The Pro-Ject company presented three new products at once to update vinyl setups – the Tube Box DS3 phono preamplifier and two step-up transformers for MC phono preamplifiers, and the latter were not previously in the company’s catalog.
The Tube Box DS3 B phono preamplifier is made in an uncompromising dual mono hybrid circuit, with semiconductor input circuits and a tube output stage. In addition, in addition to the usual unbalanced RCA switching (inputs and outputs) in such cases, it was the first among Pro-Ject products of this class to receive balanced switching on XLR connectors.
Power supply, already traditional for the company, is from an external adapter, which allows you to physically remove the source of interference from sensitive electronics. In addition, the new product “remembers” its settings – a plus for ease of use.
Step-up transformers presented by Pro-Ject – models MC Step Up Box DS3 B and MC Step Up Box S3, differ in class. The first is suitable for balanced connections and is based on Lundahl LL1678 transformers. Switching, respectively, is unbalanced RCA inputs and outputs and balanced XLR. Transformation ratio switching is available.
MC Step Up Box S3 has a constant transformation ratio of 1:16, the most common option. Connectivity options have also been simplified – only through unbalanced RCA connectors. All three new Pro-Ject products should go on sale during November 2023.
In Europe, the price of the Pro-Ject Tube Box DS3 phono stage will be 1050 euros, the MC Step Up DS3 B transformers will be 900 euros and the MC Step Up Box S3 will be 450 euros.
