Pro-Ject Phono Box RS2
The Pro-Ject Phono Box RS2 is the second generation flagship phono preamplifier. This model features a fully balanced circuit design with discrete components and passive equalization for both RIAA and DECCA curves for both moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) cartridges, which can be connected in either balanced or unbalanced configuration using XLR or RCA connectors.
Features:
- Fully balanced, dual-mono design
- MM and MC cartridges
- Discrete circuit design
- Balanced XLR inputs and outputs
- Fine tuning of input load
- Extremely low noise floor
- Input impedance from 10 to 1000 Ohms
- Switchable load from 50 to 400 pF
- Signal-to-noise ratio: 89 dB
- Fully passive RIAA and DECCA equalization
Discrete Circuit
The discrete circuit consists of individual electronic components, including passive components like resistors, capacitors, inductors, and active components like transistors. This design approach, as opposed to integrated circuits using operational amplifiers, ensures a more natural, dynamic, and vibrant sound.
Standard phono preamplifiers with integrated circuits may have dozens or hundreds of components, while discrete designs can have hundreds or thousands. The design process may be more time-consuming and costly, but it ultimately delivers the best sound quality for your money. The Phono Box RS2 offers a wide gain range and allows for impedance matching adjustments on the fly, enabling users to tune the sound to their preference.
Fully Balanced
The Phono Box RS2 features a fully balanced design for superior audio performance. Balanced transmission involves hot and cold signals (+ and -) that effectively carry the same musical information. In a truly balanced amplifier like the Phono Box RS2, the + and - sections of the left and right channels are processed individually, resulting in doubled amplifier sections. This design effectively eliminates unwanted noise, errors, and interference, offering the best signal-to-noise ratio.
Separated Passive Equalizer
The Phono Box RS2 utilizes separated passive equalization for both RIAA and DECCA curves, providing the most precise representation of the ideal equalizer curve. This approach may be more complex to develop and implement, but it ensures better impedance matching and minimal deviation from the RIAA or DECCA curve. The Phono Box RS2 offers incredibly wide gain ranges from 40 dB to 70 dB.
In the Box:
- Phono preamplifier with UK Plug
- Power supply
- Documentation
The Phono Box RS2 boasts an external linear power supply with a low-saturation core transformer and shielding between primary and secondary windings. The sturdy aluminum casing with a steel frame provides rigidity and protection against interference.