Pro-Ject DAC Box S2+
Compact digital-to-analogue converter from Pro-Ject, fitted with a Sabre ES9038K2M5 DAC, to improve listening from a computer, a television or a digital source.
Description
The DAC Box S2+ is a compact digital-to-analogue converter from Pro-Ject, designed to turn a digital signal into high-quality analogue music. It sits between a digital source, computer, television, CD transport, and an amplifier, in order to make the most of the most demanding audio files.
At the heart of the unit is an Ess Sabre ES9038K2M5 converter, paired with five selectable digital filters allowing the sound shaping to be adjusted according to listening preferences. The DAC Box S2+ supports PCM playback up to 32-bit/768 kHz as well as DSD decoding up to DSD256 (quad DSD), enabling it to handle almost all high-resolution files available today without compromise. The stated total harmonic distortion is 0.0007%, a figure that reflects a particularly faithful reproduction of the original signal.
In terms of connectivity, the unit offers an asynchronous USB type B input (based on an XMOS chip), an optical input and a coaxial S/PDIF input, all compatible up to 24-bit/192 kHz. A single RCA output allows the DAC to be connected to an amplifier. The USB input benefits from double filtering designed to eliminate stray noise transmitted by the computer, before it can affect sound reproduction. The aluminium/metal casing also helps limit the influence of vibrations and electromagnetic interference.
This compact DAC is aimed at digital listening enthusiasts who want to modernise an existing system without investing in a complete player: connection to a computer, a television or a dedicated CD transport such as the CD Box DS2 T from the same brand. Its small footprint (103 x 37 x 122 mm, 355 grams with power supply) makes it easy to integrate into an already existing setup.
Technical specifications
| Dimensions (H × W × D) | 37 x 103 x 122 mm |
| Weight | 355 grams (with power supply) |
| Converter | Ess Sabre ES9038K2M5 |
| Connections | 1x RCA output, 1x optical input, 1x coaxial input, 1x USB input (type B) |
| Total harmonic distortion | 0.0007% |
What to check before buying used
The ES9038K2M5 converter and the XMOS chip on the USB input are sensitive to electrostatic shocks: a unit that has already been connected to a poorly earthed system may show a silent channel or abnormal background noise. Check that all five digital filters can be selected without display errors or freezing, and test each input (USB, optical, coaxial) separately to rule out an oxidised connector or a dry joint on the board. Humming at idle or loss of sync at high bitrates (DSD256, 768 kHz) often points to a tired external power supply rather than a fault in the DAC itself.
Looking for this reference: Dac Box S2+ ?
Tell us what you are looking for: our merchants are notified, and one of them may have it in stock.