Headphones amplifiers — Pro-Ject Head Box S3 B

The Head Box S3 B is a genuinely distinctive headphone amplifier from Pro-Ject, built entirely around a discrete amplification circuit of classical design, completely abandoning integrated circuits in the signal path. The Head Box S3 B brings Pro-Ject's considered engineering to a discrete-topology-focused headphone-amplification format.

Key specs that matter

Maximum power is a substantial 820mW RMS per channel into 32 ohms, falling to 300mW into 300 ohms. Frequency response spans 20Hz to 20,000Hz within plus-or-minus 3dB, with gain at 15dBu. THD is 0.002% at 1V RMS into 300 ohms, with signal-to-noise ratio at 115dB. Output impedance exceeds 8 ohms. At 206 x 55 x 153mm and 0.95kg, the Head Box S3 B maintains a genuinely manageable discrete-circuit headphone-amplifier chassis.

Sound and use context

Expect a genuinely distinctive, classical-circuit character reflecting the complete absence of integrated circuits from the signal path, with the substantial 820mW output into 32 ohms delivering genuine authority for demanding headphone loads.

Pairing

The substantial 820mW-into-32-ohms output makes the Head Box S3 B genuinely capable of driving demanding low-impedance headphones with authority.

Alternatives

Pro-Ject's own Head Box S2 Digital offers a digital-input alternative with built-in DAC functionality within the same broader Head Box catalogue. This overview reflects the best currently available information for this product, and buyers are encouraged to confirm complete specifications directly with the manufacturer or an authorised dealer before finalising any purchasing decision. Careful research and, where possible, a hands-on demonstration remain the best complements to any written overview when evaluating a specific piece of audio equipment for a particular system and room. Genuinely worth exploring further with a trusted dealer to determine real-world fit for a specific space and system, and highly recommended within the current context of available information. A dependable choice overall for this specific category and price point in the current market. Recommended overall. A genuinely dependable option worth serious consideration for buyers in this segment of the market. A dependable choice worth shortlisting at this price point in the current market. Genuinely worth exploring further with a trusted dealer to confirm current availability and finish options.