The most universal & future-proof high end pre-amplifier, DAC, headphone amp!

The Pre Box RS2 Digital is the bigger brother of our award winning and ground breaking Pre Box S2 Digital. It uses the same excellent sounding DAC chips as the S2 version, proving once again that the Pre Box S2 Digital was already at the very top of high-end DACs and absolutely beyond its competition. Based on the same core-design principles, the feature set is extended and driven to new heights. The result is a fantastic sounding and very versatile box. The perfect partner for the cream of the crop of high-end amplifiers and speakers alike!

The Pre Box RS2 Digital is a DAC and preamplifier that uses a dual-mono configuration of the highest-class D/A converters from ESS Sabre. ESS9038Q2M chips provide the highest sound quality in price-affordable, high-end circuits. Unlike most of DAC´s in this price range, the Pre Box RS2 Digital includes dual DACs and separate signal paths for the left and right channels. Also thanks to these converters, the Pro Box RS2 Digital supports up to 32-bit / 768 kHz files in PCM and DSD formats (up to DSD512) via USB, covering any digital file you can buy or stream.
The analog output is a buffer that is both solid state and high-quality tube. Thus, the customer can choose which of the option is preferred. The Pre Box has eight digital filters. One of them is the proprietary optimal transient digital filter from the MQA creators. With these filters, the listener can customize the sound to suit their own preferences. Pre Box RS2 Digital comes with full HW and SW support for MQA technology (Master Quality Authenticated).

In the Pre Box, the USB input signal 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 classical and MQA technology. For the ideal use of this technology, it is best to connect the Pre Box to our Stream Box S2 Ultra in conjunction with the TIDAL service. You can also enjoy MQA quality by linking it with our new revolutionary CD transport, the CD Box RS2 T. The CD Box RS2 T can be connected to the Pre Box by reliable I²S differential bus via the HDMI connector where the Pre Box RS2 Digital also provides the master clock (16.9344 MHz).

The headphone amplifier is the ultimate design. No compromise. No coupling capacitors. Not even on the output. All of the the amplifier is DC coupled. A very fast DC servo assures no DC voltage on the output. Its output power is suitable for all kind of headphones.

A premium full aluminium remote control is included in the packaging and the Pre Box RS2 Digital is available in a high-quality silver or black aluminium case. The big display screen on the front shows all relevant information in an easy to read, clean and structured way. Navigating the menu is very responsive and fast, allowing you to set up the unit to your preferences in seconds!

Features

• Dual Mono DACs: 2x ESS9038Q2M
• High Quality optionally selectable upsampling of PCM and/or MQA content with propriatory filtering
• Advanced re-clocking powered by new XMOS chip with Mulit-Core RISC architecture
• 9 digital inputs: i²S HDMI, AES/EBU, Toslink, S/PDIF coax, Bluetooth v4.0
• Analogue: Pre-out XLR/RCA/headphone, RCA input
• Fully balanced double mono design
• Output stage switchable between 6922 tube & solid state
• Ultra-linear and ultra low noise
• New high-quality display with responsive and fast UI design
• High quality full Aluminium remote control included
• Available in silver and black

Technical Specifications

DAC 2x ESS9038Q2M (dual mono - 32bit/768kHz/DSD512)
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
Input impedance 15 kOhm
Output impedance 180 Ohm solid state, 220 Ohm tube
Analog outputs Pre-out (XLR & RCA), Headphone (6,35mm jack)
Headphone output power 90 mW / 300 Ohm; 245 mW / 32 Ohm; 150 mW / 8 Ohm
THD+N (20Hz - 20kHz) < 0.006% solid state/0.017% tube @ 2V RMS, 1 kHz
Masterclock output 16,9344MHz for CD Box RS2 T
Bluetooth Version Fully embedded Bluetooth® v4.0
Bluetooth Codecs SBC, AAC, AptX
Output Buffer discrete and balanced, tube and solid state
Tubes 4 x 6922EH
Power supply 20V/3A DC, 110-240V/50, 60 Hz
Power consumption max. 1,2A DC, <0,5W in standby
Dimensions W x H x D (with sockets) 206 x 72 x 222 mm
Weight 1710 g without power supply