Pro-Ject Pre Box S3 Preamplifier
PRO-JECT PRE BOX S3 COMBINES ANALOGUE, DIGITAL AND WIRELESS CONTROL IN ONE COMPACT PREAMPLIFIER
Pro-Ject Audio Systems has announced the Pro-Ject Pre Box S3, a compact stereo preamplifier designed to act as a central control point for modern HiFi systems.
The new Pro-Ject Pre Box S3 Preamplifier unit brings together analogue, digital and wireless sources in a single enclosure, aiming to simplify system layout while retaining broad connectivity. It is available in the UK through distributor Henley Audio.
PRO-JECT PRE BOX S3 PREAMPLIFIER
Although best known for turntables, Pro-Ject also produces a wide range of compact electronics. The Pro-Ject Pre Box S3 follows this approach, combining multiple system functions into a small aluminium chassis available in black or silver. Operation is handled via the front panel or the supplied remote control, with source selection and volume control managed from one interface.
Internally, the Pro-Ject Pre Box S3 uses a dual-mono layout to help maintain channel separation. The aluminium chassis is designed to reduce susceptibility to external interference, while the overall layout supports the unit’s wide range of connections within a compact footprint.
THE PRO-JECT PRE BOX S3 AS A SYSTEM HUB
The Pro-Ject Pre Box S3 is intended to sit at the centre of a HiFi system, handling input switching and level control. It can be used with active speakers, power amplifiers, or as a way to integrate TV audio into a stereo setup. Its compact size allows easy placement, while its feature set supports both simple and more complex systems.
CONNECTIVITY OPTIONS
Connectivity is a key focus of the Pro-Ject Pre Box S3, with a wide range of analogue and digital inputs. Analogue sources are supported via two line-level RCA inputs and a moving-magnet phono input offering 45dB of gain. Digital sources can be connected through two optical S/PDIF inputs, one coaxial S/PDIF input, and an asynchronous USB-C input supporting PCM up to 24-bit/192kHz.
For TV integration, the unit includes an HDMI eARC input, while wireless streaming is handled by Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX HD support.
OUTPUTS AND EXPANSION
The Pro-Ject Pre Box S3 provides several output options. These include a variable RCA output for connection to a power amplifier, a fixed line-level output for secondary systems, and a dedicated subwoofer output. A built-in headphone amplifier feeds a 6.3mm headphone socket, while a 12V trigger output and RS232 connection support integration into custom or multi-room installations.
CORE FUNCTIONS OF THE PRO-JECT PRE BOX S3
Multiple HiFi functions are combined within the Pro-Ject Pre Box S3. It incorporates a moving-magnet phono stage, a digital-to-analogue converter based on the Cirrus Logic CS4344 chipset, and an analogue preamplifier stage with motor-driven volume control. HDMI eARC allows stereo TV audio to be routed into a HiFi system, and Bluetooth streaming adds wireless playback from compatible devices. The headphone amplifier supports headphones rated between 16 and 600 ohms.
PRO-JECT PRE BOX S3 PREAMPLIFIER PRICING AND AVAILABILITY
The Pro-Ject Pre Box S3 is designed and manufactured in Europe and will be available in the UK from February through Pro-Ject’s dealer network. UK pricing is set at £499, with Henley Audio as the exclusive UK distributor.
HiFi PiG Says: A flexible hub for your HiFi from Pro-Ject, at a very affordable price.
