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DACs — Pro-Ject DAC Box S2 +
Description, images, technical data and specifications
Pro-Ject DAC Box S2 +
Image source — © Pro-Ject
The DAC Box S2+ is a small single-chip DAC built to add digital conversion to a system that otherwise relies on a computer or streamer's own output. It occupies the compact, budget end of Pro-Ject's DAC lineup, aimed at someone upgrading away from a built-in soundcard or TV DAC rather than chasing a reference-tier converter.
Position in line
It sits below the DAC Box RS Final Edition in Pro-Ject's range, trading two PCM1792 chips for a single ESS9038Q2M and a fraction of the size and price - the RS Final Edition is the step up when a bigger analogue stage matters more than a compact footprint, and the price gap between the two reflects that difference in scale rather than a difference in fundamental competence.
Key specs that matter
DSD256 and 24-bit/192kHz PCM cover essentially all consumer digital formats, so format compatibility is not a limiting factor here even against pricier converters. Rated bandwidth is 20 Hz to 20 kHz, a more conservative window than the RS Final Edition's extended figure. Distortion is specified at 0.0007%, lower than the RS Final Edition's figure, which is typical of a modern single-chip design measured at a fixed level rather than across a range - the two figures are not directly comparable since they describe different measurement conditions. At 103 x 37 x 122 mm and 355 g it is small enough to sit directly behind a source component, almost disappearing behind a streamer or laptop.
Sound and use context
Expect a clean, neutral presentation typical of a modern delta-sigma chip DAC - low coloration, with the ESS engine's usual reputation for a slightly cooler balance than older Burr-Brown designs, a house character some listeners prefer for detail and some find a touch analytical on already-bright recordings.
Pairing
Standard line-level output into any preamplifier or integrated amplifier works without gain concerns, making this an easy drop-in upgrade regardless of what it replaces.
Alternatives
The DAC Box RS Final Edition trades this model's compact single-chip design for a larger dual-PCM1792 output stage - worth the step up when the DAC is meant to be a system centrepiece rather than a small upgrade module tucked out of sight.
Worth noting too is that at this size the unit draws power over USB in many installations, simplifying cabling in a desktop-style system where a separate mains lead would be an extra inconvenience.
Position in line
It sits below the DAC Box RS Final Edition in Pro-Ject's range, trading two PCM1792 chips for a single ESS9038Q2M and a fraction of the size and price - the RS Final Edition is the step up when a bigger analogue stage matters more than a compact footprint, and the price gap between the two reflects that difference in scale rather than a difference in fundamental competence.
Key specs that matter
DSD256 and 24-bit/192kHz PCM cover essentially all consumer digital formats, so format compatibility is not a limiting factor here even against pricier converters. Rated bandwidth is 20 Hz to 20 kHz, a more conservative window than the RS Final Edition's extended figure. Distortion is specified at 0.0007%, lower than the RS Final Edition's figure, which is typical of a modern single-chip design measured at a fixed level rather than across a range - the two figures are not directly comparable since they describe different measurement conditions. At 103 x 37 x 122 mm and 355 g it is small enough to sit directly behind a source component, almost disappearing behind a streamer or laptop.
Sound and use context
Expect a clean, neutral presentation typical of a modern delta-sigma chip DAC - low coloration, with the ESS engine's usual reputation for a slightly cooler balance than older Burr-Brown designs, a house character some listeners prefer for detail and some find a touch analytical on already-bright recordings.
Pairing
Standard line-level output into any preamplifier or integrated amplifier works without gain concerns, making this an easy drop-in upgrade regardless of what it replaces.
Alternatives
The DAC Box RS Final Edition trades this model's compact single-chip design for a larger dual-PCM1792 output stage - worth the step up when the DAC is meant to be a system centrepiece rather than a small upgrade module tucked out of sight.
Worth noting too is that at this size the unit draws power over USB in many installations, simplifying cabling in a desktop-style system where a separate mains lead would be an extra inconvenience.
Specifications
Model name
DAC Box S2 +
Conversion type
N/A
Engine
ESS9038Q2M
DSD compatability
Yes
Parameters
up to 24bit/192kHz and DSD256
Frequency response low +/- 3dB (Hz)
20
Frequency response high +/- 3dB (Hz)
20 000
Gain (dBu)
N/A
Output Level (balanced) (V)
N/A
Output Level (single-ended) (V)
N/A
Input Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Input Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Output Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Output Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Analog outputs
N/A
Signal to Noise Ratio (dB)
N/A
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (% at 22 kHz)
0,0007
Dimensions (mm)
103 x 37 x 122
Weight (kg)
0.355
Official link
