About The Pro-Ject Phono Box DS2 Phono Preamplifier
The Pro-Ject Phono Box DS2 is a precision Phono Preamplifier that can handle quality MM or MC cartridges to produce smooth natural sound with absolutely no harshness.
Phono Box DS2 is a highly adjustable phono preamplifier suitable for all common MM and MC cartridges. With the ability to easily switch input impedance, capacitance, and gain on the front panel, it becomes one of the most user friendly phono stages in its class. It features one pair of RCA inputs for your turntable and one pair of RCA outputs to connect to your pre-amplifier or integrated amplifier. The casing is made of a durable aluminium metal sandwich construction, which not only will effectively protects it against electromagnetic interferences and vibrations, but will also please the eye with its simply and elegant aesthetics. The Phono Box DS2 features a very linear circuit design to deliver the best possible sound from a minimalistic PCB. With its high value sonics and rather affordable price, it certainly qualifies as an audiophile bargain!
A Perfect Upgrade for Ambitious Vinyl Lovers!
Pro-Ject Audio Systems, an industry leader in turntable manufacture and design based in Vienna and with manufacturing facilities in the Czech Republic, offers a wide range of electronics, including phono stages. The Phono Box DS2 is in the upper half of the company's range of phono stages -- it's a member of the DS2 line, which is just below the top, RS line, with a few features not included in the standard DS models or, below that, the S models.
Pro-Ject's outgoing Phono Box DS had input impedance and capacitance that could be set by the user for moving-magnet (MM) or moving-coil (MC) cartridges. The DS2 takes this a step further by making these settings adjustable via front-panel pushbuttons as well as adding a pushbutton to control gain.
Also, the DS2 is available in silver or black aluminium - with, in either finish, wooden side panels (add $100) veneered in walnut, rosenut, or eucalyptus, to match the plinths of some of Pro-Ject's higher-end turntables.
Comprehensive Feature Set
The DS2's front panel sports a number of very convenient pushbuttons to not only turn the unit on but to control all the most important adjustments including cartridge input impedance and capacitance loading as well as a subsonic filter, of particular use with warped records. Last but certainly not least, it has a very handy a gain control, which lets you find the best sound and the closest match with your preamp or integrated.
The Phono Box DS2 offers versatility for listeners who may have different kinds of cartridges from any number of brands, and/or who might be inclined to tweak and adjust with each LP, or even while playing a single disc.
About Pro-Ject
Pro-Ject Audio Systems was founded in 1991 by Heinz Lichtenegger. The products are designed in Mistelbach, Austria and exclusively made in Europe at manufacturing plants in the Czech Republic and Slovakia and then shipped to more than 80 countries world-wide. Pro-Ject are best known for their high quality belt drive turntables which are often seen as the best in class at their various price points. In particular the Debut series of turntables has been the go-to record player of choice for many a budding music lover at the affordable end of the price spectrum.
Pro-Ject turntables allow you to experience again the clarity, warmth and magic to be found in the grooves on your vinyl, at very reasonable prices. With simple designs and high construction standards, performance has always been the priority. Fully manual operation coupled with the best materials and components available at each price level ensures the best possible value. Of course, here at Audio Trends, we've been selling them since the beginning of time (almost) and due to our passion for all things analogue - read vinyl - can tell you everything you need to know about our fantastic range of their products.
Whilst turntables are a large part of the Pro-Ject story the company has also ventured into high quality micro sized audio products in recent years including phono preamps, DAC's, streamers and amplifiers.
Main Features & Specifications
- Suitable for MM and MC cartridges
- Input: 1 pair RCA
- Output: 1 pair RCA
- Precise RIAA equalisation
- Ultra low noise circuitry
- Dual mono circuitry for optimized channel separation
- Selectable input impedance on front panel
- Selectable input capacitance on front panel
- Selectable subsonic filter
- Gold-plated RCA in & outputs
- Sandwich aluminium/metal casing protects from vibrations and electromagnetic interference
General
- Input impedance: variable 10 Ohms to 47 kOhms
- Capacitance: 100 / 220 / 320 pF
- Gain: 40 / 45 / 50 / 60 / 65 dB
- Output voltage typically: 500 mV @ 1kHz with 5mV input @ 1kHz
- Signal-to-noise ratio: -80dBA
- THD+N: < 0.02%
- THD: 0.0008%
- RIAA curve accuracy: +/- 0.5dB/20Hz - 20kHz
- Power supply: 18V/500mA DC
- Power consumption: 100mA DC / < 1 watt standby
- Available Finishes: Silver with Walnut Side Panels or Black
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 206 x 71 x 194mm (aluminium), 240 x 72 x 194mm (wood)
- Weight: (without power supply) 1.32kg (aluminium), 1.77kg (wood)
- Manufacturer's Warranty: 2 Years
Note: Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice. E&OE