Pro-Ject Phono Box S2 Ultra silver
Overview
The Pro-Ject Phono Box S2 Ultra is a phono preamplifier designed for vinyl enthusiasts. As the successor to the Phono Box Ultra 500, this model aims to deliver refined sound quality within its price range. With its sleek design and optimized performance, the S2 Ultra caters to vinyl lovers seeking an elevated listening experience.
A Minimalist Design for Optimal Performance
The Phono Box S2 Ultra stands out with its uncompromising approach. Pro-Ject has opted for a fully discrete design, avoiding operational amplifiers (OpAmps). This technical choice results in an incredibly harmonious and natural sound. The aluminum and metal casing, inherited from the S2 range, provides effective protection against electromagnetic interference and unwanted vibrations, ensuring pure and undisturbed sound reproduction.
The Holy Grail of Capacitors
One of the key elements contributing to the S2 Ultra’s exceptional sound quality is the use of polystyrene capacitors. Regarded by many audiophiles as the “holy grail” of phono preamplifiers, these high-quality components enable a more faithful and detailed reproduction of the audio signal. The result is a more precise soundstage, with better instrument separation and enhanced dynamics.
A RIAA Curve with Surgical Precision
The Phono Box S2 Ultra also excels with its highly accurate RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) equalization. Pro-Ject claims a precision of less than 0.4 dB from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz, which is remarkable in this price range. This split RIAA equalization ensures faithful representation of the standard curve used during vinyl record cutting, delivering sound reproduction as close as possible to the original recording.
Versatility and Adaptability
Designed to accommodate a wide range of phono cartridges, the S2 Ultra offers great flexibility. It is compatible with both moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) cartridges, thanks to its adjustable input impedance settings (10 Ohm, 100 Ohm, 1 kOhm, and 47 kOhm) and adjustable input capacitance (100 pF and 220 pF). The gain is also adjustable with four levels (40, 43, 60, and 63 dB), allowing users to optimize performance based on the cartridge in use.
A Subsonic Filter for Optimal Listening
The Phono Box S2 Ultra features a switchable subsonic filter, providing an attenuation of 18 dB at 20 Hz. This functionality is particularly useful for eliminating unwanted low-frequency noise, such as tonearm resonances or record warps, which can affect overall sound quality and potentially damage your speakers.
Impressive Audiophile Performance
The S2 Ultra’s technical specifications highlight its audiophile-grade performance. With a signal-to-noise ratio of 89 dB for MM cartridges and a total harmonic distortion (THD) of just 0.00052%, this phono preamplifier delivers remarkable clarity and transparency. Its dynamic range and sound reproduction precision are particularly impressive, rivaling much more expensive models.
A Break-In Period to Unlock Its Full Potential
It is important to note that the Phono Box S2 Ultra requires a significant break-in period to fully showcase its qualities. Users report a noticeable improvement in performance after approximately 50 hours of use. This characteristic is typical of high-quality audiophile equipment and reflects the sophistication of the components used.
Technical Specifications
Key Features
- Discrete phono preamplifier for moving magnet (MM) / moving coil (MC) cartridges
- Audiophile-grade performance
- No operational amplifiers
- Audiophile-quality polystyrene capacitors
- Precise RIAA equalization
- Switchable subsonic filter − 18 dB at 20 Hz
- Switchable input impedance/capacitance
- Four adjustable gain levels
- Solid metal casing for interference protection
- Exceptional sound quality
Technical Specifications
- Input impedance: 10, 100, 1 k, 47 k Ω
- Input capacitance: 100, 220 pF
- Gain selector: 40, 43, 60, 63 dB
- Subsonic filter: − 18 dB at 20 Hz
- Signal-to-noise ratio: − 89 dB V (MM)
- Total harmonic distortion: 0.00052%
- RIAA accuracy: < 0.4 dB / 20 Hz - 20 kHz
Connectivity and Power Supply
- Input/output connectors: 1 pair RCA
- Power consumption: 18 V / 80 mA
- External power supply: 18 V DC / 500 mA
Physical Characteristics
- Dimensions (W × H × D): 103 × 37 × 119 mm
- Color: Silver or Black
- Weight: 570 g without power supply
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Phono Box S2 Ultra and the standard S2 model?
The S2 Ultra uses discrete components instead of integrated circuits, audiophile-grade polystyrene capacitors, and offers more precise RIAA equalization. These upgrades result in better sound quality, especially noticeable with high-end cartridges.
Is this preamplifier suitable for entry-level turntables?
While the S2 Ultra works with any turntable, its performance is best appreciated with mid-range to high-end turntables and cartridges. For an entry-level turntable, the standard S2 model might be more appropriate.
Can the S2 Ultra's performance be further enhanced?
Yes, Pro-Ject offers external power supply options like the Accu Box S2 and Power Box, which can further improve the preamplifier’s performance by providing a more stable and cleaner power supply.
Is the Phono Box S2 Ultra suitable for digitizing vinyl records?
Absolutely. Its exceptional sound quality and low distortion make it an excellent choice for digitizing vinyl records, capturing the nuances and warmth of analog recordings with high fidelity.
- Eco-contribution of €0.08 included in the sale price.
- GTIN / EAN: 9120082382656
