Audio T Verdict
The Pro-Ject Colourful Audio System E is a rather refreshing alternative to the increasingly common one-box wireless speaker. It gives you a proper turntable, separate integrated amplifier and two real stereo loudspeakers, but packages everything together so you don't need to work out the system matching yourself.
The Debut E is far more substantial than a token record player, with its 1.7kg steel platter, one-piece aluminium tonearm and pre-fitted Ortofon OM5e cartridge. The tiny Stereo Box E then adds 40W per channel into 4 ohms, a built-in phono stage, digital inputs, headphone output, subwoofer connection and aptX HD Bluetooth, while the Speaker Box 5 E Carbon speakers complete a genuinely separate stereo system.
Pro-Ject even includes terminated speaker cables and Damp it isolation feet. Add the unusually broad choice of colours and this is a particularly neat way into proper separates Hi-Fi without ending up with a pile of mismatched boxes, cables and accessories.
Pro-Ject Colourful Audio System E
The Colourful Audio System E is a complete Pro-Ject separates system centred around vinyl, but it is by no means limited to records.
The Stereo Box E amplifier also accepts analogue and digital sources, a television or CD player can easily be added, Bluetooth handles convenient wireless playback and an active subwoofer can be connected later if required.
Most importantly, these are individual Hi-Fi components rather than a single disposable all-in-one unit. The turntable, amplifier and speakers can each be upgraded or replaced separately as the system develops.
What's Included?
- 1 x Pro-Ject Debut E turntable
- Pre-fitted Ortofon OM5e Moving Magnet cartridge
- Debut E dust cover
- Debut E felt mat
- 78 RPM round belt
- 7-inch single adaptor
- Debut E power supply
- 1 x Pro-Ject Stereo Box E integrated amplifier in Black
- Stereo Box E remote control
- Stereo Box E power supply
- 1 pair Pro-Ject Speaker Box 5 E Carbon speakers
- Black magnetic speaker grilles
- 2 x 3m Pro-Ject Connect it LS E Flex speaker cables
- Gold-plated banana-plug termination
- Pro-Ject Damp it isolation feet
A Complete Separates System
You don't need to add a separate phono stage, amplifier, speaker cable or Bluetooth receiver to start listening. Set up the turntable, connect it to the Stereo Box E, connect the two speakers and the core system is ready to use.
Debut E Turntable
The Debut E forms the analogue heart of the system.
It is a belt-drive turntable hand-made in Europe, using a solid MDF plinth, heavy steel platter, precision main bearing and Pro-Ject's one-piece aluminium tonearm.
The system version is supplied with an Ortofon OM5e Moving Magnet cartridge already fitted and adjusted.
Ortofon OM5e Cartridge Included
The OM5e is a replaceable-stylus Moving Magnet cartridge and is correctly matched to the phono input built into the Stereo Box E.
Because the cartridge is already mounted and adjusted as part of the Debut E package, there is no need to buy a cartridge separately before the system can be used.
8.6-Inch One-Piece Aluminium Tonearm
The Debut E uses a 218.5mm effective-length one-piece aluminium tonearm.
Keeping the arm tube in one continuous structure avoids an additional detachable headshell joint and provides the cartridge with a rigid mechanical path back to the tonearm bearings.
A silicon-damped cueing mechanism allows the stylus to be lowered onto a record in a controlled manner.
Heavy 1.7kg Steel Platter
The 300mm platter is manufactured from steel and weighs approximately 1.7kg.
Its substantial rotating mass helps maintain stable platter rotation and provides a considerably more serious mechanical foundation than the lightweight platters found on many starter turntables.
Precision Main Bearing
The platter rotates around a stainless-steel axle running within a bronze bushing.
The main bearing is a fundamental part of any turntable because it establishes the rotational reference for both platter and record.
Electronic Speed Control
The Debut E provides electronic speed selection for normal 33 and 45 RPM records.
It also supports 78 RPM playback using the supplied round 78 RPM belt and appropriate setup.
78 RPM Records May Need a Different Stylus
The supplied OM5e cartridge is intended for conventional microgroove records. If you intend to play shellac 78s regularly, speak to Audio T about an appropriate 78 RPM stylus as well as the supplied speed-change belt.
