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Pro-Ject Tube Box DS Vacuum tube phono preamplifier for moving magnet and moving coil cartridges (Black)

Item # 252TBBXDSB

It provides highly flexible options and settings for a wide range of phono cartridges.

It provides highly flexible options and settings for a wide range of phono cartridges.

4 questions - 8 answers

Item # 252TBBXDSB

Shop all Pro-Ject Phono Preamps

About the Pro-Ject Tube Box DS

Eric A.

The ideal phono preamp for audiophiles

Pro-Ject designed the Tube Box DS for those of us who are picky about analog sound. This versatile vacuum tube phono preamp provides highly flexible options and settings for a wide range of phono cartridges — from moving magnet, to high- or low-output moving coil — to ensure top-notch performance that's tuned perfectly for your system. It lets you make choices and customize your turntable setup. 

The ideal phono preamp for audiophiles

Pro-Ject designed the Tube Box DS for those of us who are picky about analog sound. This versatile vacuum tube phono preamp provides highly flexible options and settings for a wide range of phono cartridges — from moving magnet, to high- or low-output moving coil — to ensure top-notch performance that's tuned perfectly for your system. It lets you make choices and customize your turntable setup. 

High-quality sound you can custom-tune to match your gear

The secret to the Tube Box DS's dramatic sound starts with its audiophile-grade circuitry. Its vacuum tube output stage delivers the kind of silky smooth texture and spaciousness that tubes are famous for. A continuously variable input impedance loading control on the front panel allows convenient adjustment for your low output MC cartridges to ensure a flat frequency response.

Other features include adjustable input capacitance settings for moving magnet and high-output moving coil cartridges, plus gain-setting options to better match your cartridge to your system. A switchable subsonic filter protects your amplifier and speakers from power-wasting low-frequency rumble below 20Hz.

Need a cable?

This phono preamp does not come with an RCA cable to connect to your receiver or amp.

READ LESS

Product highlights:

  • dual-mono design using two dual-triode ECC83 (12AX7A) vacuum tubes for optimal channel separation
  • compatible with moving magnet and moving coil phono cartridges
  • pre-mounted Cool Dampers reduce vacuum tube vibration for lower distortion and provide better heat dissipation for longer tube life
  • front-panel input impedance control for low output moving coil cartridges (continuously variable from 10-1000 ohms)
  • adjustable input capacitance and gain settings for more accurate cartridge matching
  • audiophile-grade polypropylene capacitors
  • switchable subsonic filter to reduce low-frequency rumble and wasted amplifier power (-18dB/octave at 20 Hz)
  • all-metal chassis for improved shielding from vibration and electromagnetic interference
  • external power supply for reduced noise and interference
  • gold-plated RCA connectors for corrosion-free signal transfer
  • capacitance settings: 47pF, 147pF, 267pF, and 367pF (for MM and high-output MC cartridges)
  • gain settings: 40dB, 50dB, and 60dB
  • RIAA response accuracy: 0.5dB (20-20,000 Hz)
  • THD: less than 0.1%
  • signal-to-noise ratio: 93dB
  • 4-1/16"W x 2-15/16"H x 6-1/16"D
  • warranty: 2 years
  • MFR # TubeBox DS-BK

What's in the box:

  • Turntable (MM/MC) tube pre-amplifier
  • AC power adapter (w/ attached 5' DC cord)
  • 3 AC plug inserts (US/EU/UK)
  • 2 Metal plates
  • 10 Jumper caps
  • (2 pre-installed)
  • Instructions For Use

Customer reviews for Pro-Ject Tube Box DS

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Average review:

4.5 out of 5 stars
41 reviews

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More details on the Pro-Ject Tube Box DS

Stacey B.

Features & specs

Features
Cartridge Type MM, MC
Subsonic Filter Yes
Cartridge Loading Variable
Adjustable Resistance Load Yes
Adjustable Capacitance Load Yes
Vacuum Tube Yes
Connections
RCA Inputs 1 Pair
XLR Inputs No
RCA Output 1 Pair
XLR Output No
USB Output No
3.5mm Output No
Optical Output No
Coaxial Output No
Specs
Signal-to-noise Ratio (MM) 93
Signal-to-noise Ratio (MC) 93

Product Research

Features

Tube Phono Preamp: The Pro-Ject Audio Systems Tube Box DS is a very high-quality phono cartridge preamplifier. This precision tube phono preamplifier benefits from outstanding circuit technology from Dr. Sykora and uses high-quality components. All components including tube output (ECC83) and polypropylene capacitors are audiophile-grade and guarantee a breathtaking sound experience.

