86%
Pro-Ject Audio Systems Pre Box S2 Digital
Digital micro preamplifier with MQA and DSD512 support
- Dual mono construction
- High end ESS Sabre ESS9038 dual DAC
- MQA hardware decoding
- Up to 24bit/192kHz for optical & coax inputs
- Full metal housing
Small size – big features
This little desktop DAC is capable of high resolution audio up to 32bit 768kHz PCM and DSD512! Pre Box S2 Digital is also supports hardware MQA unfolding.
With organic polymer capacitors and thin film miniMELF resistors we were able to create a tiny device that will blow away even much bigger components for a much higher price.
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The Pre Box S2 Digital leads with an open, musical presentation that feels remarkably natural and flowing, pairing dual ESS9038 DACs with dual master clocks for very low jitter and excellent measured performance. It also offers DSD512 and MQA hardware support, selectable filters and a compact, headphone-ready chassis — praised by Fidelity Magazine and What Hi‑Fi?
Pros
- Dual ESS9038Q2M DACs plus dual master clocks yield very low jitter and strong measured performance (high dynamic range, low THD) for a clean, detailed digital core.
- Broad format and feature support — 32/768 PCM, DSD512, full MQA hardware unfolding and multiple selectable digital filters — gives flexibility for desktop or system use.
- Compact, well-made chassis with a usable front 6.3mm headphone output; reviewers highlight confident headphone performance and practical desktop/system integration.
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Cons
- Slightly lean tonal balance compared with some class‑leading DACs — trades a touch of natural warmth for precision.
- Front-panel controls have been called a bit sharp-edged and tactile quirks in the control layout were noted by reviewers.
Sound Quality
87/100
Weighted average of sub-criteria below.
Tonal Balance and Musicality
88/100
Reviewers consistently describe the S2 as musical and 'undigital' with good flow and engagement (Fidelity: 'music is downright “undigital”', What Hi‑Fi: 'pleasing clarity and evenly balanced presentation'). Slight comments about a touch less natural warmth keep this from reference-level scores.
Resolution and Detail
85/100
Multiple reviewers praise openness and detail ('open, honest, and detailed' — Fidelity; 'crisp, fairly detailed delivery' — What Hi‑Fi). However several notes place it behind class-leading units for ultimate micro-detail and dynamic expression, so very good but not top-tier.
Digital Performance
88/100
Solid digital implementation: dual master clocks and ESS9038Q2M chips give very low jitter and excellent measured specs (Fidelity and Audiophilepure cite low jitter/124dB dynamic range and THD 0.0003%). Reviewers report an absence of harsh digital artifacts and excellent file compatibility (up to DSD512, MQA).
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Build Quality
86/100
Compact, well-made chassis and robust feeling controls (What Hi‑Fi: 'Compact and nicely made', 'stepped rotation on the volume control feels good'; Fidelity: 'Extremely compact and of high quality'). Minor nitpick on sharp-edged front buttons noted by What Hi‑Fi, but overall craftsmanship and layout praised.
Features Connectivity
83/100
Baseline 70 + feature additions. Includes USB‑B, coaxial S/PDIF and optical inputs (+2), PCM to 32/768 (+2), DSD up to DSD512 (+3), full MQA hardware unfolding (+1), selectable digital filters (+1), variable RCA pre-out (+2) and front 6.3mm headphone output (+2). Well‑spec'd for its class (What Hi‑Fi: 'Impressive feature list'; Fidelity: 'supports the MQA format' and 'seven different digital filters').
Value for Money
84/100
Reviews frame the Pre Box S2 as very well specified and attractively priced around €365 (Fidelity lists €365; price range supplied €329–€399). Commenters call it 'very well specified' and suggest it could be 'ideal' for many systems (What Hi‑Fi), indicating a justified premium relative to competitors rather than a budget bargain.
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