Pro-Ject Record Box E at Vinyl Sound Toronto Canada

The Record Box E is a phono preamplifier with integrated analogue-to-digital conversion and USB output from Pro-Ject Audio Systems (Vienna, Austria), available at Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada. Compatible with both moving-magnet and moving-coil cartridges, this compact unit delivers RIAA-equalised phono amplification for analogue playback while simultaneously offering the ability to digitise vinyl directly to a computer via USB. The circuit design draws on the principles of Dr. Sykora, combining SMD construction with a Burr Brown PCM2904 A/D converter, internal metal shielding, and an outboard DC power supply to keep noise and distortion at a remarkably low level for an entry-level phono stage. No additional drivers are required on Windows, Mac OS, or Linux.

Dr. Sykora Circuit Design and Dual MM/MC Phono Amplification

The Record Box E is built around a phono preamplifier circuit inspired by Dr. Sykora, an approach that prioritises RIAA equalisation accuracy and low noise across the full audible bandwidth. RIAA curve accuracy is held to within 0.5 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, ensuring faithful tonal reproduction from any well-set-up cartridge. Moving-magnet cartridges connect at 47 kilohms input impedance with 40 dB of gain, while low-output moving-coil cartridges connect at 100 ohms with 60 dB of gain. Total harmonic distortion is held below 0.01% in MM mode and below 0.05% in MC mode. The noise floor reaches 94 dB A-weighted for MM and 75 dB A-weighted for MC, figures that significantly outperform the phono stages built into most budget turntables and integrated amplifiers. SMD component construction keeps signal paths short and consistent, and an internal metal shield prevents electromagnetic interference from reaching the audio circuitry.

Burr Brown PCM2904 A/D Converter and Driverless USB Recording

Integrated alongside the phono amplifier stage is a Burr Brown PCM2904 16-bit delta-sigma analogue-to-digital converter, which digitises the phono-equalised signal and outputs it via a mini-USB connection to any Windows, Mac OS, or Linux computer. The PCM2904 is a class-compliant USB audio device, meaning the operating system recognises it automatically with no additional drivers needed. Sampling rates of 32kHz, 44.1kHz, and 48kHz are supported, with 44.1kHz being the standard CD-quality setting used by most recording software. Free applications such as Audacity, available on all three operating systems, are sufficient to capture, edit, and export vinyl recordings in any standard digital audio format. The analogue RCA line output operates simultaneously with the USB output, so the Record Box E can feed an amplifier for playback while recording to a computer at the same time.

Key Features

• MM and MC Cartridge Compatibility: Supports moving-magnet cartridges at 47 kilohms / 40 dB gain and low-output moving-coil cartridges at 100 ohms / 60 dB gain, covering virtually all turntable and cartridge combinations.
• Dr. Sykora Inspired Circuit Design: A phono amplifier topology developed for accurate RIAA equalisation and low noise, delivering audiophile performance at an entry-level price point.
• RIAA Equalisation Accuracy: Curve accuracy within 0.5 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz for faithful tonal reproduction from any cartridge.
• Burr Brown PCM2904 A/D Converter: A 16-bit delta-sigma converter from Burr Brown digitises the phono signal at 32, 44.1, or 48kHz for recording directly to any computer.
• Driverless USB Operation: Class-compliant USB audio requires no additional drivers on Windows, Mac OS, or Linux for immediate plug-and-play vinyl digitisation.
• Simultaneous Analogue and Digital Output: The RCA line output and USB digital output operate at the same time, allowing playback through an amplifier and recording to a computer in a single session.
• SMD Circuitry with Low-Noise Components: Surface-mount design with specially selected low-noise components keeps noise and distortion at the minimum possible level for the circuit topology.
• Internal Metal Shielding: A metal shield inside the chassis blocks electromagnetic interference from affecting the sensitive phono and A/D conversion stages.
• Gold-Plated RCA Sockets: Both the input and output RCA connectors are gold-plated to resist oxidation and maintain reliable, low-resistance connections.
• Outboard DC Power Supply Included: An external 18V / 500mA power supply keeps mains noise well away from the analogue and digital audio circuitry.
• Compact Form Factor: At 120 x 32 x 100mm and 250g, the Record Box E can be positioned directly alongside or behind a turntable without requiring dedicated shelf space.
• Available in Black or White: Two finish options to suit different system aesthetics.

