DAC Pro-Ject DAC Box DS
This Austrian brand is mostly famous for its turntables and it still makes a wide range of competitive designs. As far back as the mid nineties, the company made integrated amplifiers, but it's only recently that the electronics range has really taken off in the UK. The 'Box' series is now vast and confusing - there seems to be one for every possible pocket and intended use, and more! This DAC sits in the middle of Pro-Ject's range and is designed and built in the EU.
The DAC Box DS is the least good looking here by some way - compared to the Meridian Director, for example, it looks like it has come from a previous century with its fussy display and blocky appearance. Still, although hardly an object of beauty, it's extremely sturdily put together, having a brick-like feel when you pick it up. The crackle black case might remind you of a fifties car dashboard, but is more resistant to scratches than most here. Reasonably well specified, the Pro-Ject offers full 24/192 playback via one optical, coaxial or asynchronous USB input and standard RCA line outs, while a socket for the small external power transformer completes the rear panel picture. Inside, a Burr Brown PCM 1792 DAC chip is fitted with switchable filter settings - steep and optimal phase; we prefer the latter. Ergonomically it's a bit messy, the bright blue fluorescent screen is nevertheless very informative, with input, incoming bit depth, filter settings and sampling frequency all shown on the display.
This is one of the most self-effacing DACs here, in sonic terms at least. It has a far less showy presentation than the Meridian, isn't quite as prim and proper as the Musical Fidelity V90-DAC, lacks the richness and life of the Arcam irDAC and the pace of the Audiolab Q-DAC and the NAD D 1050. Still, this doesn't make it a bad DAC - it's just a very subtle one that's definitely to be recommended for those into easy listening; headbangers should look elsewhere!
Tonally the Pro-Ject is very smooth, creamy even. It is as though all the rough edges have been expertly rounded off - indeed one panelist suggests it's: "A touch veiled", as it doesn't quite get down and dirty with the music, so to speak. Rhythmically it is pretty good, if not spectacular; the Kraftwerk track bounces along well and proves an enjoyable listen. Still that said, it does initially sound very underwhelming and rather over-smooth - this DAC has an unspectacular sound that doesn't exactly draw attention to itself, but further listening certainly rewards.
Listening to the Bruce Springsteen track one listener describes the Pro-Ject as: "More balanced tonally" than the Meridian, as it isn't in your face. It gives a nice, pleasant rendition of a great sound and proves fairly fluid and satisfying to listen to, but not exactly riveting. Another panelist comments that it is: "Softer and smoother and more organic" than most, but still it isn't exactly the belle of the ball. Dynamics seem a little fl at, and this gives the DAC an inoffensive, but uninspiring sound compared with many here. Bass is good, but it isn't as well articulated as the Arcam, Audiolab or NAD. It is probably closest to the Musical Fidelity in overall character, but smoother and slightly more opaque sounding. Overall then, the DAC Box DS is a decent digital-to-analogue convertor and not one you'll want to overlook, especially if you have a brightsounding system that you're trying to tame. But many will crave more power and passion, which is more abundantly on tap elsewhere.