MM/MC Compatible: The Pro-Ject Tube Box DS phono preamplifier offers amplifications and RIAA equalization for MM and MC cartridges.

Variable Controls: A variable selection of input impedance for MC cartridges can be done while playing a record. Other features include input capacitance for MM cartridges and switchable subsonic, that prevents your amplifier and speakers of ultra low rumble below 20Hz.

  • Input Gain (for MM/MC): The phono preamp's input gain can be adjusted to 40dB, 50dB, or 60dB for MM & MC.
  • Input Impedance Adjustment (for MC): There is a variable input impedance adjustment for low output MC on the front-panel. Choose from 10 ohms to 1000 ohms.
  • Input Capacitance Adjustment (for MM): Input capacitance can be adjusted in 4-steps for MM. Choose from 47pF, 147pF, 267pF, or 367pF.
  • Subsonic Filter: The Subsonic filter helps to reduce low-frequency rumble and wasted amplifier power.

Metal Case: The phono preamplifier features a metal case that shields the electronics from vibration and electromagnetic interference.

Gold-Plated RCA Connections: The Pro-Ject Tube Box DS is equipped with a pair of gold-plated RCA connections for the output stage and input stage. The gold-plated RCA connectors offer corrosion-free signal transfer.

Power Requirements: The Pro-Ject Tube Box DS turntable preamplifier operates off of standard household current using the included external power supply. The outboard power supply helps reduce noise and interference.

  • Input: 100-240V~50/60Hz, 0.4A
  • Output: 18V AC, 1.0A.

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Customer Q&A

4 questions already asked

Q
Hello, I recently turned on my tube box ds to play a few lp's and noticed right off the bat that the bass was almost non-existent. Tried several different songs and recordings. Same problem. Ordered a new set of tubes and installed them thinking problem solved. No luck. Any suggestions?
anthony  Oct 05, 2020
2 answers
A
Sorry, no idea. Do you have a diff preamp to try? Could it be on the receiver end? Can you switch cables to a different input on the receiver?
phil  Oct 22, 2020
A
If you purchased the product from Crutchfield, feel free to contact our Tech Support team. They can walk you through the settings on the product and see if there may be a fix. Our toll-free Tech Support number is printed on your invoice, and is also available under the "My Orders" tab in the "My Account" section of our website. If you did not purchase the unit from Crutchfield, then you may want to contact the manufacturer.
kristina  Oct 22, 2020 (Staff)
Q
Where can I get more of the small plastic jumpers for the setup in the back of the unit? I missplaced my small bag of them that come with the unit. Thanks.
anthony  Oct 05, 2020
3 answers
A
We may be able to special order those parts for you. I recommend contacting an advisor using 1-800-324-9695 to get the process started
jason  Oct 25, 2020 (Staff)
A
look on vinylengine dot com. There is a thread called " Project Tube Box -Replacement Jumpers Found ". The poster mentions Part number. pls-mj-02/h-p10. An internet search shows them at quit a few electronics. I hope this helps.
serge  Oct 22, 2020
A
hi - I'm not sure I understand your question. What are Jumpers?
mary carol  Oct 22, 2020
Q
What is the difference between this and the new model ds2?
john  Jan 12, 2018
2 answers
A
Ds2 is a much better phono-stage. It sounds better, better controls. It gives you another phono input. Very nice device for the money. It you, however, have a low output cartridge , be aware, ds2 will be noisy past 60dbs gain. Still very hard to beat for the money.
alex  Jan 12, 2018
A
It would appear that the (cumbersome) rear switching on the DS has been moved to the front on the DS2. However, without having each model, it is impossible to compare the specifications and sonic characteristics. But the greatly reduced price on the DS model (as well as its smaller size) make it highly worthy of consideration!
robert  Jan 12, 2018
Q
How should the jumpers in the back be set for the ortofon 2M red cartridge? The manual is not very helpful, and I'm not sure I have enough jumpers.
michael  Apr 06, 2017
1 answer
A
Tech Support is included with your purchase from Crutchfield, feel free to contact our Tech Support team. They can walk you through the settings on the product and see if there may be a fix. Our toll-free Tech Support number is printed on your invoice, and is also available under the "My Orders" tab in the "My Account" section of our website.
kenneth  Apr 07, 2017 (Staff)

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Pro-Ject Tube Box DS2

Pro-Ject Tube Box DS2

Vacuum tube phono preamplifier for moving magnet and moving coil cartridges
Black
$999.00
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Get even more tweaky with it

The Pro-Ject Tube Box DS2 offers these features:
  • gain settings: 40dB, 45dB, 50dB, 60dB, and 65dB
  • capacitance settings: 100pF, 220pF, 320pF
  • switchable loading: variable or 47k
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