Pro-Ject X8 and Pro-Ject Phono Box DS3 B

Pro-Ject, the turntable and electronics maker, aims to push balanced signal transmission further and thus announces the new Pro-Ject X8 turntable and the two phono preamps Pro-Ject S3 B and DS3 B.

Pro-Ject hopes to make the sound benefits of balanced signal transmission more widely available, as this technology is very uncommon in the phono area.

The new Pro-Ject X8 is supposed to be reasonably priced while combining the benefits of sub-chassis- and mass-load-drive systems. To achieve excellent operating smoothness, the platter weighs 5.1 kg and is damped as well as precision-machined from a single piece of aluminum.

The platter bearing, according to the manufacturer, combines precision steering on a ceramic bearing ball and ceramic tipped bearing with magnetic support. It comes with a high-quality Pro-Ject 9cc Evolution tonearm with a carbon fiber rod and headshell.

TPE dampers, rather than magnetic feet, are said to provide ideal decoupling from the base. The 5-pin connector jack is ready for completely balanced output through an XLR cable, which is sold separately.

With its "True Balanced Connection," the Pro-Ject X8 is stated to be the ideal companion for phono stages with fully balanced inputs, such as the also new Pro-Ject Phono Box DS3 B.

Pro-new Ject's Phono Box is a completely balanced phono preamp with a dual-mono architecture and balanced XLR outputs. The front panel has a plethora of adjustment possibilities for various pickups. Two turntables – or cartridges – can be linked at the same time and adjusted with gain factors ranging from +40dB to +65dB.

Furthermore, the Pro-Ject DS series phono box is stated to have features that are uncommon even in more expensive devices, such as balanced XLR jacks for inputs and outputs, and a step-less adjustment for input impedance.

It is designed in a separate manner and does not require any operational amplifiers. The cabinet is made of steel with aluminum panels to reduce interference. Separate magnetically adhered wooden side panels are available.

The new Pro-Ject X8, Phono Box S3 B, and Phono Box DS3 B are now available. The Pro-Ject X8 drive costs slightly under $2,000 when purchased in conjunction with the Ortofon MC Quintet Blue, which costs $2,230. The prices for the two phono boxes are $400 and $600*.