Project Pre Box S2: Review & Buyer's Guide

Hey audio enthusiasts! Today, we're diving deep into the world of high-fidelity sound with a close look at the Project Pre Box S2 Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC). This little powerhouse has been making waves, and for good reason! This review is your ultimate guide, covering everything from its features and performance to who should consider adding it to their setup. If you're looking to upgrade your listening experience and unlock the full potential of your music, then this is the perfect guide for you. We'll explore its specs, the sound quality, and the overall value it brings to the table. Let's get started, guys!

Unboxing and Design: First Impressions

When you first get your hands on the Project Pre Box S2, the compact design immediately grabs your attention. It's tiny, seriously, about the size of a small smartphone, making it incredibly versatile for any setup. Whether you're dealing with a minimalist desktop setup or a more elaborate home audio system, this little box won't take up much space. The build quality feels solid, with a sleek, all-aluminum chassis that gives it a premium feel. The front panel features a clear display that shows the input source and sample rate, making it easy to monitor what's playing. The buttons are simple and intuitive, providing a seamless user experience. On the back, you'll find a range of connectivity options, including USB, coaxial, and optical inputs, giving you plenty of flexibility to connect various devices. It's a no-nonsense design that focuses on functionality and performance, which I absolutely dig. You can tell that Project designed this with a focus on sound first, and looks second. The result? A stellar piece of equipment!

What truly sets the Pre Box S2 apart is its internal architecture. It boasts dual ESS Sabre ESS9038 DAC chips, a configuration rarely seen in devices at this price point. This dual-mono design allows for improved channel separation and reduced noise, leading to a more immersive and detailed listening experience. The design choices demonstrate Project's commitment to audio quality. The internal components are carefully selected and arranged to minimize interference and maximize performance. The Pre Box S2 truly shines as a testament to the fact that high-quality audio can come in small, unassuming packages. The compact design is not just for aesthetics; it also allows for flexible placement, making it ideal for various setups. It can be easily integrated into a desktop setup, placed discreetly in an entertainment center, or even used as a portable DAC with a suitable amplifier. The minimalist approach extends to the controls as well. The front panel includes simple buttons for input selection and volume control, making it incredibly user-friendly. The display provides clear information on the active input and sampling rate, allowing you to easily monitor the audio stream. I mean, the design choices are all about giving the audiophile user a great experience, and I for one, think they delivered.

Key Features and Specifications

Okay, guys, let's get into the nitty-gritty. The Project Pre Box S2 is packed with features that make it stand out. Here's a breakdown of the key specs and what they mean for you. First off, as mentioned earlier, it features dual ESS Sabre ESS9038 DAC chips. This dual-mono configuration is a major win for audio quality. It provides exceptional dynamic range and extremely low distortion, leading to incredibly detailed and accurate sound reproduction. That means the music sounds exactly how the artist intended, which is what we all want, right? It supports high-resolution audio files up to 32-bit/768kHz PCM and DSD512. That's a fancy way of saying it can handle pretty much anything you throw at it. Whether you're streaming from services like Tidal or Qobuz, or playing your own high-resolution files, the Pre Box S2 has you covered. The Pre Box S2 offers a variety of digital inputs, including USB, coaxial, and optical. This versatility means you can connect it to a wide range of devices, such as computers, CD players, and streaming devices. The USB input is asynchronous, which means it controls the timing of the audio data transfer, reducing jitter and improving sound quality. There's also a fixed and variable output, giving you the flexibility to connect it directly to a power amplifier or use it as a preamplifier. It even includes a built-in headphone amplifier, which, based on my listening, is pretty darn good and can drive a wide variety of headphones. Finally, the Pre Box S2 boasts a very low output impedance, which is a key factor in ensuring compatibility with a wide range of amplifiers. The device also offers a choice of digital filters, letting you tailor the sound to your personal preferences. These filters affect the frequency response and transient behavior of the audio, and the Pre Box S2 lets you pick the one that you like best. I found myself changing between them depending on the music and the headphones, but the options are welcome.

Here's a quick rundown to make things even clearer:

• DAC Chips: Dual ESS Sabre ESS9038
• Input Support: USB, Coaxial, Optical
• Output: Fixed and Variable, Headphone Out
• Supported Audio: Up to 32-bit/768kHz PCM, DSD512
• Headphone Amp: Built-in

Sound Quality: The Listening Experience

So, how does the Project Pre Box S2 actually sound? In short, it sounds amazing. The level of detail retrieval is exceptional. You'll hear things in your favorite tracks that you never noticed before. The soundstage is wide and spacious, with excellent imaging, which makes you feel like you're right there with the music. The bass is tight and well-defined, the mids are smooth and natural, and the highs are clear and extended without being harsh. Seriously, the sound quality is top-notch for the price. The dual ESS Sabre DAC chips really shine, providing a clean and articulate sound. It's a very neutral-sounding DAC, meaning it doesn't add any color or distortion to the music. What you hear is what was recorded, which is what every audiophile wants. The built-in headphone amplifier is also impressive. It delivers plenty of power to drive a wide variety of headphones. I tested it with several pairs of headphones, and it handled them all with ease. The sound is clear, dynamic, and engaging, making the Pre Box S2 an excellent choice for headphone listening. The ability to switch between the digital filters allows you to fine-tune the sound to your liking. I would suggest playing around with the different filters to see which one you like best with your headphones and music. Some will prefer a slightly warmer sound, and some will prefer a more analytical presentation. It all depends on your preferences! The Pre Box S2 doesn't just sound good; it sounds great, period. And honestly, for the price, the sound quality is an absolute steal.

