Hello CF, it does not look as though the XLR pin-outs are identified anywhere in the owner's manual. But there are a wide variety of XLR cables available in the marketplace. Feel free to reach out to us if you need further help: ask@gramophone.com
Thanks Aero! Re the Mani, we don't sell the brand and so we can't offer much in the way of commentary. We are having fun with this Phono Box DS3 B though - a great preamp for this money
Hello Wolfman, thanks for asking.The Phono Box DS3 B 1. Sounds better, with better quality capacitors, transistors, closer parts tolerances in all of the active circuitry 2. has a more advanced gain (amplification) stage; 3. has more flexibility to match MC cartridge impedances, with a continuously variable potentiometer instead of the SB3’s four fixed options 4. has full size XLR inputs along with the mini XLR input, so well suited to more turntables 5. offers six gain choices, versus 4 on the S3 B, for closer matching to various output levels on different phono cartridges. For a customer with a Pro-Ject X1 or X1 B level ‘table, the S3 B is a great value. For higher end ‘tables, such as Pro-Ject X8, Xtension 9, 10, 12, RPM-9, 10, etc. the DS3 B is the better choice.
Hello JimV, thanks for your comment, and if you're considering a Phono Box, you might check them out in person. In our experience, they aren't all that bright when used in a normal environment
Thank you for educating me.
Hello CCarney, you are welcome, and thank you for watching our video! If you have questions, please reach out: ask@gramophone.com
Good review Joe.
Thank you JD 🙂
Do you know the wiring of the 5 pin XLR input? I have to make the balenced cable to myself.
Hello CF, it does not look as though the XLR pin-outs are identified anywhere in the owner's manual. But there are a wide variety of XLR cables available in the marketplace. Feel free to reach out to us if you need further help: ask@gramophone.com
Really want to see an A+B between this and the Schiit Mani
Thanks Aero! Re the Mani, we don't sell the brand and so we can't offer much in the way of commentary. We are having fun with this Phono Box DS3 B though - a great preamp for this money
This would literally be upgrade path right now as I am running a X1-B + the Mani and want to experiment w/the TT's balanced capability lol
Thanks for this, well presented
Thank you Steven, we're glad you liked it
What's the difference between the DS3 B and S3 B?
Hello Wolfman, thanks for asking.The Phono Box DS3 B
1. Sounds better, with better quality capacitors, transistors, closer parts tolerances in all of the active circuitry
2. has a more advanced gain (amplification) stage;
3. has more flexibility to match MC cartridge impedances, with a continuously variable potentiometer instead of the SB3’s four fixed options
4. has full size XLR inputs along with the mini XLR input, so well suited to more turntables
5. offers six gain choices, versus 4 on the S3 B, for closer matching to various output levels on different phono cartridges. For a customer with a Pro-Ject X1 or X1 B level ‘table, the S3 B is a great value. For higher end ‘tables, such as Pro-Ject X8, Xtension 9, 10, 12, RPM-9, 10, etc. the DS3 B is the better choice.
Those blinding lights look horrible
Hello JimV, thanks for your comment, and if you're considering a Phono Box, you might check them out in person. In our experience, they aren't all that bright when used in a normal environment
@@GramophoneMD I had couple of different project products in the past… i know exactly how bright they are :)