Pro-Ject Audio Systems, the Austrian company best known for its turntables and compact audio gear, has introduced a new entry in its “E” line: the Head Box E. Designed as a compact, affordable headphone amplifier, the Head Box E offers a straightforward way to improve the performance of wired headphones, especially when used in conjunction with traditional two-channel systems like vinyl setups or CD players.

At just 103 x 37 x 120 mm and weighing under 400 grams, the Head Box E is small enough to sit on any desk or shelf without taking over. But don’t let the size fool you—this little box is rated at 665 milliwatts into 32 ohms and supports headphones with impedances all the way up to 600 ohms. That means it can handle a wide range of headphones, even those that usually need a beefier amp to perform their best.

Most headphone amps in this price range (it sells for £89 / $120) use integrated chips to keep costs and size down. Pro-Ject, however, went with fully discrete circuitry instead. That basically means the internal components are separate rather than packed into one chip, which gives the designers more control over how the signal moves through the amp. In practical terms, it can lead to more stable performance and also makes it easier to repair or service if needed down the line.

The design is about as simple as it gets. On the front, there's a volume knob and two headphone outputs: a 6.3mm jack and a 3.5mm one. You can use both at the same time if you want to listen with a friend. Around the back, you’ll find a pair of RCA inputs and a loop output—so if you’re using the amp in a vinyl or CD setup, the signal can pass right through to another component without losing connection.

If you’re into spec sheets, here’s what the Head Box E offers: a frequency response of 20Hz to 80kHz (±0.2dB), 11dB of gain, and a signal-to-noise ratio of -105 dBV. Output impedance is under 1 ohm, and total harmonic distortion and noise (THD+N) comes in under 0.005%. 

None of those numbers are going to set the world on fire, but they’re solid and indicate that this amp should deliver clean, accurate sound. Power comes from a 5V DC supply, and in standby mode, it draws less than half a watt.

What’s notably missing is an internal DAC—so this is strictly an analog device. If you're connecting it to a digital source like a laptop or smartphone, you’ll need to make sure that device already has a headphone jack or you're using an external DAC.

The Head Box E is probably best suited to anyone who's already got a stereo setup and wants to add headphone capability without a lot of fuss. It’s also a good fit for listeners who are using power-hungry headphones and finding that their current amp—or the headphone jack on their stereo receiver—just isn’t cutting it. And for those who like to keep things tidy, its small size and no-nonsense interface make it ideal for desktop setups or smaller spaces.

That said, it’s not going to replace high-end gear. There are no digital inputs, no balanced connections, and no extra features like gain switches. This is a basic headphone amp—and that’s kind of the point. If you already have your audio source sorted and just need a clean way to power your headphones, the Head Box E does the job without adding complexity.

Pro-Ject has kept the design straightforward, too. The amp comes in a black metal housing with your choice of a black or silver front panel. No lights, no fancy branding—just a sturdy little box that blends in with the rest of your gear.

Technical Specifications: 

• Analogue inputs: 1 pair RCA/Cinch sockets (line-level)
• Analogue loop outputs: 1 pair RCA/Cinch (bypass)
• Crosstalk: 65dB
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 103 x 37 x 120 mm
• Finish: Solid metal housing with black body and choice of silver or black front panel
• Frequency response: 20Hz – 80kHz (±0.2dB)
• Gain: 11dB
• Headphone impedance support: 8 – 600 Ohms
• Headphone outputs: 1 x 6.3mm jack, 1 x 3.5mm jack (both usable simultaneously)
• Output impedance (headphone): < 1 Ohm
• Power output: 665 mW (into 32 ohms)
• Power supply: 5V / 0.5A DC
• Signal-to-noise ratio: -105 dBV
• Standby power consumption: < 0.5W
• THD +N: < 0.005%
• Weight: 390 g (without power supply)

The Head Box E won’t win any awards for innovation or flashy features, but that’s not really what it’s aiming for. It’s a small, affordable solution for anyone who wants better headphone sound without a big investment. If you're using a turntable, a CD player, or just want to give your wired headphones some extra juice on your desktop, it's a practical piece of gear to have in the mix.

It's available now for £89 / $120, and at this price, it’s one of the simpler ways to step up your headphone game, without stepping too far outside your comfort zone.