MAGAZINE
Aiming to improve the sound of vinyl records – especially older as well as damaged ones – Pro-Ject launches the "Vinyl NRS Box S3". The small device is to be installed between phono preamplifier and preamplifier / integrated amplifier, and wants to improve the sound of the turntable by "de-crackling" as well as reducing noise. Everything happens digitally, meaning that the incoming signal is digitized by an A/D converter at a resolution of 24 bit / 96 kHz, before being converted back – after all processing has happened – and then further transmitted via the analog output; optionally, the device can also transmit the signal without ay changes and, when switched off, completely analog.
As the name suggests, the first part of the signal processing is supposed to filter out single pops and crackles in the record so that physical problems on the vinyl disc itself should not affect the sound; according to Pro-Ject, the Vinyl NRS Box S3 aims to reduce the volume of these individual "cracks" by up to 8 dB. Via a potentiometer on the front panel, the sensitivity of the algorithm can be increased / decreased or turned off completely; it also offers an "Intensity" mode with stronger effects. In order to reduce constant noise in addition to individual cracks, the box also offers the "Vinyl Noise Reduction System", which can be optionally switched on. This is also said to digitally reduce the possible noise of the record by up to 8 dB.
The Vinyl NRS Box S3 from Pro-Ject is said to be available from September* at a price of about €330* at Pro-Ject dealers, in the variants silver and black.
*Availability and price for Germany.
