Phono stage comparison: Pro-Ject Tube Box DS2 vs. iFI micro iPhono2

Shootout between 2 current preamps in the same price range. Both were burnt in for at least 200 hours and set at 100pF. Select the link below for a couple of 192/24 lossless audio clips:
So...which one do you prefer? You can vote in the onscreen poll (top right corner of the screen) and, of course, your comments will be highly valuable too :)
Thanks for watching :)

[radiotronic]

Both sound really good on my 2-channel speaker system. I get a bit more instrument separation with the IFI, bit wider soundstage in my room. A bit better dynamics on the IFI, particularly guitar plucks. DS2 has a bit more warmth, possibly a slight presence peak. Differences all around are pretty subtle. Would happily use either. Impeccable files!

[cmbayko]

so I have both pre amps and was debating about going back to my ifi after integrating an audiophile CD transport /player in my system, which is now making my vinyl sound thin and less dynamic in comparison, The Project-Tube Box is the S2, all tube output that shipped with Russian Electro harmonix tubes, and I have rolled to Gold Lion and PSvanne new art tubes. The Tube Box system is only going on 2 weeks old with about 30 hours on it. I think it needs more time. It sounds stellar, but I never owned a high end CD player before, and that sounds great, richer at this point. BUT your video convinced me I wish to stay with the Tube Box in as my phono pre. It sounds a bit richer in the vocals and through out. I especially love the first song! Really nice music!😇

[MrVinylObsessive]

A bit warmer presentation from the DS2, the iFi puts more emphasis on the highs, and the bass is perhaps a bit dryer. Both are good!
Which one is better? Hard to say, but for me, maybe the DS2 by a thin hair.
PS: Great lighting!

[konadbenz]

thanks
pro-ject reminds me of old radios, nice warmth of christmas-evenings
ifi more interesting,
to my taste....

[pepeeze]

Thank you so much for the audio files! As much as I enjoy people talking about a preamp, let's face it, you have to listen to it! Cheers.

[stephenbailey]

The Project seems to pick up excess noise in the bass. The ifi cleans that up somehow, giving a cleaner rendition of the bass and percussion.

[jwglista]

I think it’s important to understand the characteristics of the cartridge and TT we are hearing here as well. The DS may simply be curbing some harshness in the high frequencies that is a quality of this cartridge. Depending on the cartridge you own, the iFi may be a better choice. For example, I have a Denon DL 301 mkii which has a rolled off top end. That could be a good match for the iFi and a poor match for the DS. It’s all about synergy in this hobby.

[OfficialMarkZuckerberg]

I normally can't tell a difference but the harmonica at 2:30 really sold me on the project. When it switched over the harmonica wasnt nearly as open sounding.

[mark_nz]

Ifi seems to have a darker sound with a slightly more-forward lower mid. That suits my tastes personally :)

[net_news]

DS2 hands down... much more vivid, it's alive!

[WillBurns]

After listening to both, I'd have to side with the DS2. However, it is a very _slight_ difference. I wouldn't say one is better than the other on this, but it's down to personal preference and perception.

[gsherlock]

I've never liked the rolled off frequency extremes of the Tube box, I'd take the iFI micro.

[devastor]

Thx for this Video. I think the DS2 has a little bit warmer softer Sound for me...

[AttilaSVK]

I was expecting the iFi to come out as a winner, but the opposite was true. At a very similar price point, there's not much to think about. Unfortunately, both devices are a bit out of my price range, but I have a phono preamp in the making, and I hope to premiere it this year...
It would be interesting to compare it with the DS2 on your gear (which is far superior to mine)

[dblairw]

Thanks for this great video ! You just sold a Pro-Ject Tube Box DS2 as i join the vinyl resurgence :-) :-) Great choice of music - I enjoyed every second.

[alberto]

02:25 wow the harmonic (instrument) sounds amazing here!

[Chris_Porro_Land_o_Naps]

what i hear is a little more detail in the high end > 8k. then some more defined attack (hi frq) for the transients like the ride hits. frankly, it's nothing i would sweat. i'll keep the extra $200 and take the ifi.

[Comicdominicano]

Hola Francisco:
Finalmente la gran esperada comparación ha salido via tu canal.
Las muestras de audio son excelentes, como siempre, ni se diga del trabajo de edicion de colocar alternado los audios para que permiten una mejor comparación.

Por lo general, y es lo que hago no leo los comentarios de otros colegas, pero esta vez luego de escuchar y tener mi parecer veo que todos coincidimos, yo pienso lo mismo el margen de diferencia es apenas un muy estrecho margen, pero la tecnología antigua de los tubos al vacío que usa los Pro-ject permite darle más sabor y sensacion "Warm"al audio de un vinilo.
Mencionas que el rango de precios es similar, pero al mirar eBay y Amazon de USA, el DS2 está alrededor unos US$300 de los verdes por encima del iFi. De igual manera aunque la sutileza justifica su valor pero me parece que venderlo a US$800 de los verdes es un abuso del sobreprecio! :)

En resumen, y apoyándome en mi gusto particular, prefiero el DS2, solo que el precio de US$800.00 de los verdes le baja muchísimo de su buen atractivo.

¡Un Saladín!

[AdurianJ]

Just wanted to say that the 12v trigger on the tube box ds2 works fine with NAD's 12v triggers as long as you got a cable with 2.5mm at one end and 3.5mm at the other !

[MannyScoot]

I use the iFi iDSD Micro Black Label with my Empire Ears Odin IEM's on my Macbook Pro your tunes sound excellent !