Pre Box RS2 Digital

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Pre Box RS2 Digital
The Pre Box RS2 Digital is a class-leading pre-amplifier, DAC and headphone amplifier with an ultra-linear signal path and ultra-low noise. Boasting a host of connection options, it is the ideal system hub for driving high-end headphones, power amplifiers or active speakers. 

Built around a very sophisticated digital stage, it boasts a dual-mono configuration of the high-class ESS Sabre ESS9038Q2M DAC chips with upsampling technology. Unlike most other DAC designs, the Pre Box RS2 Digital boasts dual DAC chips and separate signal paths for the left and right channels. This allows for the finest conversion possible and support for digital transmission up-to 32-bit / 768kHz PCM and DSD512 over USB. There's also full authorisation and hardware/software support for Master Quality Authenticated (MQA) audio files, and Roon Tested certification for quick integration into a Roon-based system. To handle all this complexity, the Pre Box RS2 Digital's USB input is processed by a powerful multi-core XMOS microcontroller with advanced Multi-Core RISC architecture. The CPLD MAX II (Complex Programmable Logic Device) Altera is used for re-clocking, which together with the XMOS microcontroller brings high-quality processing of both traditional and MQA source material. 

In addition to the extensive USB options, the Pre Box RS2 Digital can also connect directly to the matching CD Box RS2 T via a proprietary HDMI connection that carries I²S and the master clock (16,9344 MHz) signal. There are also additional optical, coaxial, AES/EBU and wireless Bluetooth (v4.0) digital connections as well as two analogue inputs (balanced and unbalanced) for connection to more traditional devices. 

For sound personalisation, the Pre Box RS2 Digital offers a switchable solid-state / 6922 tube output stage. Then there are also eight (8) digital filters, including the proprietary optimal transient digital filter designed by the creators of MQA, for further customisation of the end performance. 

At the output stage, both the pre-amplifier and headphone amplifier outputs are treated with equal care. For the headphone amplifier, there has been absolutely no compromises made. There are no coupling capacitors - not even on the output - and though the whole amplifier is DC coupled there is a very fast DC servo that assures no DC voltage on the output for absolute signal integrity. The output power is also suitable for all kinds of headphones. The pre-amplifier output is equipped with RCA and XLR connection options for any high-end system.

For ease of use, the Pre Box RS2 Digital is equipped with a large LCD display that matches the CD Box RS2 T design. Control is best achieved with the supplied aluminium IR remote, where the extensive setting options menu can be navigated with ease. The Pre Box RS2 Digital is a truly complete solution, and is available in high-quality aluminium black or silver finish.

This product is no longer available to order and will not be coming back into stock.

In Stock products are those that are currently held in stock at our Oxfordshire warehouse. This stock status is updated regularly but is subject to change at very short notice.

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Special Order items are those that are most often built to order. For these items, we tend to experience longer lead times as we negotiate them into the production line with our suppliers.

Pre Box RS2 Digital

RRP: £2199.00

The Pre Box RS2 Digital is a class-leading pre-amplifier, DAC and headphone amplifier with an ultra-linear signal path and ultra-low noise. Boasting a host of connection options, it is the ideal system hub for driving high-end headphones, power amplifiers or active speakers. 

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The Pre Box RS2 Digital

The Pro-Ject Pre Box RS2 Digital is a class-leading pre-amplifier, DAC and headphone amplifier with an ultra-linear signal path and ultra-low noise. Boasting a host of connection options, it is the ideal system hub for driving high-end headphones, power amplifiers or active speakers.

High-End Pre-Amplifier

The Pre Box RS2 Digital is a DAC and preamplifier that uses a dual-mono configuration of the highest-class D/A converters from ESS Sabre. ESS9038Q2M chips provide the highest sound quality in price-affordable, high-end circuits. Unlike most of DAC´s in this price range, the Pre Box RS2 Digital includes dual DACs and separate signal paths for the left and right channels. Also thanks to these converters, the Pro Box RS2 Digital supports up to 32-bit / 768 kHz files in PCM and DSD formats (up to DSD512) via USB, covering any digital file you can buy or stream.

The Inputs

In the Pre Box, the USB input signal is processed by a powerful multi-core XMOS microcontroller with advanced Multi-Core RISC architecture. The CPLD MAX II (Complex Programmable Logic Device) Altera is used for re-clocking, which together with the XMOS microcontroller brings high-quality processing of both classical and MQA technology. For the ideal use of this technology, it is best to connect the Pre Box to our Stream Box S2 Ultra in conjunction with the TIDAL service. You can also enjoy MQA quality by linking it with our new revolutionary CD transport, the CD Box RS2 T. The CD Box RS2 T can be connected to the Pre Box by reliable I²S differential bus via the HDMI connector where the Pre Box RS2 Digital also provides the master clock (16.9344 MHz).

