Aimed at listeners juggling a mix of vinyl, TV audio, streaming and headphones, the Pre Box S3 combines a stereo preamp, DAC and headphone amplifier in a single aluminium chassis.

The idea is to connect all your sources to one box, then add either active speakers or a power amp and passive speakers.

Despite its small footprint, connectivity is the big headline. Pro-Ject says the Pre Box S3 offers 13 inputs and outputs in total.

That includes two RCA line inputs, a moving-magnet phono stage for turntables, optical and coaxial digital inputs, USB-C for computers and mobile devices and an HDMI eARC input to pull audio straight from your TV. There’s also Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX HD for higher-quality wireless streaming.

On the output side, you get variable and fixed RCA outputs, a dedicated subwoofer output and a 6.3mm headphone jack. The unit also includes 12V trigger and RS232 connections, making it suitable for custom install and multi-room setups.

Inside, the Pre Box S3 uses a dual-mono design and a Cirrus Logic DAC supporting high-resolution audio up to 24-bit/192kHz, covering most hi-res downloads and lossless streaming from services like Tidal and Qobuz.

Pro-Ject has also opted for a motorised analogue volume control rather than a digital one, appealing to purists who prefer a more traditional signal path.

The compact aluminium chassis is designed to reduce interference and match Pro-Ject’s existing S-series components, such as the Amp Box S3.

The Pro-Ject Pre Box S3 is available now in black or silver. It’s priced at A$1,149 / NZ$1,349 and is expected to be available late February in Australia and New Zealand.