Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 Digital DAC & Preamplifier

$599.00

Product Details

Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 Digital DAC & Preamplifier

A performance revolution in a small package, the Pre Box S2 Digital is a digital micro-preamplifier and DAC with MQA and DSD512 support. It marks a new era for Pro-Ject's S-series, using — for the very first time — a dual-mono configuration built around ESS Sabre's flagship D/A converter, for highest-class audio in a compact, affordable form.

Reference ESS Sabre Dual-Mono DAC

Two ESS9038Q2M 32-bit DAC chips run in dual-mono for exceptional resolution, handling high-resolution audio up to 32-bit/768kHz PCM and DSD512. It is also Pro-Ject's first device to support hardware MQA unfolding, and it debuts the proprietary Optimum transient digital filter and Pro-Ject's proprietary clock circuitry.

Clock Design & Premium Components

Digital audio is the art of time: Pro-Ject's proprietary clock design achieves jitter as low as 100 femtoseconds, easily outperforming many renowned audiophile clock generators. Organic polymer capacitors, thin-film miniMELF resistors and a gold-plated four-layer PCB let this tiny device outclass far larger, more expensive components.

Selectable Digital Filters

Multiple selectable digital filter characteristics — plus Pro-Ject's proprietary Optimum transient filter — let you precisely shape the sound to your taste. All internal oscillators are synchronised for the cleanest possible timing.

Headphone Amp & Full Remote Control

An integrated headphone amplifier with a 6.3 mm front output drives a wide range of headphones, while variable RCA output lets the S2 Digital act as a true preamplifier into a power amp or active speakers. It is fully remoteable and can even control your computer's playback software — Play, Pause, Forward and Rewind — directly. Housed in a full aluminium/metal sandwich casing in silver or black.

Specifications

Digital inputs	1x USB (B), 1x coaxial (RCA), 1x optical (TOSLink)
D/A converter	2x ESS9038Q2M 32-bit (dual mono)
USB	DSD up to DSD512 (DSD1024); PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz
Optical / coaxial	PCM up to 24-bit/192kHz
MQA	Hardware decoding (via USB only)
Digital filters	7 selectable on front + Optimum transient filter
Frequency response	20 Hz – 20 kHz
Analogue outputs	6.3 mm headphone (front), 1x variable out (RCA)
Output voltage	2.05 Veff
Headphone impedance (min)	8 ohm recommended
Headphone output power	6.6 mW / 600 ohm; 68 mW / 32 ohm
THD	0.0003% @ 0 dB, 2V RMS, 1 kHz
Dynamic range	124 dBA
Jitter	As low as 100 femtoseconds
Power supply	5V / 1A DC (outboard, included)
Dimensions	103 x 37 x 122 mm (incl. knob & connectors)
Weight	366 g (without power supply)
Finish	Silver or black

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Pre Box S2 Digital?
It's a compact DAC and digital preamplifier with a built-in headphone amplifier, built around dual ESS Sabre ESS9038Q2M chips in dual-mono, with MQA decoding and DSD512 support.

What resolutions does it support?
Over USB, up to 32-bit/768kHz PCM and DSD512; over optical and coaxial, up to 24-bit/192kHz PCM.

Does it decode MQA on all inputs?
MQA hardware decoding is available only via the asynchronous USB input; it is not supported over the coaxial or optical (S/PDIF) inputs. The display shows the MQA logo and a blue dot when an MQA file is being decoded.

Do I need to install drivers?
It is fully compatible with Windows 10 (latest drivers recommended). On macOS and Linux no driver is required — it's already built into the operating system.

Can it be used as a preamplifier?
Yes. Its variable RCA output and full remote control let it drive a power amplifier or active speakers directly, and it can even control playback software on your computer.

Available at Vinyl Sound Canada. Ships Canada-wide.