Préamplificateur phono Pro-Ject Phono Box S2

This Pro-Ject Phono Box S2 phono preamplifier is the second version of one of the Austrian manufacturer’s biggest hits, the Phono Box S.

Pro-Ject Phono Box S2: Chassis

At first glance, there’s no difference between them… But a discerning eye will notice that the chassis has changed. The previous version featured a brushed aluminum front panel mounted on a black steel chassis. The Pro-Ject Phono Box S2 features a chassis made from a single piece of anodized aluminum. Aside from the “high-end” look this gives it, this “shell” improves the unit’s shielding against radio waves and electromagnetic interference.

Pro-Ject Phono Box S2 Phono Preamplifier

The internal architecture is fully dual-mono, enabling highly precise stereo reproduction and soundstaging.

Pro-Ject Phono Box S2: Front Panel and Rear Panel

The front panel features an elegant blue micro-LED and a power pushbutton.

On the rear panel of the Phono Box S2, you’ll find the standard gold-plated RCA input/output connectors and a knob for ground connection. There’s also a push button to activate the subsonic filter (20 Hz at 12 dB/octave).

Pro-Ject Phono Box S2: Settings

On the bottom of the unit, there are two windows, each revealing 8 switches. These allow you to precisely adjust the gain, capacitance, and resistance for each channel so that they are perfectly matched to the type and model of phono cartridge being used.

Pro-Ject Phono Box S2 Phono Preamplifier

This optimization is essential to unlocking your cartridge’s full potential. The components used have been upgraded, and the RIAA curve has been further improved.

The Pro-Ject Phono Box S2 phono preamplifier is fully customizable, which is unprecedented in this price range. Its 4 adjustable gain settings, 4 load values, and 4 capacitance values allow it to be paired with 95% of MM cartridges and 80% of MC cartridges on the market. Of course, you shouldn’t expect it to do “EVERYTHING”… Pairing it with an MC cartridge costing more than 500 euros would certainly be unreasonable.

Pro-Ject Phono Box S2: Power Supply

The Pro-Ject Phono Box S2 is powered by an external power supply providing a DC voltage of 18 V. This eliminates the need for a rectifier and filter circuit within the unit, thereby improving the signal-to-noise ratio and transparency.

Pro-Ject Phono Box S2: Test and Listening Impressions

This new Pro-Ject Phono Box S2 phono preamplifier is undoubtedly the best phono preamp under 180 euros!

And for several reasons that are actually quite obvious: it’s neutral, dynamic, balanced, and very quiet. Its musicality is on par with products costing twice as much.


At this price, the Pro-Ject Phono Box S2 is definitely the deal of the moment! 

FAQ: Everything you need to know before buying the Pro-Ject Phono Box S2

Which cartridges is the Phono Box S2 compatible with?

It is fully adjustable, which is unusual in this price range. Its four adjustable gains, four loading values and four capacitance values let it pair with roughly 95% of MM cartridges and 80% of MC cartridges on the market. It remains sensible, though, not to entrust it with a very high-end MC cartridge above 500 euros.

How are the settings adjusted?

Under the unit, two windows each reveal eight switches. They allow precise adjustment, per channel, of gain, capacitance and resistance, so they match perfectly the type and model of cartridge used. This optimisation is essential to get the full potential of your cartridge.

Which connections and functions does it offer?

The front panel has a blue micro-LED and an on/off button. The rear panel gathers gold-plated RCA inputs and outputs and a ground terminal, plus a button to engage the subsonic filter (20 Hz at 12 dB/octave). The internal architecture is fully dual-mono, for precise stereo imaging and soundstage.

What kind of power supply does it use?

It is powered by an external supply providing 18 V DC. This choice removes the need for a rectification and filtering circuit inside the unit, improving signal-to-noise ratio and transparency. The one-piece anodised aluminium chassis also improves shielding against radio waves and electromagnetic interference.