Pro-Ject DAC Box DS Digital to Analog Converter

"Very Smooth" Digital Playback

The advanced Pro-Ject DAC Box DS is not only an excellent digital-to-analog converter for digital audio components, but it also functions as a superior USB audio interface for the most demanding computer audio applications. This one box does it all! Its class-leading audio performance makes the DAC Box DS an outstanding low-cost high-end bargain.

For excellent audio performance using a digital connection with Blu-ray players, cable/SAT-TV boxes, and other gear, the DAC Box DS includes both optical and coaxial digital inputs. And for streaming hi-res digital files from your PC or Mac, the DAC Box DS has a superior USB audio interface.

"Tonally, the Pro-Ject is very smooth, creamy even," reports the January 2014 issue of England's Hi-fi Choice magazine. "It is as though all of the rough edges had been expertly rounded off."

"The Pro-Ject gives an entirely enjoyable listen across a wide range of sources, file formats and genres," notes Andre Everard, andreweverard.com, May 1, 2014.

Now with DSD Playback

Thanks to a recent upgrade from Pro-Ject, the DAC Box DS now supports DSD audio playback at 24-bit/192 kHz. If you already own a DAC Box DS, you can download a free upgrade from Pro-Ject to add DSD capability, and all units of the DAC Box DS sold will now include this much-requested feature.

Asynchronous USB Interface

The DAC Box DS has a USB audio interface, which supports 24-bit/192 kHz HD music data in fully asynchronous mode. The Pro-Ject incorporates the best in audio grade DAC chips, the Burr-Brown PCM 1792, which usually only can be found in very expensive high-end designs.

Ultra-linear Audio Circuitry

For the engaged audiophile, Pro-Ject provides two different filter settings (steep and optimum phase) allowing you to select of your favorite sound preference. The whole audio circuitry design is ultra linear with low output impedance to avoid any negative interference with cables or preamps.

The large front-panel display lets you know what the DAC Box DS is doing. The display shows selected input, incoming bit depth, filter settings, and sampling frequency. The very quiet DC power supply provides DC power supply consumes less than 1 watt or power in standby mode.

Product Features

Top grade PCM-1792 D/A chip from Texas Instruments Digital inputs: 1 x coax (S/PDIF), 1 x optical (Toslink), 1 x USB-B
24-bit/192 kHz asynchronous USB streaming
8 times oversampling
2 selectable filter settings
Ultra linear circuitry
Extremely low impedance output stage
Gold-plated RCA line level output sockets
DC power supply (< 1 watt standby power)
Faceplate in silver or black

Product Specs

D/A-converter: Texas Instruments PCM-1792, 8 x Oversampling design
Sampling rates (coax, USB): 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.2, 192 kHz
Sampling rates (optical): 8, 16, 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96 kHz
Selectable filter settings „steep“ & „optimum phase“
Analog out: 1 pair RCA
Output voltage: max 2 V
THD: < 0.01%
Power consumption: < 1 watt standby, 350mA max
Power supply: 18V/500mA DC; 220 - 240V, 50Hz
Dimensions: 4" wide, 2.8" high, 5.7" deep (6.4" deep including connectors)
Weight: 2.2lbs without power supply

"Tonally, the Pro-Ject is very smooth, creamy even. It is as though all of the rough edges had been expertly rounded off."

- Hi-fi Choice magazine, January 2014

"The Pro-Ject gives an entirely enjoyable listen across a wide range of sources, file formats and genres, from radio drama – it was very impressive with the recent Radio 3 Antony and Cleopatra – through to hi-res music."

"The warmth on offer here is never intrusive, and the presence and ambience that’s so much a part of a good DSD recording is largely in evidence…"

- Andre Everard, andreweverard.com, May 1, 2014