--- product_id: 69958070 title: "Pro-Ject Tube Box S2 Black - Phono Tube Preamp for MM and MC Cells" brand: "pro-ject" price: "R30549" currency: ZAR in_stock: true reviews_count: 13 url: https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/69958070-pro-ject-tube-box-s2-black-phono-tube-preamp-mm store_origin: ZA region: South Africa --- # Discrete low-noise circuit, no op-amps 2 ECC83 tubes for rich analog warmth Aluminum-metal housing blocks vibration & EMI Pro-Ject Tube Box S2 Black - Phono Tube Preamp for MM and MC Cells **Brand:** pro-ject **Price:** R30549 **Availability:** ✅ In Stock ## Summary > 🎶 Elevate your vinyl ritual with tube-powered clarity and style. ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** Pro-Ject Tube Box S2 Black - Phono Tube Preamp for MM and MC Cells by pro-ject - **How much does it cost?** R30549 with free shipping - **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.co.za](https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/69958070-pro-ject-tube-box-s2-black-phono-tube-preamp-mm) ## Best For - pro-ject enthusiasts ## Why This Product - Trusted pro-ject brand quality - Free international shipping included - Worldwide delivery with tracking - 15-day hassle-free returns ## Key Features - • **Future-Proof Your Sound Setup:** Easily roll your own tubes to customize tonal character and keep your system evolving. - • **Audiophile-Grade Components Inside:** Polystyrene capacitors and discrete FET circuitry replace cheap op-amps for pristine, low-noise audio. - • **Built to Last, Designed to Impress:** Robust aluminum sandwich chassis ensures durability while minimizing interference and vibrations. - • **Tailored for Every Vinyl Enthusiast:** Supports both MM and MC cartridges with adjustable gain and loading for ultimate cartridge compatibility. - • **Analog Warmth Meets Modern Precision:** Dual ECC83 tubes deliver that coveted tube sound with crystal-clear channel separation. ## Overview The Pro-Ject Tube Box S2 Black is a premium phono tube preamp designed for MM and MC cartridges, featuring dual ECC83 tubes in a discrete low-noise circuit. Its aluminum-metal housing protects against vibration and electromagnetic interference, while audiophile-grade polystyrene capacitors ensure superior sound quality. With adjustable gain, cartridge loading flexibility, and tube rolling capability, it offers a versatile and durable upgrade for discerning vinyl lovers. ## Description Tube Box S2 Black Review: Really good sound! - This little phono preamp from Pro-Ject sounds good! I had been using an Art DJ Pre II phono preamp, which is IMO a great deal and practically a steal for how cheap it sells. But I had desertcart gift certificates burning a whole in my pocket. I read a lot before buying the Tube Box S2, as I was not really dissatisfied with the Art DJ Pre II. My biggest concerns around purchasing the Tube Box S2 was that it supposedly isn’t an “all-tube” phono preamp and the cost, which is high but not that high for “quality” audio gear. What eventually sold me on the Tube Box S2 was even if it isn’t all tubes producing the gain and RIAA equalization, it is supposedly using high-quality capacitors and FETs (transistors) in place of less expensive op amps or chips. As a consumer of audio appliances, I don’t really have anything against solid-state electronics, so I appreciate that Pro-Ject designed and built the Tube Box S2 with quality in mind. Even if it’s not all tubes, it’s built with circuits and parts that are as high of a quality as you can get at this price point, and yes, the tubes certainly are being used in the output and supposedly in some of the gain. The build quality, the fit and finish, on the exterior of this little box is top notch, too. It’s a nice, solid-feeling piece of metal, presumably aluminum, and the silver version is a nice, silky, matte finish. Usually a phono preamp is at best a box you can place unobtrusively, but the Tube Box S2 actually looks kind of nice, too. The most important thing though is the sound — WOW! It puts my Art DJ Pre II to shame. The gain, which is adjustable, is amazing and it’s across the whole of my audible spectrum. The bass, midrange and treble are all well present and accounted for with the pleasant RIAA roll-off beloved by us vinyl enthusiasts. The sound is quite clear. The Tube Box S2 also has 2 features I’ve yet to use, which are also very good at this price point. 1.) It has phono cartridge-loading flexibility, so you can use MM or MC cartridges across a wide variety of impedance and capacitance settings. This phono preamp gives you the ability to try a whole lot of cartridges if you feel so inclined. 