{"product_id":"pro-ject-phono-box-ds3-b-balanced-phono-preamplifier","title":"Pro-Ject Phono Box DS3 B - Balanced Phono Preamplifier","description":"\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size: 1.25em; margin: 0 0 0.35em 0; font-weight: 600;\"\u003eBalanced Phono Performance at an Accessible Price\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0 0 0.9em 0; line-height: 1.55;\"\u003eThe Pro-Ject Phono Box DS3 B is an MM\/MC phono preamplifier built around a fully balanced circuit. Pro-Ject positions it between the unbalanced Phono Box S3 B and the flagship Phono Box RS2.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0 0 0.9em 0; line-height: 1.55;\"\u003eThis is the solid-state DS3 B, distinct from the similarly named Tube Box DS3 B, which uses vacuum tubes in its gain stage instead. The two share a naming convention but not a circuit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0 0 0.9em 0; line-height: 1.55;\"\u003ePro-Ject describes the DS3 B as bringing some of the high-end features of the flagship RS2 down to a more accessible price, largely by offering true balanced operation without RS2-level extras like a DECCA curve or channel balance control.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size: 1.25em; margin: 1.4em 0 0.35em 0; font-weight: 600;\"\u003eFully Balanced, Finely Adjustable\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0 0 0.9em 0; line-height: 1.55;\"\u003eGain switches across six levels: 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, and 65dB, usable for either moving magnet or moving coil cartridges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0 0 0.9em 0; line-height: 1.55;\"\u003eInput impedance is continuously adjustable from 10 to 1,000 ohms for moving coil use, or switchable to a fixed 47 kOhm setting for moving magnet. Capacitance switches across four steps: 50, 150, 300, and 400pF.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0 0 0.9em 0; line-height: 1.55;\"\u003eRIAA accuracy is rated better than ±0.25dB from 20Hz to 20kHz. THD stays under 0.001% on moving magnet and under 0.004% on moving coil, both at 1kHz. A switchable subsonic filter cuts rumble below 20Hz at 18dB per octave.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0 0 0.9em 0; line-height: 1.55;\"\u003eInputs include a 5-pin mini XLR connection along with a pair of full-size XLR and a pair of RCA jacks. It measures 206 by 72 by 194mm and weighs 1,480 grams without its power supply.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size: 1.25em; margin: 1.4em 0 0.35em 0; font-weight: 600;\"\u003eWhat Reviewers Are Saying\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0 0 0.9em 0; line-height: 1.55;\"\u003eJames Michael Hughes reviewed the DS3 B alongside Pro-Ject's X8 turntable for StereoNET in May 2022. He found the pairing's sound \"clear, open and detailed,\" putting it \"very much on a par\" with a well-regarded reference phono stage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0 0 0.9em 0; line-height: 1.55;\"\u003eHe specifically credited the DS3 B's balanced operation for \"a 6dB increase in output level and a bigger and more dynamic sound, with much greater breadth and depth.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size: 1.25em; margin: 1.4em 0 0.35em 0; font-weight: 600;\"\u003eWho Is This Preamp Best For?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin: 0 0 0.9em 0; padding-left: 1.4em; line-height: 1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAnyone building a balanced XLR system on a moderate budget.\u003c\/strong\u003e It brings true balanced operation without the flagship RS2's price.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOwners of both MM and MC cartridges.\u003c\/strong\u003e Six gain settings and continuously variable loading cover a wide range of both.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eListeners who want proven, independently reviewed performance.\u003c\/strong\u003e A named reviewer praised its detail and the audible benefit of its balanced design.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCollectors who want fine cartridge-matching control.\u003c\/strong\u003e Continuously variable MC loading beats a handful of fixed steps.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNot the right fit for anyone who wants tube sound.\u003c\/strong\u003e The similarly named Tube Box DS3 B uses vacuum tubes instead of this model's solid-state circuit.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size: 1.25em; margin: 1.4em 0 0.35em 0; font-weight: 600;\"\u003eHow Does It Connect to Your System?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0 0 0.9em 0; line-height: 1.55;\"\u003eRun your turntable's cable into the DS3 B's RCA or XLR input, matched to your tonearm's cable. Connect its RCA or XLR output to your amplifier the same way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0 0 0.9em 0; line-height: 1.55;\"\u003eSet gain, loading, and capacitance to match your cartridge before you start listening.