The new Pro-Ject Phono Box DS3 Balanced phono preamplifier is a democratic version of the Phono Box RS. It is part of the new range of Pro-Ject phono preamps, all featuring balanced connections.
PRO-JECT PHONO BOX DS3 B: CHASSIS
The Phono Box DS3 B is a high-end phono preamplifier offered at an affordable price. It is enclosed in a high-quality steel/aluminum sandwich housing that provides rigidity and high isolation against electromagnetic disturbances while limiting mechanical vibrations. Its dimensions are larger than those of the Phono Box S2 range, allowing for a much more comprehensive set of connections.
PRO-JECT PHONO BOX DS3 B: FRONT PANEL
On the front panel, you'll find several mini push buttons for multiple adjustments. It's easy to adjust the capacitive load with settings of 50, 150, 300, and 400 pF. Gain can also be adjusted with values suitable for pairing with all MM and high-output MC cartridges, as well as most low-output MC cartridges.
RCA output gains range from 40, 45, 50, 60, and 65 dB, with an additional 6 dB on XLR output. It also features a subsonic filter to reduce low-frequency resonance, activated at 20 Hz with an 18 dB/octave slope.
The resistance load for low-output MC cartridges is adjustable via a potentiometer, offering values from 10 to 1000 ohms.
The Phono Box DS3 B allows selection between balanced or unbalanced input.
PRO-JECT PHONO BOX DS3 B: REAR PANEL
On the back, there's a pair of RCA inputs and a ground terminal for the turntable. These inputs are duplicated by a peculiar 5-pin mini XLR stereo socket and a pair of female XLR sockets. Outputs are also available in two formats: unbalanced RCA and balanced XLR male.
Power is supplied by an external 18v DC power adapter.
PRO-JECT PHONO BOX DS3 B: TECHNOLOGIES
The Pro-Ject Phono Box DS3 B uses entirely discrete technology composed only of transistors and passive components. The best operational amplifiers cannot match the neutral, natural, dynamic, and lively presentation of a truly discrete circuit.
The amplification stage does not use any integrated circuits. The gain stage is fully balanced, increasing the signal-to-noise ratio and minimizing interference. The RIAA equalization stage is entirely passive and discrete to provide the cleanest signal possible.
The fully divided passive equalization allows for better impedance matching and minimal deviation from the ideal RIAA curve. Components are of excellent quality with low tolerances.
PRO-JECT PHONO BOX DS3 B: TESTING & LISTENING
From the first notes, you'll notice precise, detailed, and dynamic reproduction. The timbre is beautiful and very accurate. The Pro-Ject Phono Box DS3 B does not seem to favor any particular register. It maintains the neutrality (slightly less pronounced) of the Pro-Ject Phono Box RS.
The Pro-Ject Phono Box DS3 B offers reproduction with minimal noise and particularly low distortion. The level of detail and precision is very high. The bass is deep and articulate, providing a significant amount of information and precision. The treble is clear and silky without any fatigue.
The soundstage is very realistic in terms of width and depth. The main advantage of this preamp is its ability to exploit a balanced input-to-output scheme. Therefore, if you have an amplifier equipped with an XLR input, the Pro-Ject Phono Box DS3 Balanced phono preamplifier is an essential choice.
You can also add magnetic side panels made of genuine wood (Walnut, Eucalyptus, Rosenut), sold separately: Pro-Ject wood panels for DS2 series.
FranckInput impedance: 10 to 1000 ohms, 47k ohms
Input capacitance: 50, 150, 300, 400 pF
RCA Out gain: 40, 45, 50, 60, 65 dB
XLR Out gain: 46, 51, 56, 66, 71 dB
MM signal-to-noise ratio (40dB): 104dBV, 110dBV - ‘A’ weighted
MC Signal to Noise Ratio (60dB): 85dBV, 90dBV - ‘A’ weighted
THD at 1kHz: <0.001% MM, <0.005% MC
THD (20Hz-20kHz): <0.005% MM, < 0.01% MC
Accuracy of RIAA equalisation curve: <0.3dB / 20Hz - 20kHz
Subsonic filter: at 20Hz with 18dB/octave
Inputs: 1x 5-pin mini XLR / 1x pair of XLR / 1x pair of RCA phono sockets
Outputs: 1x RCA pair, 1x XLR pair
DC power supply: 18 V/500 mA
Power consumption: 18 V/290 mA DC, <0.5 W standby
Dimensions: 206 x 72 x 194 mm
Weight: 1,480g (without power supply)
Customer reviews
Très performant
Suivant les conseils d'Olivier pour m'associer avec une cellule MC Hana SL j'ai opté pour ce pré-ampli. Après une trentaine d'heures de rodage je peux dire qu'il est très performant autant par ses nombreux réglages possibles par boutons et mollette que par sa polyvalence sonore (transparence) et sa connectique entrées/sorties. Petit frère du RS2 de par ses qualité il est pour moi un excellent choix dont j'en suis ravi.
DS3 B
Excellent préampli, beaucoup d'aération et de détails, très belle image. Très flexible sur les entrées et les sorties. Superbe nouveauté