Is This The BEST First AUDIOPHILE UPGRADE For YOUR TURNTABLE？ Fosi Audio Box X5 Phono Preamp Review
United States of Analog | January 15, 2025
🎙️ Early Video Analysis
What is this video about?
This video is about recommending the best first audiophile upgrade for turntable owners. The host, Bob, is specifically focusing on upgrading from a turntable’s built-in phono preamp to a separate, standalone phono preamp unit – the Fosi Audio Box X5. He’s targeting new analog enthusiasts who are ready to take their next step in the hobby but aren’t sure where to start.
What gear, products, or brands are discussed?
- Fosi Audio Box X5 Phono Preamp – The main product being reviewed as a recommended first upgrade (no price or detailed specs mentioned yet in this portion)
- Built-in turntable phono preamps – Described as “okay” and “probably not audiophile quality” but adequate for getting started
What are the host’s main opinions or takes so far?
- [02:15-02:25] The first upgrade turntable owners should make is getting a separate standalone phono preamp, especially if currently using a built-in one
- [02:37-02:39] Built-in turntable phono preamps “probably aren’t great” in most cases
- [02:40-02:44] Built-in preamps are “okay” and will get you playing records, but they’re “probably not audiophile quality”
- [02:47-02:50] Acknowledges that expensive turntables might have decent built-in preamps, but still recommends upgrading
- [01:03-01:15] People get sophisticated quickly in new hobbies and want to upgrade faster than initially expected
What are the host’s main recommendations or warnings to viewers?
- [02:15] Main recommendation: Replace your turntable’s built-in phono preamp with a separate standalone unit as your first upgrade
- [00:16] Playfully warns viewers to “get out your wallet” for the upcoming upgrade recommendation
Any funny moments, strong opinions, or memorable quotes?
- [00:00-00:02] Opens with “Wow, this is kind of turning into a series” suggesting this is part of an ongoing beginner turntable series
- [01:17-01:54] Shares a personal analogy about upgrading from a Harley Sportster 883 (“butt ugly yellow color”) to a Fat Boy due to peer pressure and personal sophistication, comparing it to the audiophile upgrade path
- [04:45-04:47] Self-deprecating comment: “Listen, I’m no rocket scientist” when explaining technical concepts
Summary
In this opening portion of his review, host Bob from United States of Analog introduces what he considers the ideal first upgrade for new turntable enthusiasts: replacing built-in phono preamps with a dedicated external unit, specifically the Fosi Audio Box X5. He frames this recommendation around the natural progression that occurs in any hobby, where people quickly become more sophisticated and desire better equipment than they initially thought they’d need.
Bob uses a personal analogy about motorcycle ownership to illustrate how hobbyists naturally want to upgrade their gear as they become more invested and knowledgeable. He explains that while built-in turntable phono preamps are adequate for getting started, they typically aren’t of audiophile quality and represent the logical first improvement point for someone ready to take their analog audio experience to the next level.
The host also takes time to explain what a phono preamp does, acknowledging that this component is often the most confusing aspect for newcomers to understand. He breaks down the technical necessity of boosting the weak cartridge signal to line level and applying RIAA equalization, making these concepts accessible to beginners while positioning the external phono preamp as an essential upgrade rather than just an optional enhancement.
⏱️ Mid-Video Analysis
What gear, products, or brands are discussed in this portion?
- [00:05:29] Wax Wing phono DSP – $500 digital signal processor/phono preamp (host’s current unit)
- [00:06:05] Fosi Audio Box X5 – $109 phono preamp (main review subject)
- [00:06:39] ART Pro 2 phono preamp – Host’s unit in another room
- [00:07:08] Fosi V3 amplifier – Mentioned as matching aesthetically with the X5
- [00:08:15] Sumiko Moonstone cartridge – Noted for having lower output than other Sumiko cartridges
What are the host’s key findings, verdicts, or opinions?
- [00:06:20] Strong recommendation: Can “highly recommend” the Fosi X5 even at $109
- [00:06:55] Build quality praise: Appreciates the “solid metal case construction”
- [00:07:27] Design appreciation: Likes that gain adjustment is on the back for cleaner appearance
- [00:05:20] General philosophy: Built-in turntable phono preamps are convenient but don’t provide “the best possible sound”
Were there any listening tests or sound quality observations described?
- [00:07:56] Gain setting results: 38 dB setting provided “just enough to get that excitement in the sound”
- [00:08:01] Volume optimization: Proper gain prevents having to turn amplifier volume “so high where I feel uncomfortable”
Were there any price/value assessments?
- [00:06:20] Current pricing: $109 list price for Fosi X5
- [00:06:24] Price prediction: Hopes to see it around $89 in future
- [00:05:52] High-end comparison: Wax Wing at $500 is “pricey for a lot of people”
Any audiophile tips, advice, or how-to content?
- [00:08:43] Critical setup tip: Remember to toggle turntable settings when adding external phono preamp
- [00:08:50] Common mistake warning: Friends thought their system was broken by not making this switch
- [00:08:59] Universal advice: “RTFM – Read the Manual”
- [00:07:47] Gain adjustment guidance: Most moving magnet cartridges work fine with 38 dB setting
Any memorable quotes or strong takes?
