I couldn't review this for a while because at the time of purchase, it didn't work with my setup. Apparently my cheap-o weak turntable already had a preamp built in.
I just upgraded to the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon, which requires an external preamp, and now it's put to good use. I love it.
Obviously it's a bit difficult to isolate what the preamp specifically brings to the table, because to use it, I introduced a higher end TT. But I will say this: with my old TT I kept the stylus clean, and cleaned my records, so even though it was chincy, I had little to no surface noise. BUT the sound felt weak, not present. Almost flat and far away. Cranking up the volume helped.
With my current setup: pioneer receiver, Bose pseudo-vintage pedistal speakers, the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon TT, and this Phono MM Preamp, I have no complaints. The clarity is insane, the presence, depth and warmth are all there. In buying just these two pieces (turntable and preamp), it's like I replaced my whole stereo setup.
For the price, I really don't think you'll find a better preamp. It's very solid, metal and has weight to it, so it's not delicate. It could sustain a drop. The sound quality is great: I get no signal noise whatsoever.
I love this brand, and would recommend them to anyone. And in all honesty, I almost cheaped out and bought a preamp for half the price (albeit with another brand I do like), but I'm glad I didn't. I'll be happy with my current setup for a while.
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From the manufacturer
Features
- Amplification and RIAA equalisation for MM and High-Output MC cartridges
- Metal case shields the electronics from vibrational and electromagnetic interference
- Special low-noise ICs used
- Optimal channel separation through dual-mono circuitry
- Gold plated RCA connection sockets
- DC power supply (< 1 watt standby power)
- Small size allows installation close to record player
Audiostance reviews the Phono Box MM
US, 05.2019 "If your budget is maxed at 100 then the Pro-Ject Phono Box MM is the best phono preamp under 100. Pro-Ject Audio is a high-end turntable and phono accessories manufacturer out of Austria in Europe."
Nice for the price
I know there are better phono stages out there, but for the price this is a nice unit. I also needed something small that would fit behind my turntable. I wish I could get a larger unit but I just do not have the room. I got this to replace the phono stage in my Integra Receiver. The Integra phono stage is too analytical and etched. This phono stage is much more musical and relaxed. This is what should have come inside the Integra... I wish the Pro-Ject had a higher extended top end and deeper sound stage but for the price its not bad. I really like the sound of saxophone and electric guitar on this unit, voices could be a little more forward but I have also heard laid back voices on 1K tube phono stages before, so some things just come down to personal preference..Its also well grounded with a low noise floor. The problem with a lot of inexpensive phono pre amps is they pick up EMI easily an so they develop hum or background static easily, So they have to be isolated somehow or you have to put up with low level hum or static ... This unit is very very quiet ..Overall its not bad and easy to listen to. Other equipment used were a Project The Classic Turntable with Ortofon 2M Bronze phono cartridge. I also changed out the mat from a leather mat to pure cork which helped the Pro-Ject phono stage sound better...The Integra sounded best with leather but the Pro-Ject sounded best with cork...Its a good idea to have many different mats available because changing a Cartridge, phono stage, cables etc will all have a different effect and mats are one way to tweak the sound more to your liking.
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on March 2, 2017
Reviewed in the United States on March 31, 2019
Reviewed in the United States on November 12, 2016
Reviewed in the United States on December 4, 2015
Reviewed in the United States on August 25, 2016
Reviewed in the United States on September 6, 2022
Enter the Pro-ject Phono Box MM costing less than the repair shop charged me to open up my preamp and tell me that they can't service it. This sturdy metal box, no larger than it needs to be, no annoying lights, no switches, dials, or options, melted into my system and lifted the sound to wear it can be. An unexpected bonus was that record surface noise, already quite low, went completely black (wow).
Thrilled over here. 5 stars.
Clean, natural sounding music on my vintage system
Reviewed in the United States on September 6, 2022
I listen to mostly "classical" LPs on a mostly vintage stereo system (circa '89 Thorens TT, Signet tonearm, Magnepan speakers, Hafler amp, cartridge meticulously aligned). The weak link is a lovely 50-year-old McIntosh preamp (mine has a flaky phono stage - left channel dozes off intermittently, bit of hum).Reviewed in the United States on September 6, 2022
Enter the Pro-ject Phono Box MM costing less than the repair shop charged me to open up my preamp and tell me that they can't service it. This sturdy metal box, no larger than it needs to be, no annoying lights, no switches, dials, or options, melted into my system and lifted the sound to wear it can be. An unexpected bonus was that record surface noise, already quite low, went completely black (wow).
Thrilled over here. 5 stars.
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Sebastiano
Prodotto Fatto bene, Consigliatissimo
Reviewed in Italy on November 27, 2023