Pro-Ject is a brand that specializes in manufacturing high-quality turntables and audio equipment.

Pro-Ject

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This isn't an exhaustive review with numerous tests. Instead, it's an initial attempt to select a phono preamp within a budget from well-known models available on popular platforms like Amazon. While there may be better models or used options within the same price range, this post focuses on first impressions.

Our setup included McIntosh speakers, a custom-made turntable (limited edition but entry-level) with a brand new Ortofon S10 cartridge, a Denon receiver (to stay within the same price range), and a McIntosh headphone tube amp (MHA200) with McIntosh MHP1000 headphones for the final check-up.

The idea for this article stemmed from the need to connect our turntable to a Denon receiver, necessitating a phono preamp. We tested each preamp using tracks from Frank Sinatra, Sade, and The Weeknd to cover a range of vocal and instrumental styles, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation.

### Pro-Ject Tube Box S2 (Tube)

![IMG_6540.jpeg](https://storage.googleapis.com/hifi-cdn/IMG_6540_e44acf8231/IMG_6540_e44acf8231.jpeg)

**Description and Sound Characteristics** 

The [Pro-Ject Tube Box S2 (Tube)](https://hifi.fan/pro-ject-tube-box-s2) stands out for its warm, engaging sound. It delivers a rich and textured sound signature, with an excellent soundstage that creates an immersive listening experience. The vocals are centered and clear, giving a sense of presence and involvement. The instrument separation is outstanding, making each component of the music distinctly audible. This preamp excels in providing a spacious auditory experience, extending the sound well beyond the speakers. Additionally, its compact and aesthetically pleasing design makes it a perfect companion to sit next to your turntable.

**Impressions** 

Listening to Frank Sinatra through the Tube Box S2 was a revelation. His vocals felt as if they were right in front of you, with the ensemble clearly positioned behind him. The bass guitar in general listening sessions was clear and vibrant, with a sense of movement between the speakers and noticeable reverberation and echo. The overall engagement was high, making you want to keep listening.

**Pros and Cons**

-   **Pros**: Warm, engaging sound with excellent separation and soundstage. Compact and attractive design.
-   **Cons**: None noted in this initial impression.

### Cambridge Audio Alva Duo

![IMG_6545.jpeg](https://storage.googleapis.com/hifi-cdn/IMG_6545_5e75b92d0f/IMG_6545_5e75b92d0f.jpeg)

**Description and Sound Characteristics**  

The [Cambridge Audio Alva Duo](https://hifi.fan/cambridge-audio-alva-duo) offers clarity and precision, though it may lack some of the warmth and detail found in the Tube Box S2. It provides a clear sound that feels somewhat confined between the speakers. For its price, it delivers good performance, with vocals that are clear but might miss some mid-range or high details. The separation is adequate but not exceptional, sometimes sounding too pure and lacking colorization. It is relatively large and may require a separate shelf in a vertical rack. On the plus side, it includes an integrated headphone amplifier and supports both MC and MM cartridges, adding versatility.

**Impressions** 

Playing Sade on the Alva Duo revealed a slightly dull sound with no pronounced bass. While the sound was clear and detailed, it lacked the extension and separation that the Tube Box S2 offered. In general listening, the detail retrieval was good, especially noticeable in the cymbals, but it lacked some richness and presence in more complex musical passages.

**Pros and Cons**

-   **Pros**: Clear and detailed sound, good value for the price. Integrated headphone amplifier and support for both MC and MM cartridges.
-   **Cons**: May lack warmth and engagement, not as good separation as the Tube. Larger size may require additional space.

### Pro-Ject Phono Box E

![IMG_6550.jpeg](https://storage.googleapis.com/hifi-cdn/IMG_6550_218e952b69/IMG_6550_218e952b69.jpeg)

**Description and Sound Characteristics** 

The [Pro-Ject Phono Box E](https://hifi.fan/pro-ject-phono-box-e) is a budget-friendly option that still offers good detail, particularly in the midrange. It provides a satisfactory performance considering its price, with a soundstage that is sufficient but not as expansive as the Tube Box S2. The overall engagement is lower, lacking the richness and presence of the higher-end models. Vocals are clear, but the sound might feel a bit constrained.

