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The Pro-Ject Audio Pre Box S2 Digital is a compact yet highly capable preamplifier designed for modern audio enthusiasts. Equipped with advanced circuitry and high-end components, it ensures clean and accurate sound reproduction. This preamplifier supports a wide range of digital audio formats, including MQA and DSD512, and is powered by dual ESS Sabre 9038 DACs for exceptional performance. Its small footprint, intuitive controls, and sleek design make it a perfect choice for any desktop or home audio setup.

Key Features

  • Dual ESS Sabre 9038 DACs for precise audio processing
  • Supports MQA and DSD512 for superior playback
  • PCM support up to 768kHz and 32-bit resolution
  • Multiple input options, including USB, Optical, and Coaxial
  • High-quality headphone amplifier built-in
  • OLED display for easy control and monitoring
  • Compact design ideal for desktop or home systems

Why Buy

The Pro-Ject Audio Pre Box S2 Digital combines versatility and high-end performance in a compact design, making it an essential addition to any modern audio setup. Whether you're streaming high-resolution music or enjoying your favorite headphones, this preamplifier ensures detailed and accurate sound reproduction. Its compatibility with the latest digital audio formats ensures you'll be ready for whatever the future brings.

  • Supports the latest audio formats like MQA and DSD512 for future-proof functionality
  • Compact yet powerful design fits seamlessly into any audio setup
  • Trusted Pro-Ject build quality ensures long-term reliability

Product Specifications

Pro-Ject Audio Pre Box S2 Digital Specifications
Product Type Stereo DAC Preamplifier
Brand Pro-Ject Audio
Model Pre Box S2 Digital
DAC & Audio Performance
DAC Chips 2 x ESS Sabre ESS9038Q2M
Digital Filters 7 Selectable Filters
DSD Support DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, DSD512
PCM Support Up to 32-bit / 768kHz
MQA Support Full Hardware Decoding
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) 115 dB
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) <0.0003%
Output Impedance <10 Ohms
Inputs & Outputs
Digital Inputs 1 x USB-B, 1 x Optical (TOSLINK), 1 x Coaxial (RCA)
Analog Outputs 1 x RCA Stereo (Fixed/Variable)
Headphone Output 6.3mm (1/4") Headphone Jack
Controls & Display
Display OLED Display
Remote Control Yes (Included)
Control Interface Front Buttons & Rotary Knob
Design & Build
Form Factor Compact Desktop
Dimensions (W x H x D) 103 x 37 x 122 mm (4.1 x 1.5 x 4.8 in)
Weight 0.6 kg (1.3 lbs)
Enclosure Aluminum with Silver or Black Finish
Power
Power Supply 5V DC (via USB or external supply)
Power Consumption 100 mA (normal), 200 mA (with headphones)
Additional Features
Firmware Upgradeable Yes (via USB)
Software Compatibility ASIO, WASAPI, Core Audio

Customer Reviews

Based on 5 reviews
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olf

Livraison très rapide. Produit très qualitatif (liaison vers ampli via cable USB, Coax ou SpDif), plus sortie casque (6.3mm). Une alimentation externe accompagne le produit mais ne fonctionne correctement que sur la liaison Coax et SpDif (la liaison USB assure sa propre alimentation).Penser à acheter les cables liaison en conséquence (non fournis).PS. une étoile en moins pour la confusion alimentation externe - port USB.

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Daniel Lorincz

Still testing the sound but so far it's very good. Using it between a Yamaha AX-497 amp and a Bulesound node 2i (coax digital) / an old Kenwood DP-SE9 CD deck (optical). Wanted to see if its dac adds anything to bluesound. It does. At first it sounded just 'plain' than compared with the bluesound plugged into the amp via RCA, but after some comparison the impression is that it's just more clear (less bass but more detail). With the cd deck over optical it's an amazing upgrade compared to the player's own rca outs. Can't really hear the difference with the individual filters on my setup. The fact that it only supports MQA over the USB port means you wouldn't want to buy it for mqa playback because of the hassle. USB doesnt work with Android. Practically this is an extremely good 2-channel dac preamp for your stereo or a great 'soundcard' for your desktop PC/laptop. In the latter use case, the headphone jack comes in handy. Haven't tested the headphone in the stereo build because I have a separate Head Box S2 from pro-ject.

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Anjelo

While it was working it was sounding good and has good features. For the price though it is not worth as it gave up on me after 7 months and I have no idea what will happen : will they send me a new unit or not and what pain it will cause me. Very disappointed. I was hoping for good quality and reliable work, as advertised and now headache!Now suddenly the headphone amp stopped working. The RCA output is working but it has digital noise in audible levels.Update:After I installed the new driver it still continued to be the same. Then I unplugged the power and the usb cable to the computer end reconnected them again. Now the headphone amp is back to working condition, but the digital noise in the RCA output is still audible. Could be from some interference coming through the RCA cable as it is not a highest quality the one I use.

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Roy Smith

Great that the DAC may be powered by the USB connection or it's own power supply.Small but really delivers a fantastic sound.

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Aka401

You have to hear it to believe how good it is on HD650, Focal clear and Audeze LCD3The bad part he does not play will with othersI E he cause noise if add with another DAC even if separated and isolated but alone on hi end PC the DAC AMP is amazingAlso it is recognized by Roon

Pro-ject Audio Prebox S2 Digital Preamplifier (Stereo Line PreAmplifier) FAQs

What is the Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 Digital, and what does it do?

The Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 Digital is a compact preamplifier that combines a high-resolution DAC, headphone amplifier, and digital preamp functionalities. It supports PCM audio up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD512, and features hardware MQA decoding for high-resolution streaming.

Is the Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 Digital compatible with Mac and Windows operating systems?

Yes, the Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 Digital is compatible with both Mac and Windows operating systems. For Windows users, it may be necessary to reinstall the latest drivers after updating from Windows 7/8/8.1 to Windows 10. Mac users do not require additional drivers, as the device is recognized natively by macOS.

How can I determine if the Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 Digital is playing MQA files?

When playing MQA files, the Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 Digital will display the MQA logo and a blue dot on the display's top right corner, indicating successful MQA playback.

Does the Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 Digital support MQA over coaxial or optical inputs?

No, MQA hardware decoding is only possible via the asynchronous USB input of the Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 Digital. To enable MQA playback via S/PDIF, a hardware change would be necessary, which would increase the cost of the device.