Fosi Audio Box X2 Phono Preamp Review

Fosi Audio Box X2 Phono Preamp Review - Tube Pre Only $70!?

Рет қаралды 20,319

Күн бұрын

With a highly attractive price tag of just $70, the Fosi Audio Box X2 tube phono preamplifier has rightly caught the attention of value-seeking vinyl enthusiasts. But at such a low cost, can it really improve the sound of your records? Join me for a complete review of this impossibly cheap tube phono stage.
Product Links: (AAL = Amazon Affiliate Link):
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Fosi Audio Box X2 (AAL):
geni.us/fosi-audio-box-x2
Tube Upgrade (AAL):
geni.us/rivertone-tubes
Partner/Sponsor Discounts:
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Partner/Sponsor Discounts:
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Vinyl Moon - Record Subscription (SOUNDMATTERS10)
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______________________________________________________________
Have you used the Fosi Audio Box X2? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.
Did you upgrade the tubes? Let me know your findings.
Full Sound Matters review:
www.yoursoundmatters.com/fosi...
#vinylrecords #vinylcommunity #fosiaudio #tubephonopreamp #audiophile #HiFi

Пікірлер: 74

@soundmatters 8 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching! 🎶🎧 Do drop your comments and questions below. If you'd like to support the channel, check the video description for many DISCOUNT CODES codes to enjoy money off various products and feed your vinyl habit! (I earn a small commission - no additional cost to you). Thank you for your support!

@nattyco 9 ай бұрын

The Fosi sounds way above its price. Changing tubes can make a big difference.. The class of tubes used is relatively cheap too. I'm using EI 6HM5's. Wonderful sound.

@Mean_Gene_69 3 ай бұрын

May I ask what did the new tubes do for you? Specifically what deficiencies did the new tubes fix and where did you purchase them? I’m very new to the “tube experience “ and I’d really appreciate any guidance you can offer 🙏

@Jwhip21 5 ай бұрын

Just set mine up today. Thanks for the good information.

@soundmatters 5 ай бұрын

Glad it helped! Enjoy!

@rileyhunnicutt9351 11 ай бұрын

Thank you for the review! I'm currently in the process of upgrading my turntable set up from an audio technica lp120 and active speakers to a full system of passive speakers (jbl 2500's currently) , reciever (yamaha r-s202), external phono preamp (likely this one), and turntable (either the fluance rt85, highly likely to get, or project debut carbon evo. Any recommendations for or against these would greatly be appreciated) This is by far the best overall preamp I've seen for a budget friendly/ beginner audiophile trying to improve their vinyl/ record listening experience. Thank you again for putting this video out there! Definitely will be back for more content!

@septiseptimiu8287 11 ай бұрын

I bought the Ayima T3 phono preamp which is similar to Fosi, i also upgraded the tubes with military grade Russian tubes, and the sound is simply fantastic! Great review, thank you! 👍

@soundmatters 11 ай бұрын

Sounds good! Looks like it's essentially the same preamp. Thanks for watching and happy spinning

@prowlingfrost5588 10 ай бұрын

Russian Voshkods are the way to go. The older the better.

@brunohebert1351 11 ай бұрын

I upgraded a ART DJPREII phono preamp with this one, and though the ART DJPREII was quite capable (despite being ugly, having that obnoxious LED and no power switch!), I was very pleased with the Fosi. I purchased the Riverstone tubes as well and noticed quite an improvement when using them. I got lucky, when I bought them they were only $14. I agree with you with that stupid input on the front panel, only in specific cases it would be useful to some. I see in your video that you seem to be using it at 42db, that's where I like it best. Honestly, it a great little phono pre amp to get started without breaking the bank. And the way the tubes are being used will make them last a long time. They do get slightly hot so be careful when the preamp is on for a while. I have upgraded my receiver since and now use the receiver preamp but I'll keep this little guy. Also, I don't know outside the US, but here it gets regularly on sale on Amazon so keep an eye on it and don't buy full price

@soundmatters 11 ай бұрын

Great stuff! Yea, the ART pre is a popular entry-level option for sure. I agree: nothing wrong with it, but also nothing spectacular. 42dB seems to work best with my cartridge, for sure. Great tip on the price, I have noticed it seems to fluctuate a fair bit! Happy spinning and thanks for your comment

@chrisscanlan8819 2 ай бұрын

Came here to see if it's possible to improve the sound over the built in turntable pre amp and that seems to be the case. Very informative video and I plan on ordering for the decent price.

@soundmatters 2 ай бұрын

Enjoy! Glad my video helped you out

@charlieisamonster 6 ай бұрын

I’ve picked one of these recently and I have to say it’s very noticeably better than the phono pre amp on my integrated amp. Such a cheap and easy upgrade. I can’t ever think of having such a noticeable improvement with just one component and for such a small outlay.