33, 45 and 78 RPM
The available speeds make the Debut E suitable for:
- 33? RPM LPs
- 45 RPM singles and albums
- 78 RPM records when appropriately configured
Debut E Performance
Pro-Ject publishes:
- Wow and flutter at 33 RPM: ±0.22%
- Wow and flutter at 45 RPM: ±0.21%
- Speed drift at 33 RPM: ±0.80%
- Speed drift at 45 RPM: ±0.85%
- Signal-to-noise ratio: 68dB
Dust Cover Included
A hinged acrylic dust cover is supplied.
The turntable measures 415 x 113 x 320mm with the cover closed and requires approximately 365mm of vertical clearance when the lid is fully open.
Stereo Box E Integrated Amplifier
The Stereo Box E is a remarkably compact amplifier at only 206mm wide, but its connectivity makes the complete system useful for far more than vinyl.
Its preamplifier section remains analogue, with volume controlled by a motor-driven analogue potentiometer that can be operated either from the front panel or supplied remote control.
21W Into 8 Ohms, 40W Into 4 Ohms
Pro-Ject specifies:
- 2 x 21W into 8 ohms
- 2 x 40W into 4 ohms
Both ratings are quoted at 1% THD.
The included Speaker Box 5 E Carbon is a 4-ohm design, so the 40W-per-channel specification is directly relevant to this particular package.
Built-In Phono Stage
The turntable connects directly to the amplifier's dedicated RCA phono input.
No external phono preamplifier is required.
The phono input is suitable for Moving Magnet cartridges and Pro-Ject also specifies compatibility with Moving Iron and suitable high-output Moving Coil designs.
Why the Debut E and Stereo Box E Work Together
The supplied Ortofon OM5e is a Moving Magnet cartridge, so it connects directly to the Stereo Box E phono input. The turntable's separate grounding lead should also be connected to the amplifier's grounding terminal if required to avoid hum.
Seven Source Inputs
The Stereo Box E provides seven selectable source inputs in total:
- 1 x RCA phono input
- 1 x RCA line input
- 1 x 3.5mm analogue line input
- 1 x coaxial S/PDIF digital input
- 2 x optical TOSLINK digital inputs
- 1 x Bluetooth input
This gives the system considerable scope for expansion without replacing the amplifier.
Add a CD Player
A conventional CD player can be added through the RCA line input, while a CD transport can use one of the amplifier's digital inputs.
The Pro-Ject CD Box S3 is one compact option if you want to add physical CD playback while retaining the same small-box design philosophy.
Connect a Television
A television with a compatible optical PCM output can connect to either of the Stereo Box E's optical inputs.
This allows the Speaker Box 5 E Carbon pair to handle television sound as well as music without adding a separate soundbar.
Set Your Television to PCM Stereo
The Stereo Box E is a two-channel Hi-Fi amplifier rather than a Dolby or DTS home-cinema decoder. Where necessary, configure the television's digital audio output to two-channel PCM.
Two Optical Digital Inputs
Two TOSLINK inputs are available for compatible digital sources such as:
- Televisions
- CD transports
- Games consoles
- Network streamers
- Other digital audio sources
Coaxial Digital Input
A separate RCA coaxial S/PDIF input gives another route into the Stereo Box E's internal digital converter.
A purpose-designed 75-ohm digital coaxial cable is the appropriate connection.
aptX HD Bluetooth 5.0
For quick wireless playback, the amplifier incorporates Bluetooth 5.0 with:
With compatible source equipment, Pro-Ject describes its aptX HD connection as supporting audio up to 24-bit/48kHz.
This makes it easy to send music from a compatible phone, tablet or computer without adding a separate wireless receiver.
Bluetooth Is Convenient, Not Your Only Upgrade Route
The system is not locked into Bluetooth for digital music.
If you later want a dedicated network streamer for services such as Qobuz, Spotify or internet radio, it can be connected through analogue, optical or coaxial input depending on the streamer.
USB-C Power Output for a Streamer
The rear USB-C connection provides 5V/1A power for compatible compact streaming devices.
This can reduce the need for another power adaptor when a small streamer is added to the system.
The USB-C Socket Is for Power, Not Audio
The Stereo Box E's USB-C connection is a 5V/1A power output. It is not a USB audio input for connecting a computer, phone or USB memory stick.
6.3mm Headphone Output
A full-size 6.3mm headphone socket is fitted to the front of the Stereo Box E.
Connecting headphones switches listening away from the speakers, allowing the same turntable, Bluetooth and connected sources to be enjoyed privately.
