Pro-Ject Wireless Box E: The Future of Cable-Free Audio Is Here
In a move that could redefine home audio setups, Austrian audio specialist Pro-Ject Audio Systems has unveiled the Wireless Box E, a compact streaming amplifier designed to eliminate speaker cables entirely. This innovative device transforms passive speakers into wireless, active systems with minimal setup, offering a glimpse into the future of high-fidelity audio.
How the Wireless Box E Works
The Wireless Box E is a self-contained mono streaming amplifier that attaches directly to a passive speaker’s binding posts via 4mm banana plugs. Each unit operates independently, meaning a stereo pair requires two Wireless Box E devices—one for each speaker. Power is supplied via an external 22V/1A DC wall adapter, ensuring consistent performance without the need for bulky external amplifiers.
Key features include:
- Wireless connectivity: Dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 (SBC/AAC) for seamless streaming.
- Amplification: 25 watts into 8 ohms (50 watts into 4 ohms), optimized for Pro-Ject’s own speaker range but adaptable to third-party models.
- Streaming ecosystem: Powered by WiiM OS, supporting TIDAL Connect, Spotify Connect, Qobuz Connect, and Amazon Music via the Pro-Ject Home app.
- Compatibility: Optional 0.3m extension cable (Connect it LS-E Flex, €30 for a stereo pair) for speakers with challenging rear-panel geometries.
Designed for Simplicity and Flexibility
Pro-Ject’s Wireless Box E targets audiophiles and casual listeners alike, offering a plug-and-play solution for modernizing legacy speaker systems. The device leverages Pro-Ject True Wireless Receiving technology, enabling wireless audio distribution from compatible Pro-Ject streamers like the Stream Box E and Uni Box S3. This allows users to group multiple streamers for multiroom playback or integrate turntables, CD players, or TVs into a wireless audio ecosystem.
Setup is streamlined through the Pro-Ject Home app, which automatically detects the Wireless Box E and guides users through Wi-Fi configuration. Once connected, the system supports flexible multiroom setups, letting users control playback across multiple zones from a single interface.
Performance and Limitations
While Pro-Ject has not disclosed the specific amplification technology or DAC chipset used in the Wireless Box E, the device’s 25-watt output (into 8 ohms) is sufficient for most bookshelf and compact floor-standing speakers. The lack of Apple AirPlay and Roon Readiness may disappoint some users, but the inclusion of WiiM OS ensures broad compatibility with popular streaming services.
For audiophiles seeking higher power output or advanced features, Pro-Ject’s Uni Box S3 integrated amplifier remains a more robust alternative. However, the Wireless Box E excels in its niche: delivering cable-free convenience without sacrificing audio quality.
Complementary Product: The Stream Box E
Alongside the Wireless Box E, Pro-Ject introduced the Stream Box E, a conventional streaming DAC designed to bridge traditional hi-fi systems with modern streaming services. Key features include:
- RCA analogue and TOSLINK digital outputs.
- A single RCA input for multi-room streaming of line-level sources.
- USB-C power delivery.
- WiiM OS integration for seamless streaming control.
The Stream Box E functions as a central hub, allowing users to add streaming capabilities to existing amplifiers or preamps without overhauling their entire setup. Its compact design and intuitive app control make it an ideal companion for the Wireless Box E in larger multiroom systems.
Who Is the Wireless Box E For?
The Wireless Box E is tailored for three primary audiences:
- Minimalists: Users who prioritize clean, cable-free setups without compromising on sound quality.
- Upgraders: Owners of passive speakers looking to add wireless streaming without investing in a full active speaker system.
- Multiroom enthusiasts: Audiophiles building flexible, expandable systems that integrate turntables, streamers, and legacy components.
While the Wireless Box E is optimized for Pro-Ject’s own speakers, the optional extension cable ensures compatibility with a wide range of third-party models, making it a versatile choice for diverse audio setups.
Key Takeaways
- The Wireless Box E is a mono streaming amplifier that clips directly onto passive speakers, eliminating speaker cables.
- Each unit delivers 25 watts into 8 ohms (50 watts into 4 ohms) and supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0.
- Powered by WiiM OS, it supports TIDAL, Spotify, Qobuz, and Amazon Music via the Pro-Ject Home app.
- An optional 0.3m extension cable (€30 for a stereo pair) expands compatibility with non-Pro-Ject speakers.
- The companion Stream Box E adds streaming capabilities to traditional hi-fi systems.
- Lacks Apple AirPlay and Roon Readiness, limiting its appeal to some audiophiles.
FAQ
Can the Wireless Box E work with any passive speaker?
While optimized for Pro-Ject speakers, the Wireless Box E can work with third-party passive speakers using the optional Connect it LS-E Flex extension cable. However, performance may vary depending on the speaker’s impedance and sensitivity.
Does the Wireless Box E support lossless audio formats?
Yes. The Wireless Box E supports lossless streaming via Wi-Fi from services like TIDAL and Qobuz. Bluetooth streaming is limited to SBC and AAC codecs, which are not lossless.
Can I use the Wireless Box E with a turntable?
Indirectly. While the Wireless Box E itself does not have a phono input, you can connect a turntable to a compatible Pro-Ject streamer (e.g., Stream Box E or Uni Box S3) and wirelessly transmit the signal to the Wireless Box E for playback.
Is the Wireless Box E suitable for large rooms or high-volume listening?
The Wireless Box E’s 25-watt output is best suited for slight to medium-sized rooms. For larger spaces or high-volume listening, consider pairing it with more efficient speakers or opting for a higher-powered amplifier.
How does the Wireless Box E compare to active wireless speakers?
Unlike active wireless speakers (e.g., Sonos, KEF LS50 Wireless II), the Wireless Box E is designed to upgrade existing passive speakers, offering more flexibility in speaker choice and system configuration. However, active speakers often include built-in amplification, DACs, and streaming capabilities in a single unit, which may simplify setup for some users.
The Future of Wireless Audio
Pro-Ject’s Wireless Box E represents a significant step toward truly cable-free audio systems. By addressing the long-standing challenge of speaker cable management, it offers a compelling solution for users seeking simplicity without sacrificing performance. While it may not replace high-end amplifiers for audiophiles, its versatility and ease of use make it a standout option in the growing market for wireless audio solutions.
As streaming technology continues to evolve, innovations like the Wireless Box E highlight the potential for hybrid systems that blend traditional hi-fi components with modern wireless convenience. For now, it’s a glimpse into a future where tangled cables and bulky amplifiers are relics of the past.