Pro-Ject Phono Box RS Flagship Phono Stage

The Phono Box RS is an ultra-low noise and distortion-free phono pre-amplifier for Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC) cartridges, made with the sophisticated audiophile in mind. The result is a device that not only offers a breath-taking performance, but is also extensively adjustable to work with any type of pick-up cartridge.

Internally, the Phono Box RS uses only the finest available components throughout in dual-mono configuration - like the SSM2019 pre-amplifier module from Analog Devices on the input stages, and Linear Technology's LT1010 as a high current buffer stage - which allows for a very clean sound, free of unwanted noise. The Phono Box RS is then connected into a system via either RCA or XLR connectors, making it one of the most affordable high-end balanced phono stages on the market. Due to the very low output impedance of the phono stage, it is easy to pair with a wide variety of quality cables.

For cartridge matching, there is an extensive list of settings adjustment available. On top of the usual Gain and Capacitance adjustments, the Phono Box RS boasts a fully adjustable dial for attenuating the Input Impedance. This allows for perfect matching with any Moving Coil cartridge on the market, and it can even be adjusted during playback to tailor the sound perfectly to your preference. To further suit individual tastes, there is also an option to choose between fully-passive RIAA or DECCA equalisation curves.

With the Phono Box RS, vinyl playback will never have sounded as clear, detailed and smooth than with this superlative phono stage.

Key Features

• MM and MC compatible phono stage
• Fully balanced dual-mono design
• Fully passive RIAA equalization & DECCA settings available
• Continuously variable input impedance setting
• Impedance dial can be adjusted during playback
• RCA / XLR In & Out
• Superior low-noise and low-distortion circuitry
• Elegant dip switch controls on the front panel
• Metal casing protects against vibration and interference
• Available with silver or black casework

Awards

Hi-Fi Choice, January 2015

Reviewed by:	Ed Selley
Feature:	Beautiful System – Pro-Ject
Components:	Pro-Ject Xtension 9 Super Pack Pro-Ject Phono Box RS Pro-Ject Pre Box RS Pro-Ject Amp Box RS Pro-Ject Power Box RS Amp

Comments of Note:
"Pro-Ject Phono Box RS - A genuine fully balanced phono stage with endless load and gain options adjustable tone curves and exceptional sound for under a grand, the Phono Box RS is an established favourite.
“The Xtension is a clever piece of industrial design that looks every inch the asking price and takes style to new places, though it remains unmistakably Pro-Ject.”
“The Phono Box RS supports moving magnet and moving coil cartridges with multiple gain and loading settings – good, but far from unusual in terms of phono stage specification. It then goes on to add balanced inputs and outputs and the choice of standard RIAA and non-standard Decca equalisation curves. There are phono stages at 10 times the cost that can’t match that.” 
“The construction is a pleasing combination of immensely solid overall build that is then finished with some lovely and extremely high quality flourishes like the elegant speaker terminals and flawless piano lacquer that complements the equally wonderful job done by Pro-Ject on the Xtension.”
Xtension 9 – “the big white Pro-Ject is an impressively neutral platform”
“the Xtension is an utterly stable, silent and exactingly competent method of digging every last shred of detail off a record.”
“If these two former upstart brands (Pro-Ject & Acoustic Energy) have made the transition to become the new establishment, the next set of challengers are going to have to be truly sensational to repeat the feat. Welcome to the new order.”

 

Hi-Fi News, December 2013

Feature:	Group Test
Score:	80%, Highly Commended

Comments of Note:
“It’s a lovely package if you’re a tweaky turntable user, and even if you’re not then it will impress with its superlative finish.”
“The first few bars of The Crusaders track showed that this is a classy performer, with a refined tonality”
“It’s got plenty of detail, set within a highly spacious soundstage”
“There’s slightly less emphasis on the upper midband and treble than most, making this one of the smoothest to listen to.”
“Things flowed along nicely, with a fine sense of order and control”

 

Hi-Fi Choice, February 2013

Reviewed by:	Ed Selley
Score:	5/5 Stars, Reocmmended

Comments of Note:
"This is the best specified phono stage I have ever seen for under £1,000 and not for the first time on encountering a Pro-Ject product, I'm left wondering how they have done it for the price."
"Yes, you read that correctly! Pro-Ject has built a fully balanced phono stage for £600. There is a certain irony that a phono stage is one of the most suitable pieces of audio equipment to build balanced and yet examples of this are really rather rare..."
"Overall this feels like a very special piece of equipment and the only component that feels anything less than rock-solid is the power supply, but it is completely silent in use."
"Sonically, the RS is an impressive performer."
"The overall sonic balance of the Pro-Ject is commendably neutral, but it's able to accurately reproduce the behaviour of the turntable connected to it... The overall effect is that the Pro-Ject is extremely faithful to the source and the record."
"Overall, a serious bit of kit for the asking price, and there is no question the Pro-Ject has pulled out all the stops to produce something special. If you use multiple cartridges, the extremely flexible settings will allow you to get the best out of them and if you can go balanced, there is absolutely nothing that can match it for value. It also manages to feel special to use in a way that very few pieces of equipment under £1,000 can do. If the rest of the RS range is as capable as this, I can't wait to get my hands on them."

Specs