The Phono Box E BT5 is part of Pro-Ject’s E Line — a range of compact, entry-level electronics designed to deliver serious hi-fi performance in a minimal footprint. It builds on the standard Phono Box E by adding an integrated Bluetooth 5.2 transmitter, allowing any turntable fitted with a moving magnet cartridge to stream wirelessly to Bluetooth headphones, speakers, or receivers within a 10-metre range.
Dual-Purpose Design
The Phono Box E BT5 operates in two modes. As a conventional phono stage, it accepts a turntable’s output via gold-plated RCA phono inputs, applies precise RIAA equalisation (accurate to within 0.5 dB across the full 20 Hz–20 kHz range), and outputs an amplified line-level signal through a 3.5 mm jack for connection to any hi-fi amplifier. A front-panel push-button switches between the phono input and a secondary 3.5 mm line-level input, making the unit equally useful as a Bluetooth transmitter for any analogue source.
Both outputs — the analogue 3.5 mm line out and the Bluetooth transmitter — are active simultaneously. This means the unit can feed a wired amplifier and stream to wireless headphones at the same time, without any switching or configuration.
Bluetooth 5.2 with High-Resolution Codec Support
The built-in transmitter uses Bluetooth 5.2 and supports aptX, aptX Adaptive, and aptX HD codecs. aptX Adaptive dynamically adjusts its bitrate to balance audio quality against connection stability, while aptX HD delivers 24-bit/48 kHz high-resolution audio when paired with a compatible receiver. The transmitter connects automatically to the nearest compatible receiver with the strongest signal.
For the best wireless audio quality within the Pro-Ject ecosystem, the Phono Box E BT5 pairs naturally with the BT Box E HD — a dedicated high-definition Bluetooth receiver from the same E Line range.
Low-Noise Circuitry
Internal metal shielding protects the sensitive phono circuitry from electromagnetic interference, and the low-noise signal path delivers a signal-to-noise ratio of 74 dB (A-weighted) with total harmonic distortion below 0.04%. An outboard 18V DC power supply keeps the mains transformer away from the audio circuits, further reducing the potential for hum and interference.
Compact Chassis
At just 120 × 32 × 100 mm and weighing 280 g without its power supply, the Phono Box E BT5 is compact enough to sit unobtrusively beside a turntable or tuck behind hi-fi furniture. A ground terminal on the rear panel provides an earth connection for turntables that require one.