Pro-Ject DAC Box E at Vinyl Sound Toronto Canada

The DAC Box E is an entry-level digital-to-analogue converter from Pro-Ject Audio Systems (Vienna, Austria), available at Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada. Designed to deliver an immediate and meaningful sonic upgrade to any digital source, the DAC Box E supports 24-bit / 192kHz high-resolution PCM conversion via both coaxial S/PDIF and optical Toslink inputs. Built around a Cirrus Logic CS4344 converter chip paired with a low-noise output stage and internal metal shielding, this compact unit extracts detail and clarity from CD players, Blu-ray players, DVD players, and set-top boxes that their onboard DAC circuits cannot match. Its perfectly linear audio circuitry and low output impedance ensure clean, interference-free signal delivery to any amplifier or preamplifier.

Cirrus Logic CS4344 Converter and Low-Noise Circuit Design

At the heart of the DAC Box E is the Cirrus Logic CS4344, a precision 24-bit stereo DAC chip chosen for its low distortion, wide dynamic range, and clean conversion at sampling rates up to 192kHz. The surrounding circuit design prioritises signal integrity throughout: SMD component construction keeps signal paths short and consistent, while internal metal shielding blocks electromagnetic interference from reaching the audio stage. The output stage is designed for low output impedance, which prevents cable-related signal degradation and avoids negative interaction with the input impedance of any preamplifier or integrated amplifier it connects to. An outboard 18V power supply keeps switching noise well away from the sensitive analogue output stage, contributing to a quieter noise floor than DACs powered directly from a shared internal supply.

Dual Digital Inputs and HD Audio Support

The DAC Box E accepts digital audio from two independent sources simultaneously: a coaxial S/PDIF RCA input and an optical Toslink input. Both support sampling rates of 44.1kHz, 48kHz, and 96kHz, while the coaxial input extends to the full 192kHz for high-resolution audio playback. This makes the DAC Box E equally suitable as an upgrade for a CD player outputting at 44.1kHz or as a conversion stage for high-resolution audio files streamed to a compatible digital transport. All processing is PCM stereo, covering the vast majority of consumer digital audio formats from standard CD up to studio-quality high-resolution recordings.

Key Features

• Cirrus Logic CS4344 DAC Chip: A precision 24-bit stereo converter delivering low distortion and high resolution at sampling rates up to 192kHz for transparent, detailed playback.
• 24-bit / 192kHz HD Conversion: Full high-resolution audio support for the coaxial input, with up to 96kHz via the optical input, covering CD, HD audio, and streaming sources.
• Coaxial S/PDIF Input: An RCA coaxial digital input accepts signals at 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 96kHz, and 192kHz for connection to CD players, transports, and compatible streamers.
• Optical Toslink Input: A Toslink optical input accepts signals at 44.1kHz, 48kHz, and 96kHz for connection to televisions, Blu-ray players, set-top boxes, and optical-equipped computers.
• Low-Noise Output Stage: Specially selected low-noise components in the output stage deliver a clean analogue signal with minimal hiss or interference.
• Internal Metal Shielding: A metal shield inside the chassis blocks electromagnetic interference from reaching the audio circuitry, preserving signal purity.
• SMD Circuitry: Surface-mount component construction keeps signal traces short and consistent for improved channel matching and reduced parasitic interference.
• Low Output Impedance: The fully linear output stage presents a low impedance to connected cables and preamplifiers, reducing susceptibility to cable-induced noise and interference.
• Gold-Plated RCA Output Sockets: Gold-plated connectors on the analogue output resist oxidation and maintain a reliable, low-resistance connection to downstream components.
• Outboard Power Supply Included: An 18V / 500mA DC external power supply keeps switching-regulator noise away from the sensitive DAC and output circuitry.
• Compact Form Factor: At 120 x 32 x 100mm and 250g, the DAC Box E can be positioned directly alongside or behind a source component without occupying significant shelf space.
• Available in Black or White: Two finish options to complement any system aesthetic.

Technical Specifications

Connections at a Glance

• Coaxial S/PDIF RCA digital input (up to 24-bit / 192kHz)
• Optical Toslink digital input (up to 24-bit / 96kHz)
• Stereo RCA analogue output with gold-plated sockets
• 18V DC power input (outboard supply included)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Pro-Ject DAC Box E?

