Compact Audio Amplifier from Pro-Jet Delivers High-Quality Sound at an Affordable Cost
### News Article: Pro-Ject Head Box E Delivers Powerful, Compact Headphone Amplification
In the world of high-fidelity audio, Pro-Ject, a renowned name for its turntables, has expanded its product line with the introduction of the Head Box E, a pocket-sized headphone amplifier. Launched in July 2025, the Head Box E promises to deliver a powerful and clean sound, especially for listeners with demanding headphones, at an affordable price point of £89 (around $120).
The Head Box E sets itself apart with its fully discrete electronics, a feature that Pro-Ject claims outperforms the headphone stages usually found in stereo amps. This design choice allows for more robust power handling, cleaner sound, and easier servicing.
Weighing just 390g and measuring 103 x 37 x 120 mm, the Head Box E is compact enough to fit comfortably in a pocket or on a desk. Its solid metal chassis, available in silver or black, adds to its robust build quality.
For connectivity, the Head Box E includes both 6.4mm and 3.5mm headphone outputs (usable simultaneously), RCA input and output (bypass), and USB-C power. This versatile setup allows it to integrate easily into traditional hi-fi systems, such as turntables and CD players, or to be used as a standalone amp.
The Head Box E delivers 665 milliwatts into 32 ohms, ensuring it can drive even demanding headphones with impedances up to 600 ohms. Its output impedance is less than 1 ohm, making it suitable for sensitive in-ear monitors.
While detailed independent reviews are still emerging, Pro-Ject and early reports emphasize cleaner, more stable performance compared to chip-based amps in the same range. The Head Box E's versatility, easy integration, and robust sound quality make it a strong contender in the budget-friendly headphone amplifier market.
However, it's worth noting that the Head Box E lacks a built-in DAC, requiring an external source with analog output. Additionally, its modest power output may not satisfy users with extremely power-hungry planar magnetic models.
In comparison to other headphone amps in the market, the Head Box E offers a competitive value proposition. It is about half the price of its main competitors, such as the AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt and the iFi Zen DAC V2, while offering more power and a discrete circuit design. However, the DragonFly Cobalt and Zen DAC V2 offer built-in DACs and, in the case of the Zen DAC V2, balanced outputs, which the Head Box E lacks.
In summary, the Pro-Ject Head Box E is a compact, affordable, and well-built headphone amplifier that delivers a powerful and clean sound. Its discrete circuitry and sensible feature set make it a standout in the sub-$150 category, though it lacks the digital integration and advanced features of some pricier rivals. If you need a simple, powerful, and serviceable headphone amp for analog sources, the Head Box E is a compelling choice.
The Pro-Ject Head Box E, with its powerful sound and pocket-sized design, could be an excellent addition to a lifestyle that values high-fidelity audio, complementing a home-and-garden setup that includes a turntable or CD player. Its versatile connectivity options extend its application into the realm of technology, offering easy integration into modern audio systems.
