Glad I found your review on the Project S2. Your comparison to the Bryston was perfect. Current price ( Oct, 2021) of the S2 is on sale at Crutchfield at 299.99. Cannot wait to get one and try it out. Project has a new model: S2+. Always wanted to hear the Chario's....nice woodwork. Again, thanks for taking the time to post a video on the S2.
Why do these so called reviewers only test the device as a headphone amp or for computer speakers? They need to test it with an amp and real speakers. I need to know how it works with home audio.
I use this on my desk for listening to music. I listen to the same sources (locally stored audio files and qobuz) on this DAC. The speakers are A5+, which take RCA analog inputs from the DAC and provide their own amplification. Its sounds terrific - even has a small 2 channel home audio setup.
Excellent. I just purchased this with the Power Box S2 as a headphone system for my desk via Mac Pro + Tidal. I’ll take your advice and get a better USB cable than the one I robbed from my printer.
Too late but... S2 Digital Jack 6.3 output is too low power, so anything with 64+ Ohms impedance would be not loud enough. Or it should have great sensitivity.
While I appreciate this review, you lost me on the "shortcomings" of USB. It's all digital, period. Data is transmitted and checksummed and is the same on one end as the other. if it isn't you get NO DATA since the modem (modulate/demodulate) chips would reject it. We don't need special USB cables for hard drives which must also be perfect. As long as it's within spec, it's all good.
For audio the issue with usb is electrical noise that is transmitted from the computer to the DAC. This electrical noise can never be fully isolated from affecting the preamp in the DAC which affects the analogue output of the DAC. Cheap USB cables can add electrical noise due to poor metal quality and stamped contacts. So its noise from the computer that is then further aggravated by poor cable added noise which can affect the analogue section in the DAC. Yes, the bit are 1's and 0's and are not affected but that is not the problem affecting the sound quality with USB. Optical seems to be best if you have the option.
@@sudsnh I've heard this argument before. Can you actually hear the difference between USB cables? I'd doubt it. My argument is that if you can't hear it at silence, then it's meaningless. The only time I plugged in a USB cable to my DAC and got audible hum was when I connected my portable Oppo HA-2 to my two channel analog system. That system is centered by an Audible Illusions Modulus 3 tube pre-amp. It was built 25 years ago and its about as analog as it gets. Back when it was built, the only digital anything were CD and DAT players, but this Pre-amp was only RCA jacks anyway. But my HA-2 produced a bad hum...and I couldn't figure out why. Turned out I had connected the HA-2 into the "AUX" input of the Modulus 3 and not the CD or DAT inputs. It mattered because the design of the pre-amp had AUX serve high output line level input devices instead of normal ones. When I plugged the HA-2 into either CD or DAT, I got silence. If I'd bothered reading the manual, I could have figure this out quickly rather than wracking my brain for weeks on a solution. And I tried 3 different USB cables during this exercise. All of them performed the same.
@@Sevenfeet0 I'm a pessimist too, so I tried various cables to see if I can hear a difference and liked them better than a basic printer USB cable. In short, the answer is yes, regardless of the reasons why. I leave that to the engineers who design cables to explain, such as jitter, electronic/power noise from the 5v line, etc. I've spent $$$ on my audio system and wanted to know if cables make a difference. With this in mind, i tried 4 different USB cables, but most importantly I put a USB Regen device with a linear power supply in place. This made the most difference regardless of the USB cable. You can see that here ==> uptoneaudio.com/products/usb-regen. I also settled on a Wireworld silver starlight 7 cable which I thought sounded the best in my system. Hope this helps provide a different perspective. Enjoy the music!
hello Neil. Sorry for the tardy response. I have the S2 hooked via RCA outputs to Audioengine powered speakers. Just tested this out (since I always leave the volume set to 0db). The volume control on the S2 does vary the output level to the speakers, so the answer to your question is both.
Another review of this dac was from 4+ years ago. Do these companies update the hardware in them? The whole purpose of me buying a new dac is because I have an old...er receiver (with old dac, old Bluetooth tech). I don't think there's any point in upgrading it. My portable fiio btr5 does a little better on dac duty. I'm thinking for $350 a brand spanking new model...ifi zen one signature with both including ldac codec could last me another few years. Seems geshelli j2 would be the way to go without Bluetooth for the $. With such rapid changes in this tech i should upgrade only specific outdated components, do it cheaply and often. Both have ballanced outputs btw and j2 is almost 1/2 the price of the s2. I don't know about USB shortcomings or digital transfer cables making any difference in sound quality. I do see your discussion about this topic below and I'll be researching.
