Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

New Products

Pro-Ject Unveils X8 Turntable, Phono Box DS3B & Phono Box S3B Balanced Phono Preamps

Noise issues? The Pro-Ject X8, Phono Box DS3B, and Phono Box S3B Balanced Phono Preamps might be the solution you’re looking for.

Pro-Ject X8 Turntable with Phono Box S3 B

Almost 22 years ago, I invested in a very expensive turntable and felt that I had reached vinyl nirvana. I paid a professional $200 to properly install the cartridge, setup the table which had a finicky suspension system, and help me mount the turntable shelf to the wall.

My building at the time was a pre-war in downtown Toronto that needed an upgrade on the electrical front. Noisy to say the least.

No matter what I tried, my turntable setup always sounded noisy; ground loop issues, constant hiss, and it became a a source of depression (first world problems). Why bother spending almost $8,000 on such a system if it sounded terrible.

A local dealer suggested that I have my arm and table modified so that I could run a fully balanced rig; which also included upgrading to a balanced phono stage. I sold a few other items to facilitate the changes.

Extreme? Perhaps.

But when I listened to the same records that mattered to me — I was stunned by the differences in clarity, noise floor, and overall dynamics of the sound.

Does a balanced setup always sound better? Not necessarily and I’m not convinced that every manufacturer who markets “balanced” is really offering that.

Pro-Ject knows what it is doing and the prices on these new phono stages are quite sensible.

Sumiko and Pro-Ject USA are proud to announce the new Phono Box DS3BPhono Box S3B and X8 Turntable from Pro-Ject Audio Systems. The new products aim to offer listeners a truly balanced experience, resulting in dynamic sound, less noise and improved signal to noise ratios.

Pro-Ject Phono Box S3 B Silver Front
Pro-Ject Phono Box S3 B
Pro-Ject Phono Box S3 B Silver Back
Pro-Ject Phono Box S3 B
Pro-Ject Phono Box DS3 B Silver Front
Pro-Ject Phono Box DS3 B
Pro-Ject Phono Box DS3 B Silver Back
Pro-Ject Phono Box DS3 B

The Phono Box S3B and Phono Box DS3B round out Pro-Ject’s complete line of balanced phono stages, both offering a versatile MM/MC phono stage which features dual-mono circuitry, a fully symmetrical and discrete gain stage and
balanced inputs and outputs.

As the majority of Pro-Ject turntables offer a completely balanced signal from the
cartridge to the junction box, a truly balanced signal results in lower noise, and the sort of quiet, deep background typically only experienced in esoteric high-end systems.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

Previously only available in more costly phono preamps, the balanced inputs allow the quietest connection between a moving coil cartridge and the phono stage, the new phono boxes uphold the reputation of high value, high performance the Pro-Ject brand is known for.

Pro-Ject X8 Turntable
Pro-Ject X8 Turntable

The new X8 Turntable is a true high-end solution with major technical features adapted from the Xtension 9 and 10 models.

The X8 includes a TPE damped mass-loaded platter, which is precision machined and balanced out of a single piece of aluminum, partially supported by opposing neodymium magnets which decreases the load on the main bearing.

This massive, perfectly balanced platter works in concert with the precision ceramic inverted main bearing to create a smoothly rotating base for your vinyl with perfect speed stability.

Sumiko Phono Cartridge
Pro-Ject X8 Turntable Belt
Pro-Ject X8

Price & Availability

Like all Pro-Ject Audio Systems products, the new models are handcrafted in Europe and will be available in the US in limited quantities via select Authorized Pro-Ject Dealers beginning April 2022.

Pro-Ject Phono Box S3 B Silver Inside
Pro-Ject Phono Box S3 B
Pro-Ject Phono Box DS3 B Silver Inside
Pro-Ject Phono Box DS3 B
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Advertisement

Latest Products

Musical Fidelity M8x Vinyl Phono Stage Silver Front Angle

New Products

Musical Fidelity's new flagship M8x Vinyl Phono Stage is both fully discrete and fully balanced with improved gain stage and more.

Master & Dynamic ME05 Wired Earphones Master & Dynamic ME05 Wired Earphones

Earbuds & In-Ear Headphones

Are wired earphones coming back? The new $199 Master & Dynamic ME05 in-ear headphones refresh a 10-year old design with added support for hi-res...

McIntosh MSA5500 Integrated Streaming Amplifier (Front) McIntosh MSA5500 Integrated Streaming Amplifier (Front)

Digital Music Systems

At $8,000, the McIntosh MSA5500 streaming integrated amplifier isn't for everybody, but it's hard not to be impressed with its styling and audio technology.

HIFIMAN ISVARNA Hybrid Planar Dynamic Headphones HIFIMAN ISVARNA Hybrid Planar Dynamic Headphones

New Products

At $2,899, the HiFiMAN ISVARNA offers both planar magnetic and dynamic drivers to boost the low frequencies in a closed-back design.

Noble audio FoKus Rex5 True Wireless ANC Earbuds Noble audio FoKus Rex5 True Wireless ANC Earbuds

Earbuds & In-Ear Headphones

At $449, the Noble Audio FoKus Rex5 wireless noise cancelling earbuds drop xMEMS support in favor of a new hybrid 5-driver array.

Amazon Omni Series QLED Mini-LED TV - Promo Image Amazon Omni Series QLED Mini-LED TV - Promo Image

HDTV 4K & 8K TV

Amazon introduces top-of-the-line Omni Series Mini-LED QLED 4K TVs in sizes from 55 to 85-inches at affordable price points.

Gift Ideas?

Cyber Monday 2024 Gift Guide

Gift Guides

Cyber Monday 2024 deals you won't want to miss out on from SVS, RSL, THX, Technics, Creative, Denon, Samsung and more.

You May Also Like

Daily Deals

Our favorite turntables on sale for Black Friday 2024 that we would actually buy for ourselves or recommend to family and friends.

Articles

Does it make sense to buy a vintage turntable? We explain why, what to look for and what to be aware of.

New Products

From $6,000, the Pro-Ject Classic Reference turntable combines a vintage look with high-end construction and performance for audiophiles.

Articles

Get the best sound from your turntable by upgrading its phono cartridge. Our buying guide cuts through the noise with purchasing options for any...

New Products

At $14,999, Pro-Ject Audio has a new top-of-the-line turntable that weighs over 80 lbs, but doesn't come with a phono cartridge.

New Products

At $999, the Goldring GR3 turntable comes with an E3 cartridge and built-in phono preamp for compatibility.

New Products

Starting at $449, Pro-Ject's T1 Evo Series turntables come in three variations with or without Bluetooth and a built-in preamp.

Gift Guides

Thoughtful gift ideas for the vinyl music lover who is always seeking ways to elevate their record listening experience.

Advertisement

ecoustics is a hi-fi and music magazine offering product reviews, podcasts, news and advice for aspiring audiophiles, home theater enthusiasts and headphone hipsters. Read more

Copyright © 1999-2024 ecoustics | Disclaimer: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.



SVS Bluesound PSB Speakers NAD Cambridge Audio Q Acoustics Denon Marantz Focal Naim Audio RSL Speakers