#2 in Phono preamps
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Reddit mentions of Pro-Ject Audiophile Audio Component Phonograph Preamplifier, Black (Phono Box S Black)
Sentiment score: 4
Reddit mentions: 8
We found 8 Reddit mentions of Pro-Ject Audiophile Audio Component Phonograph Preamplifier, Black (Phono Box S Black). Here are the top ones.
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- Audiophile performance at an affordable price
- Dual-mono circuitry for optimized Channel separation
- Audiophile-grade amplification modules and polypropylene wima capacitors
- Switchable subsonic filter (-12Db at 20Hz)
- Adjustable input impedance and capacitance with four Gain levels
Features:
Specs:
| Color | Black |
| Height | 1.42 Inches |
| Length | 4.06 Inches |
| Weight | 1.26 Pounds |
| Width | 4.09 Inches |
First of all, before I give suggestions, let me just say it's definitely possible to find something better than what I'm recommending for less money if you go vintage or scour craigslist. However I don't have the knowledge to really help you with vintage gear. I know it takes time, patience, possibly repairs & finding parts, etc. Plus you need to know what you're looking for. And if you don't live in a huge city with tons of quality vintage hi-fi stuff on craigslist or floating around in goodwill stores, it could be a while. So if you want to go that route, maybe somebody around here could take a look at your local craiglist or something and help you out.
So with that being said, if you want to go new/newish, this is the exact lineup I bought for my first setup recently. It's all going to fall into the category of entry level/minimum for "audiophile" so it won't absolutely blow your mind, then again looking at your current situation maybe it will lol:
Project Debut Carbon DC (usually a $400 table, available for $300) here
You will see a lot of people recommend Project, Rega and U-Turn as the best entry level "audiophile" style tables. I am not a man of means so it worked for me. The DC is the upgraded version of the Debut Carbon with a better, quieter power source. Comes with an adjustable counterweight and anti-skate, which your LP60 does not have and the absence of which can cause damage to your records. Furthermore you can upgrade the stylus, the platter, I think the tonearm (?) down the road if you wish, when more money becomes available. It comes with an Ortofon 2M Red which is a solid budget cartridge.
Audioengine A5+ - lightly used $319
Very good powered speakers for the money, so you wouldn't have to spend money on a receiver/amp at this time. I've been thoroughly impressed with them.
Project Phono Box S lightly used - $161.50
Phono stage. Could maybe find one for cheaper that would be just as good, I don't know a ton about phono stages. Remember to set the gain to match your TT when you get it.
Total: $780
I know you said your budget maxed at $600, maybe wait another paycheck or 2 or find a different cheaper phono stage and/or downgrade the A5+ speakers to A2's which are bookshelf speakers if you're ok with that.
There are a lot of options out there, this is just what I ended up going with recently and I'm very satisfied. I've already upgraded the platter on the TT to an acrylic one, and will prob upgrade the cartridge next christmas as a gift to myself, thinking maybe the 2M Bronze. But this will absolutely serve and give you a huge increase in performance from day 1.
> any suggestions?
It all depends on your budget, but on the "affordable" side, I usually suggest the following options:
All good brands, and will treat you well and last a while. I'd say that the Pro-Ject Phono Box S is probably overpriced for what it is and I don't think it competes with the Parasound, and it probably even loses out to the Schiit in a head-to-head.
Whats the difference between this preamp and this one? Also what other preamps are better in this price range?
Pro-Ject Phono Box S ($199) should suit that turntable just fine.
Yes. Or a Project Phonobox S has a Switchable Subsonic Filter, Switchable Input Impedance and Switchable Capacitance.
Or since you are going up a step in turntable from P1 to P2 you could go a step up in phono stage/preamp from Fono Mini to Rega Fono R, however it is twice the cost of the Fono mini. Or a Project Phono Box DS. However, an upgrade won't may any difference with the Edifiers.
> Pro-Ject
How about the Pro-Ject one? It's $200: https://www.amazon.com/PRO-JECT-PHONO-BOX-S-BLACK/dp/B0096QYWZI
I'd go with the Cambridge Audio 551P or something like the Pro-ject Phono Box.
Of course there are more expensive and less expensive options but these won't break the bank for your upgrade.
Which preamp is better?