Pro-Ject Stream Box S2 Ultra network-enables DACs with USB inputs

For anyone with a ‘dumb’ hi-fi system (not connected to the internet) who wants to stream music from a NAS drive or streaming service, your best bet is to invest in a streamer.

But if your DAC (or pre- or integrated amplifier with DAC) has a USB input, Pro-Ject could have just the streaming device for you.

The Stream Box S2 Ultra (£599) connects to your network via wi-fi or ethernet, and then to a DAC via its ‘audio-optimised’ USB type-A output.

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This gives users access to their NAS drive over DLNA, Tidal, Spotify Connect and internet radio – all controllable via the app or over a web browser.

It’s also Roon Ready, so subscribers to the music player software can send files from it to the Pro-Ject.

Essentially, the Stream Box S2 Ultra acts as a network bridge, sending files directly to your DAC. If you have MQA files, for example, there shouldn’t be any incompatibility issues.

There are also two USB inputs onboard for connecting external hard drives, and a HDMI video output for hooking up a monitor to display the Stream Box S2 Ultra’s graphic user interface.

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Becky is the managing editor of What Hi-Fi? and, since her recent move to Melbourne, also the editor of the brand's sister magazines Down Under – Australian Hi-Fi and Audio Esoterica. During her 11+ years in the hi-fi industry, she has reviewed all manner of audio gear, from budget amplifiers to high-end speakers, and particularly specialises in headphones and head-fi devices. In her spare time, Becky can often be found running, watching Liverpool FC and horror movies, and hunting for gluten-free cake.