**Visual and Functional Aspects** 

Visually, the Phono Box E is compact and easy to hide, making it a practical choice for those with limited space. In terms of functionality, it lacks a standby button, which might be a drawback for some users. However, it remains a solid choice for those on a budget.

**Pros and Cons**

-   **Pros**: Good detail for the price, compact size.
-   **Cons**: Lacks the richness and separation of higher-end models.

### Listening Experience with McIntosh Headphones and McIntosh Tube Amp MHA200

![IMG_6553.jpeg](https://storage.googleapis.com/hifi-cdn/IMG_6553_eb166c1a8b/IMG_6553_eb166c1a8b.jpeg)

Using McIntosh MHP1000 headphones and the McIntosh headphone tube amp MHA200, the Pro-Ject Tube Box S2 offered a warm, engaging sound that was not tiring and felt natural and pleasant. With the Tube phono preamp, you just want to listen and listen; it is highly engaging. The Cambridge Audio Alva Duo was clear and detailed but sometimes felt too digital, lacking the natural warmth of the Tube. The Pro-Ject Phono Box E provided good performance for its price but lacked the richness and separation of the other two.

Listening to the Cambridge Audio Alva Duo with the McIntosh setup revealed a clear but somewhat digital sound, lacking engagement. The dynamics were good, but it could feel sharp at times. In contrast, the Tube on the McIntosh setup was the most musical and pleasant among the tested units, offering a soft, natural sound that did not cause fatigue. The Cambridge might perform better with mid-range speakers due to its clear, precise sound, while the Tube excels with high-quality components and headphones, providing a more musical experience.

### Conclusion

In our final comparison using the McIntosh headphone tube amp and headphones, we were impressed with the sound of the Tube phono preamp.

-   **[Pro-Ject Tube Box S2 (Tube)](https://hifi.fan/pro-ject-tube-box-s2)**: Best for those seeking a warm, engaging sound with excellent separation and soundstage. Its compact and attractive design is an added bonus.
-   **[Cambridge Audio Alva Duo](https://hifi.fan/cambridge-audio-alva-duo)**: A solid choice for clear, detailed sound but might lack warmth and engagement. Its integrated headphone amplifier and support for both MC and MM cartridges add versatility.
-   **[Pro-Ject Phono Box E](https://hifi.fan/pro-ject-phono-box-e)**: Best budget option, offering good performance for the price but missing some richness and separation compared to the higher-end models.

If your equipment isn't top-tier, the Pro-Ject Phono Box E is a good pick. If you’re unsure about choosing between MM or MC cartridges, the Cambridge Audio Alva Duo is a versatile option. However, for the best sound, aesthetics, size, and performance, we highly recommend the Tube amp. It offers an upgrade path as you improve other components of your system.

Hope this was helpful for everyone!

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First Impressions of Phono Preamps: Pro-Ject Tube Box S2, Cambridge Audio Alva Duo, and Pro-Ject Phono Box E

Cambridge Audio is a brand that specializes in the design and manufacture of high-quality audio equipment.

Cambridge Audio

McIntosh Laboratory, Inc., often referred to simply as McIntosh, is an esteemed American brand renowned for its high-quality audio equipment. Founded in 1949 in Binghamton, New York, McIntosh has established itself as a pioneer in the high-fidelity audio industry. The brand is synonymous with enduring build quality, aesthetic elegance, and unparalleled sound performance, making it a choice of audiophiles and music enthusiasts worldwide.

Known for its distinctive design, McIntosh products feature signature black glass front panels, aluminum end caps, and the iconic "McIntosh Blue" watt meters, which have become a symbol of audio excellence. Their product range encompasses a wide array of audio equipment, including amplifiers, preamplifiers, speakers, turntables, and other audio accessories, each crafted with meticulous attention to detail and acoustic perfection.

McIntosh's dedication to producing high-quality sound reproduction is evident in their use of advanced technologies and precision engineering. Their products are often the result of extensive research and development, ensuring that they not only meet but exceed industry standards.

In addition to sound quality, McIntosh is committed to the longevity and durability of its products. Many McIntosh units from decades past are still in use today, a testament to their build quality and the company's commitment to sustainability through longevity.

Whether for home audio systems, professional studios, or luxury car audio, McIntosh provides an audio experience that is both immersive and emotionally engaging, offering a level of performance that is as close to the original recording as possible. Their legacy and ongoing innovation continue to set the standard in high-end audio, making McIntosh a prestigious and revered name in the world of hi-fi audio systems.