Software, rarely do they come out with an updated USB driver or firmware. Never have I seen any manufacturer release a hardware upgrade as they would rather have you buy the Gen II version.
there are different models for listening to music, from full range and satellite/sub systems. This was the latter. Presentation if properly setup gives a proper soundstage for 2 channel listening. I have since replaced these speakers and subs with a full range system, given my room size and presence that I was looking for at higher listening levels.
now... this is high end well i will try this one i don't care about nothing but the performace as a dac preamp so i will use it the way you do i'm very atracted to the zen DAC V2 the truue bass button sounds appealing but i want something closser to a properly high end system so i will go with this one
@@iand8548 well i was searching for a more detailed experience but my set up is alreaddy very vivid, so i wanted at the same time something smoother... detailed and softer at the same time... how is it even possible? this pre box S2 is not a generic DAC is a real enginiering achivement so far this DAC was exactly what i was searching for
There are many considerations: 1) price point , 2) amplifier(s) that you have today, 3) cartridge (MM or MC), 4) would this be for analog and also serve as DAC? No simple answer. I suggest you start with you amplifier manufacturer for compatibility and if it doesn't support a phono section, buy a phono preamp to connect into one of the line inputs. Hope this helps.
hi Stanny1. Although that's not what my video covers, I've heard of and seen 2 reviews of the Denafrips terminator. Have you heard both the BDA-3 and this DAC side by side to get a comparison? It would be good to hear your thoughts on the differences, pros/cons of each.
No and I haven't heard of any comparisons. But the Denafrips models have been lauded by the press over and over. The Bryston is a great DAC as well. I'm going to look up and see if there are any reviews on your DAC. I bought the Project DAC featured a year or so ago at about $350. All the Pro-ject stuff has gone up. My next purchase will be the $800 Pro-Ject Streamer because it's very reasonable for a streamer that is a ROON endpoint. It is also a John Westlake design. This guy is on fire, as is Bruno Putzeys.
@@amazoidal Thanks for the reply. I like the Pro-Ject stuff. As a Roon endpoint, I was recommended by Roon to use a RaspberryPi with a USB (or other Digiout hat for isolation like HiFiBerry) and the RoopieXL firmware. It works great. I'm no longer a Roon user as I have switched to Audirvana and like it better sonically. Roon's GUI/user interface is superior.
@@iand8548 I'm considering Audirvana as well. I prefer the idea of keeping my streaming/local file listening separate from each other. One of the reasons I never liked Roon.
@@unklecorky2181 I haven't used Roon in a while, but thought you could identify or filter local vs streaming versions of files? I like the sound of Audirvana, which is the primary reason I switched. I'm still using the non-subscription version. Maybe if I can hear a difference or they stop supporting this version I'll switch to the Studio version.
Glad I found your review on the Project S2. Your comparison to the Bryston was perfect. Current price ( Oct, 2021) of the S2 is on sale at Crutchfield at 299.99. Cannot wait to get one and try it out. Project has a new model: S2+. Always wanted to hear the Chario's....nice woodwork. Again, thanks for taking the time to post a video on the S2.
Appreciate the comment.
wow-that was very informative video about the "S2". Thank you for the great video
Very nice review with very strong knowledge of audio system!💖👍
tannoyoxford8 thanks for your comment.
Why do these so called reviewers only test the device as a headphone amp or for computer speakers? They need to test it with an amp and real speakers. I need to know how it works with home audio.
I use this on my desk for listening to music. I listen to the same sources (locally stored audio files and qobuz) on this DAC. The speakers are A5+, which take RCA analog inputs from the DAC and provide their own amplification. Its sounds terrific - even has a small 2 channel home audio setup.
Excellent. I just purchased this with the Power Box S2 as a headphone system for my desk via Mac Pro + Tidal. I’ll take your advice and get a better USB cable than the one I robbed from my printer.
