Pro-Ject Audio Systems founded in 1991 by Heinz Lichtenegger and located Mistelbach. This was at a time when CDs were on the rise and vinyl seemed to be fading away. Lichtenegger believed firmly in the timeless appeal of analogue sound and set out to revive it. He wanted to build high-quality, hand-built turntables at accessible prices, stripped of unnecessary features.

The company made its breakthrough with the Pro-Ject 1, a turntable that quickly gained success and paved the way for worldwide expansion. Today, Pro-Ject designs its products in Austria and produces them in specialized facilities across Europe, offering not only turntables but also a wide range of micro hi-fi electronics such as phono stages and amplifiers.

Pro-Ject played a key role in the vinyl revival. Their debut series, introduced in the late 1990s, became a landmark in affordable hi-fi and brought quality analogue playback to a much wider audience. Over the years, they have also released special artist collection turntables, celebrating icons like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones or Elvis.

In this review I will test their new Travel Set; a complete audiophile stereo system, compact and robustly packed for travel, ideal for anyone who wants to enjoy powerful, detailed music wherever life takes you. All nicely packed in small travel case.

“I’m crazy about music, so I’ve always wanted to enjoy real hi-fi stereo wherever life takes me“
– Heinz Lichtenegger

Design & Build Quality
The Pro-Ject Travel Set is composed of existing compact components; a pair of passive Speaker Box 3E; a Stereo S3 BT integrated amplifier; a set of copper speaker cables; six isolation feet and a remote control. All of this is packed into a sturdy carrying case, allowing the hi-fi set to be safely taken anywhere around the world. Whether you’re checking in to a hotel, boarding a cruise or flying across continents. The Pro-Ject Travel Set is for listeners who want clarity over the bass first tuning of most portable Bluetooth speakers.

This set takes things seriously: real stereo and real amplification. The bass has weight and detail that doesn’t get lost, enough amount to make everything musical. This is real ‘stereo’ hi-fi you can actually take with you. The complete Travel Set weighs around 7,3 KG. Not as light as many bluetooth offerings, but certainly not as heavy as you initially might think.

The set is available in various color combinations

• Silver-amp/White speakers
• Black-amp/White speakers
• Black-amp/Black speakers
• Silver-amp/Walnut veneer speakers
• Black-amp/Walnut veneer speakers.

The speakers
These very nicely built and compact two-way bass reflex loudspeakers feature a rear port, a 0.75-inch silk dome tweeter and a 3-inch carbon and glass fiber mid-bass driver.

Specs:

• System: 2-way bass reflex with rear port
• Frequency response: 83 Hz – 20 kHz
• Nominal impedance: 4 Ω
• Sensitivity: 85 dB (1 W/1 m)
• Tweeter: 0.75″ silk dome
• Woofer: 3″ carbon-fiber glass-composite bass/mid
• Cabinet: MDF construction, resonance-free design
• Magnetic grills: included
• Connections: gold-plated speaker terminals
• Dimensions (H × W × D): 175 × 119 × 152 mm
• Weight (per piece): 1.69 kg

Sound quality
This set sounds very balanced. Treble is smooth, mids are clean. Bass is quick but somewhat modest in depth. The tuning is flat rather than bright, which suits long listening. The result is a sound that works well for desktop, bedroom, small living-, hotel rooms at sensible levels. Build and finish feels solid. This amp makes the speakers of this set sound very lively and musical.

Treble
The silk dome gives a smooth top end with good detail. Cymbals have clear attack without splash. Sibilance stays in check at normal levels. The tone stays consistent. There is no extra sparkle for show. The balance aims for even energy rather than bite. 

Midrange
Voices sound natural and up front. Guitars and piano carry clean harmonics without edge. The small cone reacts fast so microdynamics are easy to follow. Male vocals have less chest weight than larger speakers which is expected at this size. Mid clarity is the strong suit of this set and it really holds up at normal listening levels.

Bass
Useful output reaches into the 80s hertz range. Kick drum has definition more than slam. Electronic bass lines stay tuneful as long as the volume stays reasonable. Close wall placement adds a little warmth from the port yet too close can blur timing. Sub bass is outside its reach. 

For movies or heavier music genres, you could add a compact subwoofer, but of course this would take away the portability of this easy, on-the-go setup

Soundstage & Imaging
Center image locks in well. Lateral placement is precise. Depth depends on recording quality and improves with a bit of toe in. Live albums keep the space of the venue without turning diffuse. At high levels the stage flattens somewhat, before it distorts which is a sign to back off the volume rather than push the small cabinet.

Listening Impressions
The following selection of tracks were chosen by me to explore a wide range of sonic attributes; from microdetail and imaging to rhythm and textures. The music illustrates what I’ve tried to convey above.

Melody Gardot – My One and Only Thril – Lover Undercover
This track highlights the speaker’s ability to deliver smooth vocals with texture and detail. Melody Gardot’s voice comes through warm and natural, unlike many bluetooth speakers that sound bloated. The subtle instrumentation remained clear in the background. The controlled bass ensured the rhythm felt present without overpowering her vocal performance.

Eve Cassidy – I can Only Be Me – Ain’t no Sunshine
The strength of these speakers lies in midrange clarity and Eva Cassidy’s voice is a perfect match. On this album, the emotional depth is captured with precision. Ain’t No Sunshine benefits from the clean separation between guitar, voice and background tones. The speakers kept the sound intimate and direct, ideal for her style.

Concha Buika – En Mi Piel – Volveras
Buika’s voice has a raw, emotional edge and the Travel Set reproduced it with honesty. On the album the percussive elements sounded crisp, adding a rhythmic drive without harshness. Volverás showed how this set handled dynamics well, from soft passages to her powerful warm vocals, maintaining balance and control. I wasn’t sure what to expect but I was very impressed how the set performed with this track.

Haevn – Live in Tivoli – No Man’s Land
Live recordings can often feel cluttered, but here the set shined by keeping instruments separated and giving space to the performance. The vocals were centered and strong, while the ambient crowd sounds remained subtle, adding atmosphere without distraction. The speakers captured the energy of the live performance in a clear, engaging way. 

Sophie Milman – Take Love Easy – Take Love Easy
Jazz vocals and soft instrumentals work well on these speakers, thanks to their balance and detail. Sophie Milman’s voice was smooth and defined. The backing instruments sounded light and airy. The Speakers kept everything in proportion, giving the track a relaxed but refined presentation.

Conclusion
My honest take. Most portable Bluetooth speakers are not for me. The Travel Set really breaks that pattern. I even enjoyed listening through bluetooth! You get real stereo hi-fi on all your destinations. If you prefer a wired feed, plug in a DAP or portable DAC.The Pro-Ject Travel Set delivers real stereo in a compact, but toughly built package. The set has enough drive for a desk or small (hotel)room. The Speakers keep vocals clear and treble smooth while bass is fast and controlled. The sturdy case makes it easy to take anywhere and setup is quick. Although I am very pleased with this set and the possibilities it offers, I have two points for improvement: the damping feet appear generic rather than tailored to these speakers, something you might easiliy loose. The included copper cables are of good quality, but a slimmer profile would suit an on the go use better.

Overal this is a unique and well-executed concept from Pro-Ject Audio Systems. Making it possible to take hi-fi with you wherever you want. If you value ease of use, a solid build and true stereo imaging, the Travel Set is a great choice you should at least consider.

“The Pro-Ject Travel Set: Created for travel, Inspired by home“

– JJAZZIFI

Pros