Pro-Ject DAC Box S2+ Digital-to-Analog Converter

Compact ESS Sabre DAC with PCM up to 32-bit/768 kHz, DSD256 support, three digital inputs, and five selectable filters

The DAC Box S2+ is a compact digital-to-analog converter built around the 32-bit ESS Sabre ESS9038Q2M DAC. Its asynchronous XMOS USB-B input supports PCM files up to 32-bit/768 kHz and DSD64, DSD128, and DSD256 via DSD over PCM.

Coaxial and optical inputs support PCM up to 24-bit/192 kHz, allowing the DAC Box S2+ to accept digital audio from sources such as a CD transport, streamer, or TV. A stereo pair of RCA line outputs connects it to an integrated amplifier, preamplifier, or other line-level component.

Five selectable digital filters let you choose between different conversion characteristics from the front panel. Pro-Ject also uses proprietary clock circuitry with synchronized internal oscillators, specifying jitter as low as 100 femtoseconds.

Inside, the DAC Box S2+ uses organic polymer capacitors, thin-film miniMELF resistors, and a gold-plated four-layer PCB. Unwanted noise entering through USB is double filtered, while the full metal sandwich chassis helps protect the circuitry from vibration and interference. The DAC Box S2+ is available in black or silver.

Features

• ESS Sabre ESS9038Q2M 32-bit DAC
• Asynchronous XMOS USB-B input
• PCM playback up to 32-bit/768 kHz through USB
• DSD64, DSD128, and DSD256 playback via DSD over PCM
• Coaxial and optical PCM playback up to 24-bit/192 kHz
• Five front-panel-selectable digital filters
• Proprietary clock circuitry with synchronized internal oscillators
• Specified jitter as low as 100 femtoseconds
• Double filtering of unwanted noise entering through USB
• Organic polymer capacitors and thin-film miniMELF resistors
• Gold-plated four-layer PCB
• Stereo RCA line output
• Full metal sandwich chassis
• Available in black or silver

Specifications

D/A Converter: ESS Sabre ESS9038Q2M, 32-bit

Digital Inputs: One asynchronous XMOS USB-B, one coaxial S/PDIF (RCA), and one optical S/PDIF (Toslink)

USB Playback: PCM up to 32-bit/768 kHz; DSD64, DSD128, and DSD256 via DSD over PCM

Coaxial Playback: PCM up to 24-bit/192 kHz

Optical Playback: PCM up to 24-bit/192 kHz

Digital Filters: Five, selectable from the front panel

Frequency Response: 20 Hz–20 kHz

Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.0007% at 0 dB, 2 V RMS, 1 kHz

Dynamic Range: 120 dB

Analog Output: One stereo pair of RCA line outputs

Output Voltage: 2.05 V RMS

Power Supply: 5 V/1 A DC outboard power supply (included)

Finishes: Black or silver

Dimensions (HWD): 1.46" × 4.06" × 4.80" (37 × 103 × 122 mm)

Weight: 0.78 lb. (355 g), without power supply