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

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):

Tube Upgrade (AAL):

Partner/Sponsor Discounts:
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Partner/Sponsor Discounts:

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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:

#vinylrecords #vinylcommunity #fosiaudio #tubephonopreamp #audiophile #HiFi

[soundmatters]

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]

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.

[javaarchitect]

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?

[vernalater]

Thank you for your review of the Fosi Audio Box X2.
I own this and use it whenever I listen to any source in addition to my Vintage Kenwood KD-770D Direct Drive Turntable.
I do take advantage of the front panel auxiliary input, whether it's streaming from my Roku, Pioneer BDP-43FD Elite Blu-Ray player, Yamaha and Denon Cassette Decks and using optical sound digital to analog converters for the Roku and Blu-Ray devices. All running through my vintage Sansui 9090 receiver's auxiliary input. I also opted to upgrade to the Amplitrex AT1000 Tubes.

Speakers A. JBL Control SB-5 and B. Polk Monitor X170 tower speakers.
Phono Cartridge is Ortophon OM20.

Overall I was pleasantly surprised, especially the bass which I turn to minimum on the Sansui 9090 except when listening to cassette which can handle more bass without distortion.

I would describe myself as a novice to intermediate audiophile.
My next upgrade to my system will be a power amplifier.
Lastly, I was annoyed that the grounding plug is too fat for my turntable as yours was!

[jp]

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?

[brucewinterstine]

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.

[rft]

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.

[jjbuzard]

Some turntables have a built in preamplifier, those should be connected using the 3.5 AUX input on the Box2 not the phono input, so it says in the directions. If all else fails, read the instructions!

[AlanFenick]

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.

[rileyhunnicutt]

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!

[septiseptimiu]

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! 👍

[michaelschwab]

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

[brunohebert]

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

[izz]

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.

[odinswolf]

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

[ManCaveTV]

Can I plug my headphones into this or do I need an amp as well?

[petergeldrich]

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!

[tonyjedioftheforest]

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.

[SSS]

I think 3.5mm input would be nice for portable players, no?

[bear]

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