ЦАПы — Pro-Ject DAC Box E

The DAC Box E is the entry-level digital-to-analogue converter in the E range of Pro-Ject Audio Systems, sold at an MSRP of EUR 99 including VAT. Its task is narrow - it takes a digital stream from an optical or coaxial output and turns it into an analogue line signal for an amplifier. Pro-Ject names budget CD players, Blu-ray and DVD players with CD playback, set-top boxes, satellite and cable receivers and game consoles as typical sources.

Key specs that matter

Conversion runs at up to 24-bit and 192 kHz. Pro-Ject names both a Cirrus Logic CS4344 and a Texas Instruments TLV320DAC23 chip for the converter. There are two digital inputs, one coaxial S/PDIF and one optical TOSlink. Accepted sample rates are 44.1, 48 and 96 kHz on both, while 192 kHz works only through the coaxial socket. The unit decodes stereo PCM (LPCM) alone, and multichannel formats such as Dolby AC-3 and DTS are not supported. A single pair of gold-plated RCA sockets delivers 0.7 V RMS. The box measures 120 x 32 x 100 mm, or 106 mm deep including sockets, and weighs 250 g without its power supply. Casing colours are black and white.

Engineering and use context

SMD parts populate the board, and Pro-Ject specifies low-noise components and internal metal shielding. The maker describes the audio circuit as linear with a low output impedance, chosen so that interconnect cables and the input of the following preamplifier do not interfere with the signal. Power comes from an outboard 18 V DC adapter rated at 500 mA, supplied for 220 to 240 V at 50 Hz in its home market. Current draw in operation is 200 mA DC, and consumption in standby stays under 1 W. Only one input plays at any moment, and if both are connected the optical one takes priority, so there is no front-panel selector to operate. The small footprint is intended to let the converter sit right next to the source component it serves. There is no USB port, so a computer can only feed it through an optical or coaxial output.

Pairing

The analogue output goes to any line input on an amplifier, such as an AUX socket. With its modest output level, an amplifier or preamplifier with generous line-stage gain keeps the volume control out of the top of its travel. A television or console with only an optical output is a practical source, provided its digital audio output can deliver a stereo PCM stream rather than a multichannel bitstream.

Alternatives

The Pro-Ject DAC Box S2+ adds a USB input, an ESS9038Q2M converter and PCM playback up to 32-bit and 768 kHz with DSD256.