BOX DESIGN 252HBXS2DS Pro-Ject Head Box S2 Digital Amplifier Instruction Manual

June 4, 2024
BOX DESIGN

BOX DESIGN logo INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
Pro-Ject Head Box S2 Digital

252HBXS2DS Pro-Ject Head Box S2 Digital Amplifier

Dear music lover, thank you for purchasing a Pro-Ject Audio Systems headphone amplifier.
In order to achieve maximum performance and reliability, you should study these instructions for use carefully.

Warning of a hazard for the user, the unit, or possible misuse
Important notice

Safety instructions

AC outlet voltages vary from country to country. Before connecting to the mains, make sure that the voltage in your area meets the voltage requirements printed on the power supply.
The power supply is used to disconnect the unit from the mains. Make sure that the power supply is easily accessible at all times. Never handle the device or the power supply while your hands are wet or damp.
Avoid letting liquids enter the device or the power supply. Never place any item containing liquid, such as a flower vase on or near the device. Never spill any liquid on the device or the power supply. Never place any naked flame sources, such as lighted candles on or near the device. The product shall not be used in damp or wet locations, next to a bathtub, sink, swimming pool, or any other similar conditions.

Connectors

BOX DESIGN 252HBXS2DS Pro Ject Head Box S2 Digital Amplifier -
Connectors

Make all connections whilst the preamplifier is disconnected from the power supply
Take care to connect the left and right channels correctly. The right channel is usually marked red, the left channel black or white.

Mains power connection
The unit offers 2 possibilities:

  1. The USB input is not used: Connect the low voltage plug from the power supply to the micro-USB socket Power 5V DC before connecting the power supply to the mains.
  2. USB input is in use: The unit can be powered directly from the computer via USB input. In this case, is highly recommended to disconnect the Power 5V DC cable from the unit  – power disturbances from two power supplies could affect sound performance.

Outputs
The unit is equipped with a pair of analog output RCA sockets on the back panel. Connect the Output RCA socket to a line input on your amplifier.
Headphone connection
Connect headphones to the socket on the front panel (Jack 6,3mm). The rear output is muted when headphones are in use.

Inputs
The unit offers 3 digital inputs: USB, Optical, and Co-axial
USB: is dedicated for connection to a Computer. Connect the USB input of the unit to a free USB socket on your computer and turn it on/make sure it is powered on. Driver Installation (Windows® operating systems only)

  • For Windows® operating systems an USB driver (supplied on CD) has to be installed. Mac OS ® operating systems do not need an additional driver.
    For example – Windows 7® and newer operating systems:
    → Control Panel → Hardware and Sound → Sound → Playback: select Speaker/Project Head Box S2 Digital
    → Properties → Supported formats: make sure nothing is assigned
    → Level → Sound: setting must be 100
    → Enhancements: disable all enhancements → Advanced → Default Format: set to studio quality 24/192

Windows 10 operating systems support 24/192 playback (WASAPI), and installation of supplied (ASAPI) drivers is not necessary.

Please note: Connection should be made to a USB socket of your computer directly. Connecting to USB hubs or switches can cause problems.
Co-axial and Optical: Use appropriate cables to connect to sources of digital signal like CD players, streamers, TV sets,s, etc.

Front panel

BOX DESIGN 252HBXS2DS Pro Ject Head Box S2 Digital Amplifier - Front
panel

Volume
Adjust the volume to the desired level using the knob on the right side of the front panel.
Input selector
After the unit is powered on, operating the button Input selects the inputs in turn. The selected input is indicated by the LEDs (1-Optical, 2-Co-axial, 3-USB). The blinking  LED indicates no signal.
DSD
LED is illuminated when streaming DSD data over USB input. (playback of DSD on Windows computer requires a driver from supplied CD) and a software player capable of playing DSD files

Filters
Filter button select filters in turn:

  1. Optimal Transient
  2. Fast Roll off (Linear Phase Fast Roll off)
  3. Slow Roll off (Linear Phase Slow Roll off)
  4. Minimum Phase (Minimum Phase Slow Roll off)
  5. Apodizing Hybrid

Filter setting and selected input are stored after turning off the unit.

Technical data

Digital inputs
D/A-converter
Playback formatsFilter settings
Frequency response
Analog outputs
Output voltage
Minimal recommended headphone impedance 8ohms

Headphone output power
THE
Dynamic range
Outboard Power supply
Dimensions W x H x D Weight (without power supply):

| 1x USB (B), 1x Co-axial (RCA), 1x Optical (TOSLink)
1x ESS9038K2M 32-bit
USB: up to DSD256, PCM up to 32b/768kHz
Optical: PCM up to 24b/96kHz
Coaxial: PCM up to 24b/192kHz
5 different selectable on the front
20Hz – 20kHz
6.3mm Headphone (front), 1x Variable Out (RCA)
2,05 Veff
6,6mW/600ohms, 68mW/32ohms
0,0007% at 0dB, 2V RMS, 1kHz
120dBA
5V/1A DC (included)
103 x 37 x 122 mm (including knob and connectors)
360g
---|---

Service
Should you encounter a problem that you are not able to alleviate or identify, please contact your dealer for further advice. Only if the problem cannot be resolved there, the unit should be sent to the responsible distributor in your country.

