Pro-ject Audio Prebox S2 Digital Preamplifier
(Stereo Line PreAmplifier)
We are an authorized Pro-ject dealer!
Email Your Question
Pairs well with
Free Shipping
We only ship within Canada. Items purchased online qualify for free shipping!
30 Day Returns
All products are eligible for returns within 30 days. All original packaging is required.
Installation & Calibration
Ask about our installation services on home theatre & stereo equipment along with automation.
Pro-ject Audio Prebox S2 Digital Preamplifier (Stereo Line PreAmplifier)
Overview
The Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 Digital packs a dual-mono, dual ESS9038Q2M DAC design into a compact desktop unit, with hardware MQA decoding and support up to DSD512 over USB. It's built to bring genuinely high-end digital-to-analog conversion to a small, affordable package rather than a full-size component.
A proprietary clock design keeps jitter down to as little as 100 femtoseconds, and eight digital filter options, including Pro-Ject's own Optimum Transient filter, let you shape the sound to your preference.
A 6.3mm headphone output on the front doubles it as a dedicated headphone DAC/amp, while a variable RCA output lets it feed directly into an amplifier or powered speakers.
Simcoe Audio Video Insight
Keep in mind that the full 32-bit/768kHz PCM and DSD512 capability is only available over USB; the optical and coaxial inputs are limited to 24-bit/192kHz. For a CD player or TV connected digitally, that's still excellent resolution, but if you're chasing the highest-resolution files, connect via USB from a computer or streamer.
More Info
Why the Pre Box S2 Digital Stands Out
Dual ESS9038Q2M DACs
Dual-mono configuration using ESS Sabre's flagship DAC chips.
Hardware MQA Decoding
Full hardware unfolding over USB.
Ultra-Low Jitter
Proprietary clock design achieves jitter as low as 100 femtoseconds.
8 Digital Filters
7 selectable filter characteristics plus Pro-Ject's proprietary Optimum Transient filter.
Front-Panel Headphone Output
A 6.3mm jack turns it into a dedicated headphone DAC/amp.
Remote-Controllable
Control playback and volume without reaching for the unit.
Aluminum Sandwich Casing
Silver or black metal chassis shields internal circuitry.
Buyer's Guide
Who It's For
- Desktop Audio Enthusiasts: pairs a high-end DAC with a capable headphone amp in one small unit.
- MQA Streamers: hardware decoding over USB unfolds MQA files without relying on software unfolding alone.
- Listeners Upgrading a CD Player or TV's Digital Output: optical and coaxial inputs bring a real DAC upgrade over built-in players, even at their 24-bit/192kHz ceiling.
How It Compares
Pro-Ject's DAC Box E covers basic optical and coaxial digital-to-analog conversion at a fixed 24-bit/192kHz for a fraction of the price. The Pre Box S2 Digital steps up considerably with dual flagship DACs, hardware MQA decoding, USB support up to DSD512, and a built-in headphone amp, for listeners who want a genuinely high-end digital front end rather than a basic conversion box.
Pro-ject Audio Prebox S2 Digital Preamplifier (Stereo Line PreAmplifier) Specifications
| General Information | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Pro-Ject Audio Systems |
| Product Type | Stereo DAC Preamplifier |
| Model | Pre Box S2 Digital |
| Finish | Aluminum, silver or black |
| DAC & Audio Performance | |
| DAC Chips | 2x ESS Sabre ESS9038Q2M, 32-bit (dual mono configuration) |
| Digital Filters | 8 total: 7 selectable on the front panel, plus the proprietary Optimum Transient filter |
| DSD Support (USB) | DSD64/128/256 (DoP), DSD512 native, up to DSD1024 |
| PCM Support (USB) | Up to 32-bit/768kHz |
| PCM Support (Optical/Coaxial) | Up to 24-bit/192kHz |
| MQA Support | Hardware decoding (USB only) |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 20kHz |
| Dynamic Range | 124dBA |
| THD | 0.0003% @ 0dB, 2V RMS, 1kHz |
| Jitter | As low as 100 femtoseconds |
| Inputs & Outputs | |
| Digital Inputs | 1x USB-B, 1x Optical (Toslink), 1x Coaxial (RCA) |
| Analog Output | 1x Variable Out (RCA) |
| Headphone Output | 6.3mm (1/4in) jack, front panel |
| Output Voltage | 2.05Veff |
| Min. Recommended Headphone Impedance | 8Ω |
| Headphone Output Power | 6.6mW/600Ω, 68mW/32Ω |
| Controls & Remote | |
| Remote Control | Fully remoteable; can also control computer playback software (play/pause/forward/rewind) |
| Control Interface | Front buttons and rotary knob |
| Design & Build | |
| Construction | Full aluminum/metal sandwich casing, gold-plated four-layer PCB |
| Form Factor | Compact desktop |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 4.06" x 1.46" x 4.80" (103 x 37 x 122mm, including knob and connectors) |
| Weight | 366g (0.81 lb) without power supply |
| Power | |
| Power Supply | 5V / 1A DC outboard supply (included) |