Pro-Ject Phono Box DS2 Phono Preamplifier Silver

The Pro-Ject Phono Box DS2 sits within Pro-Ject’s DS (Design Series) line of compact electronics, positioned above the entry-level Phono Box S2 and below the balanced Phono Box DS3 B. It is a dedicated MM/MC phono preamplifier built around a dual-mono circuit layout, designed to deliver clean RIAA equalisation with extensive cartridge-loading flexibility controlled entirely from the front panel.

Front-Panel Cartridge Loading

Where many phono stages at this level rely on miniature DIP switches or internal jumpers to set cartridge loading, the Phono Box DS2 uses three front-panel push buttons with LED indicators. Input impedance is adjustable across five settings — 10, 50, 100, 1k and 47kΩ — covering everything from low-output MC cartridges through to standard MM types. Input capacitance offers four positions (47pF, 147pF, 267pF and 367pF at 47kΩ), and gain is selectable in five steps: 40 and 45dB for MM and high-output MC cartridges, plus 50, 60 and 65dB for low-output MC designs. All settings are indicated by front-panel LEDs, making it straightforward to experiment with different cartridge combinations without reaching for the rear panel.

Circuit Design & Construction

The Phono Box DS2 employs a dual-mono circuit topology, separating the left and right channels to optimise stereo imaging and channel separation. The RIAA equalisation curve is held to within 0.3dB across the full 20Hz–20kHz range, and the noise floor sits at 80dB (A-weighted) at the 40dB gain setting, with total harmonic distortion below 0.02%. A switchable subsonic filter operates at 20Hz with a 12dB/octave slope, attenuating low-frequency rumble from warped records or compliant turntable suspensions before it reaches the amplifier and speakers.

The chassis is a multi-layer metal sandwich construction in aluminium, providing shielding against electromagnetic interference and mechanical vibration. All phono sockets are gold-plated. Power comes from an outboard 18V/500mA DC supply, keeping the mains transformer and its associated magnetic field away from the sensitive phono circuitry.

Connectivity & Integration

Rear-panel connections comprise a single pair of RCA phono inputs, a single pair of RCA line-level outputs, a ground screw terminal for the turntable’s earth wire, and 12V trigger input and output sockets (2.5mm) for integration with other Pro-Ject Box Design components. The trigger system allows the Phono Box DS2 to power on and off automatically alongside a connected amplifier or source.

What the Press Says

• "Clean and refined presentation" with "crisp detail" and "adjustable cartridge loading" — What Hi-Fi? ★★★★☆ (February 2024)