Pro-Ject CD Box RS2 Tube CD Player
PRO-JECT CD BOX RS2 TUBE BRINGS BALANCED VALVE OUTPUT TO RS2 CD PLAYER RANGE
Pro-Ject has introduced the Pro-Ject CD Box RS2 Tube, a new top-loading CD player and transport that joins the company’s RS2 range.
The model combines a dedicated Red Book CD mechanism with an integrated DAC and a fully balanced valve output stage, continuing Pro-Ject’s focus on physical digital media.
PRO-JECT CD BOX RS2 TUBE CD PLAYER
The Pro-Ject CD Box RS2 Tube is designed exclusively for Compact Disc playback rather than supporting multiple formats. By focusing on Red Book CD-DA, Pro-Ject says the player is optimised for accurate data extraction from CDs, avoiding the compromises often associated with multi-format players.
PRO-JECT CD BOX RS2 TUBE USES SUOS DM-3381 CD MECHANISM
At the heart of the Pro-Ject CD Box RS2 Tube is the SUOS DM-3381 CD drive, developed by Stream Unlimited Optical Storage (SUOS). The mechanism is mounted in a rigid aluminium structure intended to reduce vibration and mechanical interference. Disc handling is via a top-loading design with an aluminium cover plate and magnetic clamp.
The player also incorporates SUOS’s BlueTiger CD-88 servo system, which manages tracking and error correction during playback. According to Pro-Ject, the servo is designed to maintain accurate read-out even when discs are less than perfect, helping to ensure reliable delivery of digital data to the DAC stage.
PRO-JECT CD BOX RS2 TUBE INCLUDES INTEGRATED DAC
Unlike earlier RS-series CD transports, the Pro-Ject CD Box RS2 Tube includes an onboard digital-to-analogue converter. Pro-Ject has selected the Texas Instruments PCM1796 DAC, configured in a fully differential layout. This allows the player to connect directly to amplifiers via analogue outputs, while digital optical and coaxial outputs remain available for use with an external DAC if required.
BALANCED VALVE OUTPUT STAGE
A key feature of the Pro-Ject CD Box RS2 Tube is its fully balanced valve output stage, which uses a pair of E88CC tubes. Both balanced XLR and single-ended RCA analogue outputs are provided, each with its own dedicated output stage. Pro-Ject states that this design allows both outputs to be used simultaneously without compromising performance.
PRO-JECT CD BOX RS2 TUBE BUILD AND OPERATION
The player is housed in full aluminium casework and follows Pro-Ject’s RS2 “gravity” design approach, with a centrally positioned mass to aid mechanical stability. An LCD display shows track, time and CD-text information where available, and operation is possible via front-panel controls or the supplied aluminium remote handset. The Pro-Ject CD Box RS2 Tube is manufactured in Europe and is available in black or silver finishes.
TUBE POWER SUPPLY OPTIONS
Power is provided by an external switch-mode power supply to keep electromagnetic interference away from the sensitive valve circuitry. Pro-Ject also notes compatibility with its optional Power Box RS2 Sources linear power supply, available separately, for users who wish to upgrade the power arrangement.
PRO-JECT CD BOX RS2 TUBE PRICE AND AVAILABILITY
The Pro-Ject CD Box RS2 Tube is due to be available from UK Pro-Ject dealers, with a stated UK SRP of £1,749. Pro-Ject products in the UK are distributed exclusively by Henley Audio.
HiFi PiG Says: The popularity of CD as a format is growing again, this looks like a great addition to your system if you want to try it out!
