Short summary

A compact audiophile tube phono preamplifier from Pro-Ject, a great entry into valve phono stages. Its tubes are replaceable for tube-rolling and sound shaping, it supports both MM and MC cartridges with front-panel gain settings.

Key info

  • Compact tube phono preamplifier for MM and MC
  • Great entry point to valve phono stages
  • Tubes replaceable for tube rolling
  • Front panel gain and subsonic filter controls
  • Fully discrete circuit design w/o OpAmps
  • Double mono circuitry for channel separation
  • Gold plated RCA inputs and outputs
  • Metal casing shields against interference

Specifications

Physical characteristics
Weight 0.41 kg
Dimensions (HxWxD) 73 x 103 x 131 mm
Technical specifications
THD <0.02% at 40 dB input gain <0.05% at 50 dB and 63 dB input gain
Input impedance 10 ohms, 100 ohms, 1 kohm, 2 kohms
Maximum power consumption 470 mA DC, <1W in standby
Gain 40 dB, 43 dB / 50 dB, 60 dB und 63 dB
Noise 80 dB (A weighted) at 40 dB input gain | 75dB (A weighted) at 50 dB and 63 dB input gain
Inputs/Outputs
Analog inputs 1 x RCA | 1 x Phono
Analog outputs 1 x RCA | 1 x Phono

Description

The Tube Box S2 delivers a relaxed audio performance with lush mids in a full and enveloping sound stage, just like far more expensive pure-valve phono stages are capable of. Thanks to the built-in adjustable gain, capacitance, impedance and subsonic filter settings, it’s possible to tune the device to perfectly complement almost any modern MM or MC cartridge. It’s also possible to tune the sound further, as the Tube Box S2 is Pro-Ject’s first ever product designed for the valves to be replaceable – allowing for tube rolling or sound shaping.

The new S2 casing is a big additional asset to the design, as not only does it deliver the highest visual appeal, but it is also sturdy enough to protect the internal circuitry against unwanted interferences and vibrations, which can cause unpleasant listening experiences. The Tube Box S2 also benefits from protective cages around the valves – inspired by the superior Tube Box DS2 design.

Inspired by high-end designs but available for a very appealing price, the Tube Box S2 is a real audiophile bargain.

Key Features

  • Valve phono stage.
  • Suitable for MM and MC cartridges.
  • Precise RIAA equalisation in two parts, passive/active.
  • Supplied with 2 x ECC83 valves.
  • Gold-plated RCA in and outputs.
  • Front-sided Subsonic filter button.
  • Front-sided Gain control.
  • Adjustable impedance and capacitance settings.
  • Dual mono circuitry for optimized channel separation.
  • Ultra low noise circuitry with FET input stage.
  • Premium S2 chassis.
  • Available in black or silver.

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Pro-Ject is one of the best-known names in modern vinyl playback, with a range built around turntables, phono stages, hi-fi electronics, cartridges, accessories and compact stereo solutions. Founded in 1991 in Austria,…