The Head Box S2 Digital takes the advanced digital design of the DAC Box S2+ but adds headphone support to the outputs for added convenience.
With support for PCM files up-to 32-bit / 768kHz and quad-DSD decoding (DSD256) via the rear-mounted USB port, there's very little this compact device can't handle with ease. The clever internal design means unwanted noise entering the system via USB is double-filtered to suppress it to insiginficantly low levels. Fully Hi-Res Audio certified and Roon Tested, the Head Box S2 Digital is a DAC that's more than comfortable in far more expensive audio systems.
For alternative digital sources, the Head Box S2 Digital also has an optical input and coaxial S/PDIF input (both limited to 24-bit/192kHz conversion), so nothing should be out of reach - whether you're looking to connect CD players, network streamers or a computer.
Regardless of the input used, Pro-Ject's proprietary Optimum Transient Digital Filter and complimentary clock circuitry design allows the Head Box S2 Digital to manage jitter down as low as 100 Femtoseconds, ensuring the tightest and most capable audio performance possible. The sound can then be tailored to suit any listener's preference thanks to the other four digital filters included with the ESS Sabre ESS9038Pro DAC chip.
The internal layout of the Head Box S2 Digital borrows further from the Pre Box S2 Digital design to ensure the best possible performance. Through the clever use of polymer capacitors and thin-film miniMELF resistors it is possible to fit all this technology into such a small chassis. Elsewhere, industry-first innovations in the dual-regulator architecture makes sure the sound performance does justice to the true high-end formats you can play through the DAC.
The Head Box S2 Digital's front-seated 6.35mm headphone output delivers a clean and precise sound with a musical touch. The rear-mounted RCA outputs are a fixed Line Level output for easy connection to an existing amplifier - turning the Head Box S2 Digital into both a full system DAC and a high-quality headphone amplifier
Power is provided by the included power supply, but you can upgrade your convenience further by switching to any 5V power bank. Housed within the improved S2 chassis, the overall build, feature list and performance of the Head Box S2 Digital is enviable for the price.
Key Features:
- High-end ESS Sabre ESS9038 DAC
- Proprietary clock circuitry design
- Organic polymer capacitors and thin-film miniMELF resistors
- 32-bit / 768kHz PCM support
- Up-to DSD256 (DSD over PCM) support
- Up-to 24-bit / 192kHz support for optical & coax inputs
- Five selectable digital filter characteristics
- One filter is proprietary optimum transient digital filter
- Synchronization of all internal oscillators
- Jitter as low as 100 Femtoseconds
- Front-mounted high-quality headphone output
- Fixed level RCA outputs for connection to an amplifier
- Gold plated four layer PCB
- Premium S2 chassis
- Available in black or silver
Technical Data
DAC: | 1x ESS9038Q2M 32-bit PCM 768kHz / DSD256 |
Digital Inputs: | 1x Coax (S/PDIF) 2x Optical (TOSlink®) 1x USB B |
Headphone Amp Chip: | ESS9063 |
Sampling Rates: | 32kHz 44.1kHz 48kHz 88.2kHz 96kHz 176.2kHz 192kHz 352.8kHz 384kHz 768kHz |
DSD Support: | DSD64 DSD128 DSD256 |
Filter Settings: | 5x Selectable |
Frequency Response: | 20Hz - 20kHz |
THD: | 0.0007% |
Analogue Outputs: | 1x Headphone (6.35mm Jack) 1x Pre Out (RCA) |
Dynamic Range: | 120dBA |
Output Voltage: | 2.05 Veff |
Power Consumption: | 5V. Micro USB |
Dimensions: | 103 x 37 x 120mm |
Weight: | 366g (Without PSU) |