Pro-Ject Audio Systems has introduced the Uni Box S3, a small integrated amplifier equipped with both analogue and digital inputs, as well as a headphone jack located on the front. One of its most notable features is the inclusion of Wii OS, the streaming platform developed by WiiM.
Pro-Ject Audio Uni Box S3
Drawing on decades of expertise in analog design, Pro-ject Audio has taken a different approach to typical streaming amplifiers, one that preserves the rich character of analog sound by leaving the analog signal path unchanged. While embracing the convenience of streaming, digital and analog are separated. This means that the connected turntable, CD player or other line-level devices retain their original, true-to-life sound.
Built around the same dual-mono architecture as Pro-ject’s compact MaiA S3 , the Uni Box S3 delivers 40 watts per channel into 4 ohms. The Uni Box S3 is no powerhouse, but its power should be more than enough for a small to medium-sized room.
Wii OS streaming platform
The core of the Uni Box S3’s streaming intelligence is Wii OS (the streaming platform from manufacturer WiiM) with support for Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz, TuneIn and more. A Cirrus Logic DAC handles playback at up to 24-bit/192kHz.
The Uni Box S3 features a phono amplifier for MM cartridges, an analogue volume control via a motorised potentiometer and a dedicated headphone amplifier with a 6.35mm jack output. The inputs include three analogue (including phono), three digital (optical and coaxial), an HDMI eARC for TV sound and wireless via WiFi and Bluetooth 5.1. The speaker terminals are gold-plated and the designers have fitted a variable RCA output for subwoofers or second zones.
Control is via the new Pro-ject Home app, which makes installation easy, supports multi-room playback with other (future) devices from Pro-ject Audio. The signal from an analogue source, such as a turntable, can be sent to a compatible device elsewhere in the house. Yes, of course that is done digitally.
Not only does the Uni Box S3 retain the rich, lifelike character of analogue sound, it is also designed with durability in mind. The compact design uses significantly less aluminium than conventional amplifiers, requiring less material and allowing for more efficient transportation. By separating the analogue amplifier from the streaming module, the Uni Box S3 ensures that the amplifier will continue to perform as a high-quality analogue system, even if streaming technology were to become obsolete or the creators of the streaming software were to cease to exist.
Pro-Ject Audio Uni Box S3: price and delivery information
The Pro-ject Uni Box S3 is produced in Europe and is now available in silver or black. The suggested retail price is just under $800.
