The Pre Box S2 Digital is a headphone amplifier by Pro-Ject. It was released in 2017. It has a built-in DAC (2x ESS9038Q2M), so you can play digital sources directly with no separate DAC unit needed. The Pre Box S2 Digital has an MSRP of $499.
Performance Specs
The Pre Box S2 Digital drives headphones rather than loudspeakers, so its power is quoted into headphone impedances instead of into 8 ohms: 68 mW @ 32 ohms; 6.6 mW @ 600 ohms.
Here are the main highlights of its performance specs:
Inputs and Outputs
Besides the performance specs of the Pre Box S2 Digital, the next important feature set that you have to evaluate is the input and output selections that it offers.
Inputs
Outputs
- Preamp Outputs
- 1/4 Headphone Output
DAC and Digital Music
The Pre Box S2 Digital's built-in DAC allows the connection of digital sources directly, eliminating the need for an external DAC. The DAC chip that is used in the Pre Box S2 Digital is the
2x ESS9038Q2M.
Pre Box S2 Digital Pros and Cons
Drawn from the published figures on this page, not from listening.
- ✓A preamp output means it can also feed active speakers or a power amplifier, so it is not limited to headphone listening.
- ✓A built-in DAC takes a digital source directly, with no separate converter to buy or find space for.
- ✗Output of 68 mW into 32 ohms is modest; power-hungry planar or high-impedance headphones may want more.
- ✗It has no speaker terminals - this drives headphones, not loudspeakers.
Pre Box S2 Digital External Dimensions and Weight
Pre Box S2 Digital has external dimensions of (H x W x D) 1-7/16 x 4-1/16 x 4-13/16 inch (37 x 103 x 122 mm ). The unit weighs
0.37 kg (0.8 lbs).
Base Surface Area
Base surface area of an integrated amplifier may become an important decision factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base area of the Pre Box S2 Digital is approximately 125.7cm2 / 19.5inch2.
- Width: 103.0mm (4-1/16")
- Height: 37.0mm (1-7/16")
- Depth: 122.0mm (4-13/16")
- Weight: 0.37 kg (0.8 lbs)
- Base Surface Area: ~125.7cm2 / 19.5inch2
- Volume: ~0.5 liter / 0.1 gallon
| General |
| Brand |
Pro-Ject |
| Full Model Name |
Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 Digital |
| Release Date |
2017 |
| Amplifier Type |
Headphone Amplifier |
| Amplifier Technology |
Solid State |
| Performance |
| Headphone Output Power |
68 mW @ 32 ohms; 6.6 mW @ 600 ohms |
| Output Impedance |
N/A |
| Frequency Bandwidth |
20 Hz-20 kHz |
| THD |
|
| Signal to Noise Ratio |
N/A |
| Digital Music |
| Built-in DAC |
Yes |
| DAC Specs |
2x ESS9038Q2M |
| Bluetooth |
|
| WiFi |
|
| CONNECTIONS |
| Preamp Outputs |
Yes |
| Headphone Output |
1/4 |
| Removable Power Cord |
|
| PHYSICAL SPECS |
| Height |
37.0mm (1-7/16") |
| Width |
103.0mm (4-1/16") |
| Depth |
122.0mm (4-13/16") |
| Weight |
0.37 kg (0.8 lbs) |
| OTHER |
| Parts Warranty |
|
| Labor Warranty |
|
Does the Pre Box S2 Digital use vacuum tubes?
No. The Pre Box S2 Digital is a solid-state amplifier - there are no vacuum tubes in it.
Does the Pre Box S2 Digital have a built-in DAC?
Yes. The Pre Box S2 Digital has a built-in DAC (2x ESS9038Q2M), so you can feed it a digital source directly without buying a separate converter.
Does the Pre Box S2 Digital have a headphone output?
Yes. The Pre Box S2 Digital has a 1/4-inch headphone output on the front panel for private listening.
How much does the Pre Box S2 Digital cost?
The Pre Box S2 Digital has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $499.
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