Pro-Ject Tube Box S2, High End Valve Phono Preamplifier (Black)

Product Information

Pro-ject generally uses a JFET/triode cascade as the first stage on their better preamps, similar to that used by Manley in the Chinook, and others that support MC gains in their tube preamps. They usually follow that with passive EQ, then the other triode section in the tube as the second gain stage, and then some type of low output impedance buffer. I think the buffer on the DS2 is an opamp, whereas the S2 may be another JFET, not sure.

Curve Selection (most phono stages are designed with RIAA equalisation in mind, but there are other options available - such as DECCA) And the boost from 5 kHz to 15 kHz is what causes the Ortofon 2M range to sound slightly bright. The higher mid-range and treble is enhanced. In my opinion, it offers the feel of high-quality tube amplification for a fraction of the price of what most high-end tube preamps cost. If we look at instrumented measurements on the Ortofon 2M range that can be found all over the internet, we see that there is a boost in signal level from about 5 kHZ to about 15 kHZ peaking at about 10kHz.Engaging the subsonic filter (also available via front panel pushbutton produces less low frequency rumble, but it also takes from a lot of the energy in the music resulting in an emotionally “flat” sound. Pro-Ject lists the filter as 20Hz with a slope of 18dB/octave however, the “20Hz” part confuses me because the filter doesn’t sound like it starts to drop at 20Hz. In fact, it sounds like it drops off at around 30-35Hz. If you are a beginner audiophile and want to add an entry-level tube phono preamp to your vinyl setup, the Fosi Audio Box X2 is probably your best bet. Here are the best options in my opinion. At least when we focus on preamps that can be bought for reasonable amounts of money. This article essentially sums up the research and selection process I went through when buying a good tube phono preamp for personal use. It is a highly regarded product that has stood the test of time. #3. Most versatile: Pro-Ject Tube Box DS2

The first way is to use a phono preamp (and cable interconnect) that has low input capacitance. This will help reduce the boost in signal level we see from 5 kHz to 15 kHz. Here is what it looks like inside, and do note the integrated circuits (quad Op Amps) that are doing all of the amplification since the tubes are not: Input capacitance/impedance: 47pF, 147pF, 267pF, 367 pF, 487 pF and 587 pF* / 47 kΩ, together with other input impedance settings without any influence! Bear in mind that the Project Tube Box S is what is commonly called a “starved plate” tube design, using a pair of 12AX7A tubes with only an 18 VDC wall wart, which means there is no more than 18 VDC on the tube plates (anodes). An AC wall wart could have allowed for a voltage doubler/tripler power supply – which would have been a little closer to real operation. Price: Although the Pro-Ject Tube Box S2 offers top-notch performance and build quality, its price point might deter some potential buyers, especially those new to the world of vinyl or on a limited budget. More affordable options do exist, but they may not provide the same level of sound quality or versatility. Conclusion:

Maiden Voyage: Herbie’s piano sounded warm, inviting and timbrally rich. Soft, yet percussive, it flowed together perfectly with incredible sustain and life. I really could feel the emotion pouring through my system and out of my speakers like I have never before felt. “Yes!” I thought. “This is what analog really sounds like!” I have heard videos on YouTube of people playing their records through very nice equipment with good A/D conversion, and while very impressive sounding, the digital conversion mixed with YouTube’s compression and limited frequency range detracts from the presence and weight that with vinyl you can almost feel more than hear. Strange, right? Again, through the S2 there was a slight increase in depth and dimensionality compared to the Denon. Imaging was better, bass was cleaner, the S2 just is a better preamp.