Pro-Ject Tube Box S2 phono preamplifier

MM and MC phono preamplifier

ECC83 tube phono stage

Adjustable gain

Adjustable charge and capacity

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Manufacturer : PRO-JECT

379,00 €

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Shipped within 3 to 5 working days Available within 1 or 2 weeks

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Description

After the unquestionable success of the small Pro-Ject Tube Box S phono preamplifier, the Austrian manufacturer offers a newer version of its best seller.  

PRO-JECT TUBE BOX S2 : Chassis

At first sight, the Pro-Ject Tube Box S2 phono preamplifier is not very different from its predecessor.

However, one that has an eye for detail can immediately remark that the chassis has been changed. Indeed, the previous version had a brushed aluminium front panel (black or natural) mounted on a gray steel chassis.

Instead, the Pro-Ject Tube Box S2 phono preamplifier has an anodized chassis made out of an aluminium sandwich.  

Pro-Ject Tube Box S2 phono preamplifier

Therefore, it appears as a higher end aspect, which provides a better immunity against radio waves and electromagnetic perturbations.

PRO-JECT TUBE BOX S2 : Front panel and settings

The front panel has a power up button, as well as a button which enables to launch the subsonic filter (20hz with 12 dB/octave).

Compared to the old Tube Box S, there are 2 switches on the front panel which make it possible to select the 6 gain values (40, 43, 50, 53, 60, 63dB).

Pro-Ject Tube Box S2 phono preamplifier

A part of the gain is obtained by ECC83/12AX7 tubes (one per channel). These tubes are replaceable by multiple models of different manufacturers to modify the sound of the preamplifier according to the tastes of each individual.

Its adjustable gains, load resistance, and load capacitance values make it possible to combine this Pro-Ject Tube Box S2 with multiple high end MM and MC cartridges. Indeed, the Pro-Ject Tube Box S2 phono preamplifier is totally compatible with all MM cartridges and the majority of moving coil cartridges.

Pro-Ject Tube Box S2 phono preamplifier

On the back of the Pro-Ject Tube Box S2 phono preamplifier there are RCA inputs and outputs as well as a knob for the connexion of the mass.

PRO-JECT TUBE BOX S2 : electronic

The internal architecture is totally double mono, which makes it possible to obtain a more precise stereo reproduction and soundstage. The RIAA correction is made around a double circuit. One part is active and the other is totally passive.

The Pro-Ject Tube Box S2 phono stage is the first to be totally designed out of discrete components. Pro-Ject has not used any integrated circuits (Ops amplifiers).  

“Fet” transistors dedicated to the input circuit have been chosen for their weak noise and absence of distortion.

All the condensers are out of Styroflex technology.

No chemical capacitance was used on the audio signal path.

PRO-JECT TUBE BOX S2 : power supply

The Pro-Ject Tube Box S2 phono preamplifier is powered by an external power supply which supplies a direct current of 18 V. There is no need of a rectifying circuit or filter circuit. However, several voltages are internally treated which are regulated for the different parts of the circuit.

Pro-Ject Tube Box S2 phono preamplifier

PRO-JECT TUBE BOX S2 : Testing and listening

The opening bars of this Pro-Ject Tube Box S2 phono preamplifier are relatively significant.

Like its predecessor, there is a good timber quality and definition. But the global transparency as well as the precision of the soundstage have been largely improved.

The Pro-Ject Tube Box S2 phono preamplifier demonstrates authority with a lot of nuances and finesse when it is necessary.

There is no frustration nor any aggressiveness without any limits in the high spectrum.
In terms of timber and harmony, the tubes perfectly play their parts without adding any coloration as this is often the case on this type of device.

PRO-JECT TUBE BOX S2 : Unboxing

The installation and setting of this phono stage is simple as long as you know the characteristics of the phono cartridge.

We highly recommend to wait at least 10 minutes after the power up of the device to appreciate` its qualities.

Careful not to increase the gain too much to try to obtain the same level as a digital source as the results will be an aggressive sound and maybe even a few distortions.

The Pro-Ject Tube Box S2 phono preamplifier is currently the best seller. It is a quality product and provides the same results as devices that are worth twice as much.

This product is our top pick!

Franck

Compatibility: MM and MC

Tubes: 2 x ECC83

Load capacitance: 50, 150, 270, 370, 490, 590 pF

Load resistance: 10 ohms, 100 ohms, 1 kohm, 47 kohms

Gains: MM MC: 40, 43, 50, 53, 60, 63 dB

Signal-to-noise ratio: 80 dB

Distortion: < 0,02 % (at 40 dB), < 0,05 % (63 dB)

RIAA  equalization : 20Hz - 20kHz / max. 0,4 dB

Subsonic filter: at 20 Hz with 12 dB/octave

Input: 1 per RCA set

Output: 1 per RCA set

Power supply: separated 18v DC / 500mA

Consumption: 470 mA, < 1w in standby

Dimensions: 105 x 73 x 131

Weight: 410g without power supply

Customer reviews
(17 reviews)

Customer reviews

4.9/5
04/24/2023

Grosse claque

Comment un si petit boîtier peut changer la donne à ce point? Pour commencer, je tiens à préciser que je ne suis pas un spécialiste, que c’est mon premier préamplificateur, et qu’il est connecté entre une Pro-Ject Debut Pro et un vieil ampli JVC de 1993 que j’affectionne particulièrement.
Après un grand moment de solitude pour le paramétrer (la notice est vraiment succincte et je ne suis qu’un « padawan »dans l’univers du vinyle) le résultat est bluffant : une grosse claque. Le son est nettement plus riche, plus net, mais tout en équilibre. Et après une trentaine d’heures de rodage ce n’est que mieux : les bruits de surfaces se sont grandement atténués et la richesse sonore n’a fait que s’améliorer.
Un grand merci à Franck pour ses conseils avant achat, et après achat.
Et cerise sur le gâteau : le design est top.

04/12/2023

très satisfait

La clarté est au rendez-vous. Les recommandations et réglages de "Franck" sont parfaits. Le service commercial est efficace. Je recommande.

01/17/2023

Préampli

Très bonne qualité, super son ,juste un manque de notice en français et reglage pas très explicite, j'ai des vinyle qui craque plus qu'avant peut être mon reglage pas adapté à ma cellule ortofon 2 red j'ai juste mis les curseurs sur 100pf ,puissance 43

01/12/2023

Parfait !

Grace aux conseils de Franck, je redécouvre mon système audio !

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Pro-Ject Tube Box S2 phono preamplifier

Pro-Ject Tube Box S2 phono preamplifier

MM and MC phono preamplifier

ECC83 tube phono stage

Adjustable gain

Adjustable charge and capacity

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