To break it down further, here are some key aspects of the sound quality:

• Detail: Exceptional detail retrieval, revealing subtle nuances in the music.
• Soundstage: Wide and spacious, with precise imaging.
• Frequency Response: Balanced with tight bass, smooth mids, and clear highs.
• Headphone Amp: Powerful and clean, suitable for a variety of headphones.

Connectivity and Compatibility

The Project Pre Box S2 is designed to be user-friendly, and that extends to its connectivity. It offers a comprehensive set of inputs and outputs to accommodate various audio sources and listening setups. On the input side, you've got USB, coaxial, and optical digital inputs. This means you can connect it to virtually any device that produces digital audio. Got a computer? Connect via USB. Want to hook up your CD player? Use the coaxial or optical input. It's that simple. The USB input is particularly noteworthy as it supports high-resolution audio playback. You can stream high-quality audio files from your computer without any compromise in sound quality. It's asynchronous, reducing any jitter that could degrade the audio signal. For outputs, the Pre Box S2 gives you fixed and variable RCA outputs. The fixed output is for connecting to an integrated amplifier or a receiver, where the volume is controlled by your amp. The variable output can be connected directly to a power amplifier. This allows the Pre Box S2 to function as a preamplifier, where you can control the volume directly from the DAC itself. The inclusion of a headphone output makes it a versatile device for both headphone and speaker listening. It has a 3.5mm headphone jack, so it will accommodate most headphones. The Pre Box S2 is compatible with a wide range of devices and operating systems, which is nice. It works seamlessly with Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it easy to integrate into your existing setup. I mean, the device is designed to be plug-and-play, so you should be up and running in minutes. From the setup, I had no driver issues or compatibility problems. The wide range of inputs and outputs ensures you can integrate it into almost any audio system, making it incredibly versatile. It's all about making your life easier! Whether you're a seasoned audiophile or just starting, the Pre Box S2 is a great choice.

Value Proposition: Is It Worth It?

Alright, let's talk about the bottom line, guys. Is the Project Pre Box S2 worth the price? In my opinion, absolutely, yes! It punches well above its weight class, offering exceptional sound quality and a wide range of features for the price. The dual ESS Sabre DAC chips alone justify the cost. The level of detail, clarity, and dynamic range you get is truly impressive, especially when compared to other DACs in its price range. The Pre Box S2 provides a level of performance that you'd typically find in more expensive devices. It's a great value for the money, no question. The compact design, versatile connectivity, and built-in headphone amplifier add to the overall value. It's a complete solution for anyone looking to upgrade their audio setup. Think about it: you get a high-quality DAC, a headphone amplifier, and a preamplifier all in one compact unit. That's a steal! The construction quality also adds to the value. It feels like a premium product, and it's built to last. You can tell Project put a lot of thought into every aspect of the design. The Pre Box S2 offers a compelling combination of performance, features, and build quality. When you consider its performance against the price, it becomes an even more attractive option. For those of you who want to dive deeper into the technical aspects, the Pre Box S2 has a high signal-to-noise ratio and incredibly low distortion. These are technical specifications, but the takeaway is simple: your music will sound amazing. It provides a level of sound quality that is typically found in higher-priced devices, making it an excellent value for the money. Overall, the Project Pre Box S2 is an outstanding value, delivering high-fidelity audio without breaking the bank. It's a solid investment for anyone serious about sound.

Who Is the Project Pre Box S2 For?

So, who should consider the Project Pre Box S2? This DAC is a fantastic choice for a variety of users. If you're a music lover looking to upgrade your listening experience, then this is the perfect option for you. It's an excellent upgrade from onboard sound cards or the built-in DACs in your existing devices. It will bring your music to life. If you're a desktop audio enthusiast, the compact size and powerful headphone amplifier make it an ideal choice for a desktop setup. The Pre Box S2 is also great for those who value versatility and convenience. The multiple inputs and outputs make it easy to integrate into any system. Furthermore, if you are looking for a portable DAC solution, its compact design allows for easy transport, allowing you to enjoy your high-fidelity music wherever you go. Finally, if you're on a budget, but don't want to sacrifice sound quality, it provides a great performance-to-price ratio. It offers audiophile-grade sound quality without emptying your wallet. The Project Pre Box S2 is a great choice for anyone looking to improve their audio experience. Its versatility, performance, and value make it a compelling option for a wide range of users. Whether you're a seasoned audiophile or just starting your journey, this little box is worth a look.

Pros and Cons

To make things easier, here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons of the Project Pre Box S2: let's keep it simple, guys.

Pros:

• Exceptional sound quality
• Compact and stylish design
• Versatile connectivity options
• Built-in headphone amplifier
• Excellent value for the price
• Supports high-resolution audio

Cons:

• No remote control
• Might be too small for some users

Final Verdict: Is It Worth Buying?

Alright, to wrap things up: the Project Pre Box S2 is a stellar performer in a small package. It delivers exceptional sound quality, features a versatile design, and offers great value for the money. The dual ESS Sabre DAC chips provide a level of detail and clarity that is hard to find at this price point. If you're looking to upgrade your audio setup, improve your headphone listening experience, or simply enjoy your music to the fullest, then the Pre Box S2 is an excellent choice. I am confident that most users will find it is a worthwhile investment. Its compact size and flexible connectivity make it suitable for various setups. The sound quality is truly remarkable. The Project Pre Box S2 is an outstanding DAC. The sound is fantastic, the build quality is great, and the price is right. I highly recommend it. For the price, you're getting a ton of value, and I think you'll love it as much as I do. Go give it a listen, and I think you will be sold!