Pro-Ject Unveils New Tube Box S3 B and E Phono Preamps for Vinyl Lovers

Explore the warmth of tube sound with Pro-Ject's latest Tube Box S3 B and Tube Box E phono preamplifiers designed for passionate vinyl enthusiasts.

A New Era for Analog Audio: Meet Pro-Ject’s Tube Box Series

There’s something magical about the glow of vacuum tubes in audio gear, right? For anyone who cherishes vinyl’s rich, warm sound, Pro-Ject just turned up the heat with two freshly minted phono preamplifiers: the compact Tube Box E and the more luxurious, balanced Tube Box S3 B. These aren’t just your run-of-the-mill phono stages—they’re crafted to bring out the best in your turntable setup, whether you're a casual listener or a die-hard audiophile.

Tube Box S3 B: The Premium Balanced Tube Phono Preamp

Starting with the star of the show, the Tube Box S3 B is a balanced tube phono preamp that marries cutting-edge tech with a generous variety of connectivity options—all packed neatly into a stylish, compact chassis. Pro-Ject boldly claims this model “raises the bar in the premium analog market,” and honestly, it’s easy to see why.

At the heart of the S3 B is a symmetrical discrete amplification circuit. When paired with a balanced turntable, it maintains a balanced signal path designed to minimize unwanted noise and preserve every musical nuance. Imagine hearing your favorite vinyl with newfound clarity and detail—like the artist is performing right in your living room.

Tube Box E: Compact, Discrete, and Exceptionally Musical

If you’re hunting for something a little more budget-friendly without sacrificing quality, the Tube Box E could be your perfect match. Don’t let its modest size fool you—this phono preamp boasts a fully discrete dual-mono design, which significantly cuts down noise, delivering “musical sound with a rich midrange,” according to Pro-Ject.

The E offers an impressive range of gain settings, accommodating a broad spectrum of moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) cartridges. Plus, it features adjustable capacitance and impedance, so you can fine-tune the sound to your cartridge’s sweet spot. On top of that, a front-mounted subsonic filter adds another layer of customization to help reduce low-frequency rumble.

The chassis is built tough too—its metal body resists interference and vibrations, while the aluminum front panel and gold-plated RCA connectors add a touch of class and durability.

Availability and Pricing

Both new phono preamps are already available for purchase. The Tube Box S3 B comes with a price tag of approximately $770, while the Tube Box E is a more accessible option at around $350. Given their specs and heritage, these prices seem pretty reasonable for anyone serious about elevating their vinyl listening experience.

“The symmetrical discrete amplification circuit maintains a balanced signal path to reduce noise while preserving musical details.” – Pro-Ject

Why Tube Phono Preamps Still Matter

Tube preamps have a special place in vinyl culture. Their warm, natural harmonic distortion lends a sense of depth and life to records that solid-state gear sometimes can’t replicate. The Tube Box series continues this tradition with modern engineering, making tube warmth accessible with refined precision.

Bringing Vintage Warmth to Modern Listening

For those of us who grew up spinning records and marveling at the soft glow inside tube amps, the Pro-Ject Tube Box series is a nostalgic yet forward-thinking nod to analog audio’s golden age. Whether you want to step up your stereo with the balanced Tube Box S3 B or enjoy the discreet brilliance of the Tube Box E, Pro-Ject’s offerings make it clear that the love for vinyl and tube sound isn’t fading anytime soon.

FAQ

• What types of cartridges do the Tube Box S3 B and E support?
  Both preamps support moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) cartridges, with adjustable settings to match a wide range of cartridge types.
• How does balanced circuitry improve sound quality on the Tube Box S3 B?
  Balanced circuitry reduces noise and crosstalk, preserving the purity and detail of the audio signal for a cleaner, more dynamic sound.
• Can I adjust settings on these phono preamps?
  Yes, especially the Tube Box E features adjustable gain, capacitance, and impedance, plus a subsonic filter, allowing detailed customization.
• Are these preamps compatible with all turntables?
  They are designed to be compatible with most turntables that have MM or MC cartridges, but pairing the S3 B with a balanced output turntable maximizes its benefits.
• What makes tube preamps special compared to solid-state models?
  Tube preamps provide a warm, natural harmonic richness and a smoothness in the sound that many vinyl enthusiasts prefer over the often clinical precision of solid-state amps.

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