Sounds like a good idea. I hear the difference between the printer USB cable and one designed for audio. Enjoy!
WooW,a good sound,yes,never I have been ear this astonishing sound!!!!
Hello, and thank you for the review. Will the Pro-ject Pre Box S2 Digital be able to drive a 250 ohm rated headphone?
Hello, I can’t answer your question as I don’t use headphones. Pls check on pro-ject website or call a local dealer.
Too late but... S2 Digital Jack 6.3 output is too low power, so anything with 64+ Ohms impedance would be not loud enough. Or it should have great sensitivity.
Спасибо! Было интересно.
Андрей Пальвинский thanks.
is S2 have enough power in jack to power hd650?
Sorry, I don't know as I don't use headphones. I would ask the company. Look at headphone requirements vs output of S2.
@@iand8548 not enough power.. so i choose audio-gd for the same money :)
While I appreciate this review, you lost me on the "shortcomings" of USB. It's all digital, period. Data is transmitted and checksummed and is the same on one end as the other. if it isn't you get NO DATA since the modem (modulate/demodulate) chips would reject it. We don't need special USB cables for hard drives which must also be perfect. As long as it's within spec, it's all good.
For audio the issue with usb is electrical noise that is transmitted from the computer to the DAC. This electrical noise can never be fully isolated from affecting the preamp in the DAC which affects the analogue output of the DAC. Cheap USB cables can add electrical noise due to poor metal quality and stamped contacts. So its noise from the computer that is then further aggravated by poor cable added noise which can affect the analogue section in the DAC. Yes, the bit are 1's and 0's and are not affected but that is not the problem affecting the sound quality with USB. Optical seems to be best if you have the option.
@@sudsnh I've heard this argument before. Can you actually hear the difference between USB cables? I'd doubt it. My argument is that if you can't hear it at silence, then it's meaningless. The only time I plugged in a USB cable to my DAC and got audible hum was when I connected my portable Oppo HA-2 to my two channel analog system. That system is centered by an Audible Illusions Modulus 3 tube pre-amp. It was built 25 years ago and its about as analog as it gets. Back when it was built, the only digital anything were CD and DAT players, but this Pre-amp was only RCA jacks anyway. But my HA-2 produced a bad hum...and I couldn't figure out why. Turned out I had connected the HA-2 into the "AUX" input of the Modulus 3 and not the CD or DAT inputs. It mattered because the design of the pre-amp had AUX serve high output line level input devices instead of normal ones. When I plugged the HA-2 into either CD or DAT, I got silence. If I'd bothered reading the manual, I could have figure this out quickly rather than wracking my brain for weeks on a solution. And I tried 3 different USB cables during this exercise. All of them performed the same.
@@Sevenfeet0 I'm a pessimist too, so I tried various cables to see if I can hear a difference and liked them better than a basic printer USB cable. In short, the answer is yes, regardless of the reasons why. I leave that to the engineers who design cables to explain, such as jitter, electronic/power noise from the 5v line, etc. I've spent $$$ on my audio system and wanted to know if cables make a difference. With this in mind, i tried 4 different USB cables, but most importantly I put a USB Regen device with a linear power supply in place. This made the most difference regardless of the USB cable. You can see that here ==> uptoneaudio.com/products/usb-regen. I also settled on a Wireworld silver starlight 7 cable which I thought sounded the best in my system. Hope this helps provide a different perspective. Enjoy the music!
@@sudsnh problem with optical is you now have to under two transformations as you enter the optical cable and then convert back on the other end
Hi, do you know if the volume control is just for headphone output or will it be able to control volume to a power amp?
hello Neil. Sorry for the tardy response. I have the S2 hooked via RCA outputs to Audioengine powered speakers. Just tested this out (since I always leave the volume set to 0db). The volume control on the S2 does vary the output level to the speakers, so the answer to your question is both.
Is this a good DAC ? Compared to mdac plus or chord mojo ?
Sorry, I can't answer this as I haven't heard either. The Chord has a good reputation. Best way to judge is to listen for yourself. Enjoy!
Hello.Please tell me, which you think it s better, this or Mojo in terms on audio quality?
Hi Rum Coffee (love your name) - haven't heard the Mojo so I can't offer an opinion.
