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This Tiny Amp Is an Affordable Upgrade for Traditional Hi-Fi Systems

According to the brand, it’s “one of the most effective pound-for-pound hi-fi upgrades around.”

Pro-Ject Head Box EPro-Ject

By Tucker Bowe

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Pro-Ject, one of the biggest names in budget-friendly audiophile turntables, has unveiled a micro-sized headphone amplifier named the Head Box E.

According to the Austrian hi-fi maker, it’s “one of the most effective pound-for-pound hi-fi upgrades around.”

Pro-Ject Head Box E

Pro-Ject Head Box E
The Pro-Ject Head Box E is a compact headphone amplifier designed to integrate wired headphones into your larger stereo hi-fi system.
Pro-Ject

Plays well with larger hi-fi systems

The Pro-Ject Head Box E is positioned as an affordable way to integrate your wired headphones into a traditional stereo setup, including a CD or vinyl-based system, so you can enjoy a private listening session.

Unlike many other “cheap” amplifiers, the Head Box E features a fully discrete design, providing greater control over the signal path and allowing it to be used in a variety of setups.

On the back of the amplifier, there’s a pair of RCA input and output sockets, the latter serves as a bypass for the audio signal to be sent unaltered through to another amplifier or audio device, such as an integrated amplifier or set of powered speakers.

This design allows the Head Box E to be used as a standalone headphone amp or one that’s situated between hi-fi components and integrated into a larger stereo setup.

Pro-Ject Head Box E
The unique, discrete design of the Head Box E allows it to function as a straightforward headphone amp with a source, such as a laptop or smartphone, or be integrated into a larger CD- or vinyl-based hi-fi system.
Pro-Ject

Works with most headphones

Despite its diminutive size, the Head Box E is kind of a beast. It’s capable of outputting 665 milliwatts (0.665 watts) into 32 ohms, which, according to the brand, should be enough muscle to drive some of the most demanding headphones.

On the front panel, there are two headphone jacks — a 3.5mm and a 6.35mm — that allow it to support a variety of wired headphones. Interestingly, both headphone jacks can be used simultaneously, allowing you and someone else to enjoy a shared private listening session.

Additionally, the Head Box E shares a similar design, featuring a solid metal chassis with machined aluminum controls, as many of Pro-Ject’s other standalone hi-fi components.

Pro-Ject Head Box E
The Pro-Ject Head Box E is, according to the brand, a “micro-sized” headphone amplifier.
Pro-Ject

Price and availability

At the time of writing, the Pro-Ject Head Box E appears to be exclusively sold by Henley Audio, a UK-based audio retailer. It costs £89, which translates to approximately $120.

The Head Box E is not currently available on the Pro-Ject’s US store. We’ll update this post when that changes.

It’s available in two finishes: silver or black.

About the Author:

Tucker Bowe has been on Gear Patrol’s editorial team since 2014. As a Tech Staff Writer, he tracks everything in the consumer tech space, from headphones to smartphones, wearables to home theater systems. If it lights up or makes noise, he probably covers it.

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