Pro-Ject - Phono Box S3 B Balanced MM/MC Phono Preamp

Pro-Ject - Phono Box S3 B Balanced MM/MC Phono Preamp

Balanced & Discrete MM/MC Phono Preamp

The New Balanced S3 Phonostage

The Phono Box S3 B comes in a new, larger enclosure. Due to the bigger case, we were able to bring new features to our S3 phono preamplifier. The new steel & aluminum chassis with aluminum buttons brings very high rigidity and effective isolation from interference. The Phono Box S3 B is available in silver and black and is ready for use in any hifi setup.

‘B’ for Balanced

In addition to settings for MM (Moving Magnet) cartridges, the Phono Box S3 B allows you to upgrade to True Balanced operation with a MC (moving coil) cartridge on most Pro-Ject turntables. Balanced transmissions consist of a hot and a cold (also called + and -) signal. Both signal chains effectively carry the same musical information. A True Balanced gain stage can now extract the final musical information out of the +/- signals and subtract the hum and noise picked up during the transmission. This is the same concept used with every microphone in every professional recording studio worldwide.

Not Just Balanced, Also Discrete

The gain stage of the new Phono Box S3 B uses a fully discrete layout. A discrete circuit is composed of electronic components that are separate, individual devices. The amplifier section here is comprised of discrete componentry (no integrated circuits) which results in a more costly and time-consuming process but delivers the best sound quality.