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Pro-Ject’s Box Design series of compact hi-fi components has been available for over 10 years, but nine new additions have now been added in the shape of the DS2 range, while more are expected before the end of the year. All new models offer improved four-layer PCB boards for shorter signal paths and are available in a choice of either black and eucalyptus or silver and walnut (pictured) finishes.

The £785 Pre Box DS2 Digital is a compact preamp, offering a built-in MM/MC phono stage, headphone amplifier, 32-bit/
768kHz PCM and DSD256-capable DAC and aptX Bluetooth. The Amp Box DS2 (top unit) is built around a low-energy Class D amplifier module to provide high output power for demanding speakers and is available in both Stereo (£520) and Mono (£475) guises. It has four isolated speaker terminals and a loop output for passing the audio signal onto another device. The Pre Box DS2 Analogue (bottom unit) pure single-ended Class A output preamp costs £435 and features a newly developed relay-controlled volume pot for a claimed low noise floor.

The Head Box DS2 B (£520) is a fully balanced headphone amplifier boasting both balanced (4-Pin XLR) and unbalanced (6.35mm jack) headphone inputs, while the DAC Box DS2 Ultra (£600) is a standalone digital-to-analogue converter. It has been built around the Asahi Kasei Microdevices AK4490 chip and can handle signals up-to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD256. The £550 CD Box DS2 T is a pure audio CD transport and the Tube Box DS2 (£600) phono preamplifier with valve output stage is replacing the Tube Box DS (HFC 372). Completing the series is the £520 Phono Box DS2 USB, which is a MM/MC phono preamp with analogue, digital and USB outs.

The new DS2 range is distributed in the UK by Henley Audio, but you can find out more about each specific box here. Check out our review of the Pre Box DS2 Digital/Amp Box DS2 preamp & DAC/power amp combo in the December issue. On sale 9 November.