Pro-Ject Launches Cleverly Named Headphone Amplifier

The eternal quest for richer, more powerful headphone sound just got cheaper. Pro-Ject, renowned for affordable high-fidelity gear, has launched the Head Box E—a pocket-sized powerhouse promising to unlock premium audio for under £90. With audiophile-grade features typically costing twice as much, this budget headphone amplifier aims to redefine value in personal audio.

Pro-Ject Head Box E: Engineering Excellence Meets Accessibility

Compact Design, Serious Performance
Weighing just 390g and small enough to slide into a coat pocket, the Head Box E defies its size with Pro-Ject’s claim that it drives “even the most demanding headphones.” Its minimalist aluminum chassis houses dual outputs: a 6.3mm jack for studio-grade headphones and a 3.5mm port for everyday earbuds, enabling shared listening sessions. Unlike many budget amps using integrated chips, Pro-Ject employs fully discrete electronics—a design choice allowing precise control over the signal path. This translates to lower distortion, higher current delivery (665mW into 32 ohms), and easier repairability.

Versatile Connectivity
The rear panel features RCA inputs for turntables, CD players, or streaming devices, plus a bypass RCA loop output. This lets users integrate the Head Box E into existing hi-fi systems as a dedicated headphone stage—bypassing often-mediocre built-in headphone amps in stereo receivers. Pro-Ject notes this setup can outperform typical two-channel amplifiers in clarity and drive.

Why the Head Box E Disrupts the Budget Amplifier Market

Price-to-Performance Revolution
Priced at £89 (~$120/AU$180), the Head Box E undercuts rivals like the AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt (£199) and iFi Zen DAC V2 (£159) by nearly 50%. Industry analysts note this aggressive pricing pressures competitors to elevate entry-level offerings. “Discrete circuitry at this price point is exceptional,” says audio engineer Mark Cohen. “Most budget amps rely on op-amps, which limit dynamic range.”

Technical Advantages Over Entry-Level Rivals

• Power Reserve: 665mW output dwarfs dongle-style amps (typically 30-100mW), crucial for high-impedance headphones like Sennheiser HD 650s.
• Dual Outputs: Shared listening capability absent in most portable amps.
• Signal Integrity: Shorter internal wiring reduces interference, preserving detail in vocals and instruments.

Pro-Ject’s “E” series—including the Stereo Box E amplifier—has a track record of delivering accessible hi-fi. The Head Box E extends this philosophy, positioning itself as “one of the most effective pound-for-pound hi-fi upgrades around.”

Real-World Applications: From Portability to Hi-Fi Integration

On-the-Go Audiophile Experience
For commuters or travelers, the Head Box E pairs with smartphones or DAPs (digital audio players), transforming compressed streams into expansive soundscapes. Its robust power handles planar magnetic headphones, which typically demand desktop-grade amplification.

Home System Enhancement
Vinyl enthusiasts can connect turntables via a phono preamp, then route signals to both headphones and speakers. The bypass output enables seamless switching between private and shared listening—ideal for late-night sessions. Pro-Ject’s internal testing shows a 15-20% improvement in transient response compared to budget receivers’ headphone jacks.

Must Know

What headphones work best with the Head Box E?

The amp’s 665mW output efficiently drives high-impedance models (e.g., Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro 250Ω) and planar magnetics like Hifiman Sundara. For low-impedance IEMs, use the 3.5mm jack to avoid overpowering.

Does it include a DAC (digital-to-analog converter)?

No. The Head Box E is an analog amplifier only. Pair it with an external DAC for digital sources. Pro-Ject recommends their DAC Box E for a matching budget stack.

How does it compare to dongle-style amps?

Dongles (e.g., Apple USB-C) prioritize portability over power. The Head Box E offers 6x more output, discrete components, and system integration—making it ideal for critical listening.

Can I use it with a turntable?

Yes, but you’ll need a separate phono preamp between your turntable and the Head Box E’s RCA inputs. Pro-Ject’s Phono Box E is a natural pairing.

Is the Head Box E available globally?

Yes. It ships internationally through Pro-Ject’s retailers. Pricing may vary slightly by region due to tariffs.

When will reviews be available?

Independent audio publications expect test units by late July. Check trusted sources like Audio Science Review for measurements.

The Pro-Ject Head Box E budget headphone amplifier shatters expectations, proving high-fidelity sound needn’t command premium prices. With pro-grade power, discrete engineering, and unmatched versatility at £89, it’s poised to become the entry point for discerning listeners. Ready to elevate your headphones? Keep this game-changing amp on your radar—and stay tuned for our hands-on review.