Pro-Ject Phono Box S2 Ultra phono preamplifier

The Pro-Ject Phono Box S2 Ultra phono preamplifier is curious because, seen from the outside (apart from the screen printing), nothing makes the difference with the Phono Box S2.

It was hard to understand this product and its goal... We had to disassemble, examined and tested it in every way to justify its price (we are certainly the only ones to have done).

It would be based on the limited edition Phono Ultra 500. So limited that we never heard about it!

PRO-JECT PHONO BOX S2 ULTRA: HOUSING

We find the same aluminium antimagnetic housing as the Phono Box S2 model, as well as the same connections and switches.

So the difference is inside.

PRO-JECT PHONO BOX S2 ULTRA: CIRCUIT

Pro-Ject redesigned the circuit of the Phono Box S by removing all the integrated circuits (op amp) and replacing them with discrete components (transistors).

The capacitors have been replaced by “polystyrenes”, which is wise in a phono preamp.

The RIAA connection is separated and correction points have been fixed with a lot of precision. Pro-Ject announces an RIAA curve with a precision under 0.4 dB from 20 Hz to 20 000 Hz!

The gain is adjustable with 4 bearings (40, 43, 60 and 63 dB). The load is also adjustable following the cartridge (10 ohms, 100 ohms, 1 kOhm and 47 kOhms).

The Phono Box S2 Ultra offers a switchable subsonic filtering with an attenuation of 18 dB at 20Hz.

PRO-JECT PHONO BOX S2 ULTRA: TEST AND LISTENING

So we have associated the Pro-Ject Phono Box S2 Ultra to a MM cartridge and a low output MC. And naturally, we compared it to its little brother the Phono Box S2.

Clearly, with a mid-range MM cartridge, there are very few differences... We had to combine it with an Ortofon 2M Black MM cartridge for the Phono Box S2 Ultra really makes a difference.

In reality, it is with a low output MC cartridge that we really perceive the quality of the components. For example, with an Ortofon Quintet Black S MC cartridge or Hana SL MC cartridge, the restitution quality is excellent by its fineness and unity.

Dynamics and transparency are excellent.

We find the neutrality and articulation of some phono preamplifiers of 2 or 3 times its price.

Note that it requires a running-in period of more than 50 hours to it fully express.

As you can see, this Pro-Ject Phono Box S2 Ultra phono preamplifier is the racing version of Pro-Ject’s bestseller!

It is an excellent phono preamp for those who use a quality phono cartridge. It allows you to take advantage of excellent entry-level low output MC cartridges without breaking the bank.

AWARDS:

Hi-Fi Choice - Recommended

Hi-Fi World - *****