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Why This One
Excellent condition - light signs of use, no obvious issues
Fully tested - all applicable functions verified working
Handles both moving-magnet and moving-coil cartridges, so it suits almost any turntable and cartridge combination
The straightforward answer to a modern amplifier with no phono input, letting a turntable connect to any spare line-level socket
Condition: Excellent
This Pro-Ject Phono Box is an excellent-condition phono preamplifier. It has passed our 9-point functional test, with 1 item(s) not applicable to this unit. Please review all photos carefully, as they provide an accurate representation of the cosmetic condition of the product.
What’s Included
Pro-Ject Phono Box MM/MC Phono Preamplifier
Original Box
About This Model
The Pro-Ject Phono Box is the Austrian manufacturer’s long-running external phono stage and one of its most successful products, with over 100,000 units sold worldwide and a standing reputation as a best-buy classic. Most modern amplifiers are built without a dedicated phono input, and the Phono Box exists to solve exactly that: its analogue output connects to any ordinary line input on an amplifier, bringing a turntable back into a system that has no provision for one. It accepts both moving-magnet and moving-coil cartridges, selected by a switch on the rear panel, with 40dB of gain for MM and 60dB for MC, and input impedance of 47kΩ/120pF and 100Ω/120pF respectively. RIAA equalisation is accurate to within 0.5dB across 20Hz to 20kHz, with total harmonic distortion of 0.01% on MM and 0.05% on MC, a noise floor of 94dB A-weighted on MM and 75dB on MC, and maximum output of 9.5V at 1kHz. The circuit uses a dual-mono layout for channel separation and low-noise ICs throughout, with a low-impedance output stage that tolerates longer cable runs, and gold-plated RCA sockets on both input and output. The metal case shields the electronics from vibration and electromagnetic interference, and an outboard power supply keeps mains transformer noise away from the signal. At 103 x 36 x 104mm and 570g it is small enough to sit beside the turntable itself, and standby consumption is under a watt. It was offered with a black or silver faceplate.
A great opportunity to own a Pro-Ject Phono Box at this price point.
This is a buyer’s market for this category, and USD 205 is a fair-to-good price rather than a bargain. Your comparable set puts the median at USD 169, with the 75th percentile at USD 388, so this sits modestly above typical but comfortably below the level that would feel ambitious. The original box and “excellent” condition help justify the premium, especially if the Phono Box is included and tested.
The Debut II remains a sensible, musical entry-level deck: its belt drive, straightforward 33/45-rpm operation, adjustable aluminum arm, and commonly fitted Ortofon OM cartridge make it easy to live with and upgrade. The separate Phono Box is useful upside for systems without a phono input, and the complete packaging is valuable for safe ownership or resale. At USD 205, confirm the belt, cartridge stylus, dust cover, hinges, speed stability, and that the power supply and interconnects are present; verified and complete, it is a worthwhile buy.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Pro-Ject Audio Systems traces its roots to 1991 in Austria's Weinviertel region, north of Vienna, where founder Heinz Lichtenegger launched the brand amid the CD revolution. Kicked out of music school as a youth, Lichtenegger channeled his passion for analog sound into affordable, high-quality turntables at a time when vinyl seemed obsolete. His debut Pro-Ject 1, hand-assembled in the Czech Republic, earned rave reviews as a top high-end device, igniting a success story that relocated headquarters to Vienna before returning to Mistelbach in Lower Austria.
The brand excels in turntables, establishing itself as the world's largest and leading producer in that category, while expanding into a full spectrum of hi-fi components since 2000. Offerings include amplifiers, DACs, headphone amps, speakers, cables, and phono stages, all emphasizing essential sound reproduction with durable materials and minimalist design. Manufacturing remains European—primarily in Czechia, Slovakia, and Germany—prioritizing sustainability through local sourcing, short transport, and products built for longevity.
Pro-Ject holds a commanding niche as the go-to for mid-tier audiophiles seeking boutique European craftsmanship without extravagant pricing. Distributed in over 80 countries, it appeals to vinyl revivalists and discerning buyers who value analog purity, innovation, and value-driven performance over flashy excess, cementing its reputation as a pioneer in accessible high-fidelity.
See all Pro-Ject listings on RADAR.
