Pro-Ject Phono Box S2, MM/MC Phono Stage with audiophile Performance, (Black)

Product Information

Now, we will focus on the design and functions of the preamplifier in this part of our Pro-Ject Phono Box S2 review. Whatever the reasoning, Pro-Ject, as usual, was on the money with its affordable valve and solid-state phono stages. What was surprising about the S2 was its midrange ability. Bass also improved substantially with the MC10. It was now deep with palpable presence and scale. It came in a yellow and white-themed box that showcases an image of the Phono Box at the centre. The name of the unit is below the picture. Underneath it is the words “Best Buy, MM/MC phono preamplifier”.

Phono Box S was considered the best option of all entry-level phono stages by many acclaimed hifi magazines, Phono Box S2 is sure to follow its predecessor‘s footsteps and will set new standards at this price point! Prices valid in stores (all including VAT) until close of business on 27th November 2023. (Some of these web prices are cheaper than in-store, so please mention that you've seen these offers online.) It sports the new S2 style housing made from a combined metal and aluminium construction. This element doesn’t only provide outstanding aesthetics, but it also protects the unit from unwanted vibrations and electromagnetic interferences.

You’ll also find the product’s features listed in front, which is essential if you’re purchasing it from a physical store. The case also comes with matte sandpaper feel while its faceplate is crafted from brushed aluminium. Do note that the area is only visible as a brushed portion when your lighting is near perfect. This part of our Pro-Ject Phono Box S2 review will be all about the specifications of the Phono Box S2.

The bass sounded more life-like, and the richness was optimised further. Of course, despite the enhancement, we didn’t experience any overpowering bass, and that was something impressive. It has an input impedance of 10 Ohm/ 100 Ohm/ 1 kOhm / 47 kOhm. For its capacitance, it is 100pF/ 200pF/ 320pF/ 420pF. This simplicity starts at the S2's facia which is bereft of embellishment save for its Pro-Ject logo, model number and solitary on/off power switch.Our experience with the Phono Box S2 was great. It delivered subtle yet fantastic audio, which proves that it’s an upgrade from the previous Phono Box S. All of these were more than what we had expected from a low-budget phono amp. With the MC10 installed, there wasn't much between it and the 160ML as far as bass, and treble reproduction was concerned. When it came to the vital midrange, I felt the ML160 was more linear and transparent, but the bass was simply tighter and fuller with the MC10.

Curve Selection (most phono stages are designed with RIAA equalisation in mind, but there are other options available - such as DECCA) Gain switch is 40dB/ 43dB60dB/ 63dB, with a subsonic switch that’s -12dB @ 20Hz. Signal to noise ratio is 85dB, THD+N is 0.01% MM | 0.05% MC. RIAA accuracy is <0.4dB | 20Hz – 20kHz. Pro-Ject also builds a decent range of digital and analogue ancillaries that includes a DAC, streamer and several nicely priced phono stages that perform way above what their RRPs indicate. The sounds it produced let us experience a rich and emotional feel to the music. With its bass, it was calm and soothing and didn’t give off an overpowering impact.Around the time CD surfaced in 1984, audio manufacturers started saying sayonara to amplifiers with phono stages. A cost-cutting measure which seemed to align with a turntable-less audio future. The Phono Box S2 from Pro-Ject comes with excellent build quality and a lot of great features. Aside from that, it has a sleek design that makes it easy to set up anywhere in your home. With some speakers you might find subsonic noise causes a real problem. You’ll see the bass cones moving wildly as they struggle to reproduce inaudibly deep bass sounds. Cutting in below 20Hz, the subsonic filter protects the woofers from wear and tear and ensures the bass you do hear is less distorted. There's a compelling elegant simplicity to all of Pro-Ject's ancillary components. The Phono Box S2 exemplifies this elegance with a chassis so compact it easily fits on the palm of a hand-including the plug-in outboard power supply. The Phono Box S2 features a robust all-metal chassis and of high-quality for its price tag. It has a power button and a large grounding post for the tonearm cable’s spade terminations.

The sound field of the Phono Box S2 comes with impressive micro-details, dynamics, accuracy, and clear, detail space. Whether you use MC or MM, this phono amplifier delivers a vast range of input settings for optimising its performance. Additionally, it has a switchable subsonic filter that keeps your speakers and amplifier protected from low-frequency rumble. Playing the comparatively slower and more considered Fink’s Sunday Night Blues Club Vol. 1 the results remain extremely impressive. Instruments demonstrate a consistently believable tonal quality and decay to notes. It’s commendably resistant to amplifying surface noise and these factors combine to ensure that you listen to the music that’s been recorded onto the record rather than the record itself.Pro-Ject utilised the Phono Box S same amplifier modules and components for the newer S2. With that, the phono amplifier delivers excellent audio quality. Aside from that, It has a solid chassis made of layers of metal and aluminium. Switchable Input Impedance, Gain, and Capacitance Settings Pro-Ject Phono Box Ultra S2 Phono Stage is like no other phono preamplifier in its segment. The incredible success of the Phono Box Ultra 500, incited Pro-Ject to introduce this marvellously sounding phono preamp into the regular S2 line. The solid metal casing protects against interference and the internal design remains as spectacular as before. No OpAmp