Pro-Ject Tubebox SE review

A good phono stage, but it needs more enthusiasm for the task Tested at £350.00

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

It’s a good phono stage, but it needs more enthusiasm for the task

Pros

  • +

    It boasts a subtle performance

  • +

    wide soundstage

  • +

    great detail

  • +

    valve quirkiness

Cons

  • -

    Needs more get up and go, fiddly adjustments, instructions aren’t the clearest

Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.

Ah, valves. How we like their delicacy, sonic warmth and the way they light up. At first glance, then, it would seem that Pro-ject has aimed its stylish and weighty Tubebox SE directly at people like us.

As well as possessing MM to MC switching, this phono amp allows you to make fine adjustments to compensate for cartridge loading. The adjusters are on the rear and are very fiddly, using tiny bridging bars.

There's also a subsonic filter, which helps to eliminate rumble and other troublesome deep frequencies.

In use, the Tubebox SE produces an impressively wide soundstage that makes full use of stereo imaging, and is nicely detailed. There's a real openness to the sound, too.

With all styles, the Tubebox supplies a well-balanced performance that incorporates a sweet, fluid midrange. Dynamics are handled well, and subtlety and delicacy – vital when playing Carmina Burana – is really welcome.

But for all its delicacy and openness, it needs more get up and go to cross the line between ‘good' and ‘great'. It's a safe listen, but that's not enough to earn five stars.

What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.


Read more about how we test