Pro-Ject Audio Systems has introduced the Pro-Ject CD Box RS2 Tube, a new top-loading CD player part of the company’s RS2 product line. The CD Box RS2 Tube features a high-quality transport mechanism and a digital-to-analog converter. The symmetrical analog circuit is equipped with tubes.
The Pro-Ject CD Box RS2 Tube is designed exclusively for playing Compact Discs (CDs) and does not play any other optical discs. By focusing on Red Book CDs, the CD Box RS2 Tube is optimized for maximum CD reading accuracy, according to the manufacturer, avoiding the compromises often associated with multi-format players.
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 sturdy aluminum housing that minimizes vibration and mechanical interference. CDs are loaded from the top via an aluminum cover plate with a magnetic clamp.
The player also features SUOS’s BlueTiger CD-88 servo system, which controls tracking and error correction during playback. According to Pro-Ject, the servo is designed to ensure accurate reading even when the CDs are not perfectly clean and/or undamaged, ensuring reliable transfer of digital data to the digital-to-analog converter.
Unlike previous RS-series CD transports, the Pro-Ject CD Box RS2 Tube features a built-in digital-to-analog converter (DAC). Pro-Ject has opted for the Texas Instruments PCM1796 DAC, configured in a fully differential layout. This allows the player to be connected directly to amplifiers via analog outputs, while digital optical and coaxial outputs remain available for use with an external DAC if desired.
A key feature of the Pro-Ject CD Box RS2 Tube is its fully balanced tube amplifier, which utilizes two E88CC tubes. It features both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA analog outputs, each with its own output stage. Pro-Ject claims that this design allows both outputs to be used simultaneously without any loss of performance.
Housed in an all-aluminum chassis, the player uses the company’s proprietary “gravity” design approach, essentially a centrally placed mass for added mechanical stability. An LCD screen centrally located on the front displays track, time, and CD text information (if available).
The player can be controlled via the front panel buttons or the included aluminum remote control. The Pro-Ject CD Box RS2 Tube is manufactured in Europe and is available in black or silver.
The Pro-Ject Audio CD Box RS2 Tube is powered by an external switching power supply to prevent electromagnetic interference with the sensitive tube circuit. Pro-Ject also mentions the possibility of upgrading the power supply by purchasing and using the optional Power Box RS2 Sources linear power supply.
