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Pro-Ject Bets Big on Desktop Hi-Fi With Its New Compact Amplifiers

The famed Austrian hi-fi maker has released two compact amplifiers for audiophiles.

Black Pro-Ject Audio Systems headphones resting on a silver audio amplifier with input selector and cable connections.Pro-Ject
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By Tucker Bowe

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Pro-Ject is best known for its turntables, but the Austrian audio manufacturer offers a wide range of components — DACs, amplifiers, preamps, streamers, and CD players (to name a few)— that are designed for traditional hi-fi systems.

With its latest headphone amplifiers, it appears the revered audio brand has its sights set on desktop setups.

Pro-Ject’s new Head Box amps

Silver Schiit Head Box S3 B headphone amplifier with balanced and unbalanced input ports and a central volume knob.
The Pro-Ject Head Box S3 B is the smaller, more affordable of Pro-Ject’s new compact headphone amplifiers.
Pro-Ject

Meet Pro-Ject’s Head Box S3 B and Head Box DS3 B. Both are compact headphone amplifiers — though the latter is slightly taller — designed for audiophiles who, according to the brand, “demand surgical clarity, precision and flexibility.”

As the “B” in their names suggests, both are amplifiers have a fully balanced circuitry, which helps reduce distortion and keeps audio better separated between the left and right channels — this leads to a better stereo sound with a wider, more lifelike soundstage.

Black rectangular audio amplifier with balanced and unbalanced headphone jacks and a central volume knob.
The Head Box S3 B is the taller, more powerful of Pro-Ject’s two compact headphone amps.
Pro-Ject

Designed for modern desktop and hi-fi systems

Other than the circuitry, both of Pro-Ject’s new amplifiers are optimized for headphones with balanced 4.4mm or XLR connections. (Note: balanced headphones are typically more power hungry, more difficult to drive and also more expensive.)

Of course, they both support single-ended headphones via their 3.5 mm and 6.3 mm outputs, too. Pro-Ject says this allows them to integrate “seamlessly into modern desktop and hi-fi systems.”

Silver Pro-Ject Head Box S3 B headphone amplifier with black Pro-Ject headphones resting on top.
The Head Box S3 B is an audiophile-grade headphone amp for compact spaces, including your desktop.
Pro-Ject

While the two headphone amplifiers share a similar design — both have a near-identical full aluminum body — the Head Box S3 B is definitely more approachable. It has a balanced topology and is capable of delivering up to 820mW into 30 ohms.

Pro-Ject claims that the Head Box S3 B is designed to find the perfect balance between output power and perceived sound quality, and that it “sets new standards in its price range.”

Black Pro-Ject Audio Systems headphones resting on a silver Head Box DS3 B headphone amplifier with input and volume controls.
Both headphone amplifiers support both balanced and single-ended headphones. (Picture: the Head Box DS3 B.)
Pro-Ject

On the flip side, the Head Box DS3 B is the more premium option. It has a fully discrete topology that results in a warmer sound. (Note: the “D” in the name stands for “discrete.”) It’s also capable of delivering up to 1500mW into 30 ohms, making it a better fit for higher-end headphones with lower sensitivities.

Pro-Ject claims it “redefines the possibilities in its [category], delivering ultra-clean amplification and effortless drive with plenty of power reserves for even the most demanding headphones.”

Price and availability

Pro-Ject’s Head Box S3 B and Head Box DS3 B come in two finishes: black or silver.

Both are available now in England and Europe. The Head Box S3 B is priced at £329 or €399, while the DS3 B is price at £629 or €699.

At the time of writing, Pro-Ject has not disclosed US pricing or availability.

About the Author: Tucker Bowe has been on Gear Patrol’s editorial team since 2014. With a passion for consumer tech and hi-fi, he tracks everything from headphones and turntables to smartphones and wearables. If it lights up or makes noise, he probably covers it.

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