Pro-Ject Phono Box S2, MM/MC Phono Stage with audiophile Performance, (Black)

Product Information

Pro-Ject Phono Box Ultra S2 Phono Stage is like no other phono preamplifier in its segment. The incredible success of the Phono Box Ultra 500, incited Pro-Ject to introduce this marvellously sounding phono preamp into the regular S2 line. The solid metal casing protects against interference and the internal design remains as spectacular as before. No OpAmp It sports the new S2 style housing made from a combined metal and aluminium construction. This element doesn’t only provide outstanding aesthetics, but it also protects the unit from unwanted vibrations and electromagnetic interferences.

With the MC10 installed, there wasn't much between it and the 160ML as far as bass, and treble reproduction was concerned. When it came to the vital midrange, I felt the ML160 was more linear and transparent, but the bass was simply tighter and fuller with the MC10. But this didn't stop them from labelling one of their amplifier's line inputs “phono” - go figure. A generous interpretation may be that all this signified was the input one would use with an external phono stage. The initial impressions we had was that the Phono Box S2 is an incredibly capable device. We dropped on some vinyl and cranked it up. The case also comes with matte sandpaper feel while its faceplate is crafted from brushed aluminium. Do note that the area is only visible as a brushed portion when your lighting is near perfect.The Phono Box S2 features a robust all-metal chassis and of high-quality for its price tag. It has a power button and a large grounding post for the tonearm cable’s spade terminations. What was surprising about the S2 was its midrange ability. Bass also improved substantially with the MC10. It was now deep with palpable presence and scale. Prices valid in stores (all including VAT) until close of business on 27th November 2023. (Some of these web prices are cheaper than in-store, so please mention that you've seen these offers online.) Playing the comparatively slower and more considered Fink’s Sunday Night Blues Club Vol. 1 the results remain extremely impressive. Instruments demonstrate a consistently believable tonal quality and decay to notes. It’s commendably resistant to amplifying surface noise and these factors combine to ensure that you listen to the music that’s been recorded onto the record rather than the record itself. No matter what we tried it with, and no matter the genre of music we played, the Pro-Ject Phono Box S2 made music better. It enhanced the sounds, improved the bass quality, and midrange was perfect.

Phono Box S was considered the best option of all entry-level phono stages by many acclaimed hifi magazines, Phono Box S2 is sure to follow its predecessor‘s footsteps and will set new standards at this price point! The bass sounded more life-like, and the richness was optimised further. Of course, despite the enhancement, we didn’t experience any overpowering bass, and that was something impressive. Inside, you will find the preamplifier itself. We chose the silver-coloured unit, and it looks incredibly sleek and classy. Pro-Ject are offering a fully discrete, OpAmp less design, which enabled us to realize an incredibly harmonious sound. On top of this, they decided to use polystyrene capacitors, which significantly contribute to the high-end sound of the Phono Box S2 Ultra. These capacitors are known amongst audiophiles as the holy grail for phono preamplifiers. The split RIAA equalization enables a pin-point accurate representation of the RIAA curve, a luxury many other phono preamps do not possess. Features: It came in a yellow and white-themed box that showcases an image of the Phono Box at the centre. The name of the unit is below the picture. Underneath it is the words “Best Buy, MM/MC phono preamplifier”.

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I imagined I was in the Pro-Ject factory watching as a horde of workers assembled before a giant poster of a Pro-Ject turntable before the start of their shift. A bell rang, and they began chanting a mantra over and over. I could hear them intone the phrase “Value for money, Value for money, Value for money.” Around the time CD surfaced in 1984, audio manufacturers started saying sayonara to amplifiers with phono stages. A cost-cutting measure which seemed to align with a turntable-less audio future. With the system nicely warmed up and no CD player to worry about, I put a copy of the new Ry Cooder LP called Prodigal Son on the platter. The kind of hi-fi system a first-time quality conscious buyer might choose. I know all about the theory of spending plenty on a signal source and skimping on the amp and speakers. But that's not the route first-time audio buyers like to travel. They'll splurge on the speakers and skimp on the rest of the gear. Take that to the bank. This part of our Pro-Ject Phono Box S2 review will be all about the specifications of the Phono Box S2.