Pro-Ject Tube Box DS3 B Phonostage

The Tube Box DS3 is an audiophile-grade phono preamplifier with a valve output stage, and dual mono design. Serving as the successor for the massively popular Tube Box DS2, the DS3 matches its predecessor with its premium performance, sleek aesthetics, and even incorporates balanced inputs, and outputs, for a True Balanced connection.

The Tube Box DS3 B is a sophisticated phono pre-amplifier for MM and MC cartridges, benefiting from a dual-mono electrical layout, valve output stage and balanced connection options. Pro-Ject’s fully adjustable impedance dial on the front panel allows for fine adjustment with moving coil cartridge systems. 

Pro-Ject’s Tube Box phono stages have been a part of the range for many years and are enduringly popular for their high-end sound performance. The Tube Box DS3 B is the first to add balanced input and output options to the mix as part of Pro-Ject’s True Balanced Connection concept. The result is an even cleaner and clearer musical performance thanks to the reduced noise and higher gain from using a balanced connection.

The Tube Box DS3 B still features RCA connection options as well, meaning you can connect two turntables or tonearms at the same time. The input settings for Loading, Gain, Capacitance, and the Subsonic filter – all accessed clearly on the front panel – are stored in the memory as you switch between RCA and XLR input options. 

Pro-Ject’s load impedance dial, as featured on its other high-end phono stages, is included on the Tube Box DS3 B. This handy tool allows for very fine, seamless adjustment of the impedance during playback, so you can easily assess the impact of different loading options on your cartridges and style of music. 

The Tube Box DS3 B is made with premium components throughout, all housed in an aluminium casing that protects against interference. It benefits from an external power adapter for reduced noise and electrical interference around the sensitive electronics, but can also be upgraded further with a linear power supply upgrade. As with other DS Line electronics, the Tube Box DS3 B can also be visually upgraded with magnetically attached wooden side panels for a more retro aesthetic.

Specs

• INPUT IMPEDANCE (MM)
  47 kΩ
• INPUT IMPEDANCE (MC)
  Variable 10 - 1,000Ω
• PHONO STAGE CAPACITANCE (MM)
  50, 150, 300 or 400 pF
• PHONO STAGE GAIN (MM)
  40, 45, 50 dB
• PHONO STAGE GAIN (MC)
  50, 60, 65 dB
• PHONO STAGE EQUALIZATION OPTIONS
  RIAA
• SUBSONIC FILTER
  at 20Hz with 18dB/octave
• RIAA ACCURACY (20HZ - 20KHZ)
  ± 0.2 dB
• VALVES
  2 x ECC83
• THD
  < 0.04 %
• SIGNAL TO NOISE RATIO (MM INPUT)
  88 dB
• RCA LINE INPUT(S)
  1 Stereo Pair
• BALANCED XLR INPUT(S)
  1 Stereo Pair
• BALANCED MINI-XLR INPUT
  1
• FIXED ANALOGUE OUTPUT(S)
  1 x RCA Pair, 1 x XLR Pair
• EXTERNAL POWER SUPPLY RATING
  18V-1000mA DC
• MAXIMUM POWER CONSUMPTION
  0.5 W
• DIMENSIONS (W X H X D)
  206 x 91 x 227 mm
• WEIGHT
  1.5 kg