Pro-Ject CD Box RS2 Tube silver

The first integrated CD player in the RS range from Pro-Ject, this model adds a PCM1796 converter and a fully balanced E88CC tube output stage to the in-house top-loader mechanism, previously reserved for pure CD transports. The result connects directly to a preamplifier or integrated amplifier via two separate analog outputs (RCA and balanced XLR). Two digital outputs remain available for those who prefer an external DAC.

A top-loader mechanism of Viennese origin

Pro-Ject designs its high-end transports near Vienna, in a region where Philips once operated a development center dedicated to CD players and mechanisms. Several engineers behind landmark players are now at SUOS HiFi (Stream Unlimited Optical Storage), Pro-Ject’s partner for the DM-3381 mechanism in the CD Box RS2 Tube. This same mechanism already equipped the original CD Box RS. Here it benefits from a damped solid aluminum chassis designed to isolate it from vibrations and electromagnetic interference. The magnetic aluminum-alloy puck holds the disc with careful balancing, a necessary condition for regular rotation and stable reading.

CD-88 BlueTiger servo and error correction

The argument that a CD contains “only zeros and ones” overlooks the real complexity of optical reading. Scratches, vibrations, imprecise reading by the laser pickup: at every stage, errors can turn a bit expected as 1 into a bit read as 0. The CD-88 BlueTiger servo, developed by SUOS and new to this model, succeeds the CD-80 board and incorporates more advanced error-correction and prediction algorithms. Pro-Ject presents it as the most accomplished solution on the market to date.

E88CC tubes for an analog signature

Tubes have accompanied the RS range since its beginnings. The CD Box RS2 Tube follows this approach with a fully balanced output stage built around two E88CCs, chosen for their harmonic behavior and the fluidity they bring to playback. The Texas Instruments PCM1796 converter, older than the latest cutting-edge references but still used in high-end audio for its sound considered analog, operates in a fully differential configuration. The combination aims for a sound oriented toward the character of vinyl rather than the race for numbers.

Balanced XLR output and separate stages

The converter’s differential output feeds the XLR stage directly, with no intermediate circuit or pseudo-balanced design: Pro-Ject claims a balanced chain from end to end. The RCA and XLR outputs each have their own output stage. They can operate simultaneously, without the load impedance of one degrading the signal of the other. Two digital outputs (optical TOSlink and coaxial RCA) complete the rear panel to transmit the raw stream to an external converter.

Aluminum chassis and Gravity design

The fully machined aluminum enclosure follows Pro-Ject’s “Gravity” philosophy, with a central grounding point that lowers the unit’s center of gravity. Rigidity and resistance to twisting stabilize the mechanism and protect it from both mechanical vibrations and electromagnetic interference. On the front panel, control buttons sit alongside an LCD screen that displays elapsed time, track number, and, when the disc includes the CD-Text function, the artist and track title. An aluminum infrared remote control is included. Two finishes are offered: silver or black.

External power supply and optional Power Box RS2 Sources

The power supply is external, a choice driven by the desire to keep components likely to emit electromagnetic fields away from the tubes’ sensitive electronics. The supplied unit is a switching model (20 V / 3 A), constrained by European regulations to standby power consumption below 0.5 W. Pro-Ject also offers the Power Box RS2 Sources, sold separately: a linear power supply that the brand presents as an upgrade capable of improving micro-detail resolution, the depth of silence, and spatial imaging. The player works fully without this addition.

Technical Specifications

CD Mechanism

• Top-loading CD player with aluminum top plate
• Magnetic puck
• SUOS DM-3381 Red Book CD-DA CD mechanism (new)
• BlueTiger™ CD-88 servo system (new)
• Supported format: Red Book CD-DA
• Optimized for 1 / 1 playback of the Red Book CD-DA standard

Output Stage and Conversion

• Fully balanced tube output stage (new)
• Tubes: 2 x E88CC
• High-end Texas Instruments PCM1796 digital / analog converter in fully differential configuration (new)
• Fully balanced XLR output in addition to the unbalanced RCA output (new)
• Dedicated and independent output stages for RCA and XLR outputs, allowing simultaneous use without load impedance interference

Connectivity

• Digital outputs (S / PDIF)
  • 1 x optical (TOSlink)
  • 1 x coaxial (RCA socket)
• Analog outputs
  • 1 x RCA
  • 1 x balanced XLR

Display and Controls

• LCD screen displaying time, tracks, and text (if available), including the artist and track title if the CD includes the CD-Text function
• Front-panel control buttons
• Aluminum infrared remote control included
• Replacement battery for the remote control: 1 x CR2032 / 3 V or 1 x CR2025 / 3 V

Power Supply

• External switching power supply: 20 V / 3000 mA DC; 100 - 240 V, 50 / 60 Hz
• Power consumption: 20 W max.; < 0.5 W in standby
• Separately available linear power supply upgrade: Power Box RS2 Sources

Construction and Design

• “Gravity” design with central grounding point
• Solid aluminum chassis ensuring rigidity, torsional resistance, and protection against vibrations and electromagnetic interference
• CD mechanism housed in a solid chassis damped against vibrations
• Puck in new aluminum alloy, perfectly balanced for smooth rotation and optimal disc playback
• Precision-machined aluminum housing
• Available finishes: silver, black

Dimensions and Weight

• Dimensions W x H x D (D with sockets): 206 x 84 x 200 (210) mm
• Weight: 3200 g without power supply unit