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

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)

Description and Sound Characteristics

The Pro-Ject Tube Box S2 (Tube) 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

Description and Sound Characteristics

The 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

Description and Sound Characteristics

The 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

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): 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: 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: 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!