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RRP: £2199.00
The Pre Box RS2 Digital is a class-leading pre-amplifier, DAC and headphone amplifier with an ultra-linear signal path and ultra-low noise. Boasting a host of connection options, it is the ideal system hub for driving high-end headphones, power amplifiers or active speakers.
The Pro-Ject Pre Box RS2 Digital is a class-leading pre-amplifier, DAC and headphone amplifier with an ultra-linear signal path and ultra-low noise. Boasting a host of connection options, it is the ideal system hub for driving high-end headphones, power amplifiers or active speakers.
The Pre Box RS2 Digital is a DAC and preamplifier that uses a dual-mono configuration of the highest-class D/A converters from ESS Sabre. ESS9038Q2M chips provide the highest sound quality in price-affordable, high-end circuits. Unlike most of DAC´s in this price range, the Pre Box RS2 Digital includes dual DACs and separate signal paths for the left and right channels. Also thanks to these converters, the Pro Box RS2 Digital supports up to 32-bit / 768 kHz files in PCM and DSD formats (up to DSD512) via USB, covering any digital file you can buy or stream.
In the Pre Box, the USB input signal is processed by a powerful multi-core XMOS microcontroller with advanced Multi-Core RISC architecture. The CPLD MAX II (Complex Programmable Logic Device) Altera is used for re-clocking, which together with the XMOS microcontroller brings high-quality processing of both classical and MQA technology. For the ideal use of this technology, it is best to connect the Pre Box to our Stream Box S2 Ultra in conjunction with the TIDAL service. You can also enjoy MQA quality by linking it with our new revolutionary CD transport, the CD Box RS2 T. The CD Box RS2 T can be connected to the Pre Box by reliable I²S differential bus via the HDMI connector where the Pre Box RS2 Digital also provides the master clock (16.9344 MHz).
The analog output is a buffer that is both solid state and high-quality tube. Thus, the customer can choose which of the option is preferred. The Pre Box has eight digital filters. One of them is the proprietary optimal transient digital filter from the MQA creators. With these filters, the listener can customize the sound to suit their own preferences. Pre Box RS2 Digital comes with full HW and SW support for MQA technology (Master Quality Authenticated).
The headphone amplifier is the ultimate design. No compromise. No coupling capacitors. Not even on the output. All of the the amplifier is DC coupled. A very fast DC servo assures no DC voltage on the output. Its output power is suitable for all kind of headphones.
A premium full aluminium remote control is included in the packaging and the Pre Box RS2 Digital is available in a high-quality silver or black aluminium case. The big display screen on the front shows all relevant information in an easy to read, clean and structured way. Navigating the menu is very responsive and fast, allowing you to set up the unit to your preferences in seconds!
Pro-Ject CD Box RS2 T / Pre Box RS2 Digital
"Not only does all the engineering effort pay dividends in a sound combining solidity with vibrant detail, but the DAC/pre/headphone amp also has the ability to inject new life into everything up to and including top-rate DSD files."
Review: Pro-Ject CD Box RS2 T and Pre Box RS2 Digital
"Not only does it breathe new life into familiar recordings but it manages to do so without that hyper-detailed effect that makes less-than-perfect mastering jobs sound excessively raw and brittle."
Project CD Box RS2T and Pre Box RS2 Digital REVIEW
"...reuniting the Project Pre DAC and CD transport, and led to the discovery, who’d have guessed it, that Project has voiced the two components very much to partner each other. Paired, they exhibit a much more even-handed tonal balance and it was as such that the rest of the evaluation was conducted."
EISA Award 2019-2020 Best Product Pre Box RS2 Digital
"Although best known for its turntables, Pro-Ject is building an enviable reputation in digital audio, too – and this two-box CD transport and DAC/preamp is its most impressive component yet. A real ground-up design, the CD Box RS2 T features a customised CD-Pro 8 transport mechanism, supported by an alloy/carbon fibre chassis and state-of-the-art disc-reading electronics. Digital connections to the hugely flexible Pre Box RS2 Digital DAC even include HDMI, with a synchronising clock."
Hi-Fi Choice gives the Pro-Ject Pre Box RS2 Digital 4.5 Stars
"The overall tonal balance of the Pre Box RS2 Digital’s performance via its own digital decoding shows the non-valve output in a far better light; particularly when the filter settings are tweaked."
Henley Says...
The RS line has been around for a few years now, stepping up the capabilities and materials with newer generations throughout this time. But one thing that has stayed true from the beginning is the solid, relaible and relatively reserved build; these devices fit aesthetically in almost any system thanks to a minimalist design, but also give a sense of peace of mind as to their quality thanks to a sturdy performance, whichever the model.
If you find your system lacking one aspect or another (CD input, a DAC or separate power supply etc), and are looking for a simply but audiophile solution, the RS line from Pro-Ject has you covered.
If you are interested in the Pre Box RS2 Digital and would like to know more, or are building a high-end system and would like some advice, reach out to one of our expert team today.
PDF | 726 Kb | Hi-Fi Choice Review
PDF | 501 Kb | Hi-Fi News Review
PDF | 1 Mb | Press Release
PDF | 1 Mb | Product Info Sheet
PDF | 435 Kb | User Guide
JPG | 15 Mb | Lifestyle Photo (Internal)
JPG | 18 Mb | Lifestyle Photo (Valves)
JPG | 12 Mb | Lifestyle Photo
PNG | 2 Mb | Stock Photo (Black)
PNG | 13 Mb | Stock Photo (Rear)
PNG | 3 Mb | Stock Photo (Silver)
