Pro-Ject Phono Box S3 B True Balanced Phono Stage Instruction Manual

June 5, 2024
Pro-Ject

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Pro-Ject Phono Box S3 B True Balanced Phono Stage

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Safety instructions

AC outlet voltages vary from country to country. Before connecting to the mains, make sure that the voltage in your area meets the voltage requirements printed on the power supply. The power supply is used to disconnect the unit from the mains. Make sure that the power supply is easily accessible at all times. Never handle the device, the power supply while your hands are wet or damp. Avoid letting liquids enter the device or the power supply. Never place any item containing liquid, such as a flower vase on or near the device. Never spill any liquid on the device or the power supply. Never place any naked flame sources, such as lighted candles on or near the device. The product shall not be used in damp or wet locations, next to a bathtub, sink, swimming pool or any other similar conditions.

Connectors

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Make all connections whilst the phono amplifier is disconnected from the power supply. Take care to connect the left and right channels correctly. The right channel is usually marked red, the left channel black or white. Do not connect the phono amplifiers output to a phono input (sometimes labelled gram, disc or RIAA) on the amplifier. Never use any other power supply than the one supplied with the unit.

Connecting the record player
Connect the tonearm signal lead to the In (5-pin mini XLR or RCA) of the phono amplifier. If you connected the lead to the RCA input, please also connect the grounding wire to the screw terminal of the Phono Box.

Connection to the amplifier
Connect the Output (Balanced XLR or RCA) of the phono amplifier to a line input (such as AUX, CD, Tuner, Tape or Video) on your amplifier.

Mains power connection and switching the unit on and off
Connect the low voltage plug from the power supply to the Power 18V socket of the preamplifier before connecting the power supply to the mains. The pushbutton on the front panel of the unit alternately turns the power on or returns it to standby mode. The blue LED on the front panel shows that the unit is powered on.

**Settings

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Input
Selects balanced (5-pin mini XLR) or unbalanced (RCA) input.

Cartridge settings
The three push buttons on the right-hand side are used to set input impedance (Loading Ohms), input capacitance (Loading pF) and input gain (Gain dB).
To find out which type your cartridge is please consult the literature accompanying your cartridge. The literature for cartridges should also specify the correct input impedance and input capacitance, into which the cartridge is designed to work. If in doubt, please consult your dealer.
Examples:

  • Ortofon 2M Red (MM):
    Input impedance 47kohms, Input capacitance 147pF, Input gain 40dB

  • Ortofon Quintet Red (Low-Output MC):
    Input impedance 50 ohms, Input capacitance – Any setting (not relevant for low-output MC), Input gain 60dB

  • Ortofon X5-MC (High-Output MC):
    Input impedance 47kohms, Input capacitance 367pF, Input gain 40dB

  • Subsonic
    The push-button turns the subsonic filter on and off. The LED shows that the filter is turned on.

Technical specifications Pro-Ject Phono Box S3 B

  • Input impedance: 10, 50, 100, 1k, 47k ohms
  • Input capacitance: 50, 150, 300, 400 pF
  • Gain (+ 6dB using XLR Out sockets): 40, 45, 60, 65 dB
  • Signal / Noise ratio MM (40dB): 103dBV, 110dBV – ‘A’ weighted
  • Signal / Noise ratio MC (60dB): 85dBV, 90dBV – ‘A’ weighted
  • THD at 1 kHz: <0,001% MM, < 0,005% MC
  • THD (20Hz-20kHz): <0,008% MM, < 0,01% MC
  • RIAA-equalization curve accuracy: <0,3dB / 20Hz – 20kHz
  • Subsonic filter: at 20Hz with 18dB/octave
  • Input: 1x 5-pin mini XLR / 1x pair RCA phono sockets
  • Line-level output: 1x pair RCA, 1x pair XLR
  • Power supply DC: 18V/500mA
  • Power consumption: 18V/170mA DC, <0.5 W in standby
  • Dimensions: 206 x 55 x 153 (164 with sockets) mm (W x H x D)
  • Weight: 930g without power supply

Potential incorrect use and fault conditions

  • No signal on one or both channels:
    No connection between player and phono amplifier or amplifier. This could be due to a faulty plug, broken wire or solder joint or simply loose plug/socket connection.

  • Strong hum:
    No earth connection from cartridge or arm, or arm cable to phono amplifier, or earth loop.

  • Output too quiet or too loud, or distorted:
    Input gain incorrectly set – input overloading or insufficiently amplified.

  • Service
    Should you encounter a problem which you are not able to alleviate or identify, please contact your dealer for further advice. Only if the problem cannot be resolved there, the unit should be sent to the responsible distributor in your country.

Warranty

The manufacturer accepts no responsibility for damage caused by not adhering to these instructions for use. Modification or changes to any part of the product by unauthorized persons release the manufacturer from any liability over and above the lawful rights of the customer.

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