Project Pre Box RS2 Digital

Key Features

• Luxury pre-amplifier with DAC and headphone amp features
• Dual Mono ESS Sabre DAC chip configuration
• Multiple digital inputs, including wireless Bluetooth connectivity
• Full MQA support over USB and when connected to a CD transport
• Roon Tested, for easy set-up in a Roon system
• Extensive digital filter options built-in
• Fully-balanced dual mono design for absolute audiophile performance
• Output stage switchable between 6922 tubes and solid-state signal paths
• High-quality headphone amplifier stage optimised for high-end playback
• Ultra-linear and ultra-low noise design throughout
• New high-quality display with responsive and fast UI design
• Aluminium IR remote included 

The Pre Box RS2 Digital is a class-leading pre-amplifier, DAC and headphone amplifier with an ultra-linear signal path and ultra-low noise. Boasting a host of connection options, it is the ideal system hub for driving high-end headphones, power amplifiers or active speakers. 

Built around a very sophisticated digital stage, it boasts a dual-mono configuration of the high-class ESS Sabre ESS9038Q2M DAC chips with upsampling technology. Unlike most other DAC designs, the Pre Box RS2 Digital boasts dual DAC chips and separate signal paths for the left and right channels. This allows for the finest conversion possible and support for digital transmission up to 32-bit / 768kHz PCM and DSD512 over USB. There's also full authorisation and hardware/software support for Master Quality Authenticated (MQA) audio files, and Roon Tested certification for quick integration into a Roon-based system. To handle all this complexity, the Pre Box RS2 Digital's USB input is processed by a powerful multi-core XMOS microcontroller with advanced Multi-Core RISC architecture. The CPLD MAX II (Complex Programmable Logic Device) Altera is used for re-clocking, which together with the XMOS microcontroller brings high-quality processing of both traditional and MQA source material. 

In addition to the extensive USB options, the Pre Box RS2 Digital can also connect directly to the matching CD Box RS2 T via a proprietary HDMI connection that carries I²S and the master clock (16,9344 MHz) signal. There are also additional optical, coaxial, AES/EBU and wireless Bluetooth (v4.0) digital connections as well as two analogue inputs (balanced and unbalanced) for connection to more traditional devices. 

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 gone on to extend the range of turntables they offer at all popular price points and performance levels, through midrange to high-end models.