Pro-Ject's Uni Box S3 Streaming Amplifier With WiiM OS And A Warm Analog Sound

Forbes

15 hours ago

the new Uni Box S3 from Pro-Ject is an integrated streaming amplifier that keeps analog signals ... More separate from digital signals.
Pro-Ject Audio Systems has launched the Uni Box S3, an integrated amplifier with WiiM OS streaming technology. Pro-Ject has taken a different approach from many other streaming amplifiers, preserving the analog character of the sound by keeping the analog signal path intact.
Many streaming amplifiers convert all signals to digital, but the Uni Box S3 keeps analog sources analog. That means a turntable, FM tuner or other line-level devices retain their original sonic character. The new Uni Box S3 is built around the same dual-mono architecture as Pro-Ject's acclaimed MaiA S3.
At the heart of the Uni Box S3's streaming system is the WiiM OS streaming technology which provides support for Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz, TuneIn and lots of other digital streaming services. A Cirrus Logic DAC takes care of the playback with support for digital files up to 24-bit/192kHz.
Many streaming amplifiers convert all signals to digital, but the Uni Box S3 keeps analog sources ... More analog. That means a turntable, FM tuner or other line-level devices retain their original sonic character.
This new amplifier is controlled using the Pro-Ject Home smartphone app, which makes setting everything up straightforward. There is support for multi-room playback with other future Pro-Ject devices. Users can even stream connected analog sources such as a turntable to other compatible devices in the home.
The Uni Box S3 includes a moving magnet phono stage for a turntable, plus an analog volume control with a motorized potentiometer. There is a dedicated headphone amp with a full-size 6.3mm output, which many purely digital devices eschew for Bluetooth wireless connectivity.
When it comes to Inputs, there are three analog, three digital, HDMI eARC for TV audio, plus wireless inputs using Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.1. Outputs include gold-plated speaker terminals and a variable RCA output for subwoofers or second zones.
The Pro-Ject Uni Box S3 has plenty of analog and digital inputs as well as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and a ... More subwoofer output.
Not only does the Uni Box S3 manage to keep the rich and lifelike character of analog sound, but it is also designed with sustainability in mind. The compact design means the case has significantly less aluminum than full-size amplifiers.
By separating the analog amplifier from the streaming module of the Uni Box S3, even if streaming technology evolves or becomes obsolete, the amplifier can still perform as a high-quality analog sound system.
The Pro-Ject Uni Box S3 is built in Europe and is available now in silver or black Finnishes. The price is $1,099 / £699.00 / €799. Henley Audio exclusively distributes Pro-Ject in the U.K.