Pro-Ject DAC Box RS2

The Pro-Ject DAC Box RS2 is based on the same design as Pro-Ject’s EISA award-winning Pre Box RS2 Digital, with the pre-amplifier section removed, making it a high-grade DAC with phenomenal sound characteristics, ready to connect into any integrated or pre-amplifier.

The DAC Box RS2 features a very sophisticated digital stage, with a dual-mono configuration of the high-class ESS Sabre ESS9038Q2M DAC chips, featuring upsampling technology. Unlike most other designs, it boasts dual DAC chips and separate signal paths for the left and right channels. This allows for the finest conversion possible and support for digital transmission up-to 32-bit / 768kHz PCM and DSD512 over USB. There’s also full authorisation and hardware/software support for Master Quality Authenticated (MQA) audio files, and Roon Tested certification for quick integration into a Roon-based system. To handle all this complexity, the DAC Box RS2’s USB input 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 traditional and MQA source material.

In addition to the extensive USB options, the DAC Box RS2 can also connect directly to the matching CD Box RS2 T via a proprietary HDMI connection that carries I²S and the master clock (16,9344 MHz) signal. There are also additional optical, coaxial, AES/EBU and wireless Bluetooth (v4.0) digital connections to take care of all other possible sources, including a smartphone or tablet.

For sound personalisation, the DAC Box RS2 offers a switchable solid-state / 6922 tube output stage. Then there are also eight (8) digital filters, including a proprietary optimal transient digital filter designed by the creators of MQA, for further customisation of the end performance.

For ease of use, the DAC Box RS2 is equipped with a large LCD display that matches the CD Box RS2 T design. Control is best achieved with the supplied aluminium IR remote, where the extensive setting options menu can be navigated with ease to fully personalise your experience. The DAC Box RS2 is a truly complete solution, and is available in high-quality aluminium black or silver finish.

Specifications

DAC: X2 ESS9038Q2M (dual mono – 32bit/768kHz/DSD512) with 8 different digital filter settings

Digital Inputs: 1 x USB 2.0 Audio 32/768 + DoP and Native-DSD up to DSD512, 1 x HDMI I²S for CD Box RS2 T, 2 x S/PDIF optical 24/192, 1 x S/PDIF coaxial 24/192, 1x AES/EBU balanced 24/192

MQA Support: Full MQA unfolding by hardware

Line-level Input: 1 pair XLR, 1 pair RCA

Output Impedance: 180Ω solid state, 220Ω tube

Analogue Outputs: Fixed Outputs (XLR & RCA pairs)

THD+N (20Hz – 20kHz): < 0.0008% solid state/0.001% tube @ 2V RMS, 1kHz

Bluetooth Version: Fully embedded Bluetooth^® v4.0

Bluetooth Codecs: SBC, AAC and AptX

Output Buffer: Discrete and balanced, tube and solid state

Tubes: 4 x 6922EH

Power Supply: 20V / 3A DC

Power Consumption: Max. 1.2A DC (< 0.5W in Standby)

Dimensions (W x H x D): 206 x 72 x 222 mm

Weight: 1520g without power supply