@soundmatters 6 ай бұрын

Pretty good for the price aren't they!? Enjoy

@6643bear 8 ай бұрын

Hi great video, also worth changing the ops amps to tl 082cp io amp even better. Regards mark

@bearded_wolverine3503 9 ай бұрын

I just purchased this unit. I am currently running my AT-LP120XUSB and I wanted to run an external PRE-AMP but I didn't know which to get and I didn't want to spend too much money as it is for my home office use anyway and from your review I decided on this particular unit. I'm looking forward to hearing how this performs. I also purchased a set of Riverstone Audio JAN5654W tubes to go with it so I can swap those out once it all arrives. I appreciate your insight, you've helped me with my decision.

@34and0 7 ай бұрын

how did this work out for you? I literally just bought that exact setup earlier today. *turntable, preamp and tube set.

@bearded_wolverine3503 7 ай бұрын

@@34and0 it's a great little preamp, I'm really enjoying it. I have also installed a matched set of Voskhod Rocket 6J1P, upgraded from the 5654, thought the 5654 do better than the tubes that came with it.

@raecarterrc 5 ай бұрын

Hi, in your opinion is the upgrade worthwhile compared to the inbuilt pre amp on the 120

@bearded_wolverine3503 5 ай бұрын

@raecarterrc yes I feel the Box X2 is a much better pre amp than the built in pre-amp of the 120. You can also swap out tubes and do some tube rolling to get a different warmth sort to speak. The ability to adjust output is a plus in my opinion. Don't be turned away by the low price, this pre amp punches well above what the price may suggest

@chrisscanlan8819 2 ай бұрын

@@bearded_wolverine3503 thanks for the updates. I also have a 120 and would like to improve where I can. Seems to be worth it for the low cost!

@crushedcustard 11 ай бұрын

I changed amp last year but didn't like the phono in it and fancied experimenting with a tube phono. This looked like a good inexpensive way to try one out. Initially I wasn't all that impressed but changed the tubes to the recommended ones and it made a huge difference. I am using an ortofon blue like you and am happy with the results I am getting. Keep constantly reading/seeing that this is as good or better than more expensive ones. Am currently contemplating upgrading to the 4 but haven't managed to find anyone who has directly compared the two as yet.

@konstantinospriftis567 10 ай бұрын

dont buy the x4 it is very inferior in comparison, I have both.

@crushedcustard 10 ай бұрын

@@konstantinospriftis567 thanks. In what way is it inferior. I am slightly surprised by the addition of bass and treble adjustment being on there. Is that part of the issue ?

@konstantinospriftis567 10 ай бұрын

@@crushedcustard what I find is that firstly is much more quiet, you have to crank up the volume control to the 3/4 plus in order to get the same level as the 39db position on the X2 pre amp. But the thing I dont like is that some details totally vanish from recordings or you can barely hear them. Also the "attack" sense gets muddy and muffled. Meanwhile I replaced the OP amps( not easy as they are SMD) and power supply and saw 0 benefits. I am not knowledgable enough to say what the issue is but i feel that the potentiometers on bass and treble are having a negative impact.

@prowlingfrost5588 10 ай бұрын

@@konstantinospriftis567 This is very interesting to hear. I have Douk T3 (which is same as Fosi X2) and replaced op amps, capacitors, tubes and PSU and very happy with the result. I did even take off the 3,5mm input jack because no use for it , just bypassed it (quite unnecessary move). I know about SMD op amps on X4, so not easy to replace anymore. Is the build quality same as on the X2 or can you say it is worse? Sometimes less is more, so I will stick on X2/T3 design. It will even run without the tubes when bypassed but the tubes certainly add flavour to the music. It is also possible when running it without the tubes lead to lacking of some frequences. Will quite surely buy another one when those are still available (look what happened with Fx Audio Tube-01, sold out for years). PS. WAIT... IS THERE VOLUME CONTROLLER ON X4 instead of "Db switch"? ... .. strange and can be the reason for lower quality sound (compared to X2/T3).

@konstantinospriftis567 10 ай бұрын

@@prowlingfrost5588 hello my friend, indeed there is a volume potentiometer. It would be interesting if you could share what OP amps you used and other modifications.

@brucewinterstine9582 7 ай бұрын

I own this phono stage and am very happy with it. I was curious how it measures against the standard RIAA curve so I measured and then plotted its frequency response...it does very well. At around 10K it begins to stray above the RIAA Standard; about 1dB less attenuation. At 20K the delta is about 2db less attenuation. So, to a discerning ear (not mine though) it may be slightly bright.

