- All your analogue, digital and wireless sound through a single preamplifier
- 13 inputs and outputs including streaming from aptX HD
- £499 (approx $685 / AU$985)
Pro-Ject – maker of some of the best turntables on the market – has announced a new compact stereo preamp designed to simplify today’s hi-fi systems. The Pre Box S3 unites your vinyl and digital sources, your TV’s sound and your wireless streaming in a single component that acts as a control center for all your audio needs.
This is a preamplifier, so it does not contain its own amplification for passive speakers, but you can use it to connect to active speakers or a power amplifier, as well as being the source and controller of an existing hi-fi setup. And it looks like a smart option for those of us whose audio diet isn’t limited to a single source or to streaming audio.
Design-wise, it’s a typical minimalist Pro-Ject case, reminiscent of previous products like the recently launched Pro-Ject Head Box S3: Pro-Ject likes to keep things clean and tidy rather than adding unnecessary bells and whistles.
Pro-Ject Pre Box S3: key features and pricing
The Pre Box S3 has a phono stage for moving magnet turntables, a DAC for digital sources that delivers up to 24-bit/192kHz sound, an analog preamplifier with a motorized volume control, HDMI with eARC for your TV, Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX HD that receives up to 24-bit/48kHz headphone amplifier with 6 to 0 headphone amplifier, and a 0 headphone amplifier. ohms, which covers even very demanding models among the best wired headphones.
There are plenty of connections here: two line-level RCA inputs for CD players and other external audio sources, an MM phono input, two optical Toslink S/PDIFs, a coax S/PDIF, USB-C that supports PCM up to 24-bit/192kHz, and the aforementioned HDMI.
Output is also generous. There is a variable RCA for your power amplifier, a 6.3mm headphone output, a fixed level line output for other zones or external equipment and a dedicated subwoofer output. There is also a 12V trigger for peripherals and RS232 for custom or multi-room integration.
The Pro-Ject Pre Box S3 costs £499 (approx $685 / AU$985) and you can get yours in black or silver.
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