Pro-Ject’s Pre Box S3 Takes a Swiss-Knife Approach to Hi-Fi Control

The launch comes during a notably busy period for the Austrian manufacturer, following recent S-Series ‘Box’ releases, including the CD Box RS2 Tube CD player and the balanced-drive Head Box S3 B and DS3 B headphone amplifiers. Together, those products point to a broader push to modernise Pro-Ject’s compact electronics range while retaining a strong emphasis on analogue signal integrity.

According to Pro-Ject, the Pre Box S3 is intended to fulfil the role traditionally occupied by a classic hi-fi preamplifier, but updated for today’s more diverse source landscape. The company describes the unit as a “Swiss-knife” control centre, designed so that users are unlikely to run out of inputs as systems evolve.

In practical terms, the Pre Box S3 combines multiple roles into a single aluminium S3-series chassis. It incorporates a moving-magnet phono stage with 45dB of gain, a line-level analogue preamplifier with a motor-driven potentiometer, a built-in DAC supporting up to 24-bit/192kHz via USB-C and S/PDIF, Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX HD, and a dedicated HDMI eARC input for integrating TV audio directly into a stereo system.

Connectivity is a clear focus. The Pre Box S3 offers a total of 9 inputs split into three analogue and six digital, alongside a wide range of outputs. That includes variable and fixed line-level connections, a dedicated subwoofer output, and a 6.3mm headphone socket powered by an integrated headphone amplifier rated at 2 × 70mW into 32 ohms. For custom installation and smart-home environments, Pro-Ject has also included both a 12V trigger output and RS232 control.

Internally, the Pre Box S3 employs a dual-mono circuit layout and a Cirrus Logic CS4344 DAC, while Pro-Ject emphasises its use of fully analogue volume control rather than digital attenuation. The company positions the unit as an ideal partner for active loudspeakers or compact power-amp systems, where a traditional full-width preamplifier may be impractical.

While Pro-Ject’s claim of “no competition” may be ambitious in an increasingly crowded compact-electronics segment, the Pre Box S3 underlines the brand’s intent to offer a single-box solution for listeners juggling vinyl, digital sources and television audio, without abandoning the analogue sensibilities that have long defined the company’s appeal.

Designed and manufactured in Europe, the Pre Box S3 is available in black or silver finishes. Pricing has been set at €599 | £499 | US$699, with additional regional pricing expected to be confirmed shortly.

For more information visit Pro-Ject