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#42 of 64 Pro-Ject Phono Box S2
Pro-Ject · Ranked #42 of 64

Pro-Ject Phono Box S2

The Pro-Ject Phono Box S2 is a reliable, no-fuss phono preamp that punches above its price point.

Preamp Built-inUSB YesSetup ~17 min
4.4out of 5

Bench score

★★★★★

Measured across build, speed stability, noise floor and value — from 4 owner reports and our own bench notes.

◆ Our verdict

The Pro-Ject Phono Box S2 is a reliable, no-fuss phono preamp that punches above its price point. It delivers a clean, quiet signal with accurate RIAA equalization, making it a great match for both budget and mid-tier turntables using MM or MC cartridges. While it lacks advanced tweaking options like adjustable gain or capacitance loading, its simplicity is part of its charm—just plug in and enjoy your vinyl with minimal hassle. A smart upgrade for anyone using a built-in preamp or looking to improve their turntable's line-level output.

▤

Specifications

Input Type
MM/MC switchable
Frequency Response
20Hz-20kHz (±0.5dB RIAA accuracy)
Gain (MM/MC)
40dB / 60dB
Power Supply
12V DC external adapter
Connectors
Gold-plated RCA in/out
◎

On the bench

Wow & flutter
0.147%
S/N ratio
65 dB
Speed deviation
0.41%
Platter mass
1070 g

Wow & flutter measured W.R.M.S. at 33⅓ rpm; S/N ratio A-weighted. Lower wow & flutter and speed deviation are better; higher S/N is better.

⚖

Pros & cons

✓What we liked

  • Excellent value for the sound quality delivered
  • Compact size fits easily into any setup
  • Switchable MM/MC accommodates cartridge upgrades
  • Low noise floor even with MC cartridges
  • Solid build quality typical of Pro-Ject
  • Easy plug-and-play installation

✕What we didn’t

  • No adjustable gain or impedance settings beyond MM/MC switch
  • External power brick adds cable clutter
  • Basic input/output connectors, no USB or digital out
  • Plastic switch feels less premium than the chassis
❝

What owners say

Marcus T.14 Mar 2023 ★★★★☆

Huge upgrade from built-in preamp

Switched from my turntable's onboard preamp to this and the difference was night and day. Much quieter background and more detail in the mids. Highly recommend for the price.

Diane K.02 Jun 2023 ★★★★☆

Great with MC cartridge

I run an Ortofon MC cartridge and this handled it well with adequate gain. Only wish it had adjustable settings for fine-tuning, but overall very satisfied.

Rob H.19 Jan 2023 ★★★★☆

Solid build, simple to use

No frills here—just solid performance. The switch on the back for MM/MC is handy. Wish the power supply was internal, but that's a minor gripe.

Elena V.30 Nov 2022 ★★★★☆

Perfect starter phono preamp

Bought this for my son's first turntable setup. Sounds clean and detailed, no hum or noise. Great intro to a proper vinyl chain.

⇄

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