Pro-Ject Phono-Box RS2 Phono preamplifier

A discrete circuit is made up of electronic components that are distinct, individual devices, also called discrete components. These can be 'passive' components, such as resistors, capacitors and inductors, but also 'active' components, in our case transistors. The opposite of this would be an integrated circuit, which uses operational amplifiers (op-amps) in the signal chain. Countless hours of listening tests and years of experience have taught us that even the very best op-amps are not as neutral, natural, dynamic or lively. Standard phono preamplifiers with integrated circuits have a few dozen or hundred components, but discrete designs will use hundreds or thousands of components by comparison. That makes for an extensive and more expensive design process, but results in the best sound for your money. Fully balanced The Phono Box RS2 uses a truly fully balanced design principle. Balanced transmissions consist of a hot and a cold (also + and -) signal. Both the + and - signal chains carry essentially the same musical information. A truly balanced amplifier can now extract the final musical information from the +/- signals and subtract, i.e. remove, any noise that may have been added along the transmission. In a true, fully balanced amplifier such as the Phono Box RS2, the + and - sections of both the left and right channels are treated separately, doubling the amplifier sections.

The Phono Box RS2 uses split passive equalisation for both its RIAA and DECCA curves. This is more expensive to design and implement, but provides the most accurate rendering of the ideal EQ curve. Split passive equalisation provides better impedance matching and lower deviation from the ideal RIAA or DECCA curve.

The Phono Box RS2 has a steel chassis covered with screwed aluminium panels. This construction provides very good stiffness and excellent isolation against interference. Power Box RS2 Phono – linear power supply upgrade. An external power supply of linear construction is even better, because it can provide much cleaner power. When you want to make such clean and truly high-end power supplies, you need to use a transformer with very low core saturation and preferably with shielding between primary and secondary windings. Such a transformer clearly ends up bigger than you would expect. Much more expensive, too. That is why such a power supply needs a case the size of the Phono Box RS2 itself. An external linear power supply for the Phono Box RS2 will also power Pro-Ject turntables and be a next step in the performance of the turntable and the Phono Box RS2.

• MM & MC capable

• Fully balanced, true dual-mono design

• Fully discrete hardware design – NO op-amps!

• Fully passive RIAA & DECCA equalisation

• Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs and outputs

• Unique continuously variable input impedance loading and channel balance control to match any cartridge 100% (adjustment even while playing)

• Superior low noise / low distortion

• Metal housing protects against vibration and interference

• Available in silver or black

No other phono preamplifier in the world has such fine adjustment options as the Phono Box RS2. Very large ranges from 40dB (voltage gain of 100x) to 70dB (voltage gain of 3690x) are possible.

The load impedance can be set continuously via a potentiometer, a system invented by Pro-Ject Audio Systems. It lets you adjust the impedance seamlessly during playback and immediately assess the impact of different loading options.

Cartridges naturally suffer from small imbalances between the left and right channels. To correct this, the Phono Box RS2 introduces a new feature that is absolutely rare in this price category. A potentiometer lets you adjust the exact centre of the sound image within a range of 2dB to the left or right.

A separate power supply of linear construction is even better, because it can provide much cleaner power. When you want to make such clean and truly high-quality power supplies, you need to use a transformer with very low core saturation and preferably with shielding between primary and secondary windings. Clearly, such a transformer ends up bigger than you would expect. Much more expensive, too. That is why such a power supply needs a case the size of the Phono Box RS2 itself. Our Power Box RS uni 1- & 4-way will be a next step for your Phono Box RS2's performance.

Would you like to hear this first? In our two listening rooms on Hoenderstraat in Maastricht, each with its own acoustics, we will set up the system for you. Make an appointment or call 043-7370028 — we are happy to help you find the right choice and the right placement.