Affordable Tube Preamplifier for Turntables Unveiled by Pro-Ject, Enhancing Your Analog Vinyl Experience
Pro-Ject, a renowned audio equipment manufacturer, has recently unveiled two new phono pre-amplifiers: the Tube Box E and the Tube Box S3 B. These two models cater to different segments of the market, with the Tube Box E offering a more affordable, compact, and versatile option, while the Tube Box S3 B is positioned as a premium variant with enhanced performance and additional features.
Pro-Ject Tube Box E
The Tube Box E is a compact, miniature form factor phono pre-amp that emphasizes ultra-low noise and accurate RIAA equalization. It features a fully discrete, dual-mono analogue circuit design without OpAmps, using 2 x ECC83 (12AX7A) tubes that are user-replaceable for sound customization.
The Tube Box E supports both MM and MC cartridges with wide-ranging gain settings (40 to 63 dB) and adjustable input impedance (10 Ω to 2 kΩ for MC, and 47 kΩ for MM) and input capacitance (47pF up to 587pF). It includes a subsonic filter to reduce rumble, front-panel gain control, dual-mono layout for improved channel separation, and a sturdy all-metal enclosure for shielding against interference and vibrations.
Priced around $500-600, the Tube Box E is a more accessible and budget-friendly option, perfect for enthusiasts wanting tube warmth without complexity or high cost.
Pro-Ject Tube Box S3 B
Based on the naming and typical product line positions, the Tube Box S3 B is considered the more advanced or premium model, usually featuring enhancements such as better power supplies, potentially more tube stages, or improved components for even lower noise and better sound refinement.
Priced at £529 (about $715 / AU$1,100), the Tube Box S3 B offers a fully symmetrical and discrete gain stage, designed to be paired with a balanced-ready turntable via its 5-pin mini-XLR input. It is larger than the Tube Box E, and all the adjustments are on the front panel.
While specific detailed specs of the Tube Box S3 B are less available, it is implied that it offers a step up in audio performance or additional features over the E.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Tube Box E | Tube Box S3 B | |-------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------| | Tubes | 2 x ECC83 (12AX7A), user-replaceable | Likely similar high-quality tubes | | Circuit Design | Fully discrete, dual-mono, no OpAmps | Likely enhanced discrete or hybrid design | | Gain Settings | 40-63 dB, adjustable | Likely similar or greater flexibility | | Input Impedance & Capacitance| Multiple selectable values (10 Ω–2 kΩ, 47kΩ, pF options) | Likely similar or expanded | | Subsonic Filter | Yes, front-panel accessible | Presumably included | | Enclosure | Compact metal, well-shielded | Presumably larger or with more advanced shielding or construction | | Price | More affordable (~$500-$600, inferred) | Premium (~$715) | | Target Audience | High-quality, compact, accessible tube phono stage| Higher-end audiophiles seeking maximum performance |
In conclusion, the Tube Box E is designed as a compact, affordable, and versatile tube phono preamp with full discrete design and flexible cartridge compatibility, perfect for enthusiasts wanting tube warmth without complexity or high cost. The Tube Box S3 B is positioned as the premium variant, likely featuring further refinements and components to justify its higher price, suitable for those seeking enhanced performance and possibly additional features not detailed in the available data.
Both the Tube Box E and Tube Box S3 B will be available for sale in the UK from August 2025, with a US launch expected to follow shortly after. Prices for both models will be announced closer to the time, depending on current tariffs.
