Pro-Ject - Phono Box RS2 Phono Preamplifier

Pro-Ject's Flagship Phono Preamplifier

The Pro-Ject Phono Box RS2 sits at the top of Pro-Ject's phono preamp lineup, above the balanced S3 B and DS3 B. It's a fully discrete MM/MC design, built without a single op-amp anywhere in the signal path.

Both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA connections cover the inputs and outputs. Gain, loading, and equalization curve are all adjustable. That lets it match almost any cartridge or record.

One standout feature is switchable equalization. Alongside the standard RIAA curve, the RS2 offers a passive DECCA curve. That's useful for collectors who play older records cut to that older standard.

A front-panel dial lets you shift the exact center of your soundstage by up to 2dB left or right. That helps correct a cartridge that's slightly off-azimuth, or a room that pulls the image one way.

Adjustable Down to the Smallest Detail

Gain on the RCA inputs steps through 40, 43, 46, and 50dB for moving magnet. Moving coil gets 60, 63, 66, and 70dB. The balanced XLR path adds an extra 6dB on top of either.

Input capacitance switches across eight steps from 50pF to 400pF for moving magnet cartridges. Moving coil loading is stepless, adjustable continuously from 10 to 1,000 ohms.

Signal-to-noise ratio reaches 89dB on moving magnet and 79dB on moving coil. A switchable subsonic filter cuts rumble below 20Hz at 18dB per octave.

It measures 206 by 72 by 200mm and weighs 1,600 grams without its power supply. An optional linear power supply is available separately. It comes housed in a case roughly the same size as the preamp itself.

What Reviewers Are Saying

Julie Mullins reviewed the RS2 for Stereophile in August 2021. On a moving coil setup, she found it "neutral to slightly cool, detailed and lively," adding that it sounded "clean, almost pristine."

Tom Fine followed up for Stereophile in March 2022, writing that records played through the RS2 sounded "all there, with precise stereophony and more detail" than he recalled from past listening sessions.

He also praised its low noise floor. As he put it, "the circuitry is so quiet that low-level information fights only the surface noise inherent to grooved discs."

Who Is This Preamp Best For?

• Collectors who own more than one cartridge. Its finely stepped gain and continuously variable loading make switching between cartridges easy.
• Anyone who plays older records cut to the DECCA curve. Switchable equalization covers both RIAA and DECCA.
• Listeners who want proven, independently reviewed performance. Two named Stereophile writers praised its detail and low noise.
• Anyone whose turntable or room needs image correction. Its channel balance control can shift the soundstage without touching your speakers.
• Not the right fit for anyone who wants a simple, plug-and-play preamp. Its depth of adjustment is a strength for tinkerers. For a simple single-cartridge setup, it's overkill.

How Does It Connect to Your System?

Run your turntable's cable into the RS2's RCA or balanced XLR input, matched to your tonearm's cable. Connect its RCA or XLR output to your amplifier the same way.

Set gain, loading, and equalization curve to match your cartridge and record collection. Use the channel balance control to fine-tune the soundstage once everything else is dialed in.

Pairs Well With

Building your system? Here are some great companions for the Pro-Ject Phono Box RS2:

• Turntables with a balanced tonearm output to take full advantage of its XLR inputs
• Phono cartridges, MM or MC, matched to its finely stepped gain
• Preamplifiers with balanced XLR inputs
• Interconnect cables, balanced or unbalanced, to connect its outputs

Frequently Asked Questions

How does this compare to the Phono Box S3 B and DS3 B?

The RS2 sits above both. It adds a DECCA equalization curve and a channel balance control. Its gain and loading also step in finer increments than either model below it.

What's the DECCA curve, and do I need it?

DECCA is an older equalization standard used on some vintage records. Most listeners will stick with the standard RIAA curve, but collectors with older pressings may want it.

Does it come with a power supply?

Yes, a standard external power supply is included. A larger linear power supply is available separately for those who want to upgrade later.

What colors is it available in?

Silver and black are both available.

What's the warranty?

Pro-Ject covers the Phono Box RS2 with a two-year warranty, extendable to three years with product registration.

See It in Action

AV Atmos introduces the RS2 as Pro-Ject's new flagship phono preamp:

Mad Audio puts its balanced circuitry to the test:

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Learn More

Want to learn more about matching a phono preamp to your cartridge, balanced connections, or getting the most from your vinyl collection? Visit our Learning Center for guides, tips, and expert advice.