Didcot, Oxfordshire – 2nd November 2023 – Pro-Ject Audio Systems, the leading analogue hi-fi company, is today announcing three new products. First, the Tube Box DS3 B dual-mono phono pre-amplifier with valve output stage joins the range as a new, premium option for balanced turntable connections. Second, two new step-up transformers – a whole new product category for the Austrian company – join the range in the form of the MC Step-Up Box DS3 B and the MC Step-Up Box S3.
All the new announcements further expand Pro-Ject’s ability to support customers on their hi-fi journey, facilitating highly personalised system configurations to suit different tastes and budgets.
Features of the Tube Box DS3 B include:
- Balanced input and output options (alongside unbalanced options)
- More precise cartridge loading options via highly adjustable loading dial on the front panel
- Valve output stage for unique sound signature
- Premium components and build-quality
- Made in Europe
Features of the MC Step Up Box DS3 B and MC Step Up Box S3 include:
- Sound upgrade for moving coil cartridges thanks to passive amplification system
- High channel separation for pure stereo integrity
- Lundahl LL1678 audio transformer (MC Step Up Box DS3 B only)
- Balanced input and output option (MC Step Up Box DS3 B only)
- Premium components and build-quality
- Made in Europe
Tube Box DS3 B: £949.00 (UK SRP)
MC Step Up Box DS3 B: £799.00 (UK SRP)
MC Step Up Box S3: £399.00 (UK SRP)
All models will begin shipping during November 2023.
Tube Box DS3 B in detail
The Tube Box DS3 B is a sophisticated phono pre-amplifier for MM and MC cartridges, benefitting 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.
The 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.
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
MC Step Up Box DS3 B in detail
The MC Step Up Box DS3 B is a premium step-up transformer for moving coil cartridges, particularly suited to balanced turntable connections.
Step-up transformers exist to passively increase the output level of a moving coil pick-up cartridge to a level like that of a typical moving magnet design. The level of gain achieved is defined by the winding ratio of the transformer. By making this initial gain phase entirely passive no extra power is required, and the audio signal can maintain its integrity. The further benefit is that less electrical power is now required from the phono stage, further allowing the signal to be freer of unwanted electrical noise.
The MC Step Up Box DS3 B makes use of high-quality Lundahl LL1678 audio transformers to ensure every piece of musical detail is passed through to the phono stage. For further system compatibility it is also possible to select between RCA and XLR inputs and outputs as well as choosing between two transformer ratios depending on the level of gain required.
The MC Step Up Box DS3 B delivers remarkable clarity with minimal noise and distortion. Suited to both balanced and unbalanced systems, it is one of the most flexible step-up transformers available today.
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
MC Step Up Box S3 in detail
The MC Step Up Box S3 is a high-quality step-up transformer for moving coil cartridges, bringing new levels of flexibility and convenience to premium analogue systems.
Step-up transformers exist to passively increase the output level of a moving coil pick-up cartridge to a level like that of a typical moving magnet design. The level of gain achieved is defined by the winding ratio of the transformer. By making this initial gain phase entirely passive no extra power is required, and the audio signal can maintain its integrity. The further benefit is that less electrical power is now required from the phono stage, further allowing the signal to be freer of unwanted electrical noise.
The MC Step Up Box S3 makes use of premium materials throughout to deliver a high-quality sound performance. The 1:16 transformer ratio is suited to a wide range of modern pick-ups, allowing the transformer to function as a great upgrade solution for high-end integrated amplifiers that are limited by a built-in moving magnet phono stage.
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
Tags: ANALOGUE NEWS PREAMPLIFIER PRO-JECT
