Pro-Ject Tube Box DS3 B Phono Stage
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Pro-Ject Tube Box DS3 B Phono Stage
The Pro-Ject Tube Box DS3 B Phono Stage is a sophisticated phono pre-amplifier for MM and MC cartridges, benefiting from a dual-mono electrical layout, valve output stage and balanced connection options. Pro-Ject’s fully adjustable impedance dial on the front panel allows for fine adjustment with moving coil cartridge systems.
Pro-Ject’s Tube Box phono stages have been a part of the range for many years and are enduringly popular for their high-end sound performance. The Tube Box DS3 B is the first to add balanced input and output options to the mix as part of Pro-Ject’s True Balanced Connection concept. The result is an even cleaner and clearer musical performance thanks to the reduced noise and higher gain from using a balanced connection.
Features
- Balanced XLR in- & outputs
- More precise cartridge loading options
- Precise RIAA equalisation
- Ultra low noise circuitry
- MM & MC capable
- Balanced & single ended in- & outputs
- Dual mono design
- Continously variable input impedance loading
- Superior low noise / low distortion
- Subsonic filter
- Aluminium casing protects against interference
- Available in silver or black
- Magnetic wooden side panels avaialable separately
- Made in Europe
The Pro-Ject Tube Box DS3 B still features RCA connection options as well, meaning you can connect two turntables or tonearms at the same time. The input settings for Loading, Gain, Capacitance, and the Subsonic filter – all accessed clearly on the front panel – are stored in the memory as you switch between RCA and XLR input options.
Pro-Ject’s load impedance dial, as featured on its other high-end phono stages, is included on the Tube Box DS3 B. This handy tool allows for very fine, seamless adjustment of the impedance during playback, so you can easily assess the impact of different loading options on your cartridges and style of music.
The Tube Box DS3 B is made with premium components throughout, all housed in an aluminium casing that protects against interference. It benefits from an external power adapter for reduced noise and electrical interference around the sensitive electronics, but can also be upgraded further with a linear power supply upgrade. As with other DS Line electronics, the Tube Box DS3 B can also be visually upgraded with magnetically attached wooden side panels for a more retro aesthetic.
The Tube Box DS3 B is powered by an external adapter. It is essential to keep all components that can emit electromagnetic fields away from the amplifier to prevent interference. This is why we utilise an external power supply. Due to legal requirements, this power supply must be of the switch-mode type, with guaranteed standby power consumption of 0.1W. However, an external power supply with a linear construction is even more beneficial, as it provides much cleaner power. To create such high-end, clean power supplies, a transformer with very low core saturation, ideally with shielding between the primary and secondary windings, is necessary.
Linear Power Supply Upgrade
Low core saturation reduces the radiation of external electromagnetic fields, which could interfere with sensitive circuits. Shielding between the windings serves as a highly effective filter, suppressing interference from the mains. When combined with a DC-blocker, which prevents core saturation from DC current, the resulting filtration is even more efficient. Additionally, this helps to reduce mechanical vibration in the transformer. It is crucial that the transformer used is vacuum-impregnated. Naturally, such a transformer is larger and more expensive than expected, which is why this power supply requires a housing the size of the Tube Box DS3 B itself.
The power supply should not be positioned close to the Tube Box DS3 B. It should also be kept away from large transformers in power amplifiers or other devices that may cause electromagnetic interference. Strong electromagnetic fields from large transformers in close proximity can even penetrate the Tube Box DS3 B’s heavy metal/aluminium chassis. Even such a chassis has its limitations! The optimal setup is to position the power supply as far away as possible from these harmful fields.
Specifications
| Input Impedance (MM): | 47 kΩ |
| Input Impedance (MC): | Variable 10 - 1,000 Ω |
| Phono Stage Capacitance (MM): | 50, 150, 300 or 400 pF |
| Phono Stage Gain (MM): | 40, 45, 50 dB |
| Phono Stage Gain (MC): | 50, 60, 65 dB |
| Phono Stage Equalisation Options: | RIAA |
| Subsonic Filter at 20Hz with 18dB/octave | |
| RIAA Accuracy (20Hz - 20kHz): | ± 0.2 dB |
| Valves: | 2 x ECC83 |
| THD: | < 0.04 % |
| Signal To Noise Ratio (MM Input): | 88 dB |
| RCA Input(s): | 1 Stereo Pair |
| Balanced XLR Input(s): | 1 Stereo Pair |
| Balanced Mini-XLR Input: | 1 |
| Fixed Analogue Output(s): | 1 x RCA Pair, 1 x XLR Pair |
| External Power Supply Rating: | 18V-1000mA DC |
| Maximum Power Consumption: | 0.5 W |
| Dimensions (W x H x D): | 206 x 91 x 227 mm |
| Weight: | 1.5 kg |
| Input Impedance (MM): | 47 kΩ |
| Input Impedance (MC): | Variable 10 - 1,000 Ω |
| Phono Stage Capacitance (MM): | 50, 150, 300 or 400 pF |
| Phono Stage Gain (MM): | 40, 45, 50 dB |
| Phono Stage Gain (MC): | 50, 60, 65 dB |
| Phono Stage Equalisation Options: | RIAA |
| Subsonic Filter at 20Hz with 18dB/octave | |
| RIAA Accuracy (20Hz - 20kHz): | ± 0.2 dB |
| Valves: | 2 x ECC83 |
| THD: | < 0.04 % |
| Signal To Noise Ratio (MM Input): | 88 dB |
| RCA Input(s): | 1 Stereo Pair |
| Balanced XLR Input(s): | 1 Stereo Pair |
| Balanced Mini-XLR Input: | 1 |
| Fixed Analogue Output(s): | 1 x RCA Pair, 1 x XLR Pair |
| External Power Supply Rating: | 18V-1000mA DC |
| Maximum Power Consumption: | 0.5 W |
| Dimensions (W x H x D): | 206 x 91 x 227 mm |
| Weight: | 1.5 kg |
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