Project Phono Box Phono Classic USB

Phono Box: 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 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.

What does it have?

 

• Preamplifier for MM or MC with switch on rear panel
• DC power supply (< 1 watt standby power)
• Precise RIAA equalization
• Output stage with ultra-low impedance
• Gold-plated RCA sockets
• Small size for installation near record player

Despite the assault of brave new hi-res digital formats it seems vinyl playback is here to stay. The amount of new HiFi components devoted to LP playback is rapidly increasing: new turntables, cartridges, arms and…phono preamps.

For those on a tight budget the choice has never been wider: the NAD PP-1, the GramAmp 1 & 2, the KAB PH-1 and a few others.
One of these is the ProJect Phono Box, a basic sub-100$/Euro phono preamp, built by Pro-Ject Audio Designs, famous for making affordable and good sounding turntables.

Technically, the PhonoBox is a dual-mono MM/MC non-adjustable phono preamp with an outboard power supply. It makes use of a pair of JRC 4580D op-amps (one for each channel) and mid-quality passive components. A bettered version, the PhonoBox SE, is available, as is a tube-equipped one, the Tube Box, at a (way) higher cost.

The quality of the construction is good, considering the price tag, while the dual-mono structure is something quite rare at this cost.
I’ve listened to the PhonoBox for a couple of months in my B system, then I’ve compared it to the NAD PP-1 I had already reviewed for TNT-Audio and then to the Lehmann Black Cube SE + PWX.

These are the most relevant (claimed) tech specs:

• S/N ratio: 88 dB (MM) – 79 dB (MC)
• Output voltage: 200 mV for 5mV @ 1 kHz (MM) – 0.45 mV (MC)
• THD: < 0.005%
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (± 0.5 dB)
• Input impedance: 47 kohm/100 pF (MM input) – 100 ohm/100 pF (MC input)
• Gain: 32 dB (MM), 53 dB (MC)
• Power consumption: 40 mA AC
• Outboard power supply: 16V/200 mA
• Size: cm 11.2 (W) x 11.5 (D) x 3.0 (H)
• Weight: 280 g (without power supply)

Of course you can’t expect the performance of top-class phono preamps here…but the PhonoBox has been quite a surprise. Its tonal balance tends to be slightly on the warm side, with soft treble and slightly overblown mid-bass and bass. This equilibrium certainly helps to counterbalance the natural attitude of those cheap turntables and carts, to which the PhonoBox will be eventually connected to.
Indeed,

the PhonoBox can add some weight to the bass response of weak turntables and cartridges and at the same time it can “tame” some harshness in the highs. The final result is quite enjoyable and never fatiguing. Compared to the NAD PP-1, its natural rival, the Phono Box appears more refined in the highs, cleaner and weightier in the bass. If you have read my review of the NAD PP-1 you should already know I don’t like this preamp much. I feel the Phono Box is globally better, though – perhaps – less aggressive than the PP-1.

Considering the dynamic performance, the two preamps are almost equal, a bit slow and compressed, when compared with the Black Cube. They both lack that “spark” that makes vinyl sound so lively even when compared to the best digital gear.

Somehow, it seems that Music slows down, and attacks and decays appear less sharp than they should be. This attitude becomes clear with drums and electric bass, for example in the opening of “Too Soon” by Daryle Ryce (Rosa’s Grandchild, 1992, Appaloosa AP063-I): the natural violence of the drum kit, mated to a slappy bass, appears to be reduced, and not by a small extent. The NAD PP-1 doesn’t perform any better, in this area.
I’m afraid one has to pay a bit more to fully enjoy the dynamic potential of good vinyl…