Pro-Ject CD Box RS2 Tube CD Player Promises Analogue Warmth

Pro-Ject proclaims the CD Box RS2 Tube combines a CD transport, a fully balanced tube output stage, and an integrated high-end DAC, whilst promising accurate playback, high-quality construction, and the tactile pleasure of physical media.

Focusing purely on the playback of Red Book CDs and faithfully adhering to the CD‑DA standard, the new CD player is focused on “delivering 1:1 playback, reading each disc exactly as encoded so every bit of original data reaches the DAC” says the brand.

The SUOS DM-3381 Red Book CD drive features a high-precision mechanism with robust, interference mitigating aluminium construction and is provided by what was formally known as StreamUnlimited Optical Storage. This company was founded by former Philips CD engineers and is handily based just north of Vienna (near Pro-Ject’s headquarters), where it continues to develop CD mechanisms.

That is married to a BlueTiger CD-88 servo, promising precise tracking and reducing read errors, ensuring accurate digital data reaches the DAC.

While the heart of the CD Box RS2 Tube CD player is the playback mechanism, it’s the pair of E88CC vacuum tubes comprising the fully balanced valve output stage which will draw the admiring glances.

While tubes do not alter the digital data, we’re told they’ll “enrich the analogue signal with warmth and musical fluidity.”

The digits are converted by a high-end PCM1796 DAC chip meaning the player can be hooked up to your amplifier without the need for a separate DAC. However, should you already have a favourite digital to analogue convertor, the player does offer an optical and coaxial output.

However, we’re told to opt for the XLR for the full balanced tube output. There’s also single-ended RCA if your choice of amp doesn’t sport XLR inputs.

Finally, the LCD screen presents you with track, time, and CD-text information

Available in black or silver finish, the Pro-Ject CD Box RS2 Tube will be available priced at £1,749 (UK SRP).

For more information visit Pro-Ject