Add an Active Subwoofer
A dedicated RCA subwoofer output allows a compatible active subwoofer to be added later.
This provides a useful upgrade route if you move the system into a larger room or simply want greater low-frequency extension.
The Sub Out Is Not a General Power-Amplifier Pre-Out
Pro-Ject's current dedicated Stereo Box E documentation specifies this connection as a Sub output for an active subwoofer. Audio T therefore does not describe it as a general-purpose stereo preamplifier output.
Flexible Speaker Connections
The amplifier's speaker terminals accept:
- 4mm banana plugs
- Spade connectors
- Bare speaker wire
The supplied Connect it LS E Flex cables arrive terminated with gold-plated banana plugs, making the standard system particularly straightforward to connect.
Speaker Box 5 E Carbon
The Speaker Box 5 E Carbon is a compact 2-way passive loudspeaker using a rear-firing bass-reflex enclosure.
Each speaker combines a 1-inch silk-dome tweeter with a 5-inch carbon-fibre/glass composite bass/mid driver.
5-Inch Carbon Fibre Glass Bass/Mid Driver
The composite bass/mid diaphragm mixes glass fibre and carbon fibre to create a light but rigid cone.
One driver handles both bass and the midrange before the crossover hands the upper frequencies over to the silk-dome tweeter.
1-Inch Silk-Dome Tweeter
High frequencies are reproduced by a conventional 1-inch silk dome.
The soft-dome design is paired with the composite bass/mid driver as part of a straightforward 2-way architecture.
Rear-Firing Bass Reflex Port
The Speaker Box 5 E Carbon uses a port on the rear of its MDF enclosure to extend low-frequency output.
Because the port fires backwards, avoid placing the speaker completely flush against a rear wall. Its distance from the boundary can be used to fine-tune bass weight and definition in the room.
65Hz to 20kHz Frequency Response
Pro-Ject specifies the Speaker Box 5 E Carbon from 65Hz to 20kHz.
That is a realistic range for a compact monitor of this size and leaves the option of adding a subwoofer if significantly deeper bass is required.
86dB Sensitivity and 4-Ohm Impedance
The speakers have a published sensitivity of 86dB at 1W/1m and a nominal impedance of 4 ohms.
Pro-Ject recommends amplifiers from 10 to 150W, placing the Stereo Box E's 40W/4-ohm output comfortably within the intended operating range.
Rigid MDF Cabinets
The drive units are installed in rigid MDF enclosures designed to keep unwanted cabinet vibration under control.
Gold-plated speaker terminals are fitted on the rear, and black magnetic grilles are supplied.
Speaker Dimensions
Each Speaker Box 5 E Carbon measures:
- Height: 270mm
- Width: 165mm
- Depth: 220mm
- Weight: 4.76kg each
Connect it LS E Flex Speaker Cables Included
The package includes two pre-configured 3-metre speaker cables.
Connect it LS E Flex uses high-purity oxygen-free copper conductors and arrives terminated with gold-plated banana connectors.
Polarity marking helps make sure the positive and negative connections remain consistent between the amplifier and both speakers.
No Need to Buy Speaker Cable Separately
With many separates systems, speaker cables still need to be chosen and terminated after buying the electronics and loudspeakers.
Pro-Ject includes the correct stereo cable set here, so the complete system can be connected straight from the box.
Damp it Isolation Feet Included
Pro-Ject also includes its Damp it isolation feet.
These TPE/rubber isolation elements are intended to reduce structure-borne vibration passing between the loudspeakers and the surface supporting them.
They are particularly useful where the turntable and speakers have to share the same piece of furniture.
Ideally, Separate the Turntable and Speakers
The Damp it feet are a useful inclusion, but the best approach remains to give the turntable a stable, level surface away from strong loudspeaker vibration wherever the room allows. If everything must share one cabinet, use the supplied isolation feet and avoid positioning the speakers immediately beside the turntable.
Six Current Finish Options
The current Colourful Audio System E range includes:
- Satin Black
- Satin Blue
- Satin Green
- Satin White
- Satin Yellow
- Walnut
Pro-Ject also refers to the signature coloured versions as Steel Blue, Fir Green and Golden Yellow in its promotional material.
The selected finish is applied to the Debut E and matching Speaker Box 5 E Carbon speakers, while the included Stereo Box E amplifier is supplied in Black.
