The new Pro-Ject Phono Box DS3 Balanced phono preamplifier is a more accessible version of the Phono Box RS. It belongs to Pro-Ject's new fully balanced range of phono preamps.
PRO-JECT PHONO BOX DS3 B: CHASSIS
The Phono Box DS3 B is a high-end phono preamplifier offered at an affordable price. It sits inside a well-built steel/aluminium sandwich enclosure that delivers high rigidity, strong shielding against electromagnetic interference, and reduced mechanical vibration. Its dimensions are larger than the Phono Box S2 range, which makes room for far more comprehensive connectivity.
PRO-JECT PHONO BOX DS3 B: FRONT PANEL
The front panel features several small push-buttons for a wide range of adjustments. Capacitive loading is easily set to 50, 150, 300 or 400 pF. Gain is also adjustable, with values suited to all MM cartridges, high-output MC cartridges, and almost all low-output MC cartridges.
On the RCA output, gain settings are 40, 45, 50, 60 and 65 dB, with an additional 6 dB on the XLR output. A subsonic filter is also included to roll off the extreme low end and prevent woofer pumping in certain situations. When active, it operates at 20 Hz with an 18 dB/octave slope.
The resistive load for low-output MC is applied via a potentiometer offering every value from 10 to 1000 ohms.
The Phono Box DS3 B lets you select either a balanced or single-ended input.
PRO-JECT PHONO BOX DS3 B: REAR PANEL
At the back you'll find a pair of RCA inputs and a ground terminal for the turntable. These inputs are duplicated by an unusual balanced stereo mini XLR 5-pin socket, as well as a pair of female XLR sockets. Outputs are also available in two formats: single-ended RCA and balanced via standard male XLR connectors. Power is supplied at 18V DC through an external power supply.
PRO-JECT PHONO BOX DS3 B: TECHNOLOGY
The Pro-Ject Phono Box DS3 B uses a fully discrete design built solely from transistors and passive components. Even the best op-amps don't match the neutral, natural, dynamic and lively presentation of a truly discrete circuit.
The amplification section uses no integrated circuits at all. The gain stage is fully balanced, which improves the signal-to-noise ratio and keeps interference to a minimum. The RIAA equalisation stage is fully passive and discrete to deliver the cleanest possible signal.
This fully split passive equalisation allows better impedance matching and very low deviation from the ideal RIAA curve. The components are high quality with tight tolerances.
PRO-JECT PHONO BOX DS3 B: LISTENING TEST
From the very first notes, the sound is precise, detailed and highly dynamic. Timbres are beautiful and very accurate. The Pro-Ject Phono Box DS3 B doesn't seem to favour any part of the range. It carries the neutrality of the Pro-Ject Phono Box RS, if slightly less pronounced.
The Pro-Ject Phono Box DS3 B offers low-noise reproduction with particularly low distortion. The level of detail and precision is very high. Bass is deep and tightly articulated, with a great deal of information and precision. Treble is both clear and silky, with no listening fatigue.
The soundstage is very realistic in both width and depth. The main appeal of this preamp is its ability to run a balanced signal path from input to output. So if you also have an amplifier fitted with an XLR input, the Pro-Ject Phono Box DS3 Balanced is a must-have choice.
You can add magnetic side panels in real wood (Walnut, Eucalyptus, Rosenut). These are sold separately: Pro-Ject wood panels for the DS2 series.
FAQ: Everything you need to know before buying the Pro-Ject Phono Box DS3 Balanced phono preamplifier
Which cartridges is this preamp compatible with?
The Phono Box DS3 B accepts all MM cartridges and high-output MC cartridges, as well as nearly all low-output MC cartridges. Gain settings on the RCA output are 40, 45, 50, 60 and 65 dB, with an additional 6 dB on the XLR output.
What does the balanced design actually bring?
The fully balanced gain stage improves the signal-to-noise ratio and keeps interference to a minimum. To get the full benefit, you need an amplifier fitted with an XLR input: in that case, you run a balanced signal path from input to output.
What gain and loading settings does this preamp offer?
On the RCA output, gain is set to 40, 45, 50, 60 or 65 dB (with an extra 6 dB on the XLR output), capacitance to 50, 150, 300 or 400 pF, and the low-output MC load resistance via a continuous potentiometer from 10 to 1000 ohms, covering nearly every MM and MC cartridge on the market. Our guide on how to choose your phono preamplifier explains these values.
Can you customise its look?
Yes, you can add magnetic side panels in real wood (Walnut, Eucalyptus, Rosenut). These are sold separately: Pro-Ject wood panels for the 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 Output Gain: 46, 51, 56, 66, 71 dB
MM Signal-to-Noise Ratio (40 dB): 104 dBV, 110 dBV – ‘A’-weighted
MC Signal-to-Noise Ratio (60 dB): 85 dBV, 90 dBV – ‘A’-weighted
THD at 1 kHz: <0.001% MM, <0.005% MC
THD (20 Hz–20 kHz): <0.005% MM, <0.01% MC
RIAA equalization curve accuracy: <0.3 dB / 20 Hz–20 kHz
Subsonic filter: At 20 Hz with 18 dB/octave
Inputs: 1x 5-pin mini XLR / 1x pair of XLR / 1x pair of RCA phono jacks
Outputs: 1x pair of RCA, 1x pair of XLR
DC power supply: 18 V/500 mA
Power consumption: 18 V/290 mA DC, <0.5 W in standby
Dimensions: 206 x 72 x 194 mm
Weight: 1,480 g (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