Pro-Ject Tube Box S3 B Valve Phono Stage
In stock
Features
| Adjustable Gain | No |
|---|---|
| Adjustable Impedance | No |
| MM Input | No |
| MC input | No |
| Brand Color | None |
| Warranty The length of time your product is protected by warranty | 2 Years |
| Product Type | Other |
Tech Specs
- Tube assembly - 2x ECC83 (12AX7)
- Input impedance - 10, 50, 100, 1k, 47k ohms
- Input capacitance - 50, 150, 300, 400 pF
- Gain (+6 dB using XLR Out) - 40, 45, 60, 65 dB
- SNR MM (40 dB) - 97 dBV, 105 dBV - A weighted
- SNR MC (60 dB) - 83 dBV, 88 dBV - A weighted
- THD at 1 kHz - <0,005% MM, <0,01% MC
- THD (20 Hz - 20 kHz) - <0,1% MM, <0,03% MC
- RIAA-equalization curve accuracy - <0,4 dB / 20 Hz - 20 kHz
- Subsonic filter - at 20 Hz with 18 dB/octave
- Input - 1x 5-pin mini XLR, 1x pair RCA phono sockets
- Line-level output - 1x pair RCA, 1x pair XLR
- Power supply DC - 18V / 1000 mA
- Power consumption - 18V / 800 mA DC, <0.5 W in standby
- Dimensions (W x H x D) - 206 x 81 x 153 (164 with sockets) mm
- Weight - 1010 g without power supply
Description
The Pro-Ject Tube Box S3 B Valve Phono Stage is an audiophile-grade preamplifier that delivers true analog warmth and clarity to your vinyl collection. Featuring a fully symmetrical and discrete gain stage, this model supports both MM and MC cartridges with easy front-panel adjustments for gain and loading settings.
The standout feature is its balanced 5-pin mini XLR input and balanced XLR outputs, ensuring interference-free signal transmission and pristine audio quality. The robust aluminium chassis provides excellent shielding from electromagnetic interference, while the replaceable ECC83 tubes offer smooth, dynamic sound with a lush top end. Available in silver or black and made in Europe, this compact yet powerful unit is a high-performance upgrade for any serious vinyl enthusiast.
The Advantage of True Balanced Connectivity
The “B” in Tube Box S3 B stands for balanced, and this design offers exceptional noise rejection and signal purity. In a balanced transmission, two identical signals (hot and cold) are carried separately, allowing the gain stage to subtract any noise introduced during transmission. This means your music reaches the amplifier clean and intact.
The S3 B’s symmetrical circuitry requires two separate amplifier sections, one for each signal path, a feature rarely found at this price point. Whether using the balanced mini XLR input from your turntable or the balanced XLR outputs to your amplifier, the result is an exceptionally clean, distortion-free phono signal, revealing every subtle detail from your vinyl records.
Flexible Cartridge Loading and Dual Turntable Support
One of the Tube Box S3 B’s most versatile features is its wide range of cartridge loading options, all adjustable directly from the front panel. With gain settings from 40 dB to 65 dB and impedance choices from 10 ohms to 47k ohms, it can be precisely matched to virtually any cartridge. Capacitance options from 50 pF to 400 pF ensure compatibility even with challenging setups, such as higher-capacitance cables.
The S3 B also allows for two turntables to be connected at once, with separate settings for each input stored in memory. This flexibility ensures you can easily integrate the unit into your hi-fi system while matching output levels to other sources like CD players or streaming devices.
High-End Sound in a Compact Form
Despite its small footprint, the Pro-Ject Tube Box S3 B delivers the sonic performance of much larger and more expensive phono stages. The semi-passive RIAA equalisation ensures accuracy within 0.4 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, preserving the integrity of your records. The ECC83 tubes provide a warm, engaging tonal balance with excellent midrange presence, while the low distortion and high signal-to-noise ratio guarantee faithful reproduction.
The aluminium enclosure not only adds durability but also enhances the aesthetic appeal of this precision-engineered piece of audio equipment. For vinyl lovers seeking the perfect blend of warmth, detail, and noise-free performance, the Tube Box S3 B is a standout choice.