Warranty
The manufacturer accepts no responsibility for damage caused by not adhering to these instructions for use. Modification or changes to any part of the product by unauthorized persons release the manufacturer from any liability over and above the lawful rights of the customer.
Copyright, trademarks
Pro-Ject Audio Systems is a registered Trademark of H. Lichtenegger.
This guide was produced by: Pro-Ject Audio Systems Copyright© 2017. All rights reserved.
The information was correct at the time of going to press. The manufacturer reserves the right to make changes to the technical specification without prior notice as deemed necessary to uphold the ongoing process of technical development.

Windows ®, Windows XP ®, Windows Vista ®, Windows 7 ®, Windows 8 ®, and Windows 10 ® are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies. Mac ® and Mac OS ® are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. TOSlink ® is a registered trademark of Toshiba Corporation. Dolby ® is a registered trademark of  Dolby Laboratories. DTS ™ is a registered trademark of DTS, Inc. DSD is a registered trademark of Sony Corporation.

PRODUCT INFORMATION

BOX DESIGN 252HBXS2DS Pro Ject Head Box S2 Digital Amplifier -
fig

HEADBOX S2 DIGITAL

Headphone amplifier and DAC with 32bit and DSD256 support MSRP 299 € (incl. VAT)

  • High-end ESS Sabre ESS9038 DAC
  • Proprietary clock circuity design
  • Organic polymer capacitors and thin film minimal resistors
  • 32bit / 768kHz decoding
  • DSD64, DSD128 & DSD256 (DSD over PCM)
  • Up to 24bit/192kHz for optical & coax inputs
  • 5 selectable digital filter characteristics
  • 1 proprietary optimum transient digital filter
  • Headphone output on the front (6.3mm)
  • Synchronization of all internal oscillators
  • Jitter as low as 100 Femtoseconds!
  • Gold plated four-layer PCB
  • Full alu/metal sandwich casing in silver or black

color options:

3 digital inputs: 1x coax (S/PDIF), 1x optical (TOSlink®), USB B
D/A-converter: 1x ESS9038Q2M 32-bit PCM 768kHz /DSD256
Headphone amplifier chip: ESS9063
Sampling rates: 32/44,1/48/88,2/96/176,2/192/352,8/384/768 kHz
DSD support: DSD64, DSD128, DSD256
Filter settings: 5 different selectable on the front
Frequency response: 20Hz – 20kHz
Analogue out: 6.3mm Headphone Out (front), 1x Pre Out (RCA)
Output voltage: 2,05 Veff
Headphone output: power 68mW (32Ohms)
THD: 0,0007%
Dynamic Range: 120dBA
Power consumption: 5V, micro USB
Dimensions W x H x D: 103 x 37 x 120 mm
Weight: 366g without power supply

Head Box S2 Digital – High performance and headphone amplifier

Head Box S2 Digital comes fully equipped for the highest demands of the modern audiophile. It supports playback for PCM files up to 32bit / 768kHz and DSD decoding up to quad DSD (DSD256). Head Box S2 Digital also comes with five digital filters for soundscape-ing to the listener’s preferences. Three digital inputs ensure to connect to any source available, be it a personal computer via the USB B input or a TV set via the optical input. The co-axial S/PDIF input takes all data from a digital transport such as the CD Box DS2 T. All inputs offer support for high-resolution data up to 24bit /192kHz. The USB input offers full high-resolution support for all files up to PCM 32/768 and DSD256. The front seated 6.35mm headphone out- put delivers a clean and precise sound with a musical touch. Unwanted noise coming in through USB is double filtered to suppress them to a level where it can’t affectBOX DESIGN
252HBXS2DS Pro Ject Head Box S2 Digital Amplifier - fig1

audio to realize an undisturbed listening experience. The new aluminum/metal casing ensures the highest aesthetics and protects against vibration and interference! Head Box S2 Digital comes in silver or black.BOX DESIGN
252HBXS2DS Pro Ject Head Box S2 Digital Amplifier - fig2

Technical data and price changes are reserved.
PRO-JECT AUDIO SYSTEMS
www.project-audio.com
© Pro-Ject Audio Systems
· Pro-Ject Head Box S2 Digital · Revision 2017.08.29

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