Pro-Ject Phono Box S2 Ultra, Fully discrete MM/MC phono preamplifier (Black)

I chose this model because of a few reasons.Firstly it is well constructed and looking at the specs it has incredibly low distortion levels. It’s circuits are fully discrete high grade components and it’s a dual mono construction. These features can only be a good thing and are sure signs of good design and construction.Secondly it’s fully compatible with MM or MC so my cartridge choices are not limited in the future. This is also helped by the fact that the impedance, capacitance and gain can be adjusted by means of a series of dip switches on the underside of the unit. This allows the pre amp to be electrically matched to your cartridge choice. This will result in optimal results from your vinyl playback.Lastly it’s a made in Europe component as all of Pro-ject’s equipment is.In use this a very quite phono stage with regards to unwanted noise. I’ve set the impedance, capacitance and gain to match my cartridge and the results are very clear sounding records with no audible hum, even at reasonably high volume levels on my amplifier noise and hum is never heard beneath the music.The incredibly low distortion figures and accurate RIAA response mean that this component will not impart it’s own characteristics to the sound. What you hear is your cartridges interpretation of the record. This is a very good pre amp.Another nice feature to note is the inclusion of a subsonic filter to get rid of speaker cone flutter with warped records, or just to get rid of really low rumble. It’s not something I’ve felt the need to use yet, but it’s nice to know it is there should it be needed - as most modern vinyl playback equipment seems to dispense with this. I think it’s nice to have it included, once upon a time it was a standard feature on equipment so nice to see it here. The only thing that would have been better would have been to put this switch on the front rather then the rear. It’s not a massive issue as it’s easy reach the rear with your index finger (oo - er), but you can’t see at a glance if subsonic is activated or not.The unit is very compact and easy to find space for it’s footprint. It even lights up blue the same as my NAD integrated amplifier which is nice. All in all I’m happy with it and wouldn’t hesitate in recommending it.

I’m extremely happy with this phono amp, it’s much quieter than my Duo and sounds great.

Great quality, neutral balance, low capacitance BUT mine was really noisy. constant "machine noise" with and without the TT connected, audible on quiet passages. If you don't need MC facilities the Rega Fono III is better in every way for less money or if you do there is a MC version for a little more but I haven't heard that.

Using this with my project RPM1 carbon with a 2M blue, and so far I’m very pleased with the result. Compared to my Rega a2d mini it has a bit more body and warmer sound. My speakers are Triangle Color floorstanders and TEAC ai1000 amp.

Great little box, dynamic and silent background - bought it for my Technics SL1210GR and it proved to be up to the task

The instructions are really, really poor and I would suggest you know what you are doing prior to purchase.I had to contact my dealer to set it up. Project should look at this and supply instructions that are foolproof and understandable.

I bought this preamp for its wide range of adjustments - gain, input capacitance and impedance. I've kept it for its very clear and detailed sound and quiet background. It's a very good match for my Ortofon Super OM30 MM cartridge and SME 3009 Improved tonearm, but it has is so much tunability that I would expect to work well with other cartridges in a similar price range, including high- and low-output moving coil models.

I am using this in conjunction with an Accu Box S2 power supply and a Debut Pro turntable with an Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge.The sound is completely natural. Bass goes very deep (I have a subwoofer) and treble is natural and detailed. The soundstage is both open and deep, and the electronics are completely silent. I have no other phono stage to compare this to, but I am very content with the performance (which I suspect is limited only by the cartridge).There are a number of dipswitches on the base that allow different loadings and sensitivities for a wide range of cartridges (moving magnet and moving coil) so this phono stage is a good investment if you plan future cartridge upgrades. The unit is very compact, and has a quality metal case to protect against external interference. Highly recommended!