Review on Pro Ject Phono Box Preamplifier Black by William Hunter

I know there are better phono stages out there but for the price this is a good unit. I also needed something small that would fit behind my turntable. I would like to get a bigger device, but I just don't have the space. I bought this as a replacement for the phono stage in my Integra receiver. The Integra phono stage is too analytical and etched. This phono stage is much more musical and relaxed. That should have been in Integra. I wish the Pro-Ject had higher extended highs and a deeper soundstage, but for the price it's not bad. I really like the sound of the sax and electric guitar on this unit, the vocals could be a bit forward, but I've also heard quiet vocals on 1K tube phono stages, so there are a few things that come down to personal preference. with low noise level. The problem with many cheap phono amps is that they pick up EMI easily so they easily generate hiss or background hiss so they have to be isolated somehow or else you have to put up with low noise or static levels. This machine is very, very quiet. Overall it's good and easy to listen to. Other equipment used was a Project The Classic turntable with an Ortofon 2M Bronze cartridge. I also changed the mat from a leather mat to clean cork, which helped the Pro-Ject phono stage sound better. The Integra sounded best with leather, but the Pro-Ject sounded best with cork. It's a good idea to have lots of different rugs. because changing the cartridge, phono stage, cables, etc. has a different effect, and mats are a way to customize the sound to your liking.