Pro-Ject Audio Systems has announced its Phono Box RS2, a fully balanced, fully discrete phono pre-amplifier featuring extensive setting options to accommodate any turntable or cartridge system.

 
The Austrian audio firm states that the Phono Box RS2 is a "no expense spared" MM and MC phono stage. As well as sporting split passive RIAA and DECCA equalisation, the phono pre-amp's discrete circuitry involve no operational amplifiers (op-amps). The end result is said to be a more neutral, natural, dynamic and vivid sound.

 
Additionally, the fully balanced circuitry should maintain absolute signal integrity, resulting in less unwanted noise, errors and interferences. It's because of this layout that the phono stage's signal-to-noise ratio measures (40dB): 89dB A-weighted (10mV) for Moving Magnet cartridges, and (60dB): 79dB A-weighted (1mV) for Moving Coil carts.

 
Also, Pro-Ject has played close attention to cartridge matching options on this compact (206x72x230mm (WxHxD)) pre-amp. The Phono Box RS2 has eight optional settings for Gain, ranging from 40dB to 70dB. As 70dB gain involves a voltage amplification of many times the original cartridge signal, the quality of the electrical circuitry is paramount and needs to be incredibly silent – hence the other electrical design choices made.
 
Load impedance can be manually adjusted via one of the two front-mounted potentiometers. This system allows for seamless adjustment of the impedance during playback, anywhere from 10 to 1,000Ω. The Phono Box RS2 also has eight different options for capacitance – allowing for better cartridge matching with MM systems.

The Phono Box RS2 features a second potentiometer for balance on the front panel to adjust the exact centre of the sound stage. This ranges from 2dB to the right or left. There is also a subsonic filter switch that kicks in at 20Hz with 18dB/octave.

Inputs and outputs are both RCA and balanced XLR.

 
To maintain signal integrity, the Phono Box RS2 is supplied with an external 20V power supply. During 2021 Pro-Ject Audio Systems will also introduce a true high-end linear power supply upgrade that will work with the Phono Box RS2.

The Power Box RS2 Phono will feature a purpose-designed transformer and circuitry to deliver a clean and stable 20V signal to the Phono Box RS2. Furthermore, it will also feature an extra 15V output for direct connection to a supported Pro-Ject turntable.
 
Available from January 2021 in either a Black or Silver metal chassis, the Phono Box RS2 has an SRP of £1,299.

Visit Pro-Ject for more information