Real Stereo Rather Than a Single Wireless Speaker
The two separate loudspeakers can be positioned apart from one another to create a genuine stereo image.
This is fundamentally different from reproducing left and right information from drivers positioned only centimetres apart inside one cabinet.
Speaker positioning therefore forms part of the setup: give the pair reasonable separation and angle them towards the listening area rather than simply treating them as decorative accessories either side of the turntable.
Easy to Expand Later
One of the strengths of this package is that the starting system does not become obsolete when you want to add another source.
You can later add:
- A CD player
- A CD transport
- A network streamer
- A television
- A radio tuner
- A games console with compatible digital audio
- An active subwoofer
- Headphones
Upgrade the Turntable Separately
Because the Debut E is an ordinary separate turntable rather than an amplifier built into a record player, the analogue source can also evolve independently.
The replaceable cartridge and stylus provide a natural future upgrade route, while the rest of the system can remain unchanged.
Upgrade the Speakers Separately
Likewise, the Speaker Box 5 E Carbon pair can be replaced by another suitable passive speaker later.
When changing loudspeakers, consider impedance and sensitivity as well as physical size so that the replacement remains a sensible partner for the Stereo Box E.
Who Is the Colourful Audio System E For?
The Colourful Audio System E is particularly well suited if you:
- Want your first proper separates Hi-Fi system
- Want vinyl to be the main source
- Also want Bluetooth playback
- Want to connect a television or CD player
- Prefer a genuine two-speaker stereo system
- Want a coordinated system without choosing every component separately
- Need something compact enough for a living room
- Want a choice of more interesting colours than black and silver
- Want individual components that can be upgraded later
Key Features
- Complete separates Hi-Fi system
- Pro-Ject Debut E turntable
- Ortofon OM5e MM cartridge
- 8.6-inch aluminium tonearm
- 1.7kg steel platter
- Belt-drive turntable
- Electronic 33/45 RPM speed control
- 78 RPM capability with supplied belt
- Turntable dust cover included
- Pro-Ject Stereo Box E amplifier
- 21W per channel into 8 ohms
- 40W per channel into 4 ohms
- Motorised analogue volume control
- Built-in phono input
- RCA line input
- 3.5mm line input
- Two optical digital inputs
- Coaxial digital input
- Bluetooth 5.0
- aptX
- aptX HD
- 6.3mm headphone output
- Active subwoofer output
- USB-C 5V/1A power output
- Remote control included
- Speaker Box 5 E Carbon pair
- 5-inch carbon fibre glass bass/mid drivers
- 1-inch silk-dome tweeters
- Rear-firing bass-reflex ports
- 65Hz - 20kHz frequency response
- 86dB sensitivity
- 4-ohm nominal impedance
- Magnetic speaker grilles included
- 2 x 3m LS E Flex speaker cables
- High-purity oxygen-free copper cable
- Gold-plated banana plugs
- Damp it isolation feet included
- Five satin colour options
- Walnut finish option
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Pro-Ject Colourful Audio System E current?
Yes. Pro-Ject continues to list it within its current Hi-Fi Sets range.
What exactly is included?
A Debut E turntable with Ortofon OM5e cartridge, Stereo Box E integrated amplifier, pair of Speaker Box 5 E Carbon speakers, two 3m Connect it LS E Flex speaker cables and Damp it isolation feet. The required turntable and amplifier power supplies, remote, dust cover and speaker grilles are also included.
Is it really a separates system?
Yes. The turntable, amplifier and speakers are individual components connected in the same way as a conventional Hi-Fi system.
Can the components be upgraded separately?
Yes. That is one of the advantages over a single-box system.
Which turntable is included?
The Pro-Ject Debut E.
Which cartridge is included?
An Ortofon OM5e Moving Magnet cartridge.
Is the cartridge already installed?
Yes. Pro-Ject supplies the Debut E with the OM5e pre-mounted and adjusted.
Does the turntable have a built-in phono stage?
The system does not need one in the turntable because the Stereo Box E amplifier has its own compatible phono input.
What speeds does the turntable play?
33? and 45 RPM are the normal operating speeds. 78 RPM is also supported with the supplied round belt and appropriate setup.
Can I play shellac 78s with the supplied OM5e stylus?
