Clever Boxes by Pro–ject Audio Systems

Is this what you need? Audio electronics that are small, of good quality and great value? European manufacturer Pro–ject provides the solution and their clever boxes are cute to boot. Over their 18 years Pro–ject’s reputation has lain with their turntables. During this time however, they have developed their electronic accessories range.

Pro–ject began with a desire to provide those on a small budget with the best possible sounding equipment. So less is more rings true with Pro–ject. They make it possible with simple but functional designs. They use clever circuit layouts and harness up to date digital technology. There are no unnecessary features but each box is proudly ‘Made in Europe’ with premium components. All cabinets are made from die cast aluminium with brushed aluminium faceplates in a choice of black or silver. All this results in modern, easy to use electronics with a small footprint. Most boxes are 104 mm square, although you need to allow extra for plugs at the back, and are 40mm high. The range covers all needs and in some cases a choice of quality level. Here we've picked out the ones that have grabbed our attention and proved most popular.

The Pro–ject Boxes began with the PhonoBox now in it’s mark two iteration. This has long been the perfect solution to systems where the amplifier does not include a phono stage. So a discreet and inexpensive answer is called for. PhonoBox II NZ$ 245 is suitable for both MM and MC cartridges.

These days many wish to transfer their vinyl to computer so Pro–ject came up with the PhonoBox II USB NZ$ 295. The new Mk2 version includes volume control at the same price. This has additional Burr–Brown 16–bit Sigma Delta A/D converters and is compatible with Windows, MacOS and Linux. Plus there is the straight USBBox NZ$ 245 that manages lossless transfer of digital data into analogue audio. The beauty of this is that being made by a specialist audio company you can be assured that your music will sound great. The new SwitchBox NZ$ 295 is an input expander.

Another phono stage that we really like, and not just because of it’s ‘Dr Who’ look, is the TubeBox II NZ$ 645. It has a wonderful analogue–ie sound that will bring new life from your vinyl.

We’re spoilt for choice with iPod docks but the most popular one is the Pro–ject DockBox NZ$ 295. This is due to it’s cost effective great sound, small footprint and a design that is simplicity in action.

How about a pint sized yet rich sounding FM radio tuner? TunerBox NZ$ 395 is a little honey and would make an inexpensive but much loved addition to your collection of Pro–ject boxes.

By now you must be asking about amplification. We’d usually be steering you towards an option like the Rotel RA05 or Perreaux Silhouette but we recognise the appeal of the Pro–ject boxes. So your options here are the two–input PreBox NZ$ 395, along with the 2x20 watt AmpBox NZ$ 495 or the 28 watt Mono AmpBox NZ$ 445. These little pieces come from a strong heritage of specialist audio design along with advanced digital technology. Hence the detailed and dynamic sound they produce. 12 volt triggers have them switch everything on and off together. Mono AmpBox gives you a myriad of possibilities such as bi–amping.

For a cool looking set up the clever Pro–ject people have come up with DesignBox. There are two sizes. The first, as seen in the picture at the top of this page, fits two standard size boxes or one ‘SE’ box, NZ$ 95. The second can take four standard or two SE boxes, NZ$ 115. Colour choices include Piano Black or Rosewood. Both have a DockBox variant with a top cutout.

Speakers and Connections

Finally to complete your neat little system would you like some equally good but compact speakers? We suggest the Monitor Audio ‘Radius’ speaker range would be ideal. If you would like to go to something a bit more special in interconnects we recommend the Kimber ‘Tonik’ at NZ$ 150 for a half meter pair.

Why buy your Pro–ject turntable from Totally Wired?

We know turntables - we have had a Linn LP12 at home for the last 20 years and we’ve spent many hours setting up and modifying the baby. Not to mention trying numerous cartridge and phono stage combinations - so we have a few clues about analogue.

We set them up properly - Linn training is pretty useful for this and we have all the right tools and bits. And we listen to every turntable before it goes out.

Take the time to talk to us and you’ll get the right turntable - this includes making sure you have the optimum cartridge and phono stage for your given budget.

We make a worthwhile donation to the World Wide Fund for Nature with every turntable sold.

Direct Contact

John Ransley and Sharon Guytonbeck are the principals behind Totally Wired. It’s our own business and we take pride in building something worthwhile.

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Clever Boxes by Pro–ject Audio Systems

Speakers and Connections

Why buy your Pro–ject turntable from Totally Wired?

Direct Contact

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