I don’t know much about tube amps, though I've listened to them and talked to many people who prefer them over solid-state amps. However, I never had one for an extended period. It's something I plan to explore further on my HiFi journey.
When I had the chance to buy a phono preamp, I never thought it would be a tube amp. Let me cut to the chase: if you want a tube preamp in this price range, this is an incredible value, and I highly recommend it.
Initial Impressions and Build Quality
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the sound and the warm, beautiful glow of the tubes. It makes a lovely addition to any setup, attracting attention with its nostalgic look. The build quality is great, with a small, metal box design that fits anywhere in your system. However, changing the tubes might be challenging, as they are caged, and replacing them would require significant effort. Tubes have a limited lifespan, but with a lifespan of up to 100,000 hours, this concern is minimal.
Features and Functionality
The front gain level switch allows you to easily switch between 40 and 63, accommodating both high and low-level cartridges. The impedance level can be set at the bottom of the preamp. These switches might seem intimidating to novice users, but it’s all explained in the cartridge manual. The important part is that it can drive both MM and MC cartridges, which is impressive for a budget phono preamp.
The subsonic filter is a cool feature, commonly found in subwoofers, protecting your woofer from damage due to excessive cone excursion. It also shaves the lower end, working similarly to a low-pass filter.
Sound Quality
But how does it sound? In short, great. The question of whether you need a phono preamp when many integrated amps offer them is answered by your love for vinyl and turntables. Upgrading your turntable and cartridge is pointless if your phono preamp is inadequate. Built-in phono preamps in integrated amps often can’t keep up with upgrades and typically only support Moving Magnet cartridges, not Moving Coil.
A good phono preamp unlocks the hidden potential of your turntable setup, extracting fine details, improving instrument separation, and expanding the soundstage. This tube preamp has its quirks but offers impressive performance.
Warmth and Detail
The tube warmth smooths the sound, emphasizing the upper bass. While this can veil some treble details, it creates a relaxing presentation. I always found this sound akin to enjoying a glass of rosé wine—rich in taste but easy to drink, perfect for slow, hedonistic enjoyment.
The sound is warm and pairs well with punchy live amps. It doesn’t completely veil the sound, maintaining control and dramatically opening the details. You can pick out many small details in the mids and treble. However, the soundstage doesn’t expand as much vertically and horizontally compared to other preamps. It also helps reduce noise levels, controlling unwanted static, though not eliminating it entirely.
Listening Experience
I tested warm speakers and amps with the *Blade Runner* soundtrack on vinyl. Vangelis’s ethereal soundscapes, full of reverbs and detailed saxophone work, sounded amazing with this phono preamp. The warm sound envelops you, and when controlled well, it allows dynamic ranges to shine blissfully.
However, this preamp has its limitations. With excellently produced and mastered records, the sound doesn’t expand as much, and separation could be better. While it provides a nice soundstage, some competition offers more transparency and separation. If you prefer clinical listening with great clarity and transparency, this might not be for you.
Comparisons and Alternatives
Cambridge Audio Alva Duo: An affordable MM/MC phono stage with a warm presentation but more clarity and separation than the Pro-Ject. However, it felt too balanced for a warm presentation, lacking verve and drive, making the Pro-Ject more fun and engaging.
Rega Phono Mk5: The closest rival to the Pro-Ject Tube Box. It is unbeatable in its price range, unlocking your turntable setup with detailed, refined sound. It is more treble-rich and lively, best paired with neutral amps. While the Pro-Ject is warmer with richer bass and smooth sonics, the Rega is more detailed and transparent.
Final Thoughts
These lovely tubes provide rich, full sound at a low price point, dramatically expanding the sonic qualities of your turntable. They remove potential bottlenecks, enhancing details, dynamic range, and soundstage. However, they require proper pairing to avoid veiling the sound. Those who prefer clinical, transparent listening should look elsewhere. For those who want hours of blissful sonics, this is for you. It will amaze you with its sound, unlocking new potential in your system.
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