The Pro-Ject DAC Box E is an entry-level external digital-to-analogue converter from Pro-Ject Audio Systems of Vienna, Austria. It converts digital audio signals from coaxial or optical sources into an analogue stereo output, supporting PCM audio at up to 24-bit / 192kHz via the Cirrus Logic CS4344 converter chip. It is designed to replace the built-in DAC circuits in budget CD players, Blu-ray players, DVD players, and set-top boxes with a dedicated, higher-quality conversion stage.

How does the DAC Box E compare to the Cambridge Audio DacMagic 100 or iFi Zen DAC?

The Pro-Ject DAC Box E occupies the entry level of the external DAC market alongside options like the Cambridge Audio DacMagic 100 and iFi Zen DAC, but with a more focused feature set. Unlike the iFi Zen DAC, the DAC Box E does not include a USB input or headphone output, concentrating entirely on coaxial and optical S/PDIF sources for a cleaner, purpose-built signal path. Compared to the DacMagic 100, the DAC Box E is more compact and better suited for installation directly alongside a source component. For listeners whose source devices have a coaxial or optical output and who want a straightforward, high-quality analogue conversion stage without additional features, the DAC Box E offers a focused and cost-effective solution.

Can the DAC Box E be used with a television or set-top box?

Yes, the DAC Box E works with any television, set-top box, satellite receiver, or streaming device that has an optical Toslink or coaxial S/PDIF digital audio output. The optical input accepts PCM stereo signals at 44.1kHz, 48kHz, and 96kHz, which covers all standard stereo audio from broadcast and streaming sources. It does not support multi-channel formats such as Dolby Digital or DTS, so the source device must be set to output PCM stereo rather than a surround sound format.

What is a DAC and why does an external one improve sound quality?

A DAC, or digital-to-analogue converter, is the component that translates digital audio data into the analogue electrical signal that an amplifier and speakers can reproduce. Every digital source contains a DAC, but the circuits built into budget CD players, televisions, laptops, and set-top boxes are typically designed to minimum cost specifications, using low-grade components and sharing a circuit board with processors that generate electrical noise. An external DAC like the Pro-Ject DAC Box E uses a dedicated precision converter chip, isolated power supply, and purpose-designed low-noise output stage to deliver a significantly cleaner and more detailed analogue signal from the same digital source.

Where can I buy the Pro-Ject DAC Box E in Toronto or Canada?

The Pro-Ject DAC Box E is available at Vinyl Sound, an authorised Pro-Ject Audio Systems dealer in Toronto, Canada. Vinyl Sound serves customers across Canada and can provide guidance on pairing the DAC Box E with CD players, amplifiers, and other components in any system configuration.

Does the DAC Box E support USB audio from a computer?

No, the DAC Box E does not include a USB input. It accepts digital audio exclusively via its coaxial S/PDIF RCA and optical Toslink inputs. Computers with a USB audio output can be connected using a separate USB-to-S/PDIF converter or a soundcard with a coaxial or optical output. For listeners who require direct USB connectivity, Pro-Ject's broader Box Design range includes DAC models with USB inputs.

What amplifier or speakers should I pair with the DAC Box E?

The DAC Box E outputs a 0.7 Vrms analogue signal through its RCA sockets, which is compatible with the line-level input of any integrated amplifier, stereo preamplifier, or active speakers. It works equally well in a compact desktop system as in a dedicated hi-fi rack setup. The low output impedance of the DAC Box E makes it well matched to a wide range of amplifier input stages without signal loss or tonal coloration introduced by the cable and connection.

Can I use the DAC Box E to improve the sound from a Blu-ray or DVD player?

Yes, the DAC Box E is particularly well suited to this application. Most Blu-ray and DVD players include a coaxial or optical digital output that bypasses the player's internal DAC and sends the raw digital signal to an external converter. Connecting the player's digital output to the DAC Box E allows the Cirrus Logic CS4344 chip to handle all conversion, replacing the player's budget internal DAC with a dedicated stage optimised purely for stereo audio quality.