I purchased a “demo” Pro-ject Streambox S2 Ultra a few weeks ago from an on- line dealer. The device sounded fantastic on my system (Roon Core on Win10 Laptop>WIFI>LAN Extender>Pro-ject Streambox>Rotel 1570 Integrated Amp). The sound quality improvement over an Auralic Aries Mini was considerable. I was thrilled with sound quality of the Streambox and I really liked the engineering that went into the device. It was also nice to be able to use a small brick power supply instead of a bulky linear power supply.
Unfortunately, it was extremely difficult getting Roon to see the Streambox. If i turned off the integrated amp and then turned it back on, most of the time Roon could not get connected to the Streambox. The dealer was not much help and told me that they have seen the same type of issues with other more expensive streamers. The way that I see it is that either the Streambox was defective or it or the Streambox is just not compatible with my integrated amp’s USB connection. I had no choice but to return the Streambox to the dealer for a refund before the trial period ended.
I am currently trying out an Allo USBbridge Signature player with a linear power supply. It sounds better than my Aries Mini, but nothing compared to the Streambox. The USBridge sounds a bit shrill, which is what I experienced when I used the USB output on the Aries Mini. A COAX connection sounded best with the Mini. I think that the Streambox is a better product that matched up well with my current set up. Listening to the Streambox kind of spoiled my ears and the USBridge is just not going to cut it for me.
My question is what should I try next? I could try another new Streambox that might work better than the first unit. Should I try out the Allo Digione Signature Player or should I look at more expensive offerings from SOTM or Sonore? I would appreciate your suggestions.
Alan - really interesting feedback. I’m now about to take the plunge with the streambox ultra to power the Hugo
Keen to have a further chat about the experience and very interested about yout comments over the usb signature which is what I was also looking at.
When I was testing the Streambox and I was able to compare it to the sound of my Aries Mini with a USB connection which includes a Wyred 4 Sound Recovery in the chain. As I’ve stated, the sonic improvement was immediately noticeable. The biggest difference was that it seemed like a veil was lifted and everything sounded much more clear. With the Aries Mini, my system sounds great with acoustic music, but it sometimes sounds bright and harsh with rock music and some recordings. There was much less of that with the Streambox. After listening to my system with Streambox for a few days, it seemed to me that the soundstage was deeper and that separation was improved. If I were to use one word to describe the difference, I would say “cleaner”. Of course all of this is subjective.
I hope this helps.
Alan it does massively.
I going to get the streambox as I can get for £450 from my local.dealer which I think is a steal. It’s ex display but who cares. If it’s good, like you say it is, I’m then going to get the black one and sell my brand new Auralic G1. I do t use it now where near as much as my headphones and it’s a lot of cash sitting down stairs. Thanks again. Much appreciated.
I realize this is an old post, but I learned that the ROON ready endpoint feature of the Pro-ject S2 Ultra is not active and recognizable by the ROON core unless and until there is an active output attached and selected within the S2 Ultra settings menu. I fussed around quite awhile when I changed the USB DAC and the S2 disappeared from ROON. Just for the record…
Can you show further? I’ve been unable to get Roon connected to our same device. JCR
Hi Jeff, The S2 Ultra works well once configured, but frankly is a PITA to configure. Recommendations:
Make sure you are running latest update firmware/software
If you are connecting to a USB DAC, that DAC must be connected and recognized by the S2 Ultra in order for the box to become discoverable by the Roon core.
If you are connecting by wired ethernet, that makes it easier. I am using WiFi, and that required connection to Wired ethernet first in order to get it properly configured.
If you can provide a few details on the problem you’re having, I might be able to help you. Mine is working very well right now…
good advice from Jack here. I am using mine wired as I found drop outs at 192KHz and above with wifi. make sure your DAC is on and connected at all times.
Has anyone been able to connect the Pro-ject S2 Ultra to their 5GHz Wifi 802.11n network ? Mine will only see the 2.4GHz band, even though the S2’s spec’s indicate it is 802.11n compliant (which indicates both 2.4 and 5 GHz should be supported). I sure would like the additional bandwidth from the 5GHz connection.
Just got a reply from Sumiko:
The Stream Bos S2 Ultra is designed for 2.4g, although we strongly recommend hard wiring it.
We do not anticipate any future firmware updates which would change that.