Pro-Ject Tube Box E - Instructions for Use

Dear music lover, thank you for purchasing a Pro-Ject Audio Systems phono amplifier. In order to achieve maximum performance and reliability, you should study these instructions for use carefully.

⚠️ Warning of a hazard for the user, the unit or possible misuse.

Important notice.

Safety Instructions

AC outlet voltages vary from country to country. Before connecting to the mains, make sure that the voltage in your area meets the voltage requirements printed on the power supply. The power supply is used to disconnect the unit from the mains. Make sure that the power supply is easily accessible at all times. Never handle the device or the power supply with wet or damp hands. Avoid letting liquids enter the device or the power supply. Never place any item containing liquid, such as a flower vase, on or near the device. Never spill any liquid on the device or the power supply. Never place any naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, on or near the device. The product shall not be used in damp or wet locations, next to a bathtub, sink, swimming pool, or any other similar conditions.

Settings

Use the DIP switches at the bottom of the unit to set input capacitance and input impedance. Please set both channels equally. To find out which type your cartridge is, please consult the literature accompanying your cartridge. The literature for cartridges should also specify the correct input impedance (low-output MC cartridges) and the correct input capacitance (high-output MC and MM cartridges) into which the cartridge is designed to work. If in doubt, please consult your dealer.

⚠️ To alter settings, the unit must be disconnected from the power supply and the amplifier.

Setting for MM and high output MC cartridges

47pF is the basic, lowest fixed setting. DIP switches 1, 2, and 3 add more capacitance.

• Input capacitance 147pF (DIP: 1-OFF, 2-OFF, 3-ON)
• Input capacitance 267pF (DIP: 1-OFF, 2-ON, 3-OFF)
• Input capacitance 367pF (DIP: 1-ON, 2-OFF, 3-ON)
• Input capacitance 487pF (DIP: 1-ON, 2-ON, 3-OFF)
• Input capacitance 587pF (DIP: 1-ON, 2-ON, 3-ON)

DIP switches 4-8 set to OFF represents a value of 47kohms.

Setting for MC cartridges

Input capacitance is irrelevant for low-output MC cartridges.

• Input impedance 10 ohms (DIP: 4-OFF, 5-OFF, 6-OFF, 7-OFF, 8-ON)
• Input impedance 100 ohms (DIP: 4-OFF, 5-OFF, 6-OFF, 7-ON, 8-OFF)
• Input impedance 470 ohms (DIP: 4-OFF, 5-OFF, 6-ON, 7-OFF, 8-OFF)
• Input impedance 1 kOhms (DIP: 4-OFF, 5-ON, 6-OFF, 7-OFF, 8-OFF)
• Input impedance 2 kOhms (DIP: 4-ON, 5-OFF, 6-OFF, 7-OFF, 8-OFF)

(Combinations are also possible)

Examples of Typical Settings

Ortofon 2M Red (MM): Input capacitance 147pF, input impedance 47kohms. Settings: 3-ON, rest-OFF.

Ortofon X5-MC (High-Output MC): Input capacitance 367pF, input impedance 47kohms. Settings: 1,3-ON, rest-OFF.

Ortofon Rondo Red (Low-Output MC): Input impedance 10ohms. Input capacitance is irrelevant for low-output MC cartridges. Settings: 8-ON, rest-OFF.

Connectors

[UKCA] [FC] [CE] Audio Tuning Vertriebs GesmbH, Pro-Ject Audio Systems, Margaretenstrasse 98, A-1050 Wien.

The rear panel features input and output connectors. The 'In' section has Left and Right connectors for the record player signal. The 'Out' section has Left and Right connectors for connection to an amplifier's line input. A power input socket is labeled '18V ==='.

Connections

Make all connections whilst the phono amplifier is disconnected from the power supply. Take care to connect the left and right channels correctly. The right channel is usually marked red, the left channel black or white. Do not connect the phono amplifier's output to a phono input (sometimes labelled 'gram', 'disc', or 'RIAA') on the amplifier. Never use any other power supply than the one supplied with the unit.

Connecting the Record Player

Connect the tonearm signal lead to the 'In' of the phono amplifier. The earthing wire may be connected to the screw terminal if you encounter hum problems when using the record player.

Connection to the Amplifier

Connect the 'Out' of the phono amplifier to a line input (such as AUX, CD, Tuner, Tape, or Video) on your amplifier.

Mains Power Connection

Connect the low voltage plug from the power supply to the Power 18V DC socket of the phono amplifier before connecting the power supply to the mains.

Front Panel Controls

The front panel features controls for power, gain, and a subsonic filter.

Stand-By

The button on the left side of the front panel turns the unit on or returns it to standby mode. The blue LED above the stand-by push button indicates that the unit is switched on.

Gain Setting

Buttons marked with [increase gain] and [decrease gain] set the gain of the amplifier. The selected value is indicated by LED. Possible settings are 40, 43, 50, 53, 60, and 63dB.

Subsonic Filter

The button on the right side of the front panel turns the subsonic filter on and off. The blue LED above the button is illuminated when it is active.

Technical Specifications: Pro-Ject Tube Box E

A: Typical for low output MC cartridges, B: Typical for MM or high output MC cartridges. * Input capacitance is irrelevant for low-output MC cartridges.

Potential Incorrect Use and Fault Conditions

No signal on one or both channels: No connection between player and phono amplifier or amplifier. This could be due to a faulty plug, broken wire or solder joint, or simply a loose plug/socket connection.

Strong hum: No earth connection from cartridge or arm, or arm cable to phono amplifier, or earth loop.

Output too quiet or too loud, or distorted: Input gain incorrectly set - input overloading or insufficiently amplified.

Should you encounter a problem which you are not able to alleviate or identify, please contact your dealer for further advice. Only if the problem cannot be resolved there, the unit should be sent to the responsible distributor in your country.

Service

Should you encounter a problem which you are not able to alleviate or identify, please contact your dealer for further advice. Only if the problem cannot be resolved there, the unit should be sent to the responsible distributor in your country.

Warranty and Copyright

Warranty

The manufacturer accepts no responsibility for damage caused by not adhering to these instructions for use. Modification or changes to any part of the product by unauthorized persons release the manufacturer from any liability over and above the lawful rights of the customer.

Copyright and Trademarks

Pro-Ject Audio Systems is a registered Trademark of H. Lichtenegger. This guide was produced by: Pro-Ject Audio Systems. Copyright © 2025. All rights reserved.

The information was correct at the time of going to press. The manufacturer reserves the right to make changes to the technical specification without prior notice as deemed necessary to uphold the ongoing process of technical development.

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)

[WEEE symbol] This directive mandates the collection and recycling of electronics and component materials in order to reduce the amount going to landfills. Outside North America, when the user decides to discard this product, it must be sent to a separate collection facility for recycling. Please contact your point of purchase for more details.

EU Conformity Declaration

We, Pro-Ject Audio Systems, a division of Audio Tuning GmbH, Margaretenstrasse 98, 1050 Vienna, Austria, declare under our whole responsibility that the products: Tube Box E, to which this declaration relates, is in conformity with the following harmonized standards for: LVD: STN EN 62368-1:2018, EMCD: EN 55032:2015, EMCD: EN 55035:2017.

Following the provisions of EC directives as follows: LVD: 2014/35/EU, EMCD: 2014/30/EU. And the EC regulation 1275/2008 and its framework directive 2009/125/EC for energy related products (ErP) according to the test performed under the following technical standard: EN 50564:2011.

Pro-Ject Audio Systems, a division of Audio Tuning GmbH, 1050 Vienna, Austria, Margaretenstrasse 98, info@project-audio.com