The Outputs

The analog output is a buffer that is both solid state and high-quality tube. Thus, the customer can choose which of the option is preferred. The Pre Box has eight digital filters. One of them is the proprietary optimal transient digital filter from the MQA creators. With these filters, the listener can customize the sound to suit their own preferences. Pre Box RS2 Digital comes with full HW and SW support for MQA technology (Master Quality Authenticated).

Headphone Amplifier

The headphone amplifier is the ultimate design. No compromise. No coupling capacitors. Not even on the output. All of the the amplifier is DC coupled. A very fast DC servo assures no DC voltage on the output. Its output power is suitable for all kind of headphones.

Accessories And Variations

A premium full aluminium remote control is included in the packaging and the Pre Box RS2 Digital is available in a high-quality silver or black aluminium case. The big display screen on the front shows all relevant information in an easy to read, clean and structured way. Navigating the menu is very responsive and fast, allowing you to set up the unit to your preferences in seconds!

Andrew Everard , Hi-Fi News , September 2019

Pro-Ject CD Box RS2 T / Pre Box RS2 Digital

"Not only does all the engineering effort pay dividends in a sound combining solidity with vibrant detail, but the DAC/pre/headphone amp also has the ability to inject new life into everything up to and including top-rate DSD files."

See full review

Andrew Everard , Gramophone , March 2020

Review: Pro-Ject CD Box RS2 T and Pre Box RS2 Digital

"Not only does it breathe new life into familiar recordings but it manages to do so without that hyper-detailed effect that makes less-than-perfect mastering jobs sound excessively raw and brittle."

See full review

Kevin Fiske , Hi-Fi Wigwam , October 2022

Project CD Box RS2T and Pre Box RS2 Digital REVIEW

"...reuniting the Project Pre DAC and CD transport, and led to the discovery, who’d have guessed it, that Project has voiced the two components very much to partner each other. Paired, they exhibit a much more even-handed tonal balance and it was as such that the rest of the evaluation was conducted."

See full review

Cd and pre box RS2 2019 , 2019

EISA Award 2019-2020 Best Product Pre Box RS2 Digital

"Although best known for its turntables, Pro-Ject is building an enviable reputation in digital audio, too – and this two-box CD transport and DAC/preamp is its most impressive component yet. A real ground-up design, the CD Box RS2 T features a customised CD-Pro 8 transport mechanism, supported by an alloy/carbon fibre chassis and state-of-the-art disc-reading electronics. Digital connections to the hugely flexible Pre Box RS2 Digital DAC even include HDMI, with a synchronising clock."

Hi-Fi Choice , May 2024

Hi-Fi Choice gives the Pro-Ject Pre Box RS2 Digital 4.5 Stars

"The overall tonal balance of the Pre Box RS2 Digital’s performance via its own digital decoding shows the non-valve output in a far better light; particularly when the filter settings are tweaked."

See full review


format_quoteHenley Says...

The RS line has been around for a few years now, stepping up the capabilities and materials with newer generations throughout this time. But one thing that has stayed true from the beginning is the solid, relaible and relatively reserved build; these devices fit aesthetically in almost any system thanks to a minimalist design, but also give a sense of peace of mind as to their quality thanks to a sturdy performance, whichever the model.

If you find your system lacking one aspect or another (CD input, a DAC or separate power supply etc), and are looking for a simply but audiophile solution, the RS line from Pro-Ject has you covered.

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Ross Moloney Technical Specialist

If you are interested in the Pre Box RS2 Digital and would like to know more, or are building a high-end system and would like some advice, reach out to one of our expert team today.

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  • PDF | 726 Kb | Hi-Fi Choice Review

  • PDF | 501 Kb | Hi-Fi News Review

  • PDF | 1 Mb | Press Release

  • PDF | 1 Mb | Product Info Sheet

  • PDF | 435 Kb | User Guide

  • JPG | 15 Mb | Lifestyle Photo (Internal)

  • JPG | 18 Mb | Lifestyle Photo (Valves)

  • JPG | 12 Mb | Lifestyle Photo

  • PNG | 2 Mb | Stock Photo (Black)

  • PNG | 13 Mb | Stock Photo (Rear)

  • PNG | 3 Mb | Stock Photo (Silver)