Pro-ject X2B + Phono Box S3B

The X2B is an integrated turntable in the "True Balanced Connection" range of products from Pro-Ject equipped with a balanced phono connection, with all that this entails in terms of minimising background noise and maximising signal-to-noise ratio, resolution and dynamic range.

Recall that the use of balanced audio connections is common among professionals in recording studios or live concerts, both situations where it is very important to have a stable and interference-free connection as the signals handled, especially from microphones, will be highly amplified.

In terms of engineering, the X2B is a perfect compendium of the solutions that have made Pro-Ject the world's number one turntable manufacturer. First and foremost, a 9" carbon and aluminium-bodied tonearm combines high rigidity with a high level of damping, while the ultra-low friction spinning system ensures precise and stable tracking of the vinyl record groove.

Structurally, the X2B is supported by a massive MDF chassis that drastically reduces unwanted resonance and is completed by four height-adjustable aluminium feet that ensure it is perfectly level. The drive motor, meanwhile, combines an extremely quiet design with dedicated suspension and sophisticated electronic speed control to ensure the most accurate and stable rotation possible.

The Phono Box S3B is a new proposition from Pro-Ject Audio Systems for those who wish to optimise turntable and pickup integration at the most competitive price possible. A newly designed steel and aluminium chassis with aluminium knobs is the starting point for electronics with an unmistakably audiophile soul that dazzles with its refined engineering.

Thus, the Phono Box S3B combines a dual mono architecture with a fully balanced gain stage (hence the "B" in its name). The second key feature of the new phono preamplifier from Pro-Ject is the exclusive use of discrete components (individual and therefore not integrated in "chips") in the gain stage, in order to achieve the most natural and dynamic sound possible.

The third technical uniqueness of the Phono Box S3B is to be found in the semi-passive RIAA equalisation stage, in which the balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) signals from the gain stage are treated separately, which means that the user can simultaneously connect two turntables while memorising the settings of the key adaptation parameters at the same time.

X2B features:

• Very high performance turntables with an exceptional price/performance ratio.
  
• Integrated in the "True Balanced Connection" range from Pro-Ject
  
• Belt drive with motor block decoupled from the chassis.
  
• High density MDF construction; finished in 8 coats of paint.
  
• Use of high precision bearings on both platen and arm.
  
• Swivel system made of stainless steel; high mass methacrylate plate.
  
• TPE acoustically treated counterweight to minimise vibrations.
  
• Electronic speed control (33, 45 and 78 rpm).
  
• 9" arm with aluminium and carbon fibre sandwich structure.
  
• Possibility to adjust the azimuth of the pick-up capsule.
  
• Ideal for low to moderate compliance moving coil (MC) capsules.
  
• Equipped with XLR Mini and RCA output connectors.
  
• Semi-balanced connection cable Pro-Ject Connect it E supplied as standard.
  
• Equipped as standard with a moving coil capsule Ortofon MC Quintet Red.
  
• Handmade in Europe.
  
• Dimensions: 460x150x340 mm (W x H x D; with lid closed).
  
• Weight: 10 kg.

Features Phono Box S3B:

• High-performance phono preamp with exceptional price/performance ratio.
  
• Compatible with MM and MC capsules.
  
• Fully dual mono and balanced circuit topology.
  
• Balanced gain stage executed with discrete components.
  
• Semi-passive RIAA equalisation section.
  
• 4 gain settings (40/45/60/65 dB).
  
• 5 load impedance settings (10, 50, 100, 1,000 and 47,000 ohms).
  
• 4 input capacitance settings (50, 150, 300 and 400 pF).
• Balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) outputs.
  
• All-metal construction.
  
• External power supply.
  
• 110 dB signal-to-noise ratio with MM capsules and 90 dB with MC capsules.
  
• Designed and manufactured entirely in Europe.
  
• Dimensions: 206 x 50 x 153 mm (W x H x D).
  
• Weight: 0.93 kg (without power supply).

Includes 1.23 metre balanced interconnection cable between turntable and phono preamp Pro-Ject Mini XLR to Mini XLR.