About The Pro-ject Phono Box E Phono Preamplifier
Introducing the Pro-Ject Phono Box E: A best buy for those on a budget who need classic vinyl listening pleasure!
Today, many amplifiers do not have a specific phono cartridge input. Phono Box E is an ideal phono preamplifier for those who just want to dabble in vinyl, want a quality brand-name product or simply don't wish to over-capitalise on their current Hi-Fi or Home Theatre system. To keep the price down, it has been designed just to accept Moving Magnet (MM) cartridges which are what usually is supplied on Turntables as standard. The analogue output of Phono Box E can easily be connected to a line-level input or AUX of your amplifier.
Pro-Ject have a good reputation for those in the know and although the Phono Box E is bargain priced, it still includes advanced circuitry and SMD construction to keep noise and distortion to a surprisingly low level. A built-in internal shielding and an outboard DC power supply leave no risk for external interference. Because of its small casing, Phono Box E can be placed near the turntable. Input and output sockets are goldplated for preservation of quality.
Note: Phono Box E - as per all other Phono pre-amps - does not come with cables (Interconnects) to connect it to your amplifier. Please ask us for recommendations.
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 E 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 E 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, we would recommend a spend of between $35 and $60 depending on the length you require.
Our Take
This is a very good phono preamp and at a very down to earth price. Although it doesn't accept Moving Coil (MC) Cartridges, you would want to purchase something a little more sophisticated for that type. But on the most popular Moving Magnet (MM) type, the Pro-Ject Phono Box E is perfect for beginners...and very compact.
Main Features & Specifications
- Design: Phono Preamplifier
- Supports: Moving Magnet (MM) cartridge type
- Input Impedance: 47kohms/120pF
- Gain: 40dB
- Output Voltage: Typically 300mV/1kHz at 3mV/1kHz
- Noise Floor: 86dB (94dB - A weighted)
- THD: >0.01%
- RIAA-equalisation Curve Accuracy: 20Hz - 20kHz / max. 0.5dB
- Outputs: L & R RCA (Gold Plated)
- Power Supply: 18V/200mA DC Power Pack (Included)
- Standby Power Consumption: < 1 watt
- Finish: Black
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 120 x 32 x 115mm + 6mm for sockets
- Nett Weight: 250g
- Manufacturer's Warranty: 2 Years
Note: Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice. E&OE