Fosi Audio Box X1 Phono Preamp for MM Turntable Mini Stereo Audio Hi-Fi Phonograph/Record Player Preamplifier with 3.5MM Headphone and RCA Output with DC 12V Power Supply

This is simple electronics that just works and occupies a small unobtrusive box ... uh called "BOX." Just plug and play insertion of the RCA cables from my turntable into the input and from the box outputs to the input of my amplifier. No earth loop issues and no need for the fairly well written small manual.The purchase of the preamplifier allowed me to continue using my old stereo amplifier, which does not have a phono input. Previously, I had daisy chained my even older amp with a preamp between the turntable and the main amp. It is much simpler now.The first photo above shows the small form factor of the preamp. It fits in underneath the RCA cables behind the main amp. I glued felt feet to the box to provide better airflow and cooling and to prevent slipping. An earlier reviewer suggested including stick-on rubber feet. I agree, that would be helpful.The power pack which comes with the device is the usual annoying wall-wart type, which we all know uses too much real estate on the power board and blocks other outlets. It is the uppermost one in the photo. You will note that I use Miady Short Power Extension Cords to resolve this issue. These are cheap 8in/20cm extension cords which come in a 10-pack for less than $20. On the upside , the power pack is universal voltage/frequency.On the whole, this was a cheap, direct and simply installed solution to my problem. I did not notice any audio distortion from the preamp; nor did I expect any. Although, I do use it to transcribe my old vinyl records to digital. And the old vinyl is well loved. The scratches are reproduced perfectly.

What a surprise. My 12 year old Emotiva preamp died and was replaced with a new model from Schiit Audio that had no phono section. I rarely listen to my old vinyl so this was not a high $$$ priority in my system. I selected the Fosi X1 for its low price and positive reviews. Used with an AR turntable and a modest Audio Technica cartridge the darn thing sounds better than did the phono stage of my old (and costly) Emotiva preamp! It has adequate gain and a lovely, rich tone quality. Simple setup, good sound, low price. Great!

FOR THOSE WHO CAN REMEMBER.... The 1970's and the first audio renaissance when every magazine, newspaper had an ad abouta cool new audio product. Great times! but unfortunately, you probably had to skip a car payment. This time around in this millennia,the audio products are even better and more of them. Best part, you get to keep your car! The FOSI BOX X1 Preamplifier is just that example.UNBOXING:I bought this, the FOSI Audio BOX X1 on Amazon for $29.99. In my experience there are a lot of preamps on the market and they usually sell for$100 and much, much more. depending on what they can do so I was interested to see what this unit can do.As you open the package you see the carton is actually pretty nice. You get the impression that Fosi Audio really cares about it products andwants you to enjoy the product. Hence the inscription "Hi-Fi Made Fun" This means a lot and it's better than just a plain box.Inside you have protective foam which is holding the unit securely and was designed for this particular device. The Preamp itself, the 12 volt power supply, user's guide which incidentally, are very easy to read. All is packaged well and we're ready to go.FIRST IMPRESSIONS:When you first see the BOX X1, you notice the boxy, utilitarian design. Hence the name. Right away you realize this product is all business.Fosi could've put fancy metallic trim and more for the aesthetics but that would have been really unnecessary in this case and probably added tothe cost defeating the purpose. What we're looking for here is a preamp that does what it's supposed to do and hopefully do it well.The build quality is really good. Solid. It could take some abuse. You should fully expect this product should last for a very long time.Holding it you feel some weight. Not heavy but beefy. For the most part you would lay this flat but it can be stood up on edge if space is an issue.Making it a good choice for desktop applications. I would have liked to have seen rubber feet to keep it from sliding but you can always buy themat the dollar store. On the front you have the Fosi logo, The model number in a metallic bold print and note that it says in bold print "MM PhonoPreamp" which is important to know that it's for moving magnet cartridges only. If you attempt to use a moving coil cartridge or "MC" you will findthat the volume is too low as MC cartridges run at a much lower voltage and need more amplification.Finally on the front you have the Power On/Off "button". Now it's unusual to see a push button on/off switch these days on a product this size butthere's actually a little engineering know how here. If you were to use a toggle switch you commonly see, in time it would probably getdamaged or broken off entirely because of where it's at. In this case the push button is the way to go and besides it's easier to use.The connection panel from left to right, a 3.5mm headphone jack which is an interesting point in it's own. It is actually a low-level audio output.If you connect headphones to it you will notice that it will be at a fixed volume. Usually at a "mild" volume. In the old days a DJ would use thisas a "queing" device for the next record to be played. You can use this as another audio output to send to another amp, recorder or measuringdevice. Next you have the color coded line outputs and phono inputs, a thumb screw ground connection using either a spade connector or bare wire, and finally the 12 volt power supply jack. All seem to connect rather easily.THE SET UP:We will be using an Audio Technica AT-LP120X as a reference table. It's a proven winner and uses the ATVM95E cartridge that's been upgradedwith a Shibata stylus so we know we will be sending a good signal to the BOX X1 preamp. The amplifier will be Fosi BT30D 100 watt amplifierwith the Sound Appeal 6.5 bookshelf speakers. These speakers are the best budget speakers I've used and we'll get a real good sampling.It's a good habit to get into that when you go to power up the system to always turn on the preamp first before the amplifier. This will preventspeaker "bursts" which over time can damage your system.The record I've chosen is Marty Gold and his Orchestra's - Sounds Unlimited. It's actually a "Dynagroove recording and has incredible detail anddynamics. I'll also play Rachmaninoff and Led Zeppelin IV on 1080 gram vinyl for genre testing.SOUND TEST:As I listen to the Marty Gold I get that euphoria that I usually get when this record is played well. Sharp detail of the horns and strings.The quietest triangle to the loudest kettle drum. The BOX X1 is doing it's job and almost seems proud to do it. The Rachmaninoff is a little tougheryet I can hear ALL the strings as if one-by-one. The Led Zeppelin took me back like it should and sounded very good with probably better detailthan I was expecting. I found myself pulling out a few more old favorites and was really enjoying myself.REVIEW:Although it may look like a simple little box, the Fosi BOX X1 phono preamp is a great basic preamp. Solid as a rock. It does everything you need it to do and with the extra output, even does a little more. It processes the audio signal transparently without coloration. For the super affordable price this is perfect for someone just starting in the vinyl record journey, the advanced audiophile needing a basic preamp for a second system or for testing and service purposes.PROS:Solid buildEasy to useMaintains sound quality2 OutputsVery affordableCONS:Utilitarian looksCannot be used for Moving Coil (MC) cartridges<X1 1.jpg>

I have an older JVC record player and it would not connect to my onkyo receiver as it did not have a phono port to amplify. This worked perfectly and is small enough to hide behind the player.

I bought this with the FOSI TB10 600-Watt Amplifier. I restored an antique Rock-Ola jukebox and got it working well, except that the Audio Amp in it could never be made to sound good and it would drop out entirely sometimes. I rewired the jukebox and the built in speaker system to go through the FOSI preamp and amplifier. It works absolutely beautifully! This old juke has never sounded better. Easy to connect everything and the output is plenty loud and excellent fidelity. Highly recommend. I will buy these again for future restoration projects when the original cannot be fixed.

I'm completely blown away by how well this little "box" works. It went from "Meh." to "Amazing!" From I can barely hear it sitting in front of it, to I can hear it all over the house! I used it to hook up my new Sony turntable to my good old (and it is old) Sony system. I could not be happier and you certainly can't beat the price for what it did for my system. No distortion, perfectly clear. I love it. Thank you!