Top High-End Preamplifier, MQA-enabled DAC and Headphone Amplifier in one, awarded with the EISA 2019/2020 Award

The Pre Box RS2 Digital is a higher-end model of the multi-award-winning and groundbreaking Pre Box S2 Digital preamplifier. It uses the same sonically perfect DAC chips and the same basic design principles, only the functionality and connectivity are expanded and pushed to new benchmarks. The result is a fantastic sounding and highly versatile component, the perfect partner for all high-end amplifiers and speakers!

BENEFITS

- Dual Mono DAC: 2 x ESS9038Q2M

- High quality optional PCM oversampling with MQA support

- Advanced clock management with new XMOS chip with multi-core RISC architecture

- 9 digital inputs: i2S HDMI, AES/EBU, Toslink, S/PDIF coaxial, Bluetooth version 4.0

- Analog output Pre-out XLR/RCA/headphone output 6.3 mm

- Analog input balanced XLR/RCA

- Fully symmetrical Dual-mono design

- Output stage switchable between 6922 and solid-state tubes

- Ultra-linear low-noise circuitry

- Clear high quality display with intuitive user interface

- High-quality all-aluminum remote control

TECHNOLOGY

The Pre Box RS2 Digital is a D/A converter and preamplifier that uses a dual mono configuration of two D/A converters from the renowned ESS Sabre.The ESS9038Q2M chipset offers the highest sound quality in affordable high-end circuitry. However, unlike most DACs in this price range, the Pre Box RS2 Digital utilizes dual DACs and separate signal paths for the left and right channels. This ensures full playback support for up to 32-bit/768 kHz PCM and DSD files (up to DSD512) via USB and for any digital files you may currently purchase or stream.

The analog output has a switchable output stage. You can choose between tube (4 x 6922EH) or solid-state stages. The Pre Box also has a choice of eight digital filters with which the listener can customize the sound to suit their personal preferences. The Pre Box RS2 Digital thus comes with full HW and SW support for MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) technology.

The USB input signal is processed by a powerful XMOS microcontroller with advanced multi-core RISC architecture. Altera's CPLD MAX II (Complex Programmable Logic Device) is used for re-clocking, which together with the XMOS microcontroller delivers high quality processing of both classical and MQA technology. For ideal use of this technology, in conjunction with the TIDAL service, it is best to connect the Pre Box RS2 Digital to our Stream Box S2 Ultra. You can also enjoy MQA quality by connecting to our revolutionary new CD transport CD Box RS2 T.The CD Box RS2 T can be connected using the reliable professional I2S bus via the HDMI connector, where the Pre Box RS2 Digital handles the time component (16.9344 MHz).

Theheadphone amplifier has an uncompromising design, using no output coupling capacitors and its output power is suitable for all types of headphones.

The Pre Box S2 Digital also enables wireless playback via Bluetooth AptX.

The large display on the front shows all important information, is clear and easy to read. Menu navigation is very responsive and quick, allowing you to easily set up the unit to your personal preferences in seconds!

A premium all-aluminum remote control is included.

LINKS

LOWBEATS Review (EN)

Review of HI-FI NEWS (En)

Test - LITE magazine (De)

EISA Reviews 2019 / 2020 (En)

Video with presentation

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• DAC: 2 x ESS9038Q2M (dual-mono - 32-bit / 768 kHz / DSD512), 8 different digital filters

• Digital inputs:1 x USB 2.0 Audio 32/768 + DoP and Native-DSD up to DSD512, 1 x HDMI ^I2Sfor CD Box RS2 T, 2 x S/PDIF optical, 1 x S/PDIF coaxial (24/192), 1 x symmetrical AES/EBU (24/192)

• MQA support:Full MQA hardware support

• Analog inputs with line level:1 pair XLR / 1 pair RCA

• Input impedance:15 kΩ

• Output impedance: 180 Ω (solid-state), 220 Ω (tubes)

• Analog outputs:Pre-out (XLR & RCA), Headphone (6.35 mm jack)

• Headphone Output:90 mW / 300 Ω; 245 mW / 32 Ω; 90 mW / 8 Ω

• THD+N (20 Hz - 20 kHz):< 0.006% (solid-state) / 0.017% (tube) @ 2V RMS, 1 kHz

• Master clock output:16.9344 MHz for CD Box RS2 T

• Bluetooth version:Fully integrated Bluetooth version 4.0 technology

• Bluetooth Codecs:SBC, AAC, AptX

• Electrons:4 x 6922EH

• Power supply:20 V / 3 A DC, 110 - 240 V / 50, 60 Hz

• Power consumption:Max. 1.2 A DC, < 0.5 W in standby mode

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