Technical Specifications

Connections at a Glance

• Phono input: stereo RCA (gold-plated), switchable MM / MC
• Analogue line output: stereo RCA (gold-plated) to amplifier or active speakers
• Digital output: mini-USB Type B to Windows, Mac OS, or Linux computer
• Power input: 18V DC (outboard supply included)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Pro-Ject Record Box E?

The Pro-Ject Record Box E is a dual-function phono preamplifier and vinyl digitisation interface from Pro-Ject Audio Systems of Vienna, Austria. It amplifies and RIAA-equalises the signal from any moving-magnet or moving-coil cartridge for playback through an amplifier, while simultaneously converting that signal to digital audio via a built-in Burr Brown PCM2904 16-bit A/D converter and outputting it over USB to a Windows, Mac OS, or Linux computer. No drivers are required, and recording software such as the free Audacity application can capture the signal immediately after connecting.

How does the Record Box E compare to the Rega Fono Mini A2D or Audio-Technica AT-LP2X?

The Pro-Ject Record Box E is a standalone phono preamplifier with USB digitisation, and differs meaningfully from competing options like the Rega Fono Mini A2D and the built-in preamp on turntables such as the Audio-Technica AT-LP2X. Unlike the AT-LP2X's internal phono stage, the Record Box E supports both moving-magnet and low-output moving-coil cartridges, providing 40 dB or 60 dB of gain respectively. Compared to the Rega Fono Mini A2D, the Record Box E offers the MC input option and a Dr. Sykora inspired circuit that delivers a noise floor of 94 dB A-weighted in MM mode. For listeners who already own a turntable and want to add both standalone phono amplification and USB recording capability in a single compact unit, the Record Box E is a focused and cost-effective solution.

Can I record vinyl to my computer using the Record Box E without buying extra software?

Yes, the Record Box E works immediately with free recording software on all supported operating systems. Audacity is a free, open-source application available for Windows, Mac OS, and Linux that can record the USB signal from the Record Box E, edit the resulting audio, and export it as MP3, WAV, FLAC, or other common formats. No additional drivers are needed as the Burr Brown PCM2904 chip uses the USB audio class built into every modern operating system. Users familiar with GarageBand on Mac, or other digital audio workstations, can use those applications equally well.

What is RIAA equalisation and why does it matter for vinyl playback?

RIAA equalisation is a standardised treble-boost and bass-cut applied to audio during vinyl record cutting, and the corresponding inverse curve that a phono preamplifier must apply during playback to restore a flat frequency response. Without accurate RIAA equalisation, vinyl playback sounds either thin and bright or heavy and dull depending on which side of the curve is misapplied. The Record Box E holds its RIAA curve accuracy to within 0.5 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, meaning every frequency across the full audible range is reproduced correctly and with minimal deviation from the intended tonal balance of the recording.

Where can I buy the Pro-Ject Record Box E in Toronto or Canada?

The Pro-Ject Record Box E is available at Vinyl Sound, an authorised Pro-Ject Audio Systems dealer in Toronto, Canada. Vinyl Sound can advise on cartridge compatibility, gain settings for MM and MC cartridges, and how to integrate the Record Box E into any existing turntable setup for both playback and vinyl digitisation.

Does the Record Box E work with a moving-coil cartridge?

Yes, the Record Box E includes a dedicated MC input configured for low-output moving-coil cartridges at 100 ohms input impedance and 60 dB of gain. This covers the majority of low-output MC cartridges used on mid-range and upper-mid-range turntables. The MM input at 47 kilohms and 40 dB of gain covers all standard moving-magnet cartridges and high-output moving-coil designs. Switching between MM and MC is handled by a selector on the unit.

Can I use the Record Box E for playback and recording at the same time?

Yes, the Record Box E outputs both its analogue RCA line signal and its USB digital signal simultaneously. This means a listener can connect the RCA output to an amplifier for real-time playback through speakers while the USB output feeds a computer running recording software. There is no need to choose between monitoring the playback and capturing the recording, making the workflow for digitising a vinyl collection straightforward and uninterrupted.

What recording software should I use with the Record Box E on a Mac?

On Mac OS, the Record Box E is recognised automatically as a USB audio input device with no drivers required. The free Audacity application is compatible and fully functional for recording, trimming, and exporting vinyl recordings. GarageBand, which is included free with Mac OS, also accepts the Record Box E as an audio input source. Pro-Ject notes that on some Mac OS versions, the free LineIn utility from Rogue Amoeba may be needed to enable simultaneous monitoring through the Mac's audio output while recording via USB.