92%
Pro-Ject Audio Systems Phono Box S3 B
Balanced audiophile phono stage
- 5-pin mini XLR balanced input
- balanced XLR outputs
- symmetrical & discrete gain stage
- easy settings adjustment
- MM & MC capable
- Dual mono design
- Aluminium casing
- Made in Europe
The new S3 phono stage.
The symmetrical design is the real standout feature! Connect your turntable with the 5-pin mini XLR cable & profit of the balanced signal path. The gain stage of the new Phono Box S3 B uses a fully discrete layout. A discrete circuit is composed of electronic components which are disparate, individual devices.
Semi-passive EQ
After treating the balanced +/- signals independently they are added back together and are processed by the
semi-passive RIAA equalization stage. By keeping the gain stage fully symmetrical, we can optimize the signal-to-noise ratios and keep interference to a minimum, giving the EQ section the best source to work its magic on.
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Pro-Ject Phono Box S3 B — compact, configurable, and balanced
The Pro-Ject Audio Systems Phono Box S3 B brings true balanced connectivity, flexible cartridge matching and pro-grade transparency to the sub-$500 class. Reviewers including Philip Beaudette, Gene Hopstetter and Ken Kessler praise its airy, fast and highly resolving presentation, with an exceptionally low noise floor when run balanced. Front-panel pushbuttons let you set impedance, capacitance and gain (and the unit remembers settings per input), while discrete gain stages, a subsonic filter and full XLR/RCA outputs underline the design focus on sonic purity. Built from an aluminum/steel chassis in Europe, the S3 B suits listeners who want easy cartridge matching, MC/MM flexibility, and the benefits of balanced connectivity without stepping up to four-figure phono stages. It's a compelling value for upgrade-minded vinyl fans.
Pros
- End-to-end balanced connectivity reduces noise and widens soundstage, yielding quieter backgrounds and stronger low‑end authority when used with balanced chains.
- Front-panel pushbutton controls for impedance, capacitance and gain (with per-input memory) make cartridge matching fast and allow two turntables/tonearms to be connected simultaneously.
- Transparent, neutral and highly resolving presentation with an extremely low noise floor that lets micro- and macro-detail emerge.
- Exceptional feature-to-price ratio—balanced I/O, discrete circuitry and front-panel adjustability are rare at this MSRP.
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Cons
- No dedicated mono switch, which some collectors of mono pressings will miss.
- Use of a 5‑pin mini‑XLR for the balanced input may be inconvenient for owners who prefer full-size XLRs and existing cables.
- Gain options are in relatively large steps (45/60dB etc.); some reviewers would like finer increments for more exact level matching.
- Different external PSU voltages across Pro-Ject components (X2 B vs S3 B) can confuse users when managing power bricks.
Transparency
94/100
Multiple reviewers praised an extremely low noise floor and a 'black background' (SoundStage Solo; Philip Beaudette) and described the unit as contributing nothing to the music other than a quiet backdrop. Balanced operation is repeatedly noted to lower noise further and improve openness and clarity (HiFi News, What Hi‑Fi, Future Audiophile). Measured specs and reviewers' comments ('extremely low noise floor', 'so utterly clean and transparent') support a top-tier transparency score.
Sound Quality
91/100
The unit was repeatedly praised for timing, transient clarity and slam: reviewers noted excellent attack/decay, increased slam in balanced mode, and an engaging, lively presentation (HomeTheaterHifi, HiFi News, What Hi‑Fi). The S3 B preserved micro- and macro-dynamics well, making records sound alive rather than compressed.
Cartridge Compatibility
92/100
The S3 B supports both MM and MC, with selectable gains (40/45/60/65dB plus +6dB balanced), five impedance settings and four capacitance settings adjustable from the front panel (SoundStage Solo; Philip Beaudette; What Hi‑Fi). Front-panel pushbutton adjustments and per-input memory for settings make matching cartridges easy and flexible, supporting high compatibility and upgrade paths.
Build Quality
88/100
Constructed from electromagnetic-shielding aluminum/steel and built in Slovakia, the S3 B is described as surprisingly sturdy and well made for its size (Philip Beaudette; What Hi‑Fi). The use of discrete gain stages and a quality external PSU are positives; only minor gripes (choice of mini‑XLR by some) temper a near‑excellent score.
Value for Money
92/100
At about $499 reviewers repeatedly called the S3 B excellent value, noting it 'didn’t concede much' to far more expensive phono stages and offers features (balanced I/O, front-panel adjustments) rare at this price (SoundStage Solo; Future Audiophile; HomeTheaterHifi). Multiple reviewers used explicit positive value language ('a lot of performance for not a lot of money', 'love that kind of value'), supporting a strong value rating.
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