Reference-class Phono Preamplification
Hailing from Pro-Ject’s reference-quality RS series, the Phono Box RS2 is a top-of-the-line phono preamp with all the trimmings. The Phono Box RS2 is fully balanced from input to output with fully discrete circuitry, ensuring extremely low noise and imperceptible distortion. Moreover, it employs split passive equalization for both its RIAA and DECCA curves, ensuring hyper-accurate frequency reproduction and spot-on impedance matching. Additionally, this phono preamp houses a true dual-mono design to ensure trustworthy channel separation. And, of course, the Phono Box RS2 supports True Balanced Connection, ensuring unparalleled sound and superior noise rejection. You also get continuously variable input impedance loading and channel balancing, which allows you to match every MC cartridge with 100% assurance — even during playback. Finally, the Phono Box RS2 is housed in a steel chassis enveloped by aluminum panels, providing both an eye-grabbing look and high rigidity and isolation against interference. Are you searching for no-compromise vinyl playback? With the fully balanced, fully discrete Pro-Ject Phono Box RS2 added to your setup, your favorite LPs will spring to life.
Fully balanced, fully discrete
The Phono Box RS2 is a top-tier phono preamplifier of the highest caliber. It all starts with fully discrete audio circuitry that provides an ultra-clean signal path without op-amps, which can potentially add unwanted coloration to your signal. Additionally, the Phono Box RS2 is fully balanced from input to output, ensuring the lowest possible noise. Furthermore, the Phono Box RS2 utilizes split passive equalization for both its RIAA and DECCA curves, yielding the most accurate representation of the ideal EQ curve and allowing for superior impedance matching. Beyond that, the Phono Box RS2’s dual-mono design enhances channel separation. Finally, the Phono Box RS2 features a heavy aluminum casing that safeguards against interference.
Matches every MC cartridge — guaranteed
You’ll be hard-pressed to find another phono preamp with as many gain-setting options as the Pro-Ject Phono Box RS2, which accommodates ranges from 40dB all the way up to 70dB. You can set load impedances continuously using Pro-Ject’s exclusive Impedance MC potentiometer, enabling you to adjust the impedance seamlessly during playback and immediately assess the impact of different loading options. Moreover, the Phono Box RS2 features a Balance potentiometer that allows you to compensate for the subtle left/right channel imbalances inherent in all phono cartridges, ensuring precise center sound staging. In summary, no matter what MC cartridge you’re using, the Phono Box RS2 can match it with 100% confidence.
.jpg)
How True Balanced Connection technology optimizes the vinyl listening experience
As its name implies, True Balance Connection technology employs a balanced audio connection to ensure a stable, interference-free signal between your turntable and preamp. Balanced connections comprise two legs independent of ground: a positive one and a negative one. Since the two signals are opposite in polarity, anything common to both will get canceled. Given that any noise induced into the line will be common to both signals, it will be canceled when it reaches its destination, which is referred to as common mode rejection. Balanced connections are crucial when using microphones, as the audio signal they produce is extremely weak and susceptible to noise (hence the need for a mic preamp). Due to their inherent noise rejection, balanced connections are the industry standard for professional recording and live sound reinforcement.
Interestingly, microphones and phono cartridges have a lot in common. Both are electromagnetic transducers, both produce extremely weak signals, and both require a preamp. Moreover, microphones and phono cartridges produce a balanced audio signal. Unfortunately, typical phono preamps (with RCA connectors) sport a single-ended design and only process one leg of the cartridge’s signal, leaving it open to all sorts of interference. True Balanced Connection technology, on the other hand, uses the full signal, employing common mode rejection to eliminate unwanted noise.
In order to employ True Balanced Connection technology, your turntable needs to be equipped with a moving coil or Pick it PRO Balanced MM cartridge. Moreover, the connection between your turntable and phono preamp needs to employ one of Pro-Ject’s True Balanced cables, regardless of whether your turntable outputs are on RCA, mini XLR, or 5-pin DIN connectors. Finally, you’ll need one of Pro-Ject’s True Balanced phono preamps.
With True Balanced Connection technology, nothing will inhibit your vinyl listening experience. You’ll say goodbye to unwanted noise and enjoy your LPs with crystal-clear sound.
Pro-Ject: projecting sonic purpose and premium playback performance
Since its founding in 1991, Pro-Ject has pursued a singular mission: provide premium analog listening experiences for music lovers. During a time in which the succession of CDs and digital audio over analog and vinyl seemed all but inevitable, company founder Heinz Lichtenegger doubled down. Lichtenegger and his talented team were determined to introduce new listeners to the world of genuine, true-stereo, hi-fi audio, complete with a menu of value-laden products. Considering that the RIAA reported that vinyl outsold CDs in 2022 — the first time it had done so since 1987 — it’s clear that Pro-Ject’s long-term wager paid off. The company’s initial major success stemmed from the inaugural release of its debut turntable, the Pro-Ject 1. Since then, Pro-Ject has materialized as a worldwide window into the world of high-fidelity analog listening. The company collaborates with manufacturers, engineers, and designers around the world to produce parts from scratch, ensuring everything from the smallest screw to the most complex components maximizes quality. This all-encompassing commitment has manifested in an extensive line of turntables, speakers, cables, amplifiers, tonearms, cartridges, and more. Whether you’re a newcomer to the format or a veteran collector, Sweetwater invites you to chart your vinyl voyage with Pro-Ject — supreme style and sonic substance are only the beginning.
Pro-Ject Phono Box RS2 Features:
- A no-compromise, reference-quality phono preamp
- Fully balanced, fully discrete design ensures extremely low noise and imperceptible distortion
- Split passive equalization provides hyper-accurate RIAA and DECCA curves and spot-on impedance matching
- True dual-mono design supplies maximum channel separation
- XLR connectors leverage True Balance Connection technology for superior noise rejection
- Gain-setting options ranging from 40–70dB
- Continuously variable input impedance loading allows seamless adjustment — even during playback
- Channel balancing compensates for the subtle left/right channel imbalances inherent in all cartridges
- Accommodates both moving-magnet and moving-coil cartridges
- 20Hz subsonic filter eliminates low-frequency rumble
- Heavy aluminum casing safeguards against interference
