Pro-Ject
Phono Box DS3 B Balanced MM/MC Phono Preamp
Best balanced phono preamp for serious vinyl enthusiasts seeking sonic purity.
Elevate your vinyl experience with the Pro-Ject Phono Box DS3 B, a reference-class phono preamplifier. Engineered for discerning audiophiles, it features a fully balanced, discrete circuit design that ensures exceptional sonic purity and minimal noise. This versatile preamp accommodates both MM and MC cartridges, offering extensive gain flexibility and convenient on-the-fly adjustments for impedance loading and channel balance. Its robust construction provides superior isolation, delivering a truly immersive and detailed listening experience for your cherished vinyl collection.
$799.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
133
/ 466
#133 in Phono Preamps
Price vs Category Average
-88%
Below average
Circuitry Type
Solid State
/ Solid State
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking noise-free, high-fidelity signal transmission
- Vinyl collectors using diverse or high-end cartridge types
- Purists demanding transparent and linear sound reproduction
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious listeners wary of high-end equipment costs
- Casual listeners intimidated by technical calibration requirements
- Minimalists preferring clean, integrated power solutions
Performance breakdown
Signal Purity
Fully balanced circuitry delivers an exceptionally clean and noise-free audio floor.
Cartridge Versatility
Extensive gain and impedance settings accommodate almost any high-end cartridge configuration.
Build Integrity
Rigid steel and aluminum chassis provides excellent isolation from external interference.
Equalization Precision
Highly accurate RIAA and DECCA curves ensure faithful reproduction of vintage recordings.
Adjustment Flexibility
On-the-fly loading and balance controls allow for effortless fine-tuning during playback.
Connectivity Options
Balanced XLR outputs provide a professional-grade connection for superior signal integrity.
Key Specs
Circuitry Type
Solid State
Output Connection Types
RCA, XLR Balanced
Input Impedance
Stepless 10Ω – 1000Ω (MC); 47kΩ (MM)
Input MM Capacitance
50pF - 400pF
Equalization Curve Support
RIAA
Signal to Noise Ratio
89.0 dB
Total Harmonic Distortion
0.0015%
Subsonic Filter
20Hz at 18dB/octave
Features
- Fully balanced, true dual mono design
- Fully discrete hardware design
- Continuously variable loading adjustment
- On-the-fly channel balance control
- Superior low noise and distortion
- MM & MC capable operation
- Rigid steel and aluminum chassis
- Accurate RIAA and DECCA equalization
What customers say
The Phono Box DS3 B earns high praise for its outstanding audio quality and impressive value. Reviewers consistently note its solid construction and the sonic improvements from its balanced design, a rare find at this price. The wide range of cartridge loading options allows for fine tuning, resulting in a clearer, more detailed sound. This preamp offers high end performance that truly enhances the vinyl listening experience, making it a standout choice for audiophiles seeking superior sound reproduction without compromise.
Know before you buy
The Phono Box DS3 B features a true balanced circuit design, which allows you to connect your turntable using XLR cables if your tonearm supports it. This configuration significantly reduces noise and interference, providing a cleaner, more precise signal path compared to standard RCA connections.
Yes, the unit features convenient on-the-fly controls. You can adjust the impedance loading and channel balance directly from the front panel, allowing you to fine-tune the sound profile in real-time without needing to power down the device.
Absolutely. The DS3 B is designed to handle both MM and MC cartridges with extensive gain settings, ranging from 40dB for MM up to 70dB for low-output MC cartridges. You can easily toggle between these modes to match the specific requirements of your cartridge.
The built-in subsonic filter operates at 20Hz with an 18dB/octave slope. It is designed to remove ultra-low frequency rumble caused by warped records or mechanical vibrations, protecting your speakers from unnecessary excursion without coloring the audible frequency range.
Yes, the DS3 B offers eight different capacitance settings ranging from 50pF to 400pF. This level of flexibility ensures you can perfectly match the electrical requirements of your specific Moving Magnet cartridge for the most accurate frequency response.
Unlike designs that rely on integrated circuits, a fully discrete design uses individual components for the signal path. This approach generally results in lower distortion, better thermal stability, and a more transparent, natural sound signature.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.