Pro-Ject’s Tube Box S3 B Debuts With Tube Box E Phono Stage

Both of Pro-Ject's new phono stage designs support moving coil (MC) and moving magnet (MM) phono cartridge types, while the more premium offering, the Tube Box S3 B, throws balanced input into the mix alongside RCA and XLR outputs.

Pro-Ject Tube Box S3 B

We shall stick with the Tube Box S3 B for a moment, as Pro-Ject proclaims it "raises the bar in the premium analogue market" no less, thanks to its "high-end technologies" combined with its "extensive setting and connection options." 

We are told that the fully symmetrical discrete gain stage is the Tube Box S3 B's pièce de résistance, which, when coupled with a turntable equipped with a balanced output via the phono stage's 5-pin mini XLR input, maintains a balanced signal path, thereby reducing noise and preserving musical detail according to Pro-Ject.

Additionally, the  81x206x153mm [HxWxD] phono stage offers gain choices of 40, 45, 60, and 65 dB, enabling it to accommodate both moving magnet and moving coil cartridges. Joining those options on the fascia controls are impedance (10, 50, 100, 1k, 47k ohms) and capacitance loading (50, 150, 300, 400 pF) options and switches for selecting input or toggling the subsonic filter, a feature that Pro-Ject expects will make the Tube Box S3 B easier to use.

The new phono stage is housed in an aluminium enclosure to protect against unwanted interference, showcasing twin input options for connecting dual turntables – one balanced and one unbalanced – with stored settings for switching easily between the two.

Pro-Ject Tube Box E

Despite its diminutive 73 x103x115mm [HxWxD] footprint and even more accessible price tag, the Tube Box E boasts a fully discrete (no OpAmps here!), dual-mono design, resulting in reduced noise from a design which Pro-Ject claims produces a "musical sound with a rich midrange".

Its fascia-mounted buttons can scroll you through a range of gain settings, from 40 to 63 dB, supporting a broad spectrum of moving magnet and moving coil cartridges. Capacitance and impedance can also be widely modified, while the subsonic filter on the faceplate provides further scope for sound adjustment.

The Tube Box E phono stage is fitted with a metal enclosure to protect against interference and vibrations, and features an aluminium front panel and gold-plated RCA sockets.

Both new models are available now, with the Tube Box S3 B priced at £529 | €599 and the Tube Box E priced at £240 | €299. Pricing in other territories is TBC.

For more information visit Pro-Ject