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size: 1.25em; margin: 1.4em 0 0.35em 0; font-weight: 600;\"\u003ePairs Well With\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0 0 0.9em 0; line-height: 1.55;\"\u003eBuilding your system? Here are some great companions for the Pro-Ject Phono Box DS3 B:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin: 0 0 0.9em 0; padding-left: 1.4em; line-height: 1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/products\/%%GLOBAL_ShopPathSSL%%\/turntables\/turntables\/\" style=\"color: #8a5a2b;\"\u003eTurntables\u003c\/a\u003e with a balanced tonearm output to take advantage of its XLR input\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/products\/%%GLOBAL_ShopPathSSL%%\/turntables\/phono-cartridges\/phono-cartridges\/\" style=\"color: #8a5a2b;\"\u003ePhono cartridges\u003c\/a\u003e, MM or MC, matched to its switchable gain\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/products\/%%GLOBAL_ShopPathSSL%%\/amplifiers-preamplifiers\/preamplifiers\/\" style=\"color: #8a5a2b;\"\u003ePreamplifiers\u003c\/a\u003e with balanced XLR inputs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/products\/%%GLOBAL_ShopPathSSL%%\/cables\/interconnect-cables\/\" style=\"color: #8a5a2b;\"\u003eInterconnect cables\u003c\/a\u003e, balanced or unbalanced, to connect its outputs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size: 1.25em; margin: 1.4em 0 0.35em 0; font-weight: 600;\"\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size: 1.05em; margin: 0.9em 0 0.25em 0; font-weight: 600;\"\u003eHow does this compare to the Phono Box S3 B and RS2?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0 0 0.9em 0; line-height: 1.55;\"\u003eThe S3 B is unbalanced and sits below it. The RS2 sits above it, adding a DECCA equalization curve and a channel balance control that the DS3 B doesn't include.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size: 1.05em; margin: 0.9em 0 0.25em 0; font-weight: 600;\"\u003eIs this the same as the Tube Box DS3 B?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0 0 0.9em 0; line-height: 1.55;\"\u003eNo. They share a naming pattern, but the Tube Box DS3 B uses vacuum tubes in its gain stage. This model is solid-state.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size: 1.05em; margin: 0.9em 0 0.25em 0; font-weight: 600;\"\u003eDo I need a balanced tonearm cable to use this?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0 0 0.9em 0; line-height: 1.55;\"\u003eNo. Standard RCA inputs and outputs are included alongside the XLR connections, so it works with an unbalanced turntable too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size: 1.05em; margin: 0.9em 0 0.25em 0; font-weight: 600;\"\u003eWhat's the warranty?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0 0 0.9em 0; line-height: 1.55;\"\u003ePro-Ject covers the Phono Box DS3 B with a two-year warranty, extendable to three years with product registration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size: 1.25em; margin: 1.4em 0 0.35em 0; font-weight: 600;\"\u003eSee It in Action\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0 0 0.5em 0; line-height: 1.55;\"\u003eAudio Center Poland unboxes the DS3 B:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ciframe width=\"100%\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/bGuyLce_yZ8\" title=\"Phono Box DS3 B (Balanced) | Pro-Ject | Unboxing\" style=\"border: 0; margin: 0 0 0.9em 0; display: block;\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0 0 0.5em 0; line-height: 1.55;\"\u003eGramophone takes a closer look at the DS3 B:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ciframe width=\"100%\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/prrWNhgDTI0\" title=\"Pro-Ject Phono Box DS3 B Balanced Phono Preamp\" style=\"border: 0; margin: 0 0 0.9em 0; display: block;\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size: 1.25em; margin: 1.4em 0 0.35em 0; font-weight: 600;\"\u003eWhy Audio Advisor?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin: 0 0 0.9em 0; padding-left: 1.4em; line-height: 1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e40+ Years of Expertise\u003c\/strong\u003e — Since 1981, we’ve helped over a million music lovers find the right gear.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e60-Day Money-Back Guarantee\u003c\/strong\u003e — Take your time. Listen, enjoy, and make sure it’s right for you.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReal Experts, Real Help\u003c\/strong\u003e — Our team is here to answer your questions at 800-942-0220, weekdays 9am–6pm EST.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFree Shipping\u003c\/strong\u003e — On orders over $49, delivered to your door.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlexible Payment Options\u003c\/strong\u003e — Financing available so you can start listening now.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size: 1.25em; margin: 1.4em 0 0.35em 0; font-weight: 600;\"\u003eLearn More\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0 0 0.9em 0; line-height: 1.55;\"\u003eWant to learn more about matching a phono preamp to your cartridge, balanced connections, or getting the most from your vinyl collection? Visit our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/learningcenter.audioadvisor.com\/\" style=\"color: #8a5a2b;\"\u003eLearning Center\u003c\/a\u003e for guides, tips, and expert advice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Pro-Ject","offers":[{"title":"Black \/ New","offer_id":45982973558957,"sku":"NEW-PRPBDS3B-BLK","price":799.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Black \/ Open Box","offer_id":45982973624493,"sku":"OPEN-PRPBDS3B-BLK","price":799.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Silver \/ New","offer_id":45981605658797,"sku":"NEW-PRPBDS3B-SIL","price":799.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Silver \/ Demo","offer_id":45981605691565,"sku":"DEMO-PRPBDS3B-SIL","price":678.37,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/3708\/1773\/files\/PRPBDS3B_BLK_01-Large__08245.1726840321.1280.1280_a84e6303-2b53-4ed6-9203-b7423b539570.jpg?v=1778120287","url":"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/products\/pro-ject-phono-box-ds3-b-balanced-phono-preamplifier","provider":"Audio Advisor","version":"1.0","type":"link"}