Pro-Ject Brings Tube Warmth to Vinyl Fans with New Affordable Pre-Amps

The new Tube Box E and Tube Box S3 B deliver valve-driven sound, cartridge flexibility, and upgrade potential — starting at just £240.

Vinyl enthusiasts looking to add the rich warmth of tubes to their setup now have two fresh options from Pro-Ject Audio Systems. The Austrian hi-fi brand has unveiled the Tube Box E and Tube Box S3 B, a pair of valve-based phono pre-amplifiers designed to bring analogue character to turntable playback without breaking the bank.

Priced at £240 (about $325 / AU$500) for the Tube Box E and £529 (about $715 / AU$1,100) for the higher-spec Tube Box S3 B, both models aim to offer high-end sonic qualities at approachable prices.

Tube Box E: Compact and Accessible

• Entry-level model, inspired by the Tube Box S2 but built with cost-conscious components.

• Dual mono design in a compact chassis.

• Replaceable valves, allowing users to “tube roll” for different sonic flavors.

• Supports a wide range of MM and MC cartridges.

• Adjustable gain on the front, with fine-tuning (capacitance/impedance) handled via dip-switches underneath.

  
  

For anyone upgrading from an affordable starter turntable, the Tube Box E promises a noticeable step-up in musical warmth and texture without the typical audiophile price tag.

Tube Box S3 B: Balanced and Flexible

• Aimed at more advanced vinyl setups.

• Fully symmetrical and discrete gain stage for lower noise and more precision.

• Balanced-ready, with a 5-pin mini-XLR input for compatible turntables.

• Can connect two turntables simultaneously (one unbalanced, one balanced), with memory for individual settings.

• Gain adjustable between 40–65dB, plus multiple capacitance and impedance options.

  
  

Its larger chassis allows all adjustments via front-panel controls, making it more convenient for frequent tweakers.

Why It Matters

The entry-level Tube Box E gives budding vinyl enthusiasts a taste of tubes at an accessible price, while the Tube Box S3 B provides serious flexibility for those running multiple or balanced turntable systems. Both keep Pro-Ject’s ethos of upgradeable, future-proof analogue gear alive — thanks to their replaceable valves and wide cartridge compatibility.

Price & Availability

• Tube Box E: £240 (about $325 / AU$500)

• Tube Box S3 B: £529 (about $715 / AU$1,100)

• Available in the UK from August 2025, with US and global launches expected to follow.

For vinyl fans craving that classic valve glow and warmth without spending thousands, Pro-

Ject’s new phono pre-amps could be the perfect analogue upgrade path.