Pro-Ject Phono Box RS2 True Balanced Phono Preamplifier

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A fully balanced, fully discrete phono preamplifier from Pro-Ject for moving magnet and moving coil cartridges. It has stepless MC impedance control, gain from 40 to 70 dB, a left/right balance control, and RCA and XLR inputs and outputs. Black or Silver.

Pro-Ject describes the Phono Box RS2 as a reference class phono preamplifier. It uses no op-amps in the signal path and keeps the left and right channels fully separate from input to output.

Cartridge types

MM and MC

Gain

40 to 70 dB

MC impedance

Stepless 10 to 1000 ohms

Connections

RCA and XLR in and out

Circuit

Balanced, discrete, no op-amps

Size (W x H x D)

206 x 72 x 200 mm

Why you will love it

Fully balanced and fully discrete

Pro-Ject says the RS2 is balanced from input to output and built as a true dual mono design. The left and right channels each have their own positive and negative sections.

The circuit is fully discrete and uses no op-amps. Pro-Ject says it uses split passive RIAA and DECCA equalisation, selected with a button on the front panel.

Pro-Ject Phono Box RS2 phono preamplifier in silver, front panel with impedance, gain, balance and capacitance controls

Gain and loading you can set

Four MM gain steps (40, 43, 46 and 50 dB) and four MC gain steps (60, 63, 66 and 70 dB) are set from the front panel. Using the XLR outputs adds 6 dB.

In MM mode the input is 47k ohms with eight capacitance steps from 50 to 400 pF. In MC mode the impedance is set with a dial from 10 to 1000 ohms. Pro-Ject says the impedance can be changed while a record is playing, so you can hear the effect straight away.

Balance control

A balance dial shifts the centre of the stereo image up to 2 dB to the left or right. Pro-Ject says this corrects the small channel imbalances that cartridges can have.

Inside the Pro-Ject Phono Box RS2 showing the circuit boards and XLR sockets

Metal construction

The chassis is steel with screwed aluminium panels. Pro-Ject says this gives good rigidity and isolation from interference.

Two inputs and two outputs

There is one RCA and one XLR input, so two turntables can be connected. The input button switches between them, and the settings for each input are stored in memory.

RCA and XLR outputs are active at the same time, so two amplifiers can be connected. An automatic mute function reduces clicks and pops when you switch on or change settings.

Rear panel of the Pro-Ject Phono Box RS2 with RCA and XLR inputs and outputs and the 20V power socket

Is it right for you?

A great fit if you…

Play records with an MM or MC cartridge
Want a balanced XLR connection from the turntable to the amplifier
Want to fine-tune MC loading by ear
Have two turntables to connect to one preamp

Worth knowing

It outputs line level. Connect it to a line input (AUX, CD or similar) on your amplifier, not the phono input
An outboard 20V DC power supply is used, so it needs a power point close by
Pro-Ject says to make connections with the power supply unplugged

Build your system

The RS2 takes a turntable in and sends line level out to an amplifier. These items are on our site.

Turntable: Browse turntables
Cartridge: Moving coil options include the Ortofon MC Cadenza Red moving coil cartridge and the Ortofon MC Quintet Red moving coil cartridge
Amplifier: Connect to a line input on a stereo amplifier
Other Pro-Ject phono stages: See the Pro-Ject Phono Box RS phono preamplifier or the Pro-Ject Phono Box DS3 B phono preamplifier

Specifications

Input stage

Cartridge types	MM and MC
MM input	47k ohms, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350 or 400 pF
MC input	Stepless 10 to 1000 ohms, 50 pF
MM gain	40, 43, 46, 50 dB (+6 dB using XLR)
MC gain	60, 63, 66, 70 dB (+6 dB using XLR)

Performance

Signal to noise, MM (40 dB)	89 dB A-weighted (10 mV)
Signal to noise, MC (60 dB)	76 dB A-weighted (1 mV)
THD, MM (40 dB, 1 kHz)	Under 0.0015%
THD, MC (60 dB, 1 kHz)	Under 0.0024%
RIAA accuracy	Within 0.4 dB, 20 Hz to 20 kHz
Subsonic filter	20 Hz, 18 dB per octave
Balance control	-2 dB to +2 dB

Connections and power

Inputs	1 pair RCA, 1 pair XLR
Outputs	1 pair RCA, 1 pair XLR
Power supply	Outboard 20V / 3A DC
Power consumption	310 mA DC, 350 mA maximum, under 1 W in standby

Design

Finish	Black or Silver
Dimensions (W x H x D)	206 x 72 x 200 mm (230 mm deep including sockets)
Weight	1.6 kg without power supply

Specifications from Pro-Ject's product page and the Phono Box RS2 instructions for use (revision 2020.05.15), checked November 2026. Where the two differ, the lower figure is shown.

What is in the box

Pro-Ject Phono Box RS2 phono preamplifier
Outboard power supply
Instructions for use

Questions people ask

Does it work with moving coil cartridges?

Yes. Pro-Ject lists it as MM and MC capable. MC gain steps are 60 to 70 dB, and the MC input impedance is set with a dial from 10 to 1000 ohms.

Do I need to use the XLR connections?

No. It has both RCA and XLR inputs and outputs. Pro-Ject says the XLR outputs give 6 dB more gain than RCA.

Can I connect two turntables?

Yes. There is one RCA and one XLR input, and the input button selects between them. Settings for each input are remembered.

Which output do I connect to my amplifier?

Connect either RCA or XLR to a line input on your amplifier. Do not connect it to the amplifier's phono input.