Project Phono Box RS2

Key Features

• High-class, affordable phono stage
• Both MM & MC capable
• A sturdy metal casing protects against vibration and interference
• Fully discrete hardware design - No op-amps
• Fully passive RIAA & DECCA equalisation
• Balanced XLR & Unbalanced RCA inputs & outputs. 
• Unique continuously variable input impedance loading and channel balance control to match every cartridge to %100 (adjustment even while playing) 
• super low noise and low distortion.
• Available in silver or black

Project Phono Box RS2

A discrete circuit is composed of electronic components which are disparate, individual devices, also called discrete components. These can be “passive” components, like resistors, capacitors and inductors, as well as “active” components, which in our case are 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 shown us that even the very best Op-Amps do not tend to be so neutral, natural, dynamic or vivid. Standard phono pre-amplifiers with integrated circuits have a few tens or hundreds of components, but discrete designs will employ hundreds or thousands of components by comparison. That makes for an extended and more costly design process but results in the best sound for your money.

The Phono Box RS2 employs a true fully balanced design principle. Balanced transmissions consist of a hot and cold (also called + and -) signal. Both the + and – signal chains effectively carry the same musical information. A truly balanced amplifier can now extract the final musical information out of the +/- signals and subtract, remove, all noise that could potentially be added along with the transmission. In a true, fully balanced amplifier, like the Phono Box RS2, the + and – sections of both the left and right channel are treated individually, which doubles the amplifier sections by 2 as a result.

The Phono Box RS2 uses split passive equalization for both of its RIAA and DECA curves. This is more costly to design and implement but ensures the most accurate representation of the ideal EQ curve. Split passive equalization allows for better impedance matching and lower deviation from the ideal RIAA or DECA curve.

An outboard power supply with linear construction is even better because it can offer much cleaner power. When you want to manufacture such clean and really high-end power supplies, you have to use a transformer with a very low core saturation and preferably with shielding between primary and secondary windings. Obviously, such a transformer becomes larger than one would expect. Also, much more expensive. That is why such a power supply requires a cabinet 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 another step up in turntable and Phono Box RS2 performance. (Available soon)

Who is Project?

Project started in the hifi business designing and manufacturing affordable stereo turntables in the early 1990s, beginning with the entry-level Debut model. It was a great success, like all other turntables on the market at that time were at least £100 more expensive, without offering a performance benefit. Project has extended the range of turntables they offer at all popular price points and performance levels, through midrange to high-end models.