Good starting point for a decent phono stage at an affordable price
- Offers a dual-mono structure, which is rare at its cost
- Provides a warmer tonal balance, which can help balance out the sound of cheaper turntables and cartridges
- More refined in the highs, cleaner, and weightier in the bass compared to some competitors
Product Considerations
- Dynamics are a bit slow and compressed compared to higher-end options
- MC option might be useless, as not many audiophiles with an MC cartridge would use a budget phono preamp
- Lacks adjustability, especially for MC impedance input load and MM input capacitance
- Has a resonant top cover that could benefit from damping
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the NAD PP-1, the PhonoBox is more refined in the highs, cleaner, and weightier in the bass
- Compared to the Lehmannaudio Black Cube SE, the PhonoBox is slower and more compressed dynamically
Takeaway: The Pro-Ject PhonoBox E is an affordable way to play vinyl, and it improves the sound relative to some similar devices. It is a good option to consider if the amplifier does not have a phono input.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Pro-Ject Audio Systems, an Austrian brand founded in 1991, has been at the forefront of reestablishing analog music reproduction to the public. The company handcrafts 95% of all components in the European Union. The turntables focus on manual operation and minimalist design with a wide selection of colors that make their turntables both audio devices and stylish furniture pieces. The brand stands out for offering one of the broadest ranges of high-fidelity products in the world, including turntables, CD players, DACs, streamers, phono preamps, amplifiers, and speakers. Pro-Ject products are engineered with a focus on best audio reproduction for the money and omission of costly, unnecessary features.
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Pro-Ject
Phono Box E BT5
118
/
Released
After the big success of our VT-E BT we decided to create a phono preamplifier that turns any turntable (with moving magnet cartridge) into a modern Bluetooth streamer.
Pro-Ject Audio Systems, an Austrian brand founded in 1991, has been at the forefront of reestablishing analog music reproduction to the public. The company handcrafts 95% of all components in the European Union. The turntables focus on manual operation and minimalist design with a wide selection of colors that make their turntables both audio devices and stylish furniture pieces. The brand stands out for offering one of the broadest ranges of high-fidelity products in the world, including turntables, CD players, DACs, streamers, phono preamps, amplifiers, and speakers. Pro-Ject products are engineered with a focus on best audio reproduction for the money and omission of costly, unnecessary features.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Premium build quality with internal shielding to eliminate electromagnetic interference
- Advanced Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive and aptXHD support for high-resolution audio transmission
- Dual-input configuration (phono and 3.5mm line-level) for maximum versatility
- Precise RIAA equalisation and low noise performance for pure analogue sound
- Compact, space-efficient design and easy setup/operation
- Limited to MM cartridge compatibility
- The 10m Bluetooth range might not suit larger homes
- Single 3.5mm line output
Takeaway: The Pro-Ject Phono Box E BT5 offers a blend of vinyl warmth and wireless convenience. It's a versatile option for vinyl enthusiasts wanting to connect to modern Bluetooth speakers.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Pro-Ject Audio Systems, an Austrian brand founded in 1991, has been at the forefront of reestablishing analog music reproduction to the public. The company handcrafts 95% of all components in the European Union. The turntables focus on manual operation and minimalist design with a wide selection of colors that make their turntables both audio devices and stylish furniture pieces. The brand stands out for offering one of the broadest ranges of high-fidelity products in the world, including turntables, CD players, DACs, streamers, phono preamps, amplifiers, and speakers. Pro-Ject products are engineered with a focus on best audio reproduction for the money and omission of costly, unnecessary features.
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Fosi
BOX X5
139
/
Released
2024
Fosi Audio BOX X5 Mini Phono Preamp supports MM and MC cartridges, provides 4-level gain adjustment, and provides RIAA equalization accuracy. Supporting MM/MC cartridges, BOX X5 is compatible with most turntables, along with 4 adjustable gain levels of 38/48/56/66 dB. It utilizes high-precision capacitors and resistors, ensuring minimal noise for audio purity.
Fosi Audio makes quality hifi accessible worldwide by offering a diverse range of amplifiers, preamps, and DACs that blend modern engineering with vintage-inspired design. Their products are engineered for versatility and power, serving both audiophiles and gamers with impressive performance at competitive prices. With a strong reputation built on solid reviews and customer focus, Fosi Audio stands out as a go-to brand for enthusiasts seeking exceptional sound without breaking the bank.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Good sound quality, warm with lows and highs present, and a quiet noise floor
- Supports both Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC) cartridges
- Adjustable gain settings to match different cartridge output levels
- Metal construction for durability and shielding
- Offers DIY upgradeability with a socketed op-amp that can be swapped to change the sound signature
Product Considerations
- The ground post is positioned close to the power input, which can be inconvenient
- To power it off, one must press and hold the power button instead of pressing it quickly to turn it on, which is not intuitive
- Lacks a headphone jack
- Does not have a subsonic filter or capacitive loading switch
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Schiit Audio phono preamp, the Fosi Audio Box X5 is on par or better than the Schiit Audio phono preamp generation one version
Takeaway: The Fosi Audio Box X5 is a great value phono preamp that provides good sound quality and versatile features for both MM and MC cartridges. It is a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade from a built-in preamp or start with their first turntable.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Fosi Audio makes quality hifi accessible worldwide by offering a diverse range of amplifiers, preamps, and DACs that blend modern engineering with vintage-inspired design. Their products are engineered for versatility and power, serving both audiophiles and gamers with impressive performance at competitive prices. With a strong reputation built on solid reviews and customer focus, Fosi Audio stands out as a go-to brand for enthusiasts seeking exceptional sound without breaking the bank.
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