A dedicated 78 RPM stylus is normally appropriate for shellac records. Speak to Audio T before using a valuable 78 collection with the standard microgroove stylus.
Is a dust cover included?
Yes.
What amplifier is included?
The Pro-Ject Stereo Box E.
How powerful is it?
21W per channel into 8 ohms or 40W per channel into 4 ohms at Pro-Ject's published 1% THD condition.
Does the amplifier have a phono input?
Yes. It is suitable for the included OM5e and other compatible MM, MI and high-output MC cartridges.
How many source inputs does the amplifier have?
Seven: one phono, two analogue line inputs, three S/PDIF digital inputs and Bluetooth.
What are the two analogue line inputs?
One stereo RCA input and one 3.5mm stereo input.
How many optical inputs are there?
Two.
Does it have coaxial digital input?
Yes, one.
Can I connect a television?
Yes. A television with compatible two-channel PCM optical output can be connected to one of the two optical inputs.
Can I add a CD player?
Yes. A CD player can use the RCA line input, while a CD transport can connect through optical or coaxial digital audio.
Does it have Bluetooth?
Yes. Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX and aptX HD is built in.
What is the maximum aptX HD quality?
Pro-Ject specifies up to 24-bit/48kHz with compatible equipment.
Does it have Wi-Fi or network streaming?
No dedicated network streamer is built in, but one can easily be added later.
What is the USB-C socket for?
It provides 5V/1A power for a compatible compact streamer. It is not a USB audio input.
Can I play music from a USB memory stick?
Not through the Stereo Box E itself.
Does the amplifier have a headphone socket?
Yes, a front-mounted 6.3mm headphone connection.
Can I add a subwoofer?
Yes. The Stereo Box E provides an RCA output for a compatible active subwoofer.
Does it have a stereo pre-out for another power amplifier?
Pro-Ject's current dedicated Stereo Box E documentation identifies its RCA output as a subwoofer output, so Audio T does not advertise a general-purpose stereo pre-out.
Which speakers are included?
A pair of Pro-Ject Speaker Box 5 E Carbon passive speakers.
What drivers do the speakers use?
Each uses a 5-inch carbon-fibre/glass composite bass/mid driver and a 1-inch silk-dome tweeter.
What is the speaker frequency response?
65Hz to 20kHz.
What is the speaker impedance?
4 ohms nominal.
What is the sensitivity?
86dB at 1W/1m.
Are the speakers rear ported?
Yes.
Are speaker grilles included?
Yes. Black magnetic grilles are supplied.
Do I need to buy speaker cable?
No. Two pre-terminated 3m Connect it LS E Flex speaker cables are included.
What are the speaker cables made from?
High-purity oxygen-free copper with gold-plated banana connectors.
What are the Damp it accessories?
They are isolation feet intended to reduce structure-borne vibration between the speakers and the supporting furniture.
Are the Damp it feet included?
Yes.
What colours are available?
The current range comprises Satin Black, Satin Blue, Satin Green, Satin White, Satin Yellow and Walnut.
Is the amplifier colour matched too?
The Stereo Box E included in the Colourful Audio System E is supplied in Black, while the turntable and speakers provide the matching system colour.
How big is the turntable?
415mm wide, 113mm high and 320mm deep with the dust cover closed.
How much room does the open dust cover need?
With the cover open, Pro-Ject specifies overall dimensions of 415 x 365 x 405mm.
How large is the amplifier?
The main chassis is 206mm wide, 51mm high and 115mm deep, extending to approximately 186mm including the rear connections.
How large are the speakers?
Each measures 270mm high, 165mm wide and 220mm deep.
Related Pro-Ject Products
Why Buy the Pro-Ject Colourful Audio System E From Audio T?
A matched system removes much of the guesswork, but getting the best result still depends on proper turntable setup, speaker positioning and making sure any additional sources are connected correctly.
Audio T can demonstrate the complete Colourful Audio System E, help you choose a finish, set up the Debut E correctly and show you how to add a television, CD player, streamer, headphones or subwoofer as your system grows.
- Complete system demonstrations
- Turntable setup
- Cartridge and stylus guidance
- Speaker positioning
- Damp it isolation setup
- Bluetooth pairing
- Television optical-audio setup
- CD player integration
- Streamer integration
- Subwoofer integration
- Headphone setup
- Future upgrade planning
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to arrange a demonstration or discuss which Colourful Audio System E finish will work best in your room.