2.) Last, and I’m sure I’ll be trying this someday, you can roll tubes! You can use the 12ax7-compatible tubes of your choice with this little box. To sum up, yes, it seems a bit expensive for a phono preamp, but compared to other “boutique audio” products: it’s relatively cheap; it seems thoughtfully designed and built well; it has a really good set of features; and it sounds great! Review: Just the upgrade I was looking for! - Im picky about my home audio setup and didn't have any intentions to upgrade until I realized my old phono preamp did not survive our recent move. This led me to decide on an upgrade and find something new. Coming from mostly solid state in the past I decided I wanted to give tubes a try but also did not want to break the bank. Boy was I impressed. This Tube Box S2 was a huge upgrade to my system. My vinyl's felt warmer, and I was picking up details in the music I hadn't before. Setup is simple if you follow the provided instructions. It looks modest and isnt a big obnoxious bright amp by any means which I like as my entertainment center is already crowded with other audio and gaming equipment. Everything pro-ject builds that I have used has had great quality and I fully expect this to last me a long long time. ## Features - Innovative pioneering phono tubes in miniature format with premium sound. Suitable for MM and MC pickups - Very low noise circuit, complete discrete construction without op amp, polystyrene audiophile capacitors - 2 ECC83 tubes (interchangeable), constructed in double mono for better channel separation - Gold RCA inputs and outputs, front subsonic filter switch, front gain settings - Aluminum and metal sandwich housing protects against vibration and electromagnetic interference ## Technical Specifications | Specification | Value | |---------------|-------| | ASIN | B075KPB1P2 | | Best Sellers Rank | #171,762 in Electronics ( See Top 100 in Electronics ) #23 in Home Audio Phono Preamps | | Brand | Pro-Ject | | Brand Name | Pro-Ject | | Customer Reviews | 4.4 out of 5 stars 498 Reviews | | Included Components | Tube Box S2 | | Item Weight | 2.1 pounds | | Manufacturer | Pro-ject | | Material Type | Cotton | | Maximum Supply Voltage | 18 volts | | Model | Pro-Ject Tube Box S2 | | Mounting Type | Surface Mount | | Number of Channels | 2 | | Number of Items | 1 | | Number of Packs | 1 | | Output Power | 10 watts | | Package Type Name | single unit box | | Part Number | Pro-Ject Tube Box S2 | | Unit Count | 1 Count | ## Product Details - **Brand:** Pro-Ject - **Manufacturer:** Pro-ject - **Maximum Supply Voltage:** 18 Volts - **Mounting Type:** Surface Mount - **Number of Channels:** 2 ## Images ![Pro-Ject Tube Box S2 Black - Phono Tube Preamp for MM and MC Cells - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71-LwDsjtEL.jpg) ![Pro-Ject Tube Box S2 Black - Phono Tube Preamp for MM and MC Cells - Image 2](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/818UCAja3QL.jpg) ## Available Options This product comes in different **Color** options. ## Questions & Answers **Q: How come my tubes dont light up?** A: Thanks for your question. The tubes on the S2 do not light up. They have a very low glow that is barely perceptible. World Wide Stereo is 43 years old and a proud authorized Pro-Ject dealer. **Q: Can anyone tell me which dip switches should be on for an ortofon 2m blue cartridge? thanks! this is all new to me.** A: Thanks for your question. Using the included owners manual as a guide, for a 2M Blue:: 1-off, 2-on, 3-off, 4 -8 are off. World Wide Stereo - since 1979 - and a proud authorized Pro-Ject dealer. **Q: can you roll the tubes?** A: Yes, you can. **Q: Anyone recommend dip switch settings for sumiko rainer mm cartridge?** A: Thanks for your question. The Sumiko Rainer cartridge specifications state Load Impedance: 47kOhms, Recommended Load Capacitance: 100pF to 200pF, and Output Voltage: 5.0mV. Set input impedance at default 47k, Capacitance at 150pF. Set Input gain at the recommended 43dB. The Tube Box S2 owners manual details the 8 dip switch settings. World Wide Stereo is 42 years old and a proud authorized Pro-Ject dealer. ## Customer Reviews ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Really good sound! *by J***L on February 9, 2020* This little phono preamp from Pro-Ject sounds good! I had been using an Art DJ Pre II phono preamp, which is IMO a great deal and practically a steal for how cheap it sells. But I had Amazon gift certificates burning a whole in my pocket. I read a lot before buying the Tube Box S2, as I was not really dissatisfied with the Art DJ Pre II. My biggest concerns around purchasing the Tube Box S2 was that it supposedly isn’t an “all-tube” phono preamp and the cost, which is high but not that high for “quality” audio gear. What eventually sold me on the Tube Box S2 was even if it isn’t all tubes producing the gain and RIAA equalization, it is supposedly using high-quality capacitors and FETs (transistors) in place of less expensive op amps or chips. As a consumer of audio appliances, I don’t really have anything against solid-state electronics, so I appreciate that Pro-Ject designed and built the Tube Box S2 with quality in mind. Even if it’s not all tubes, it’s