Using the Pro-Ject Tube Box S2 phono preamplifier with the right vinyl setup can result in enhanced sound quality, particularly when it comes to the warmth and richness of the sound produced by the tubes. The “true” tube design of the Pro-Ject Tube Box S2 preamplifier is said to provide a more authentic and natural sound, without relying on solid-state amplification. The newS2 casing is a big additional asset to the design, as not only does it deliver the highest visual appeal, but it is also sturdy enough to protect the internal circuitry against unwanted interferences and vibrations, which can cause unpleasant listening experiences. The Tube Box S2 also benefits from protective cages around the valves - inspired by the superiorTube Box DS2design

I actually prefer the look of the S2 where the tubes are more visible, but that might just be me. If you need the extra versatility, the DS2 is definitely worth the premium. This article essentially sums up the research and selection process I went through when buying a good tube phono preamp for personal use. I have owned very few home audio products that have impressed me more. It is simply awesome. I love it. If you are a beginner audiophile and want to add an entry-level tube phono preamp to your vinyl setup, the Fosi Audio Box X2 is probably your best bet.Most of the time when a tube is put in some audio product the result is a disaster. It is as if they think stuffing the tube in there is all they need to do, performance to be damned. Not here. The Pro-Ject Tube Box S2 seems to have been designed well to do what people expect a tube to do: produce a gradual rise in distortion with level. It has the more or less the same circuitry, characteristics and specifications as the Rega Fono MM, but comes in a simpler metal casing. It is not much to look at, but feels very solid built. The neat thing is that it is small and can easily be hidden behind or between other components in your setup. While others (you will find many on Steve Hoffman’s music forum) think it sounds muddy and isn’t a real and authentic sounding tube phono preamp. The Rega Fono MM was awarded best phono stage in its price category 2014,2015 & 2018 by What Hi-Fi. And I have yet to meet a person that is disappointed about its performance. Engaging the subsonic filter (also available via front panel pushbutton produces less low frequency rumble, but it also takes from a lot of the energy in the music resulting in an emotionally “flat” sound. Pro-Ject lists the filter as 20Hz with a slope of 18dB/octave however, the “20Hz” part confuses me because the filter doesn’t sound like it starts to drop at 20Hz. In fact, it sounds like it drops off at around 30-35Hz.

When I plugged it into my vinyl setup and put it on sound, I immediately noticed an annoying clipping of the sound. Inspired by high-end designs but available for a very appealing price, the Tube Box S2 is a real audiophile bargain. Features I’ve been using the Pro-Ject Tube Box S2 as my primary preamp for a couple of years now, and it’s been an absolute game-changer. In this review, I’m going to dig into the nitty-gritty of its performance, features, and build quality while highlighting its pros and cons. Design and Build Quality: My research includes long-term testing of several phono preamps (including the Project Tube Box S2 and Little Bear T7) as well as comprehensive research online. The Tube Box S2 is the best tube phono preamp you can buy if you are looking for a good sounding and authentic tube phono preamp that does not cost a fortune. #2. Runner-Up: Vincent PHO 701

Maiden Voyage: Herbie’s piano sounded warm, inviting and timbrally rich. Soft, yet percussive, it flowed together perfectly with incredible sustain and life. I really could feel the emotion pouring through my system and out of my speakers like I have never before felt. “Yes!” I thought. “This is what analog really sounds like!” I have heard videos on YouTube of people playing their records through very nice equipment with good A/D conversion, and while very impressive sounding, the digital conversion mixed with YouTube’s compression and limited frequency range detracts from the presence and weight that with vinyl you can almost feel more than hear. Strange, right? Again, through the S2 there was a slight increase in depth and dimensionality compared to the Denon. Imaging was better, bass was cleaner, the S2 just is a better preamp. Bear in mind that the Project Tube Box S is what is commonly called a “starved plate” tube design, using a pair of 12AX7A tubes with only an 18 VDC wall wart, which means there is no more than 18 VDC on the tube plates (anodes). An AC wall wart could have allowed for a voltage doubler/tripler power supply – which would have been a little closer to real operation. Honesty, I am not sure if this product is good value or not, but my research didn’t make me confident that it is. Cantaloupe Island: An ARP Odyssey synth without any reverb or effects was the first instrument through the speakers. Cleaner, more defined—and dare I say with deeper bass—and texture that somehow seemed to make my subwoofer better get along with my speakers and room. So, my experience with this phono stage has been a pretty good one. Albeit subtle, it sounds fantastic and was a step up (no pun intended) from the solid state phono preamp built into my Denon receiver.

When I bought my Tube Box S2 I believed it was the cheapest tube preamp I could buy that didn’t compromise sound, quality, design, or authenticity.When I got the Pro-Ject Tube Box S2, it replaced my Rega Fono Mini A2D which is also a very good phono preamp. The other way is to use a phono preamp that has a warm sound characteristic. A tube phono preamp or a solid state prone preamp that has a warm character.