Pro-Ject DAC Box RS2 Digital-to-Analog Converter

High-Performance DAC with Selectable Tube Output and Full MQA Unfolding

The DAC Box RS2 is based on Pro-Ject's incredibly successful Pre Box RS2 Digital, but it omits the analog preamp section, to reduce the unit to a standalone DAC with fixed output. It uses the same excellent sounding DAC chips that were first used in its little brother, the Pre Box S2 Digital. Based on the same core-design principles, the feature set is extended and driven to new heights. The result is a fantastic sounding and very versatile box. The DAC Box RS2 is the perfect partner for anyone looking for a modern DAC with a plethora of digital inputs and a fully balanced circuit board design.

The DAC Box RS2 uses a dual-mono configuration of the highest-class D/A converters from ESS Sabre. ESS9038Q2M chips provide the highest sound quality in price-affordable, high-end circuits. Unlike most of DACs in this price range, the DAC Box RS2 includes dual DACs and separate signal paths for the left and right channels.

Thanks to these converters, the DAC Box RS2 supports up to 32-bit / 768 kHz files in PCM and DSD formats (up to DSD512) via USB, covering any digital file you can buy or stream. The fixed analog output can be switched between solid state and high-quality tube. You can choose the option you prefer.

The DAC Box RS2 has eight digital filters. One of them is the proprietary optimal transient digital filter from the MQA creators. These filters allow you to customize the sound to suit your own preferences.

Full HW and SW Support for MQA Technology (Master Quality Authenticated)

The USB input signal is processed by a powerful multi-core XMOS microcontroller with advanced Multi-Core RISC architecture. The CPLD MAX II (Complex Programmable Logic Device) Altera is used for re-clocking, which together with the XMOS microcontroller brings high-quality processing of both classical and MQA technology. For the ideal use of this technology, it is best to connect the DAC Box to Pro-Ject's Stream Box S2 Ultra in conjunction with the TIDAL service. You can also enjoy MQA quality by linking it with Pro-Ject's new revolutionary CD transport, the CD Box RS2 T.

The CD Box RS2 T can be connected to the DAC Box RS2 by reliable I²S differential bus via the HDMI connector, allowing the Pre Box RS2 Digital to provide the master clock (16.9344 MHz).

A premium full aluminum remote control is included in the packaging, and the DAC Box RS2 is available in a high-quality silver or black aluminum case. The big display screen on the front shows all relevant information in an easy to read, clean, and structured way. Navigating the menu is very responsive and fast, allowing you to easily set up the unit to your preferences.

Product Features

Overview

High-performance standalone DAC with fixed output
Selectable vacuum tube output circuitry
Dual Mono DACs: 2x ESS9038Q2M
High Quality optionally selectable upsampling of PCM and/or MQA content with proprietary filtering
MQA Support: Full MQA unfolding by hardware
Advanced re-clocking powered by new XMOS chip with Mulit-Core RISC architecture
6 digital inputs: asynchronous USB, i²S HDMI, AES/EBU, Toslink, S/PDIF coax
Fully balanced double mono design
Output stage switchable between 6922 tube and solid state circuitry
Output Buffer: Discrete and balanced, tube and solid state
Tubes: 4 x 6922EH
Ultra-linear and ultra-low noise
New high-quality display with responsive and fast UI design
High quality full aluminum remote control included
12V trigger input and output
Available in silver or black