McIntosh

Our initial impressions of the Pro-Ject Tube Box S2, Cambridge Audio Alva Duo, and Pro-Ject Phono Box E phono preamps

The Pro-Ject Tube Box S2 is a favorite among audiophiles who appreciate the warm, rich sound that only a tube phono preamp can deliver. This compact and aesthetically pleasing preamp is designed to sit perfectly next to your turntable, bringing an analog warmth and depth to your vinyl records.

The Tube Box S2 features dual mono configuration and high-quality ECC83 tubes, ensuring an immersive listening experience with excellent soundstage and instrument separation. The vocals are textured and centered, creating a sense of presence and involvement that keeps you engaged with your music.

Key features include:

Dual Mono Configuration: Ensures superior channel separation and audio clarity.

High-Quality ECC83 Tubes: Delivers warm, rich sound with exceptional detail and dynamics.
Adjustable Gain: Flexible settings to match different cartridges for optimal performance.
Compact Design: Fits neatly next to your turntable, adding a stylish touch to your audio setup.

The Pro-Ject Tube Box S2 is ideal for those who seek a warm, engaging sound with excellent separation and soundstage. Its compact size and attractive design make it a perfect addition to any vinyl enthusiast's setup. Audiophiles will appreciate the enhanced musicality and presence that this tube phono preamp brings to their record collection.

Tube Box S2

The Pro-Ject Phono Box E is an excellent entry-level phono preamp that offers great value without compromising on sound quality. Designed for those who are new to the world of vinyl or on a budget, this compact preamp provides the essential features needed to enjoy your record collection with clarity and detail.

Despite its affordable price, the Phono Box E delivers good midrange detail and a satisfactory soundstage. It’s designed to work with Moving Magnet (MM) cartridges, making it a simple yet effective solution for connecting your turntable to a line-level input on your amplifier or receiver.

Key features include:

Budget-Friendly: High-quality sound at an affordable price, perfect for those new to vinyl.

MM Cartridge Compatibility: Optimized for Moving Magnet cartridges, providing clear and accurate playback.
Compact Design: Easily fits into any setup and can be hidden away due to its small size.
Simple Setup: Easy to install and use, making it ideal for beginners.

The Pro-Ject Phono Box E is a solid choice for vinyl enthusiasts looking for an affordable phono preamp that doesn’t skimp on performance. Its compact design and ease of use make it a practical addition to any audio setup, offering a taste of high-fidelity sound without breaking the bank.

Phono Box E

MHA200

MHP1000

The Cambridge Audio Alva Duo Phono Preamp is a must-have for audiophiles seeking precision and clarity in their vinyl listening experience. Compatible with both Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC) cartridges, the Alva Duo ensures that your records sound exceptional, no matter your cartridge choice.

This versatile preamp delivers a clear and detailed sound that brings out the subtle nuances of your favorite tracks. The integrated headphone amplifier allows for an intimate listening experience, perfect for those who enjoy the depth and detail that headphones can provide. Its modern design seamlessly integrates into your existing setup, although it may require dedicated shelf space due to its robust build.

Key features include:

MM and MC Compatibility: Flexibility to use either cartridge type for a versatile listening experience.
Integrated Headphone Amplifier: Exceptional clarity and detail through your headphones for personal enjoyment.

Precision Engineering: High-quality components deliver clear, precise sound, revealing the finest details in your music.

User-Friendly Design: Easy to set up and use, ideal for both beginners and experienced audiophiles.

Cambridge Audio Alva Duo


Canadian hi-fi brand MOON has set a new benchmark in the audio world with its North Collection, introducing six innovative products: the 641 Integrated Amplifier, 681 Network Player/DAC, 761 Power Amplifier, 791 Network Player/Preamplifier, 861 Power Amplifier, and 891 Network Player/Preamplifier. This collection marks a significant evolution in MOON's product line, emphasizing superior audio quality and design.

**Innovative Technologies and Design:**

-   The collection incorporates MOON's Distortion Cancelling Amplifier (MDCA) circuit to minimize noise and distortion.
-   Enhanced mechanical isolation is achieved through the MOON Damping Base (MDB).
-   The 641 Integrated Amplifier provides robust power, offering 125W at 8 ohms and 250W at 4 ohms.
-   The 681 Network Player/DAC features advanced digital technologies, including the MDE1 re-clocking FPGA.

