Introduction
Think of vinyl falling in love with streaming- and so the Pro Ject Uni Box 3 turns out to be. Making use of this genuinely toasty Analog, with all the inconvenience of modernity, it is a tiny powerhouse that is retro, but powerfully so. However, is it worth the money? Let’s explore.
What Is Uni Box S3?
The Uni Box S3 is the first streaming amplifier with Wi Fi by Pro Ject made in partnership with WiiM. It is designed explicitly to analog, audio enthusiasts who tend to prioritize their sound without the need of being digitally streamed. Its small size (206 × 55 × 153 mm) incorporates a phono stage, headphone amp and efficient Class Ⓢ power section.
Luxurious Design & Build
Covered in smooth aluminum, this amplifier is solid, lightweight (weighing slightly more than 1 kg), and high end. There is a touchy motorized volume knob, solid connections, including banana plug speaker posts and a 6.3mm headphone jack. Black or silver finish options make it fit almost any decor.
True Analog Path
Pro Ject was dedicated to providing pure unpolluted analog. This implies that turntable and line in signals are broadcast as analog until they get to your speakers, avoiding any needless digitization or signal processing- unless you are playing them to a different zone. It is the heaven of music lovers no ADC detours, no friction.
WiiM OS (Buffer Free Streaming)
Wi Fi access to stream your favourite songs to all your connected devices through the powerful WiiM OS platform, which supports Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz, Deezer, Amazon Music and TuneIn to name just a few. A Cirrus Logic CS4344 DAC activates as much as 24 bit/192 kHz resolution of digital brilliance
Cozy Listening Power
You have 23 W into 8 , 40 into 4; with a dual mono TI TPA3221DDV Class D amplifier. This is not something that will rattle your living room but it is ideal with small speakers used efficiently with bookshelves and in near field listening.
Connectivity Options
- Analog: Phono MM, 2 line in
- Digital: 2× Toslink, coax, HDMI eARC (easier TV connection)
- Wireless: BT 5.1 (SBC/AAC), dual-band Wi Fi
- Outputs: Speaker posts, variable RCA sub out, 6.3mm headphone jack.
It’s a handy center for vinyl, CD, movie and streamed audio.
The Pro Ject Home App
Think of the Pro Ject Home application as a “WiiM Home” usability experience. Even though it’s designed with intuitive simplicity for beginners, the app has EQ adjustments, multi-room control, and switches inputs effortlessly. A cool way to control your sound.
Designed To Last
The Uni Box S3, as with any good amp, is designed to last. Because the analog and digital sections are kept separate, the analog section will continue to work even as the streaming technology advances. A good, sustainable purchase that won’t become outdated fast.
Who Will Like This Amp
- Vinyl lovers seeking real warmth
- People who are streaming, high-res or podcasts
- People with small to medium-size listening environments
- People who own bookshelf speakers that are somewhat efficient
- People with TV’s who want a good sound, without a full AV receiver setup.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Analog signal path (no hidden digitizing)
- Wi Fi streaming with major services built-in
- Small, quality, EU manufacturer with exceptional build quality
- Suitable for TV audio through HDMI eARC support
Cons
- Limited output—not filling larger rooms
- Does not support DSD or MQA audio formats
- Bluetooth only supports SBC/AAC—not high-res codecs.
- Pricey (~€799/US $1,099).
Analogy: Old Meets New
You could view the Uni Box S3 as a vintage rotary phone, retrofitted as a smart speakerphone! It retains the quirkiness and nostalgia while adding smart features—joining two worlds seamlessly.
Final Thoughts
The Pro Ject Uni Box S3 is not the largest amp, but it has style, versatility, and decorum in its analog integrity. The Uni Box S3 is built for audiophiles who do not want to contend with either lagging audio quality or loss of streaming ease. Analog and digital have found a happy balance—with a compact and stylish profile to boot.
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