Pro-Ject Head Box S2 black
Overview
The Pro-Ject Head Box S2 is a compact and high-performance headphone preamplifier designed to deliver an audiophile listening experience at an affordable price. This small unit, with its reduced dimensions, houses carefully engineered electronics to get the best out of your headphones, whether they are demanding or not.
A Powerhouse in a Mini Format
The Head Box S2 stands out with its ultra-compact size of 103 x 37 x 120 mm and a lightweight design of just 365 g (excluding the power supply). Despite its small size, it delivers an impressive output power of 725 mW at 32 ohms, enough to efficiently drive most headphones on the market. This generous power ensures superior sound quality, even at high listening volumes.
The aluminum and metal casing features a sandwich construction that effectively shields the electronics from electromagnetic interference and vibrations. This meticulous design helps preserve the purity of the audio signal, ensuring a noise-free listening experience.
Versatile Connectivity for All Uses
On the front panel, the Head Box S2 offers two headphone outputs: a 6.35 mm jack for traditional hi-fi headphones and a 3.5 mm mini-jack for more modern headphones and earphones. Both outputs can be used simultaneously, allowing for shared listening. On the back, there is a stereo RCA input for connecting an analog source, as well as a “bypass” RCA output that makes it easy to integrate the Head Box S2 into an existing hi-fi system without any loss in quality.
High-Performance Audio
Pro-Ject has focused on sound quality by incorporating low-noise audiophile-grade components. The result is impressive performance:
- A signal-to-noise ratio of -110 dBV, ensuring a perfectly silent background
- Total harmonic distortion (THD) below 0.002%, for faithful and uncolored sound reproduction
- An extended frequency range of 20 Hz to 80 kHz (±0.02 dB), covering well beyond the audible spectrum
- Crosstalk of 68 dB, ensuring excellent channel separation
These technical features translate into a rich, dynamic, and transparent listening experience, highlighting even the smallest details in recordings.
Tailored Sound with Adjustable Gain
The Head Box S2 includes a switchable gain of 11 dB, allowing you to adjust its output level to match the sensitivity of your headphones. This flexibility ensures the best balance between power and control, whether you’re using easy-to-drive headphones or more demanding models.
Audiophile Design in Every Detail
Pro-Ject has left no stone unturned in the design of the Head Box S2. The use of high-quality components, such as MELF resistors and organic polymer capacitors, contributes to signal purity. Gold-plated multilayer PCBs optimize signal paths for peak performance.
The included external power supply delivers clean 5V/0.5A current, while standby power consumption remains below 0.1 W. For the most demanding audiophiles, Pro-Ject offers the optional Accu Box S2 power supply, which operates on rechargeable batteries for complete isolation from the mains.
Sleek and Functional Design
Available in silver or black finishes, the Head Box S2 features a minimalist and elegant design. The brushed aluminum front panel houses the power button, two headphone jacks, and a high-quality volume knob. This understated aesthetic pairs perfectly with other components in Pro-Ject’s Box Design range, allowing you to build a compact and cohesive hi-fi system.
Technical Specifications
Key Features
- Compact design
- Aluminum/metal casing to protect against vibrations and interference
- Available in silver or black
- Extremely low distortion
- Low-noise components for optimal sound quality
Audio Performance
- Output power: 725 mW (at 32 Ω)
- Signal-to-noise ratio: -110 dBV
- THD + N (Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise): < 0.002%
- Gain: 11 dB
- Crosstalk: 68 dB
- Frequency response: 20 Hz - 80 kHz (± 0.2 dB)
Connectivity
- Analog inputs: 1 pair of RCA/Cinch line inputs
- Headphone outputs:
- 1 × 6.3 mm jack
- 1 × 3.5 mm jack
- Both outputs can be used simultaneously
- Analog loop outputs: 1 pair of RCA/Cinch
- RCA passthrough output for an additional amplifier
Technical Specifications
- Headphone impedance: 8 - 600 Ω
- Output impedance (headphones): < 1 Ω
- Power supply: 5 V / 0.5 A DC
- Standby power consumption: < 0.5 W
Dimensions
- W × H × D: 103 × 37 × 120 mm
- Weight: 365 g without power supply
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Head Box S2 suitable for all types of headphones?
The Head Box S2 is designed to efficiently drive most headphones on the market, thanks to its high output power and adjustable gain. However, for headphones with particularly high impedance or sensitivity requirements, it is recommended to check compatibility.
Can I use the Head Box S2 as a preamplifier for my hi-fi system?
Yes, with its “bypass” RCA output, the Head Box S2 can easily integrate into an existing hi-fi system. It can serve as a preamplifier for your analog sources while providing a high-quality headphone output.
What is the difference between the Head Box S2 and the Head Box S2 Digital?
The Head Box S2 is a purely analog headphone amplifier, while the Head Box S2 Digital also includes a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) compatible with high-resolution formats. The Digital model offers additional digital inputs (USB, optical, coaxial) alongside the analog input.
Is the included power supply sufficient for optimal performance?
The external power supply included with the Head Box S2 is of good quality and delivers excellent performance. For the most demanding audiophiles, Pro-Ject offers the optional Accu Box S2 power supply, which operates on batteries and can provide additional benefits in terms of operational silence and signal purity.
Is the Head Box S2 compatible with low-impedance headphones like those used with smartphones?
Yes, thanks to its low output impedance (below 1 ohm) and adjustable gain, the Head Box S2 is suitable for both low-impedance headphones and more demanding models. The 3.5 mm mini-jack on the front panel makes it easy to connect headphones and earphones designed for mobile devices.
- Eco-contribution of €0.12 included in the sale price.
- GTIN / EAN: 9120065186332
