PRO-JECT PHONO BOX DS3 B

Pre owned. In excellent condition. Free from evident signs of wear. Supplied with manual and original packaging.

The Pro-Ject Phono Box DS3 B is an audiophile-grade phono stage designed to deliver high-end performance through a fully balanced configuration, as indicated by the “B” in its name. This model brings several technologies developed for the flagship RS series into a more accessible price range, introducing the True Balanced Connection concept and a design focused on achieving the purest possible analog signal reproduction.

The entire circuit architecture is fully discrete, with no operational amplifiers used in the audio signal path. Every section has been carefully developed and refined through extensive listening sessions and tuning, with the goal of achieving a sound presentation that is neutral, natural, dynamic, and exceptionally detailed. The dual mono topology and completely symmetrical signal path further enhance channel separation, silence, and sonic precision.

After the initial gain stage, the signal is processed through a fully passive and discrete RIAA equalization stage, a solution that minimizes noise and deviations from the ideal RIAA curve while significantly improving the signal-to-noise ratio, one of the most critical aspects in phono stage design.

One of the defining features of the Phono Box DS3 B is its True Balanced Connection, available through either a 5-pin mini XLR input or standard XLR connections. This fully balanced configuration allows MC cartridges to perform at their full potential, extracting greater detail and dynamics while effectively filtering out interference generated by modern home environments such as Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth devices, power supplies, and household electronics.

The unit offers extensive adjustment possibilities and broad compatibility with a wide range of MM and MC cartridges. Input impedance can be continuously adjusted via a dedicated front-panel control developed by Pro-Ject, allowing real-time listening comparisons while changing cartridge loading during playback. Gain and capacitance can also be configured directly from the front panel, enabling extremely precise optimization of the analog setup.

Connectivity is particularly comprehensive, featuring two balanced inputs — one 5-pin mini XLR and one standard XLR — alongside a traditional RCA input. Outputs include both RCA and balanced XLR connections, while the integrated subsonic filter helps eliminate unwanted ultra-low-frequency vibrations. Trigger input and output connections are also included for easier integration into advanced audio systems.

The construction utilizes a robust steel chassis surrounded by aluminium panels, ensuring excellent structural rigidity and effective shielding against electromagnetic interference. Optional magnetic wooden side panels are also available, adding an additional touch of elegance to the overall design.

Manufactured in Europe by technicians, engineers, and designers with decades of experience in high-end audio, the Phono Box DS3 B stands out as a sophisticated and highly versatile phono stage capable of delivering true audiophile performance, extensive configurability, and precise, transparent, and emotionally engaging analog sound reproduction.

Technical specifications:

• Input impedance: continuously adjustable from 10 to 1000 ohms; fixed 47 kOhms
• Input capacitance: 50, 150, 300, 400 pF
• Gain (+6 dB via XLR outputs): 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65 dB
• Signal-to-noise ratio MM (40 dB): 104 dBV; 111 dBV A-weighted
• Signal-to-noise ratio MC (60 dB): 85 dBV; 91 dBV A-weighted
• Total harmonic distortion at 1 kHz: <0.001% MM; <0.004% MC
• Total harmonic distortion (20 Hz – 20 kHz): <0.005% MM; <0.01% MC
• RIAA equalization curve accuracy: <0.25 dB / 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Subsonic filter: 20 Hz with 18 dB/octave slope
• Inputs: 1 x 5-pin mini XLR; 1 pair XLR; 1 pair RCA phono
• Line outputs: 1 pair RCA; 1 pair XLR
• XLR socket wiring: pin 1 ground; pin 2 hot; pin 3 cold
• Trigger In/Out: 12 V on/off detector
• DC power supply: 18 V / 500 mA
• Power consumption: 18 V / max. 290 mA DC; <0.5 W standby
• Dimensions: 206 x 72 x 194 mm (205 mm with connectors)
• Weight: 1480 g without power supply