- [00:08:35] “If I’m losing you at this point, I’m so sorry stick around but if you have to go like and subscribe and hit that notification bell”
- [00:09:00] “RTFM that means read the Manual… All right all day every day read the read the manual”
- [00:09:35] “It’s a pound of ground beef for measurements” (describing the unit’s weight)
Summary
In this portion, the host discusses phono preamps as an often misunderstood but crucial audiophile upgrade. He acknowledges that many people find phono preamp discussions confusing, which is why manufacturers include them in entry-level turntables, though these built-in units don’t deliver optimal sound quality. He contrasts his current $500 Wax Wing digital phono preamp with the more affordable Fosi Audio Box X5 at $109.
The host provides detailed analysis of the Fosi X5’s features, praising its solid metal construction, clean aesthetic design, and practical four-position gain adjustment located on the rear panel (38, 48, 56, and 66 dB). He notes that the lowest 38 dB setting works well for most moving magnet cartridges, providing enough excitement without requiring uncomfortably high amplifier volumes. The unit offers flexibility for different cartridge outputs, which he illustrates using his Sumiko Moonstone cartridge as an example of lower-output equipment.
The segment concludes with practical setup advice, emphasizing the critical importance of adjusting turntable settings when adding an external phono preamp. The host warns that forgetting this step has caused friends to think their systems were broken, and he advocates for always reading equipment manuals. He then begins measuring the physical dimensions of the Fosi X5, noting its compact footprint and solid construction, humorously comparing its weight to “a pound of ground beef.”
🏁 Final Thoughts & Verdict
What gear, products, or brands are discussed in this final portion?
[00:09:40-14:56] Fosi Audio Box X5 phono preamp ($109 MSRP)
[00:10:24] Zen i5 phono preamp (mentioned for comparison)
[00:11:35] Wax Wing phono preamp (higher-end unit the host prefers)
[00:12:02] Cambridge Audio and Project (mentioned as upgrade options)
[00:13:10] Schiit Audio products (noted for having more adjustment options)
What is the host’s final verdict or conclusion?
[00:10:15-10:51] The host found the Fosi Audio Box X5 sounded “very clean, very solid” with a “warm-ish tone” that’s not overly analytical or bright
[00:11:52-12:19] Called it a way to “upgrade your system to a big-boy system” for $100 that will “help your system tremendously”
[00:14:07-14:10] Declared it “your first audio upgrade”
Were there any final recommendations — buy, skip, or consider?
[00:11:13-11:24] Buy recommendation – advised to “audition this stuff” and “buy from a reputable dealer or website or Amazon” with good return policies
[00:12:37-12:46] Skip cheaper alternatives – warned against $45-50 options that would be “closer to the quality that you’re gonna get in that turntable that has the built-in phono preamp”
[00:11:52-12:19] Consider as stepping stone – if you outgrow it, upgrade to something more expensive and pass this to another system or beginner audiophile
Any final tips, caveats, or advice for viewers?
[00:10:56-11:07] System matching warning: “your cartridge of choice is gonna have its own tone. It might complement this phono preamp or vice versa or it might fight against it”
[00:11:13-11:24] Purchase advice: Always buy from reputable sources with return/exchange options so you can test compatibility
[00:13:32-14:04] Technical limitation: Noted it lacks a low rumble filter for dealing with turntable vibrations, but acknowledged this is rare at the $100 price point
How did the video wrap up?
[00:14:16-14:31] Host provided affiliate links and Amazon purchasing options, positioning the Fosi Audio Box X5 as the tool “so that you can take your next step in your audio journey”
[00:14:31-14:56] Standard channel outro thanking viewers for being part of “United States of Analog” and directing them to watch another turntable-related video
Any memorable closing quotes or strong final opinions?
[00:10:30-10:36] “It’s not gonna stay in this room. It’s probably gonna go into another system in the house because I’m still enjoying the wax wing”
[00:12:19-12:32] “I love giving gear like this away to people to you know, get them enthused. They’ll never forget it and you’re helping them grow their experience”
[00:14:07-14:10] “This is your first audio upgrade”
Summary
In the final portion of this review, the host provides his sound impressions of the Fosi Audio Box X5, describing it as clean and solid with a warm-ish tone that avoids being overly analytical or bright like some competitors such as the Zen i5. He emphasizes the importance of system matching, noting that cartridge choice will significantly impact the overall sound, and strongly advises purchasing from reputable dealers with good return policies to ensure compatibility testing.
The host delivers a strong buy recommendation for the $109 phono preamp, positioning it as a significant system upgrade that transforms a setup into a “big-boy system.” He acknowledges some limitations, including the lack of extensive adjustment options found in brands like Schiit Audio and the absence of a low rumble filter, while also expressing that the price point could be more compelling if it were under $100. Despite these minor criticisms, he views it as an excellent stepping stone product that can later be passed to other systems or budding audiophiles.
The video concludes with the host reinforcing his thesis that this represents “your first audio upgrade,” emphasizing the journey aspect of audiophile development. He provides purchasing information through affiliate links and Amazon, wrapping up with his standard channel outro and directing viewers to additional turntable content, maintaining the educational and community-focused tone that characterizes the United States of Analog brand.
Analysis generated from archived transcripts. Channel: United States of Analog — hi-fi gear reviews, vinyl, and audiophile culture.