Another review of this dac was from 4+ years ago. Do these companies update the hardware in them? The whole purpose of me buying a new dac is because I have an old...er receiver (with old dac, old Bluetooth tech). I don't think there's any point in upgrading it. My portable fiio btr5 does a little better on dac duty. I'm thinking for $350 a brand spanking new model...ifi zen one signature with both including ldac codec could last me another few years. Seems geshelli j2 would be the way to go without Bluetooth for the $. With such rapid changes in this tech i should upgrade only specific outdated components, do it cheaply and often. Both have ballanced outputs btw and j2 is almost 1/2 the price of the s2. I don't know about USB shortcomings or digital transfer cables making any difference in sound quality. I do see your discussion about this topic below and I'll be researching.
Software, rarely do they come out with an updated USB driver or firmware. Never have I seen any manufacturer release a hardware upgrade as they would rather have you buy the Gen II version.
@@iand8548 There are a couple updatable options available. McIntosh c63, Wyred 4 Sound DAC-2,etc.
He has a two way satelite system. That's for home theatre, not two channel listening.
there are different models for listening to music, from full range and satellite/sub systems. This was the latter. Presentation if properly setup gives a proper soundstage for 2 channel listening. I have since replaced these speakers and subs with a full range system, given my room size and presence that I was looking for at higher listening levels.
@@iand8548 Nice job bro!
now... this is high end well i will try this one
i don't care about nothing but the performace as a dac preamp so i will use it the way you do
i'm very atracted to the zen DAC V2 the truue bass button sounds appealing but i want something closser to a properly high end system so i will go with this one
At this time I would look at others in same price range. Very competitive and new models that you may like better.
@@iand8548 yes i know, but i can fin this piece as used for the zen da v2 price and i think this one is superior
@@crazymetallian Listen to both if possible.
@@iand8548 well i was searching for a more detailed experience but my set up is alreaddy very vivid, so i wanted at the same time something smoother... detailed and softer at the same time... how is it even possible? this pre box S2 is not a generic DAC is a real enginiering achivement
so far this DAC was exactly what i was searching for
What’s a good preamp for my turn table
There are many considerations: 1) price point , 2) amplifier(s) that you have today, 3) cartridge (MM or MC), 4) would this be for analog and also serve as DAC? No simple answer. I suggest you start with you amplifier manufacturer for compatibility and if it doesn't support a phono section, buy a phono preamp to connect into one of the line inputs. Hope this helps.
@@iand8548 when I get home I’ll let you know my setup
The Denafrips Terminator would sound better than the Bryston.
hi Stanny1. Although that's not what my video covers, I've heard of and seen 2 reviews of the Denafrips terminator. Have you heard both the BDA-3 and this DAC side by side to get a comparison? It would be good to hear your thoughts on the differences, pros/cons of each.
No and I haven't heard of any comparisons. But the Denafrips models have been lauded by the press over and over. The Bryston is a great DAC as well. I'm going to look up and see if there are any reviews on your DAC. I bought the Project DAC featured a year or so ago at about $350. All the Pro-ject stuff has gone up. My next purchase will be the $800 Pro-Ject Streamer because it's very reasonable for a streamer that is a ROON endpoint. It is also a John Westlake design. This guy is on fire, as is Bruno Putzeys.
@@amazoidal Thanks for the reply. I like the Pro-Ject stuff. As a Roon endpoint, I was recommended by Roon to use a RaspberryPi with a USB (or other Digiout hat for isolation like HiFiBerry) and the RoopieXL firmware. It works great. I'm no longer a Roon user as I have switched to Audirvana and like it better sonically. Roon's GUI/user interface is superior.
@@iand8548 I'm considering Audirvana as well. I prefer the idea of keeping my streaming/local file listening separate from each other. One of the reasons I never liked Roon.
@@unklecorky2181 I haven't used Roon in a while, but thought you could identify or filter local vs streaming versions of files? I like the sound of Audirvana, which is the primary reason I switched. I'm still using the non-subscription version. Maybe if I can hear a difference or they stop supporting this version I'll switch to the Studio version.
This guy talks in slow motion. I changed to playback speed to 2x. Fixed.
Thanks for the feedback, have to strike the right balance between deliberate/slower vs fast talking so people don't miss key points.