Pro-Ject has just introduced the Uni Box S3, a compact streaming amplifier that tries to strike a balance between old-school analog charm and modern digital convenience. If you’ve ever wanted to stream from Spotify or Qobuz while also spinning vinyl without running everything through a digital converter, this might be something to look at. The Uni Box S3 is available now for $1,099 / £699 / €799, and it’s designed to give you both flexibility and focus in a tidy little package.

Most streaming amps these days digitize every input, even if you’re using something analog like a turntable. That’s not the case here. Pro-Ject has taken a different route by keeping analog signals in their native form—no conversions, no shortcuts. So if you connect a record player, CD player, or FM tuner, it stays analog from start to finish.

This is possible thanks to the same dual-mono analog design found in Pro-Ject’s MaiA S3 amplifier. The Uni Box S3 delivers 40 watts per channel into 4 ohms (or 23 watts into 8 ohms), which should be more than enough for small to mid-sized listening setups.

On the digital side, the Uni Box S3 runs on WiiM OS, the same platform that’s been showing up in lots of recent affordable streamers. If you’ve used a WiiM Mini or Pro Plus, the interface will feel very familiar. The Uni Box S3 gives you access to Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz, TuneIn, and several other services, all controlled via the new Pro-Ject Home app—which, by the way, looks and feels very much like WiiM’s own app.

Handling the digital audio side is a Cirrus Logic CS4344 DAC, which supports hi-res audio up to 24-bit/192kHz. It’s not a flashy DAC chip, but it’s capable, and Pro-Ject’s focus here seems more on seamless integration than chasing extreme specs.

For such a small unit, the Uni Box S3 covers a lot of ground in terms of connectivity. Here’s what you get:

Inputs:

• 3 analog inputs (including a phono stage for turntables)
• 3 digital inputs (optical and coaxial)
• HDMI eARC for direct TV hookup
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.1 for wireless streaming

Outputs:

• Gold-plated speaker terminals
• RCA output for a subwoofer or second zone
• A full-size 6.3mm headphone jack

That HDMI eARC input is a nice touch, especially if you’re looking to improve your TV audio without jumping into a full AV receiver setup.

One of the more interesting aspects of the Uni Box S3 is how it separates the streaming module from the analog amplifier section. That way, even if the streaming tech becomes outdated, the amp still works as a good standalone analog unit. It’s a small move that could pay off in the long run, especially if you're trying to avoid replacing gear every few years.

The amp is also designed with efficiency in mind. It comes in a compact aluminum case that uses less material than a traditional full-size unit. That’s not just about saving shelf space—it also cuts down on production and shipping resources.

Whether you’re diving deep into hi-res streaming or spinning old records, the Uni Box S3 is built to handle both without making you choose sides. You get an analog volume knob with motorized control, a dedicated headphone amp, and the ability to stream from one source to multiple rooms—if you’ve got other Pro-Ject gear to go with it.

And if you’re used to the WiiM app, transitioning to the Pro-Ject Home app should feel pretty seamless. You can tweak EQ, set up multi-room playback, and control everything right from your phone.

The Pro-Ject Uni Box S3 is all about flexibility. It’s small, versatile, and walks a line between analog and digital in a way that few amps in this price range attempt. It doesn’t try to be everything, but if you’re after a simplified system that can stream from your favorite apps and treat your analog sources with care, it’s a solid option.

Available now in black or silver, the Uni Box S3 might not look like much at first glance, but under the hood, it’s quietly doing a lot to meet modern listening habits without leaving analog lovers behind.