Pro-Ject Tube Box S3 B Phono Stage

The Pro-Ject Tube Box S3 B is an audiophile-grade phono preamplifier designed to deliver the rich, warm sound that vinyl enthusiasts crave. With a fully symmetrical and discrete gain stage, it ensures optimal signal integrity for an immersive analog listening experience. The unit features a balanced 5-pin mini XLR input and balanced XLR outputs, allowing for cleaner, noise-free audio transmission. Housed in a robust aluminum chassis and available in both silver and black finishes, the Tube Box S3 B is compact yet powerful—offering a meaningful upgrade for any serious vinyl setup. Plus, front-panel controls make it easy to fine-tune settings without interrupting your listening flow.

“B” for Balanced – The Power of Symmetry

The "B" in Tube Box S3 B stands for "balanced," and this design approach is at the heart of its superior performance. A balanced (or symmetrical) transmission uses both a hot (+) and cold (–) signal path, each carrying the same musical data. This method allows the gain stage to subtract any noise introduced along the way, leaving only the pure audio signal. Because of this dual-path system, the preamp requires two separate amplifier sections—an engineering feat rarely seen at this price point. The result is an incredibly clean, accurate reproduction of your vinyl recordings, setting a new standard for phono preamps in its class.

Features

• 5-pin mini XLR balanced input
• Balanced XLR outputs
• Fully symmetrical & discrete gain stage
• Easy settings adjustment on the faceplate
• 2x ECC83 tubes (replaceable)
• MM & MC capable
• Dual mono design
• Semi-passive RIAA equalization
• Superior low noise / low distortion
• Aluminium casing protects against interference
• Available in silver or black
• Made in Europe

User-Friendly Features and Flexibility

Compared to the previous S2 Line, the Tube Box S3 B offers enhanced usability, including front-panel access for all key settings. A major convenience for vinyl collectors is the ability to connect two turntables simultaneously, with each input’s settings automatically stored in memory. Whether you’re using a moving magnet (MM) or moving coil (MC) cartridge, the wide gain range from 40dB to 65dB allows for optimal signal matching. These features make the Tube Box S3 B a highly adaptable preamp that can seamlessly integrate into a wide range of HiFi systems, offering consistent volume levels across all your audio sources.

Precision Tuning for Every Cartridge

The Tube Box S3 B also excels in offering precise loading options to suit virtually any cartridge. With settings as low as 50 pF for capacitance and 10 ohms for impedance, it can accommodate even the most sensitive setups, including those that rely on less-than-ideal cabling. This level of fine-tuning ensures you get the most out of your turntable and cartridge combination. Whether you're dealing with vintage records or modern pressings, the S3 B delivers exceptional sonic clarity and fidelity. It’s a preamp built not just for compatibility, but for maximizing the musicality of your vinyl collection.

Specifications