@odinswolf1969 11 ай бұрын

I bought the fosi x4 last year, currently under £70 on amazon. Nice upgrade on the audio technica built in preamp. might look at upgrading the valves now. the x4 front input is marked for headphones btw

@soundmatters 11 ай бұрын

Nice! It's definitely worth playing with the tubes to see what you prefer. Interesting that yours is marked as "headphones", mine is definitely an input. Perhaps they changed something.

@odinswolf1969 11 ай бұрын

Just checked and my x4 came with the 5654 tubes! Result :)

@nattyco 9 ай бұрын

@soundmatters. Different models. His is the x4, yours is the x2. The input at the front will be for a turntable using a 3.5mm output so you can use a 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable, eg. the AT LP-60. You could still use a 3.5mm to dual RCA cable of course.

@daviewavie112 7 ай бұрын

Do you use it with an atlp120?

@MichaelSmith-wj5bu 6 ай бұрын

Added this to lp120 and it has been pure joy ever sense.

@soundmatters 6 ай бұрын

Nice! Enjoy

@mohdfaizalabdrazak5364 5 ай бұрын

Hi i'm using lp120 too, do i need to switch to phono to use this pre amp? I'm very new to vinyl

@djsoulfilter 4 ай бұрын

@@mohdfaizalabdrazak5364yes switch to phono on the back of your turntable.

@tonyjedioftheforest1364 11 ай бұрын

Very interesting. I have a Rega Fono mk5 , Project MM/MC mk II and Projects Phono DS so never having anything tube I may give this a try. I run 3 turntables into my Technics class AA amp and believe it is the nearest thing to a tube amp. I use the 3 turntables because my first one a Linn has a more expensive cartridge so unless I am listening properly I use my second turntable a Revolver/Ittok/K9 with a variety of AT stylus profiles from the VM95 range including the conical which is great for older worn records. The third turntable is a Rega P1/3 with a dedicated mono cartridge for my 1960’s mono records that I have started to collect.

@jedi-mic 11 ай бұрын

Those are Chinese knockoffs of general Electric get them from a legit place like (Watford valves) and they do other variants mullard Siemens these type of tube is a EF95.

@soundmatters 11 ай бұрын

Sounds like a great range. I'd love to have a dedicated mono deck. I've had to settle with a mono cart with my Technics SL1500C that I can just plug in and adjust tracking force when it takes my fancy. Thanks for your comment and happy listening!

@garyausten5939 7 ай бұрын

I have ONE turntable, the Rega P2 with AT-VM540ML cartridge, and am using my AVR's phono input. Thinking of getting the MK5. Can you tell a difference in sound using the name-brand preamp than using the AVR?

@tonyjedioftheforest1364 7 ай бұрын

@@garyausten5939 oh yes you can very much so. Detail is far better, instruments more lifelike and the sound stage is also far more pronounced. The Rega MK5 is my favourite.

@garyausten5939 7 ай бұрын

@@tonyjedioftheforest1364 Nice "Star Wars" name...I've arranged to check out a phono preamp at a dealer in a neighboring town on Saturday, although the speakers/amp, etc he'd use for the demo probably cost more than my car, but I's at least, hopefully be able to tell a difference. I think I'll bring in a Miles Davis album or something classical. He's got a $10k phono preamp. an $18+K amp, and some of the speakers don't even have a price on them! When I bought my tt, I dreamt of the Sota Sapphire he had...again, no price on the website.

@michaelschwab8303 2 ай бұрын

The 3.5mm jack is for instrament cables or microphones, these type of units are great budget options for home recording also.

@eugabrielollea 3 ай бұрын

thanks!

@petergeldrich5400 7 ай бұрын

I’ve been using this with my fluance rt82 for a couple years and have really been enjoying it. Wonderful ease of use and a step up from my integrated amp. I just upgraded my cartridge to a goldring e3 and am thinking of upgrading the phonostage as well to get the most out of the cartridge. Thinking of going with the Mani2. Any other recommendations sub $300? Looking for greater soundstage and instrument separation. Thanks!

@mattysoho 6 ай бұрын

My gf just got me an rt82 and I ordered this preamp today (first "nice" turntable setup since my childhood so I'm excited) so I'll definitely be checking back on this comment thread👍

@AlanFenick Ай бұрын

The new Fosi P3 pre-amp now comes with the 5654W’s. Picked up the same tubes from AliExpress for $13.00 a pair for USA made tubes and they had Chinese 5654W for $6.00 for the pair. There was a difference especially on the top end where they reduced some sharpness coming mostly from my speakers.

