Pro-Ject
Pro-Ject Pre Box RS2 Digital
Best high-end preamp for audiophiles seeking versatile, customizable sound quality.
The Pro-Ject Pre Box RS2 Digital is a high-end preamplifier, DAC, and headphone amplifier. It features dual ESS9038Q2M DACs in a dual-mono configuration for exceptional sound quality, supporting PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD up to DSD512. With nine digital inputs, including I²S HDMI, AES/EBU, and USB, it offers extensive connectivity. The output stage can be switched between a 6922 tube and a solid-state buffer, allowing users to tailor the sound. It also boasts full MQA hardware support and an advanced re-clocking system.
$2999.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
259
/ 704
#259 in Audio & Video Receivers
Price vs Category Average
+14%
Above average
DAC
290382
/ x ESSQM (dual mono)
Who it's for
- Audiophiles who enjoy tailoring their sound signature to specific genres
- Digital enthusiasts managing multiple high-resolution audio sources
- Headphone listeners seeking a high-fidelity, space-saving desktop solution
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious listeners seeking an entry-level audio upgrade
- Vinyl collectors requiring integrated phono stages for their turntables
- Casual listeners who prefer a simple plug-and-play audio experience
Performance breakdown
Sonic Versatility
Switchable tube and solid-state stages offer two distinct, high-fidelity sound profiles.
Digital Connectivity
Nine diverse inputs ensure seamless integration with any high-end audio source.
Resolution Support
Handles ultra-high-res PCM and DSD files with absolute technical precision.
Headphone Drive
DC-coupled design delivers clean, punchy power for most demanding audiophile headphones.
Channel Separation
Dual-mono architecture creates a remarkably wide and accurate soundstage.
Interface Experience
Responsive display and premium remote make navigating complex settings feel intuitive.
Key Specs
DAC
2x ESS9038Q2M (dual mono)
Supported PCM
up to 32-bit / 768 kHz
Supported DSD
up to DSD512
Digital Inputs
USB 2.0, HDMI I2S, AES/EBU, S/PDIF optical, S/PDIF coaxial
Analog Inputs
1 pair XLR, 1 pair RCA
Analog Outputs
Pre-out (XLR & RCA), Headphone (6.35mm jack)
Headphone output power
90 mW / 300 Ohm; 245 mW / 32 Ohm
Output impedance
180 Ohm solid state, 220 Ohm tube
Features
- Dual Mono DACs for superior channel separation and sound quality
- Switchable output stage between 6922 tube and solid-state for sonic customization
- Full MQA hardware unfolding for high-resolution audio
- Advanced re-clocking powered by XMOS chip with Multi-Core RISC architecture
- Fully balanced double mono design for pristine audio signal path
- High-quality display with a responsive and fast user interface
- Premium full aluminum remote control included
- Improved headphone amplifier with DC-coupled design for uncompromising performance
- Optional upsampling of PCM and/or MQA content with proprietary filtering
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Pro Ject Pre Box RS2 Digital for its exceptional sound quality, often highlighting its detailed and engaging audio reproduction. Many reviewers appreciate the robust build and elegant design, noting its premium feel and aesthetic appeal within audio systems. While a significant investment, users generally perceive its performance and craftsmanship as justifying the cost, making it a highly regarded component for serious audio enthusiasts.
Know before you buy
The Pre Box RS2 Digital allows you to toggle between a solid-state buffer and 6922 vacuum tubes. The solid-state mode provides a precise, neutral, and highly detailed sound, while the tube mode adds warmth, texture, and a more organic, holographic presentation to your music.
Yes, the unit features a high-quality, DC-coupled headphone amplifier capable of driving a wide range of headphones. It provides 245 mW into 32 ohms and 90 mW into 300 ohms, ensuring sufficient power for most demanding audiophile headphones.
By using two ESS9038Q2M DAC chips—one dedicated to each channel—the device achieves superior channel separation and a wider, more accurate soundstage. This design minimizes crosstalk and ensures that the left and right audio signals remain completely isolated for maximum clarity.
Yes, the Pre Box RS2 Digital features full MQA hardware unfolding. This allows you to experience high-resolution MQA files exactly as the artist intended, without relying on software-based decoding.
It is highly versatile, offering nine digital inputs including USB 2.0, HDMI I²S, AES/EBU, and both optical and coaxial S/PDIF. This allows you to connect a wide variety of digital sources, from high-end streamers and CD transports to computers.
The I²S input via HDMI is designed to bypass the standard digital signal processing stages, allowing for a direct, jitter-free connection between compatible digital sources and the DAC. This often results in a cleaner, more transparent audio signal compared to traditional S/PDIF connections.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$2999