Pro-Ject Phono Box DS2

Pro-Ject's Phono Box DS2 is capable, flexible and well-built

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The phono stage has more impact on the quality of record replay than any other part of the amplification chain. It does the heavy lifting in amplifying the cartridge's tiny signal and also performs the delicate equalisation necessary for a flat frequency response, while it shouldn't add too much noise and distortion.

The phono modules built into most non-premium integrated amplifiers are pretty limited in ability, and so in most cases a dedicated phono stage will give you a better sound. That's where Pro-Ject's Phono Box DS2 comes in. Pro-Ject has built its reputation on good value and high-quality vinyl replay, and the Phono Box DS2 is a convincing piece of kit for the money. Inside the solid, smartly finished aluminium casework is a neat dual-mono circuit layout (which helps optimise stereo imaging) and general standards of build are up with the best at this level.

There's a range of adjustability that's rare for the price. It can accommodate both moving magnet and moving coil cartridges thanks to gain settings ranging from 40dB to 65dB. These are sensibly chosen values for the cartridges this phono stage will likely be partnered with. The DS2 also allows a good amount of adjustability regarding input resistance (10-47kOhms) and capacitance (100pF, 120pF and 320pF), which should optimise performance from your cartridge.