Фонокорректоры — Pro-Ject Phono Box S2

Pro-Ject Audio Systems builds the Phono Box S2 as a small preamplifier that takes MM as well as MC pickups, sold under the maker's Best Buy tag and with an MSRP of EUR 159 including VAT. It replaced the earlier Phono Box S and moved into the S2 style housing, an aluminium and metal sandwich construction that screens the circuit from electromagnetic interference and vibration. The face plate is finished in either silver or black.

Key specs that matter

Four gain settings are available - 40 and 43 dB for moving magnet pickups, 60 and 63 dB for moving coil types. Input impedance switches between 10 ohm, 100 ohm, 1 kohm and 47 kohm, and capacitance between 100, 200, 320 and 420 pF. A switchable subsonic filter cuts 12 dB at 20 Hz. The rated signal to noise ratio is 85 dB, THD+N is 0.01 percent in MM mode and 0.05 percent in MC mode, and RIAA accuracy is better than 0.4 dB between 20 Hz and 20 kHz. Connections are limited to a single RCA input pair and a matching RCA output pair. An outboard 18 V DC supply rated at 500 mA powers the unit, which consumes 85 mA. The case measures 103 x 36 x 104 mm, growing to 115 mm deep once the sockets are counted, and the net weight is 570 g.

Engineering and use context

The circuit is arranged in a dual mono configuration with audiophile-grade amplification modules, and polypropylene capacitors from WIMA sit in the RIAA network. All the gain, load and filter switches are on the underside of the box, so they are set once when the cartridge is installed and then stay out of sight. Offering four resistance values and four capacitance values means the load can follow the cartridge maker's recommendation rather than a single compromise. Since the subsonic filter is switchable, it can be left out of the signal path on flat pressings and engaged only when needed. For owners who want to move away from the wall adapter, Pro-Ject names the Accu Box S2 supply as a compatible upgrade.

Pairing

The two lower gain positions cover standard MM cartridges, while the two higher settings, combined with one of the three low resistance loads, are intended for MC pickups. Because only RCA sockets are fitted, the stage connects to any unbalanced line input on an integrated amplifier, preamplifier or active speaker, and it fits on a shelf next to a turntable.

Alternatives

The Pro-Ject Phono Box S2 Ultra keeps the same four gain levels but drops operational amplifiers in favour of a fully discrete circuit with polystyrene capacitors.