The Pro-Ject Phono Box S2 Ultra ($349 USD) is a unique phono preamplifier in its segment using a fully discreet design, offering the features and sound quality of products costing three to five times more. The incredible success of Pro-Ject's original Phono Boxes, motivated the company to introduce the design into its regular S2 line and compact form-factor. The solid metal casing protects against interference, a switchable subsonic filter (–18dB @20Hz) is included, as well as a wide range of adjustments to accommodate any cartridge.
In addition to eschewing operational amplifiers, Pro-Ject decided to use polystyrene capacitors, which significantly contribute to the high end sound of the Phono Box S2 Ultra. The split RIAA equalization enables a pin-point accurate representation of the RIAA curve and the user is able to switch the input impedance/capacitance and between six adjustable gain levels. The Phono Box S2 Ultra is also available in silver or black finish to better match other components.
And with the release of Phono Box S2 Ultra, Pro-Ject also confirmed availability in the US market of the Phono Box Ultra 500 (($399). The "500" celebrates the landmark half a million Phono Box circuits that Pro-Ject shipped in early 2018. The company signaled this milestone by creating a one-of-a-kind phono preamp, utilizing a copper clad enclosure body, for superior shielding against high frequency interference. The copper chassis is then covered with a luxuriant polished chrome, which will stand-out close to any turntable. Internally, the Ultra 500 uses the same discrete design with polystyrene capacitors of the Phono Box S2 Ultra, offering the same exact features.
And because Pro-Ject knows how vinyl enthusiasts are dedicated to preserving and playing their records in the best possible conditions, the company released two new Sweep It record brooms. Both are designed to be placed in the turntable, gently cleaning the vinyl while it's playing, with the brush doing its work ideally before the needle.
First is the affordable but effective Sweep It E model ($99), which features a heavy weight stand for secure standing, with an aluminum design that is easy to setup and durable, featuring a brush made of soft natural hair with extremely low static buildup. The uni-pivot arm follows the grooves of the record and cleans them effectively - a design that works with most Pro-Ject turntables. The second model is the more sophisticated Sweep It S2 ($129), a magnetically stabilized record broom that avoids "skating". The Sweep it S2 uses neodymium magnet stabilization, is height adjustable and is available in silver and black metal finish.
The Sweep It S2 was designed in collaboration with Klaus Mick, which patented the stabilization technology, with a carefully adjusted force between the neodymium magnet in the top part of the cylinder and the core/counterweight that stabilizes the arm with the brush. The adjustable arm of the record broom can be placed in one of the side corners of the turntable and compensated for the height, type and shape of the platter, while always applying the same pressure on the broom.
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