Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 Digital

Introduction

Dear music lover, thank you for purchasing a Pro-Ject Audio Systems preamplifier. In order to achieve maximum performance and reliability, please study these instructions for use carefully.

Safety Instructions

⚠️ Warning of a hazard for the user, the unit, or possible misuse.

Important notice:

• AC outlet voltages vary from country to country. Before connecting to the mains, ensure that the voltage in your area meets the voltage requirements printed on the power supply.
• The power supply is used to disconnect the unit from the mains. Ensure that the power supply is easily accessible at all times.
• Never handle the device or the power supply with wet or damp hands.
• Avoid letting liquids enter the device or the power supply. Never place any item containing liquid, such as a flower vase, on or near the device. Never spill any liquid on the device or the power supply.
• Never place any naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, on or near the device.
• The product shall not be used in damp or wet locations, next to a bathtub, sink, swimming pool, or any other similar conditions.

Connectors

Make all connections whilst the preamplifier is disconnected from the power supply.

Take care to connect the left and right channels correctly. The right channel is usually marked red, the left channel black or white.

A diagram illustrating the rear panel connections, featuring an input section with USB, Co-axial, and Optical ports, a 5V DC power input, and an output section with Left and Right RCA analogue outputs. A 6.3mm headphone jack is located on the front panel. Compliance marks for CE and RoHS are also visible.

Mains Power Connection

The unit offers two possibilities:

1. USB input is not used: Connect the low voltage plug from the power supply to the micro-USB socket (Power 5V DC) before connecting the power supply to the mains.
2. USB input is in use: The unit can be powered directly from a computer via the USB input. In this case, it is highly recommended to disconnect the Power 5V DC cable from the unit, as power disturbances from two power supplies could affect sound performance.

Outputs

The unit is equipped with a pair of analogue output RCA sockets on the back panel and a headphone output connector (Jack 6.3mm) on the front panel. Connect the Output RCA socket to a line input on your amplifier.

Headphone Connection

Connect the headphones to the socket on the front panel (Jack 6.3mm). The rear output is muted when headphones are in use. A green headphone icon ? in the top left corner of the display indicates active headphone output.

Inputs

The unit offers 3 digital inputs: USB, Optical, and Co-axial.

USB Input

The USB input is dedicated for connection to a computer. Connect the USB input of the unit to a free USB socket on your computer and turn it on, or ensure it is powered on.

Windows® 10 operating systems support 24/192 playback (WASAPI); installation of the supplied (ASIO) driver is not necessary.

Driver Installation (Windows operating systems only)

For playing DSD files, a USB driver (supplied on CD) must be installed.

Example for Windows 7® and newer operating systems:

• Control Panel → Hardware and Sound → Sound → Playback: select Speaker/ProJect Pre Box S2 Digital
• Properties → Supported formats: ensure nothing is assigned
• Level → Sound: setting must be 100
• Enhancements: disable all enhancements → Advanced → Default Format: set to studio quality 24/192

Please note: Connection should be made to a USB socket of your computer directly. Connecting to USB hubs or switches can cause problems.

Co-axial and Optical Inputs

Use appropriate cables to connect to sources of digital signal like CD players, streamers, TV sets, etc.

Remote Control (Optional Accessory)

The standard plastic version has the same buttons.

• MUTE: Activates and deactivates mute. Mute is indicated on the display.
• FILTER: Selects filters in turn.
• MENU: Access/exit menu.
• ↑ / ↓: Change pages in menu.
• ← / →: Change value.
• OK: Exit menu.
• Volume +/-: Set volume level.
• Playback Controls (←←, ←, →, →→): Allows control of the player on the computer: track +, track -, play/pause.

A visual representation of the optional aluminium remote control, detailing buttons for MUTE, FILTER, BAL, MENU, navigation (Up, Down, Left, Right), OK, Volume (+/-), and playback controls (rewind, fast forward, play/pause).

Front Panel

Volume

Adjust the volume to the desired level from -80dB to 0dB, using the knob on the right side of the front panel. Volume settings are stored separately for headphone output and RCA output.

Input Selector

After the unit is powered on, operate the buttons marked with Input, ↑, ▼ to select the inputs. The selected input is indicated by its name (USB, OPT, COAX) when changed, and then by a small icon in the bottom left corner of the display. The small icon of the selected input indicates whether the input is connected to the source or not: white - connected, red - not connected.

Sampling frequency (or DSD rate) of the input signal is displayed in the right bottom corner of the display.

Menu

Front panel menu control:

• Input buttons: list between pages.
• Volume: changes the value.

Pages in menu offer following settings:

• Distortion Compensate: Enable / disable ESS on-chip distortion compensation feature.
• Audio Quality: Test/Best. 'Test': gives the best value when tested on a measuring device (lowest distortion etc.). 'Best': Pro-Ject designers' preferred sound setting.
• SW version: Display software version.

Filter Setting

Available filters:

• Optimal transient (Pro-Ject preffered)
• Fast Roll off (Linear phase)
• Slow Roll off (Linear phase)
• Minimum Phase Fast
• Minimum Phase Slow
• Linear Apodizing
• Hybrid Filter
• Brickwall Filter

Filter setting and selected input are stored after turning off the unit.

An illustration of the Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 Digital's front panel, showcasing a prominent volume control knob, input selection buttons, a menu button, and a digital display screen.

Technical Data

Service

Should you encounter a problem which you are not able to alleviate or identify, please contact your dealer for further advice. Only if the problem cannot be resolved there, the unit should be sent to the responsible distributor in your country.

Warranty

The manufacturer accepts no responsibility for damage caused by not adhering to these instructions for use. Modification or changes to any part of the product by unauthorized persons release the manufacturer from any liability over and above the lawful rights of the customer.

Copyright, Trademarks

Pro-Ject Audio Systems is a registered Trademark of H. Lichtenegger.

This guide was produced by: Pro-Ject Audio Systems. Copyright © 2017. All rights reserved.

The information was correct at the time of going to press. The manufacturer reserves the right to make changes to the technical specification without prior notice as deemed necessary to uphold the ongoing process of technical development.

Trademarks:

• Windows®, Windows XP®, Windows Vista®, Windows 7®, Windows 8®, Windows 10® are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.
• Mac® and Mac OS® are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
• TOSlink® is a registered trademark of Toshiba corporation.
• Dolby® is a registered trademark of Dolby Laboratories.
• DTS™ is a registered trademark of DTS, Inc.
• DSD is a registered trademark of Sony Corporation.