Sitting between Pro-Ject’s new entry-level E1 and the legendary “Debut” line, does Pro-Ject’s T1 turntable offer the best bang for your buck? Having recently reviewed the Pro-Ject Primary E and E1 entry-level turntables, Sound Matters explore what you gain for stepping up a level in the Pro-Ject upgrade path.  The Pro-Ject T1 is said to bring “audiophile design to a … Read More

When it comes to designing affordable turntables with true HiFi sound, Pro-Ject are a formidable force. The Austrian company calls their relatively new E1 series “Entry 1 into the world of analog sound”. Could the Pro-Ject E1 be the ideal first turntable? Pros: Great sound at this price point | Handy speed switching | Super easy setup | Optional built-In … Read More

Pro-Ject has a long-held reputation for nailing the basics to produce entry level-decks with real audiophile credentials. But does the Primary E live up to its forebears?  Pros: Basic playback performance is spot on | Easy plug-and-play setup | Energetic and lively sound. Cons: Not much to look at, but a small price to pay for nailing the sonic performance at such … Read More

With a highly attractive price tag of just $70, the Fosi Audio Box X2 tube phono preamplifier has rightly caught the attention of value-seeking vinyl enthusiasts. But at such a low cost, can it really improve the sound of your records? The Fosi Audio Box X2 is a tube phono preamplifier of sorts. In reality, like most affordable tube phono … Read More

Could Rega’s entry-level phono stage be one of the best budget phono preamps on the market? If you want to get the very best performance from your turntable’s cartridge, a great-sounding phono preamp is essential.  Rega has a long-standing reputation for delivering exceptional audiophile value with products prioritizing sound quality over bells and whistles.  The Fono Mini A2D MK2 is … Read More

With its minimalistic design but impressive versatility, the Phono Box DS2 promises audiophile quality at a bargain price. Can it deliver on this promise and how does this phono preamp compare to it’s more expensive tube counterpart, the Tube Box DS2? As the owner of Pro-Ject’s Stereo Box DS2 integrated amplifier with a built-in phono stage, I was curious to … Read More

The Tube Box DS2 promises audiophile phono stage credentials with added tube “warmth” and versatility to suit a wide range of cartridges. Does it deliver the musicality and character vacuum tubes are known for? Sound Matters compare the performance of a built-in phono preamp to the Tube Box DS2 as a component upgrade. Impressive Versatility Sound quality aside, the Tube … Read More