@soundmatters Ай бұрын

Cool. I’ll check it out 🎶🎧

@izz0408 9 ай бұрын

Its insane good for its price.. Im running this little guy in a very revelaing kit ..martin logan masterpiece backed by mcintosh monoblocks Behind that a schiit freya plus with psvane 6sn7 hifi uk fat tubes for gain and electroharmonix 6sn7 for buffer. Source is a project debut carbon evo with a 2m red So double tubes in stream i found the GE JAN tubes were cloduing things up a bit possibly because my psvane gain on freya is fat and syrupy as it is So when i use the box 6a2 stock tubes behind my psvane there is more texurr more seperation between instruments sound stage focus and way tighter overall.

@soundmatters 9 ай бұрын

Interesting. Thanks for sharing that. Sometimes the stock tubes are better suited to your signal chain - good to know. Happy spinning!

@LennyCooke636 4 ай бұрын

I purchased this Fosi as a starter Phono Preamp hoping to upgrade later. I had just finished purchasing a $1300 turnatable and $350 cartridge, so I was a little short on cash. I paid exactly $69.99 for this unit. A few months later, I upgraded the tubes. This was a couple of years ago. A couple of years later, I 'm still waiting to upgrade ! It's not a great priority anymore since this little guy sounds really good to my surprise. I'm not sure about the Tube sound ? It might sound a little warmer, but then again my Marantz CD player is also warm, so the tube sound might just be the "placebo effect". I certainly would not call these very warm, or muddy, or shrill either. The sound is clear and smooth and the soundsage is pretty wide alhough it could be a little wider IMHO. Maybe one of these days I'll look into the Schiit, or a Rega, or even the Zen, but right now I'm pretty satisfied...

@soundmatters 4 ай бұрын

Glad to hear it. Yes, I think this is impressive for the price. If it ain't broke, don't fix it as they say. Whenever you feel the need. Enjoy the music!

@jespernohr 3 ай бұрын

Currently in the process of renovating my dads JVC QL A7 turntable and thinking of installing a Nagaoka MP-110 cartridge on it. How do you think the Fosi Audio Box X2 will match with those?

@bergnercast 11 ай бұрын

Thanks for the review. I have had this for about 6 months with an Audio Tecnica lp120x, vm95sh cart, reisong a10 with 6v6 tubes along with 6N2P-EV and an RCA JAN 5V4G VT-206A Coke Bottle for the rectifier using Sony sscs5 speakers (on 4 ohm tap). The AT built in is blah compared to this! Night and day improvement. I love how this little preamp give me flexibility with the turn of the knob. Agreed, that odd input is needless... but thanks for the tube upgrade info. Jumping on that now! Cheers.

@soundmatters 11 ай бұрын

I think it’s a great buy as an upgrade on many built in phono stages! Bargain. Thanks for watching :) - happy spinning Hope you like the new tubes!

@jp93309 2 ай бұрын

How do you decide what db gain level to set the dial to? Do you match the spec for the stylus and what do you look out for?

@soundmatters Ай бұрын

Most moving magnet cartridges will call for around 40-42dB of gain, but check the cartridge specs and also use your ear as to what sounds best to you 🎶🎧

@rft2001 8 ай бұрын

I had the X2. Initially, I liked it but after a while I found that it lacked detail. It was decent but when I compared it to the Cambridge Audio preamp that I have on my other stereo (moved it to the same stereo as the Fosi), I found a world of difference. The much higher priced Cambridge Audio just killed the sound of the Fosi. So much more detail, depth, width, definition, etc.

@djdottor 11 ай бұрын

I have one with the 5654W tubes :)

@soundmatters 11 ай бұрын

They sounded better to me for sure :)

@djdottor 11 ай бұрын

@@soundmatters I agree. The sound is richer compared to the tube its came with.

@metalbearuk 10 ай бұрын

I wish mine had the screw ground terminal, instead mine is a push one, which means I just have to wedge my spade terminal into it. I've bought a matched pair of Siemens tubes which have opened up the treble a little for me.

@soundmatters 10 ай бұрын

I have noticed that the ground terminal seems to vary a fair bit. Probably part of how they keep the cost low - constantly swapping parts for whatever is more available or affordable.

@prowlingfrost5588 10 ай бұрын

I have push terminal on my Douk audio same device. It is quite easy to replace.

@tmackn6592 10 ай бұрын

don't forget to swap out the op-amps...I recommend Burson V5i or if you modify the case, the V6 vivid or classic

@soundmatters 10 ай бұрын

Thanks for adding this. Great tip! Happy spinning 🎶🎧

@java2architect 6 күн бұрын

Stupid Question. I have a Denon AVR 1100 and it has a phono stage. The problem is it has the volume but not the sound quality. So if I buy a phono stage like Fosi is it actually going to improve my sound quality? Like maybe give me sound closer to a vintage amp?