ProJect Pre Box RS2 Digital Pre-amplifier, DAC, Headphone amp

£2,199.00
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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. 

The Pre Box RS2 Digital is a DAC and preamplifier that uses a dual-mono configuration of the highest-class D/A converters from ESS Sabre. ESS9038Q2M chips provide the highest sound quality in price-affordable, high-end circuits. Unlike most of DAC´s in this price range, the Pre Box RS2 Digital includes dual DACs and separate signal paths for the left and right channels. Also thanks to these converters, the Pro Box RS2 Digital supports up to 32-bit / 768 kHz files in PCM and DSD formats (up to DSD512) via USB, covering any digital file you can buy or stream.

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 analog output is a buffer that is both solid state and high-quality tube. Thus, the customer can choose which of the option is preferred. The Pre Box has eight digital filters. One of them is the proprietary optimal transient digital filter from the MQA creators. With these filters, the listener can customize the sound to suit their own preferences. Pre Box RS2 Digital comes with full HW and SW support for MQA technology (Master Quality Authenticated).

In the Pre Box, the USB input signal 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 classical and MQA technology. For the ideal use of this technology, it is best to connect the Pre Box to our Stream Box S2 Ultra in conjunction with the TIDAL service. You can also enjoy MQA quality by linking it with our new revolutionary CD transport, the CD Box RS2 T. The CD Box RS2 T can be connected to the Pre Box by reliable I²S differential bus via the HDMI connector where the Pre Box RS2 Digital also provides the master clock (16.9344 MHz).

The headphone amplifier is the ultimate design. No compromise. No coupling capacitors. Not even on the output. All of the the amplifier is DC coupled. A very fast DC servo assures no DC voltage on the output. Its output power is suitable for all kind of headphones.

A premium full aluminium remote control is included in the packaging and the Pre Box RS2 Digital is available in a high-quality silver or black aluminium case. The big display screen on the front shows all relevant information in an easy to read, clean and structured way. Navigating the menu is very responsive and fast, allowing you to set up the unit to your preferences in seconds!

The Pre Box RS2 Digital is equipped with a large LCD display that matches the CD Box RS2 T design. Control is best achieved with the supplied aluminium IR remote, where the extensive setting options menu can be navigated with ease. The Pre Box RS2 Digital is a truly complete solution, and is available in high-quality aluminium black or silver finish. 

Technical Data

DAC:  X2 ESS9038Q2M (dual mono - 32bit/768kHz/DSD512)
with 8 different digital filter settings
Digital Inputs: 1 x USB 2.0 Audio 32/768 + DoP and Native-DSD up to DSD512
1 x HDMI I2S for CD Box RS2 T
2 x S/PDIF optical 24/192, 1 x S/PDIF coaxial 24/192
1x AES/EBU balanced 24/192
MQA Support: Full MQA unfolding by hardware
Line-level Input 1 pair XLR
1 pair RCA
Input Impedance: 15 kΩ
Output Impedance: 180 Ω solid state, 220 Ω tube
Analogue Outputs: Pre-out (XLR & RCA)
Headphone (6.35mm jack)
Headphone Output Power:  90 mW / 300 Ohm, 245 mW / 32 Ohm, 90 mW / 8 Ohm
THD+N (20Hz - 20kHz): < 0.006% solid state/0.017% tube @ 2V RMS, 1 kHz 
Bluetooth Version: Fully embedded Bluetooth® v4.0
Bluetooth Codecs: SBC, AAC and AptX
Output Buffer: Discrete and balanced, tube and solid state
Tubes: 4 x 6922EH
Power Supply: 20V / 3A DC
Power Consumption: Max. 1.2A DC (< 0.5W in Standby)
Dimensions (W x H x D):  206 x 72 x 222 mm
Weight: 1710g without power supply

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Testimonials

Bought some Rega Kyte speakers, stands and chords from DB online and they were incredibly helpful. They updated my delivery address very quickly and recommended a longer cut of cables which they did complimentary. They also noticed I didn’t order with banana plugs so called me back to double check, which I did mean to order. When i had some issues connecting my cables and speakers, I called for some advice which they happily gave. Excellent service and next day delivery to London. Thoroughly recommend.

James F.

Probably one of the best companies in the world. They had to special order in the speakers which took a fair bit of time, which is totally understandable, but they kept in touch with me throughout the entire time with updates (even on a Sunday!!!) and once the speakers were with them, they were dispatched and arrived next day.

The entire sound system that I purchased is insanely good, but still not as good as Doug Brady HiFi!

Guy H.

I have recently purchased a HiFi package with Doug Brady and I could not be more thrilled with my experience with them.
When I walked into the store, I was made to feel welcome and was introduced to some of the products. I produces a list of specific items I was interested in and John was really helpful in showing me these items. He set the system up so I could experience it, he made some suggestions which made the package even better. Nothing seemed too much trouble for him, he was very knowledgeable about the products and gave great advice. I didn't feel pressured to buy anything, or didn't feel that he was upselling at any point. I left with an amazing package and I'd like to thank John and the team for the fantastic experience.

Kaylay L.

It’s now two weeks since I bought home my new system and I wanted to say thanks again for all your help, advice and guidance, not to mention cups of tea. I now have a system that meets all my requirements and sounds fantastic. Special thanks to Jon, who I hope is on the road to recovery from his operation and to Roger, who helped me finalise my choice. The Rega Saturn, Hegel H190V and Dali Rubicon 2 is undoubtedly the best system I have ever owned.

Bryan M