About The Pro-ject Phono Box Phono Preamplifier
Introducing the Pro-Ject Phono Box: A best buy classic for pure vinyl listening pleasure! Today, many amplifiers do not have a specific phono cartridge input. Phono Box is an ideal phono preamplifier for these Hi-Fi system and accepts both Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC) cartridges. The analogue output of Phono Box can easily be connected to a line-input of your amplifier.
Enjoy The Warmth Of Vinyl: Adding a turntable to your system is like having an open or log fire - an electric radiator may warm you up but you wouldn't want to sit and watch it. There's something uniquely pleasurable about listening to vinyl, something that digital media can't reproduce in quite the same way. While the latest digital formats sound incredible, there's detail and warmth that can't always be expressed in 0s and 1s, crackle that adds character, and live music simply comes to life. And the Pro-Ject Phono Box S makes the very most of vinyl, whatever your deck. It even works with Moving Coil cartridges found in the highest of high-end audiophile turntables.
Interconnects: None of the specialist brands of Phono Pre-Amplifiers come with Interconnects. Of course, you can use any old pair laying around the house, but if these are a pair of "freebies" from something else your not using, do yourself a favour and buy something better. Prices for Interconnects have never been cheaper and before you jump to the conclusion that we're justing trying to flog more gear, note this fact: The output from a CD player is typically 1 Volt, whereas the Pro-Ject Phono Box S is only 300mV/1kHz on the Moving Magnet input! This significantly lower output, a fact of analogue technology, is more susceptible to EMF and so a good pair of cables will help minimise this and thus deliver a better sound and that's what analogue is all about - better sound. On something like this Pro-Ject model, I would spend between $35 and $80 depending on the length you require. See Accessories below for the recommendations.
About Pro-Ject
Pro-Ject Audio Systems was founded in 1991 by Heinz Lichtenegger. The products are designed in Mistelbach, Austria and exclusively made in Europe at manufacturing plants in the Czech Republic and Slovakia and then shipped to more than 80 countries world-wide. Pro-Ject are best known for their high quality belt drive turntables which are often seen as the best in class at their various price points. In particular the Debut series of turntables has been the go-to record player of choice for many a budding music lover at the affordable end of the price spectrum.
Pro-Ject turntables allow you to experience again the clarity, warmth and magic to be found in the grooves on your vinyl, at very reasonable prices. With simple designs and high construction standards, performance has always been the priority. Fully manual operation coupled with the best materials and components available at each price level ensures the best possible value. Of course, here at Audio Trends, we've been selling them since the beginning of time (almost) and due to our passion for all things analogue - read vinyl - can tell you everything you need to know about our fantastic range of their products.
Whilst turntables are a large part of the Pro-Ject story the company has also ventured into high quality micro sized audio products in recent years including phono preamps, DAC's, streamers and amplifiers.
Our Take On The Project Phono Box Phono Preamplifier
This is a very good phono preamp and at a very down to earth price. Although it is Moving Coil (MC) Cartridge compatible, we would probably recommend something a little more sophisticated. But on the most popular Moving Magnet (MM) type, the Pro-Ject Phono Box is perfect for beginners...and very compact. Just one reminder. It does not include connecting leads. You will need a pair of RCA interconnect cables and Audio Trends has a good range of quality cables to suit some of which are featured below.
Main Features & Specifications
- Moving Magnet (MM) Setting:
- Input Impedance: 47kohms/120pF
- Gain: 40dB
- Output Voltage: Typically 300mV/1kHz at 3mV/1kHz
- Noise Floor: 86dB (94dB - A weighted)
- THD: 0.01%
- Moving Coil (MC) Setting:
- Input Impedance: 100ohms/120pF
- Gain: 60dB
- Output Voltage: Typically 300mV/1kHz at 0,3mV/1kHz
- Max. Output: 9.5V (1kHz)
- Noise Floor: 68dB (75dB - A weighted)
- THD: 0.05%
- RIAA-equalisation Curve Accuracy: 20Hz - 20kHz / max. 0.5dB
- Outputs: L & R RCA (Gold Plated) sockets
- Interconnect Cables: Not included
- Power Supply: 18V/200mA DC Power Pack (Included)
- Standby Power Consumption: < 1 watt
- Available Finishes: Black or Silver
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 103 x 36 x 103 + 6mm for sockets
- Nett Weight: 540g
- Manufacturer's Warranty: 2 Years
Note: Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice. E&OE