Pro-Ject Juke Box S2 (Eucalyptus) review

This is a source-led assessment of the Pro-Ject Juke Box S2, shown here in Eucalyptus. It is not a listening test or a claim about a particular unit. The U.S.-facing item located for this exact finish is an open-box listing, so the review is a model reference—not a promise of a new unit, present supply, or any item's condition.

A turntable, phono stage and power amplifier share one chassis

The Juke Box S2 differs from an ordinary deck with a built-in phono preamp: Pro-Ject describes both a preamplifier and a power amplifier inside the chassis. The published output is 2 × 50 watts into 4 ohms, and the rear speaker terminals allow a compatible pair of passive speakers to connect directly. The speakers are not included in the exact seller item I found; plan for them, their wire and a stable shelf. The published amplifier figure is not a blanket compatibility guarantee for every speaker, so check the speaker maker's load guidance rather than choosing on wattage alone.

It can also act as the center of a small system for other sources. The manufacturer lists one analog line input and Bluetooth input. A CD player or another line-level source can use the analog input; a phone or tablet can send audio to the Juke Box over Bluetooth, then the integrated amplifier can drive connected passive speakers. Its included remote and top display help manage input and volume, though they do not make the arm automatic.

There are several distinct phono routes

For the simplest vinyl setup with passive speakers, use the Juke Box's internal phono stage and amplifier, then connect the speakers to its speaker outputs. No separate phono box or receiver is needed for that arrangement. With powered speakers, Pro-Ject's manual points to the variable line output; the speakers must have a line input, and their own amplifiers do the speaker-driving work.

The separate Phono Out is a different path. The manual identifies it for an external phono preamplifier. That output can feed a compatible moving-magnet PHONO input on an integrated amplifier or receiver, or a separate MM phono stage before powered speakers or an amplifier's line input. Pro-Ject identifies the fitted Pick it 25A as a moving-magnet cartridge. Check that the external input is an MM phono input—not AUX/LINE—and do not feed a line-level output into a PHONO socket. A phono input already applies the required gain and equalization.

For a buyer who already owns a receiver, this flexibility matters: you can use its MM PHONO section through Phono Out, or keep the Juke Box's own stage and amplification in use with a line-level path. Those are alternate signal routes, not features to stack together.

Bluetooth is documented as an input, not a vinyl transmitter

The model page and manual list Bluetooth among the inputs and describe pairing a phone or other source to the unit. They do not document the reverse path from the turntable to Bluetooth headphones or a wireless speaker. If sending records wirelessly is essential, do not infer that capability from the presence of Bluetooth; get confirmation for this exact Juke Box S2 model before relying on it. The source record here does not establish Bluetooth output.

Setup is approachable, but record handling stays manual

The setup guide has the owner fit the belt, connect speakers and move the tonearm with its lift lever. Speed change is also manual: Pro-Ject specifies 33 and 45 rpm and shows moving the belt between pulley positions. That is not a push-button speed switch. The reviewed model page and manual do not document a 78-rpm arrangement. They also do not specify automatic arm return or a record-end platter stop; those behaviors remain unknown rather than proven absent. If you need unattended end-of-side handling, this is not a documented solution.

The S2's named details are the acrylic platter, pre-mounted Pick it 25A, 8.6-inch aluminum arm and built-in phono/amplifier system. These should not be conflated with older Juke Box E descriptions or generic retailer copy. The manufacturer's standard box list includes a felt mat, dust cover, 7-inch adapter, power supply, remote and setup tools. Because the exact U.S. listing is open-box, confirm the particular box's cartridge, stylus guard, remote, accessories, cover and power supply rather than assuming the new-box list is complete.

Measure the body, then add working room

Pro-Ject lists a 415 × 118 × 334 mm body (W × H × D), about 16.34 × 4.65 × 13.15 inches, and 5 kg net mass. The body clears a 16.5-inch width or 13.5-inch depth limit on half-inch finder steps, but those are published dimensions, not a measured fit or clearance requirement. Leave extra room for the cover to open, the arm to travel, records to be handled, speaker and signal cables to bend, and access to the rear outputs.

Sources and limits

The Pro-Ject Juke Box S2 page, its manual and setup guide support the connections, output rating, operation and dimensions. Pro-Ject's Pick it 25A page identifies the supplied cartridge type. The exact U.S.-facing Eucalyptus item page establishes the observed retailer package as open-box, not a current new-item offer. No ownership, listening test, independent measurement, customer experience, price or availability claim is made here.