built with circuits and parts that are as high of a quality as you can get at this price point, and yes, the tubes certainly are being used in the output and supposedly in some of the gain. The build quality, the fit and finish, on the exterior of this little box is top notch, too. It’s a nice, solid-feeling piece of metal, presumably aluminum, and the silver version is a nice, silky, matte finish. Usually a phono preamp is at best a box you can place unobtrusively, but the Tube Box S2 actually looks kind of nice, too. The most important thing though is the sound — WOW! It puts my Art DJ Pre II to shame. The gain, which is adjustable, is amazing and it’s across the whole of my audible spectrum. The bass, midrange and treble are all well present and accounted for with the pleasant RIAA roll-off beloved by us vinyl enthusiasts. The sound is quite clear. The Tube Box S2 also has 2 features I’ve yet to use, which are also very good at this price point. 1.) It has phono cartridge-loading flexibility, so you can use MM or MC cartridges across a wide variety of impedance and capacitance settings. This phono preamp gives you the ability to try a whole lot of cartridges if you feel so inclined. 2.) Last, and I’m sure I’ll be trying this someday, you can roll tubes! You can use the 12ax7-compatible tubes of your choice with this little box. To sum up, yes, it seems a bit expensive for a phono preamp, but compared to other “boutique audio” products: it’s relatively cheap; it seems thoughtfully designed and built well; it has a really good set of features; and it sounds great! ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Just the upgrade I was looking for! *by B***. on March 10, 2025* Im picky about my home audio setup and didn't have any intentions to upgrade until I realized my old phono preamp did not survive our recent move. This led me to decide on an upgrade and find something new. Coming from mostly solid state in the past I decided I wanted to give tubes a try but also did not want to break the bank. Boy was I impressed. This Tube Box S2 was a huge upgrade to my system. My vinyl's felt warmer, and I was picking up details in the music I hadn't before. Setup is simple if you follow the provided instructions. It looks modest and isnt a big obnoxious bright amp by any means which I like as my entertainment center is already crowded with other audio and gaming equipment. Everything pro-ject builds that I have used has had great quality and I fully expect this to last me a long long time. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ An Improvement To My System *by D***L on July 14, 2019* I have a late 70’s McIntosh System. The phono pre-amp on my 40 year old C28 Pre-amp started failing. A friend of mine brought over his Pro-Ject Tube Box S2 to try on my system. I really liked the way the tubes took the edge off the output on my solid state system. I decided to buy a S2 instead of spending that money trying to troubleshoot and fix my C28 phono out. The S2 was easy to set up. However, one of the tubes quit working within a few weeks of purchase. My friend had updated his stock Pro-Ject tubes to Tung-sol brand tubes. I ordered a matched pair of Tung-Sol 12AX7 Tubes and replaced the Pro-Ject tubes. I haven’t had any problems with the unit since replacing the burnt out tube. So hopefully it was just a bad tube. Now I’m sitting in the sweet spot. I have a Pro-Ject DC Turntable with an Ortofon 2M Bronze MM Phono Cartridge. Playing records through the S2 sounds better than it ever did through my old McIntosh phono pre-amp. And, changing to the Tung-sol brand tubes made a noticeable difference in sound quality as well. With the signal passing through the S2 my vinyl records just sound better. With the tubes, I feel the output has more clarity, tone, and richness, especially in the mid to upper ranges. At this price point, I am really pleased with the sound quality of this little S2. But I would recommend upgrading the stock Pro-Ject brand tubes. You will get more out of your S2. You will also need to find the specifications of your current cartridge so you can properly set the S2 to your cartridge’s output. You can usually find cartridge info pretty easy through an online search. The included instructions with the S2 will help explain how to dial your S2 into your cartridge’s output. ## Frequently Bought Together - Pro-Ject Tube Box S2 Pure-Tube MM/MC Phono Preamplifier (Black) - Primeda Auidophile 2RCA Male to 2RCA Male Stereo Audio Cable,Gold Plated | 4N Oxgen-Free Copper Core (3 Feet (1M)) - Monoprice 1.5ft Premium 2 RCA Plug/2 RCA Plug M/M 22AWG Cable - Black --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/69958070-pro-ject-tube-box-s2-black-phono-tube-preamp-mm](https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/69958070-pro-ject-tube-box-s2-black-phono-tube-preamp-mm) --- *Product available on Desertcart South Africa* *Store origin: ZA* *Last updated: 2026-08-13*