**A Step Up in Performance:**

-   The North Collection reflects MOON's commitment to merging traditional sound quality with contemporary technological advancements.
-   Handcrafted details and iconic design elements make the collection stand out, both aesthetically and functionally.
-   The introduction of these products signals MOON's continuous pursuit of pushing the boundaries in high-fidelity audio.

**Market Impact and Availability:**

-   With its launch, MOON reinforces its standing as a pioneer in the high-fidelity audio market, offering a range of products that cater to audiophiles and music enthusiasts seeking premium audio experiences.
-   The North Collection is poised to attract significant attention and acclaim from both industry professionals and consumers for its combination of innovative features and exceptional audio performance.

MOON's North Collection represents not just a series of products but a new era in high-fidelity audio, blending state-of-the-art technology with luxurious design to offer an unparalleled listening experience.

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MOON Unveils North Collection: A New Benchmark in Hi-Fi Audio

Where luxury meets technology in high-end audio. Six revolutionary products setting new standards in sound quality and design.


In the realm of vinyl record listening, the pursuit of pristine audio quality often leads enthusiasts to explore various accessories. Among these, the vinyl record puck, a seemingly simple device, has garnered attention for its ability to potentially elevate the listening experience. But what exactly are these pucks, and how do they influence the sound quality of your cherished vinyl records?

## What is a Record Puck?

A record puck, also known as a record clamp or stabilizer, is a device placed atop a vinyl record while it spins on a turntable. Its primary purpose is to enhance the stability of the record during playback. These pucks come in various shapes, weights, and materials, each bringing a unique aspect to the turntable setup.

## The Science Behind the Puck

1.  **Stability and Vibration Damping**: The core function of a record puck is to provide stability. By pressing the record firmly against the platter, pucks minimize unwanted vibrations that can result from slight warps or imbalances in the record. This reduction in vibration can lead to a clearer and more accurate sound reproduction.
    
2.  **Warped Records**: Vinyl records are prone to warping. A well-designed puck can help flatten these warps during playback, allowing the stylus to track the grooves more accurately, thus enhancing sound fidelity.
    
3.  **Sound Quality**: The impact of a puck on sound quality is a matter of debate. While some audiophiles report a noticeable improvement, others find the difference subtle or non-existent. The effect largely depends on the quality of the turntable, the condition of the vinyl, and the listener's sensitivity to audio detail.
    

## Variations in Pucks

1.  **Weight Differences**: Lighter pucks are suitable for turntables with delicate bearings, whereas heavier pucks, offering more stability and vibration damping, might be suitable for more robust turntables.
    
2.  **Shape and Material**: From standard disc-shaped to spindle-shaped, the puck's design can affect its performance. Materials like metal, acrylic, or rubber also play a role, with each offering different damping characteristics.
    
3.  **Price Range**: Prices vary widely, with some basic models being quite affordable, while high-end models can be a significant investment.
    

## Choosing the Right Puck

Selecting the right puck requires considering the specific needs of your turntable and your personal preferences. Heavier pucks might not be suitable for all turntables, especially if they strain the motor or suspension system. The material and shape should align with your aim—whether it’s flattening warped records or minimizing vibrations.

**Conclusion**

Vinyl record pucks present an interesting avenue for audiophiles to explore in their quest for audio perfection. While they offer practical benefits such as stabilizing the record and reducing vibrations, the extent of their impact on sound quality can vary. The key is to choose a puck that complements your turntable and enhances your listening experience without causing undue stress on your equipment. Ultimately, the right puck can be a valuable addition to your vinyl setup, contributing to the rich and immersive world of vinyl record listening.

A stylish, modern turntable with a high-quality vinyl record puck

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From Warps to Clarity: The Crucial Role of Record Pucks in Vinyl Listening

Explore the role of record pucks in perfecting vinyl playback for audiophiles.

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Interesting articles

First Impressions of Phono Preamps: Pro-Ject Tube Box S2, Cambridge Audio Alva Duo, and Pro-Ject Phono Box E

MOON Unveils North Collection: A New Benchmark in Hi-Fi Audio

From Warps to Clarity: The Crucial Role of Record Pucks in Vinyl Listening