Pro-Ject Uni Box S3 Integrated Streaming Amplifier – First Look

All Image Credit: Pro-Ject

Pro-Ject Audio Systems has introduced the Pro-Ject Uni Box S3, a compact integrated amplifier that blends analogue design with up-to-date streaming features powered by WiiM OS. This new model supports a wide range of sources while offering an analogue only signal path for vinyl and other line-level devices. Housed in an aluminum chassis this model is available in both silver or black finishes.

The S3 offers two signal paths one pure analog for audiophiles, the other digital, with the possibility of parametric and room EQ, for streaming support. This dual mono design uses a motorized analog volume attenuator for analog sources and digital volume control through the Pro-Ject Home App, a Texas Instruments TPA3221DDV analog power amplifier chips providing a stereo power output of 23wpc into 8 Ohms or 40wpc into 4 Ohms.

The 24bit/192KHz-capable DAC circuit is built around a Cirrus Logic CS4344 chip that supports high-resolution playback with streaming functionality delivered using the WiiM OS. The S3 provides Wi-fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.1 (SBC, AAC and A2DP), with native support for; Tidal, Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, Amazon Music, Qobuz, Deezer, Soundcloud, Webradio (TuneIn, vTuner, iHeartRadio, BBC Radio) and more.

Control of the Uni Box S3 is available using the; front panel buttons and rotary control, the supplied IR remote, or handled through the new Pro-Ject Home app, which simplifies setup and supports future multi-room configurations.

Rear panel analog signal connectivity includes; 2 x stereo RCA line level and 1 x MM phono with RIAA EQ inputs and 1 x stereo RCA variable output that supports additional zones or doubles for a subwoofer feed (no x-over provided). Digital inputs include; 2 x TOSLINK, 1 x coaxial and 1 x HDMI ARC. Speakers are supported on two pairs of gold-plated binding posts, with front panel access to a 6.3mm headphone jack that provides up to 70mW into 32ohms.

Features At A Glance:

• NEW Streaming by market leading technology WiiM OS ™
• NEW App Pro-Ject Home
• NEW Powerful Multi-Room capabilities
• NEW Pro-Ject True Wireless Sending and Receiving: Stream any input to your network
• NEW Countless streaming services
• NEW Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, Qobuz, etc .
• NEW TV ARC input
• Wireless vinyl streaming from T2 W wireless turntable
• 2 x 40 watts @ 4 ohms
• Dual mono design principle
• 8 inputs (3x analog, 3x digital, 1x eARC, 1x WiFi/Bluetooth)
• Cirrus Logic DAC – CS4344 24bit/192kHz Multi-bit Delta Sigma
• S/PDIF inputs support up to 24bit and 192kHz
• Phono MM input
• Analogue volume control with motor driven potentiometer
• 6,3mm jack headphone output
• Variable output for subwoofer or second zone amp
• Remote control included
• Rigid aluminum casing protects against interference
• Available in silver or black
• Made in Europe

Specifications:

• Power output @ 1% THD: 2 x 23W  8ohms, 2 x 40W 4ohms
• Frequency response (20Hz – 20kHz): < 0.4 – 0.9dB @4ohms
• Channel separation: – 67dB at 10KHz
• Signal to noise ratio:
  • Speaker output: 94dB (97 dB – ‘A’ weighted) at 4ohm
  • Variable output: 94dB (96 dB – ‘A’ weighted)
• THD: < 0.05% at 10W / 4 ohms
• Headphone amplifier: 70mW at 32ohm (1%THD)
• Analogue inputs: 2x pair RCA, 1x phono MM (RCA)
• Digital inputs: 1 x RCA coax, 2 x Toslink, 1 x eARC, WiFi/BT
• Variable output: 1x pair RCA
• Power amplifier: Texas Instruments TPA3221DDV
• Headphone amplifier output: 2x 70mW at 32ohm (1%THD)
• DA-converter: Cirrus Logic CS4344 – 24bit/192kHz – Multi-bit Delta Sigma type
• S/PDIF coaxial input: 1 x up to 24bit and 192kHz
• S/PDIF optical input: 2 x  up to 24bit and 192kHz
• TV input: 1 x HDMI ARC
• Input streaming: selected Uni Box S3 input
• Wireless connectivity: Wi-Fi 5, 802.11 b/g/n/ac 2.4 G and 5G dual bands, Bluetooth 5.1, SBC, AAC and A2DP
• Streaming control app: Pro-Ject Home
• Streaming services: Tidal, Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, Amazon Music, Qobuz, Deezer, Soundcloud, Webradio (TuneIn, vTuner, iHeartRadio, BBC Radio)
• Speaker connectors: 4mm banana plugs, spades connectors or naked wire
• External power supply: 20V/3A DC; 100 – 240V, 50/60Hz
• Standby Power consumption: < 0.5 watts
• Dimensions WxHxD: 206x55x153 (176mm with sockets)
• Weight: 1.1 Kg without power supply

MSRP:

• US: $1,099.00
• UK: £699.00
• EU: €799.00

For more information visit the Pro-Ject web site.

Related posts:

• For more Pro-Ject product posts click here.