Pro-Ject Uni Box S3

Pro-Ject Uni Box S3

Integrated amplifier with streaming

The Uni Box S3 from Pro-Ject Audio Systems is a highly capable, compact, and simple streaming amplifier with a wide range of features.

Highlights of the Pro-Ject Uni Box S3

• Class A/B amplifier
• WiiM OS based streaming platform
• Bluetooth
• 3 pairs of analog inputs
• Phono stage for MM
• 3 digital inputs

If you are looking for a user-friendly all-in-one amplifier solution that can be the heart of a compact music system with streaming and perhaps a turntable, the Uni Box S3 is a strong candidate. It has a built-in phono preamplifier that works with MM-type cartridges, so you can skip the extra step of adding an external phono preamp between turntable and amplifier. There are also two pairs of analog RCA inputs, and a variable preamplifier output, allowing you to connect an external power amplifier if you should find yourself in need of more output power. Digital inputs are provided in the form of two optical TosLink connections and one coaxial S/PDIF, as well as an HDMI input with Audio Return Channel. Via the HDMI input, you can connect your television and get the sound through a proper set of speakers, while at the same time retaining integrated control of volume via the TV remote.

Streaming via Bluetooth aptX HD

But the Pro-Ject Uni Box S3 is much more than just physical connections. The first, and probably least exciting, is the built-in Bluetooth function. This makes it possible to stream audio from, for example, your smartphone, tablet, or computer directly to the amplifier. If you have guests who want to share their playlists, they can easily connect and play their music on your system. However, Bluetooth is probably not the feature you will use when listening to music streaming on this amplifier - because there is a much smarter option…

..and WiiM OS based streaming platform

The Uni Box S3 is equipped with comprehensive streaming functionality that allows you to listen to a wide range of streaming services such as Qobuz, Tidal, Spotify, and more - with the appropriate subscription, of course. Here, Pro-Ject has chosen what we consider a good solution. Instead of reinventing the wheel, Pro-Ject has partnered with WiiM and used their platform for the streaming functions. And you might be thinking: why choose a Uni Box S3 instead of a WiiM Amp Pro? It comes down purely to hardware. The Uni Box S3 is essentially a capable integrated amplifier that has absorbed a WiiM Mini streamer. But the similarities stop there. This amplifier from Pro-Ject, unlike WiiM’s own Class D amplifiers, is based on a Class A/B design. Everything from the preamplifier to the power amplifier and volume control is fully analog in construction. In addition, all incoming analog signals remain analog all the way to the output stage* and are not digitized, as is the case with WiiM’s amplifiers. All the information that the cartridge on your turntable picks up from the groove of the vinyl record is kept “pure,” without any form of conversion. The streaming section is controlled via Pro-Ject’s Home App, available for Apple iOS products and Android devices.

*When using multi-room, the signal is digitized