PRO-JECT ANNOUNCE NEW PHONO STAGE AND STEP-UP TRANSFORMERS

The new products from Pro-Ject are the Pro-Ject Tube Box DS3 B dual-mono phono pre-amplifier and two new step-up transformers, a whole new product category for the Austrian company, join the range in the form of the Pro-Ject MC Step-Up Box DS3 B and the Pro-Ject MC Step-Up Box S3.

PRO-JECT TUBE BOX DS3 B

The Tube Box DS3 B is a phono pre-amplifier designed for MM and MC cartridges, with a dual-mono electrical layout, a valve output stage, and balanced connection options. Pro-Ject’s True Balanced Connection concept introduces balanced input and output options for reduced noise and higher gain. This pre-amplifier accommodates two turntables or tonearms simultaneously, with adjustable impedance, loading, gain, capacitance, and a subsonic filter accessible on the front panel. Made with premium components and housed in an interference-resistant aluminum casing, the Tube Box DS3 B is equipped with two ECC83 (12AX7) valves, offering a signal-to-noise ratio of 88dBA, and a THD of < 0.04%.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Valves: 2 x ECC83 (12AX7)

Input Impedance: Stepless from 10 – 1000Ω 47kΩ

Capacitance: 50, 150, 300, or 400pF

Gain (+6dB using XLR out): 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, or 65dB

Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 88dBA

THD: < 0.04%

RIAA Curve Accuracy: ± 0.2dB (20Hz – 20kHz)

Subsonic Filter: 20Hz with 18dB/octave

Inputs: 1 x Mini XLR or 1 x XLR Pair, 1 x RCA Pair

Outputs: 1 x XLR Pair, 1 x RCA Pair

Power Supply: 18V / 1A DC

Power Consumption: 490mA DC (max.)

Dimensions (W x H x D): 206 x 91 x 227mm

Weight: 1.5kg

PRO-JECT MC STEP UP BOX DS3 B

The MC Step Up Box DS3 B represents a premium step-up transformer tailored for moving coil cartridges, particularly ideal for balanced turntable connections. This passive device utilizes high-quality Lundahl LL1678 audio transformers, ensuring the transmission of every musical detail to the phono stage. With the flexibility to choose between RCA and XLR inputs and outputs, as well as two transformer ratios for varying gain levels, the MC Step Up Box DS3 B is designed for both balanced and unbalanced systems.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Frequency Response (10Hz – 55kHz): ± 1dB

Transformer Ratio Options: 24dB / 30dB

Recommended Phono Stage Settings: 47kΩ / 100pF

Inputs: 1 x RCA Pair or 1 x XLR Pair

Outputs: 1 x RCA Pair or 1 x XLR Pair

Dimensions (W x H x D): 206 x 79 x 209mm

Weight: 1.74kg

PRO-JECT MC STEP UP BOX S3

The MC Step Up Box S3 offers a step-up transformer solution for moving coil cartridges, introducing flexibility and convenience to premium analogue systems. Operating passively, this transformer enhances the output level of moving coil pick-up cartridges to match that of moving magnet designs. The MC Step Up Box S3, featuring premium materials, incorporates a 1:16 transformer ratio suitable for a wide range of modern pick-ups. This makes it an suitable upgrade for high-end integrated amplifiers limited by built-in moving magnet phono stages, providing a high-quality sound performance with a frequency response of ± 1dB and gains of 21dB and 24dB at different impedance levels.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Frequency Response (10Hz – 55kHz): ± 1dB

Gain (@ 10 – 40Ω): 21dB @ 1kHz

Gain (@ 40 – 150Ω): 24dB @ 1kHz

Recommended Phono Stage Settings: 47kΩ / 100pF

Inputs: 1 x RCA Pair

Outputs: 1 x RCA Pair

Dimensions (W x H x D): 206 x 65 x 164mm

Weight: 0.94kg

PRO-JECT TUBE BOX DS3 B, PRO-JECT MC STEP-UP BOX DS3 B AND PRO-JECT MC STEP-UP BOX S3 PRICING

Tube Box DS3 B: £949 (UK SRP)

MC Step Up Box DS3 B: £799 (UK SRP)

MC Step Up Box S3: £399 (UK SRP)

All models will begin shipping during November 2023, available through Henley Audio’s dealer network.

HiFi PiG Says: Nice to see that Pro-Ject are now making SUTs to complement their systems, good news for vinyl fans.