Pro-Ject Tube Box DS2 vs Phono Box DS2 (Solid State) - Which did I buy?

Pro-Ject Tube Box DS2 vs Phono Box DS2. Let's look at the difference between a solid state and a tube phono preamp. At the end of the video, I'll explain which one I purchased and why.

Product Links (AAL=Amazon Affiliate Link):
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TubeBox DS2:

Amazon (AAL):
Turntable Lab Affiliate:

Phono Box DS2:

Amazon (AAF):
(Turntable Lab Affiliate):

The Pro-Ject Tube Box DS2 promises audiophile phono stage credentials with added tube "warmth" and versatility to suit a wide range of cartridges. Does it deliver the musicality and character vacuum tube are known for?

In this video, I compare the performance of a built-in phono preamp and their Phono Box DS2 to the Tube Box DS2 as a component upgrade.

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[soundmatters]

Thanks for watching! 🎶🎧 Do drop your comments and questions below. If you'd like to support the channel, check the video description for many DISCOUNT CODES codes to enjoy money off various products and feed your vinyl habit! (I earn a small commission - no additional cost to you). Thank you for your support!

[JoeFPSGamer]

I have the Phono Box DS2, buyed it used for 160Euro and it is great with my Philips turntable and headphone amp/headphones

[PurpleDreki]

Bought a tube box DS2. Looking forward to setting it up soon.

[TheHammerofDissidence]

Had the original DS for a while with some Gold Lion gold pin 12ax7s. Great sounding amp. Highly recommend popping a pair of those Gold Lions in, it'll bring the sound to a new level. They would probably mesh well with your 2m Blue.

[ocularcavity]

The Tube Box DS2 is AMAZING I have had mine for 5 years and It is my go to when playing Vintage records like Cream- Wheels of Fire, that come off sounding thin on my SL-Q2, 2M black, DJ pre II setup, Plug it into the Tube box and it has this MEATY PUNCH added to the drums and guitar especially Bass Guitars. The funny part is I bought it to go with my Ortofon 2M black but ended up being a better match for my vintage Carts instead like my ADC Integra and AT-92E and Empire 2000E so much so that I have it EXCLUSIVELY reserved for MY Pioneer PL518 that is my mono and vintage setup and My Technics SL-1200 MKII and SL- Q2 stay on their solid state DJ pre II

[LazaroRodolfoSiamRodriguez]

Thank you so much for your video! I've looking at the same phono preamp and this is certainly reassuring 😅

[chuckmaddison]

What a choice, i have both tube and solid state amps. I admit they are different no question about it.
I use depending on how i feel at the time .

[tomwebb]

The "Tube" DS2 is just a DS2 with valve buffers! They are both solid state. The "tube version" is the same circuit with tubes at the outpuit to buffer and hence colour the sound. It is a pleasant 2nd order distortion being added. It is NOT a proper tube phone stage. A true tube phono stage is alot more expensive to implement properly and sounds considerably more open and alive. for the money the DS2 Tube Box still does a great job.

[wolfmanjacksaid]

In the "What is the best phono preamp under $1k" category I would really love to see a comparison between the Musical Fidelity MX-VYNL, the Pro-Ject Tube Box DS2, Pro-Ject Phono Box DS3 B and the Classic Audio MM Pro!

[slistone]

Have you tried to roll the tubes in the ds2? If so, can you please post a how-to video? I hear it’s a little tricky!

[SuperFredAZ]

I don't want to throw water on your purchase, however let it be known that 12AX7 vacuum tube were never designed to be operated at low voltages (below 50 V, B+). If you pull up the data sheets, they are not characterized to operate at below 50V, maybe that's why people keep "rolling" them to find ones that are better than others. Also with aging what sounded good in 2023, may not sound good in 2025. I would like to see someone offer pre-amps that actually are operate as the tubes were meant to be operated, say 48 V B+

[Danny..]

Hi Marc, just a quick question i have a carbon evo with upgraded acrylic platter and aluminium sub platter with the ortofon 2m blue ive also upgraded the power supy in your opinion which phono preamp would you say was the best out of the project phono box ds2 or the Ifi Zen Phono preamp ?

Many thanks in advance for your advice.

[Sweet-vd]

I just purchased the ds2. I connected it via aux input to my emotiva ta1 and it sounds horrible. My turntable is a fluance rt85 with ortofon blue. Any suggestions?

[frankgeeraerts]

Almost 700 euro today worth the price !
ECC83 about rare : expensive nos tubes, better reserve them for the very best tube amplifiers .
Build yourself a real tube