Fosi Audio Box X2 Phono Preamp Mini Stereo Audio Hi-Fi Preamplifier with Gain Gear Pre-Amplifier for MM Turntable

Let's jump right to the most glaring bit of misinformation floating around the reviews here. Several reviewers here are stating this pre-amp is for moving magnet type phono cartridges only. NOW I can't speak for ALL "moving coil" carts, but my, Denon DL 103, moving coil, has no apparent (audible) issues with this amp. None. Sounds perfect. I've been transferring my Vinyl to bits and my disk recorder (records like a tape deck but to a CD) was getting really low levels. I could correct this after the fact with SW with no quality issues, but it was awkward. This amp was just the boost I needed. (no gain control on the recorder) SO the selectable output level switch is nice. I'm ok at the lowest, better at the middle, and just a showing a flicker of red on the highest. This was first time I'd ever seen level-leds show any red. Bottom line, Great little amp for the $. Works with any modern, quality cartridge/turntable. You'll notice the instructions don't say jack about "only moving magnet", but the input is labeled "MM". perhaps that's where the confusion sprang from. Fosi may have done that simply because moving magnet are typically less expensive and hence are likely to be what most people will have. The other thing the instructions don't say what input on your main amp/receiver to plug the output from the fosi into. It's just says "connect to your amp" for the record it's Line In or Aux, NOT phono. I plugged mine direct into the line in on my recorder and returned to the amp from the recorder. Lastly Packing. Several guys groused loudly about packing. Mine too was shipped in plain thin, bubble wrap-type bag. But that's fine the way the tubes are packed inside the Fosi box, you could drop the box from 5 feet(ish) over and over and not damage anything but the outside of the box. Final tip. Installing the tubes. They go in pretty tight. So once your sure you're lined up correctly don't be afraid to lean into it a bit. UPDATE MM V MC cartridge compatibility. To be clear, at first listen, THIS particular amp, SEEMS to be fine with at least one particular MC cartg, my Denon DL-103 MC-type cart. No distortion, no hum. Output level perfect, (best on the middle gain setting of 3). But after applying a more critical "ear" I'm not convinced I'm getting all of the clarity and or fullness this legendary DL-103 is famous for. NOW there are a couple possible explanations for this that don't involve this "amp v MC cartridge compatibility" issue. Age of the cartridge being first. While it's well under the life-span limit in hours played, it IS 10 years old. Also, I have never checked, let alone adjusted, the turntable vs tone-arm for level, so there's every reason to assume this (aka "VTA") setting is not optimum. I was shocked to learn how big a SOUND difference this, the angle of the stylus to the groove (VTA) can make. (follow up on that to come) What I can say for now is that the combination of this MC cart and this amp 'sounds' correct, if not "super'. and after playing it last night for about 6 or 7 hours it doesn't appear that either the amp nor the cart is being damaged by the other. If you're wondering if your MC cart will be similarly content with this amp, be advised the "Recommended Load Resistance" on my Denon DL-103 is "100 ohm or more, (except when a transformer is provided)" I believe transformer is what some MC type carts refer to a pre-amp as. The manual for the Fosi X2 doesn't give any ohm rating, load/capacitance, resistance rating number of any kind, input or output. Bottom line this could be a viable "budget option" amp for at least some, MC type carts. Since "proper" MC pre-amp/transformers, start about double what this one costs and run as much as 4 or 5 times more expensive. Read more

Very impressive pre-amp that worked right out of the box, but not without a scarey moment or two. A pre-amp was necessitated as my Audio-Technica table does not have one and my Pioneer SX-10AE receiver lacks a Phono Input, only two Line inputs. To eliminate the 'scarey moments' ensure the selector switch on back of the turntable is in the Phono position after adding the pre-amp or horrible distortion will be the result. And, I believe, the vacuum tubes need to be "broken-in" by running for a short while under load. My 1st LP sounded horrible. I considered returning it or the pre-amp! But, the 2nd and 3rd LPs sounded great. I put the 1st LP back on and it too became great. This demonstrated to me that the new tubes needed a little exercise to perform correctly. Many people describe the sound from from tube type pre-amps as being warm and with other positive descriptions. I'm not sophisticated enough to know what they mean. All I can say is that the sound out of my system is absolutely wonderful. The volume control is a step-switch I woukd have prefered a smooth control without the steps, but this is effective too. I highly recommend the Fosi pre-amp. It's available at a small cost for big, pleasing sound. Read more

Amazing little amp. It looks beautiful. Provides incredibly strong signal to my speaker. I connected this little tube amp to my Audio Technica SL-1200MK5 turntable. The original output from the turntable was too low, but after adding this amp, it’s crazy loud now. Even at the lowest setting, I have to adjust my speaker to be at like 5-10% for comfortable volumes. So it definitely works! It LOOKS amazing, when warmed up, the blue lights and the soft warm orange glow of the amp looks so good. It’s small and fits right on my shelf. It comes with a GROUND screw, thank goodness for good design. My turntable has a ground pin and I didn't have a reliable place to connect it too, but glad this little unit had a place for it. The really helps eliminate any additional noise and the tube amps really help warm up the sound. Tube amps provide odd order harmonics which help make your vinyls sound richer and warmer; coming off from a digital amp, I can definitely tell the difference. Had to be a little careful when installing the tube amps, but glad we can replace them over time as needed. Read more

Warm sound, connected fine, tubes worked. Phono preamp with 4 settings for db gain. Grounding screw worked to prevent hum and pop from 80s era pioneer turntable. Read more

Unit works incredibly well as a partner to my late 80s Sony PS-LX520. Easy to set up and adjust the gain with the selectable knob. It does color the sound a bit more than the pre-amp built into my stereo receiver, but it also sounds fuller than the built-in ever did so I can accept that compromise. The tubes do get a little warm, and hot to the touch, but it's still within operational range specs for them so I don't think that's an issue so much as a 'don't leave within reach of small children' kind of note. If you're looking for a reasonably priced phono pre-amp that gives you the benefits of tube amplification, this is a great choice. Read more

This works great, especially considering the price point. It sounds much better than the built in pre-amp inside my turntable, the difference is noticeable. I use it set at 42db. It sounds very warm. 39 db is similar in volume but not quite as warm sounding. I would definitely recommend this as an entry level phono pre-amp if you want a warmer sounding than your turntable’s built in. Read more