Pro-Ject CD Box RS2 Tube – High-End CD Player with Balanced Tube Output
The Pro-Ject CD Box RS2 Tube is a reference-class CD player designed for listeners who value musicality, precision, and timeless engineering. Combining a top-loading Red Book CD mechanism with a fully balanced tube output stage and a high-performance Texas Instruments PCM1796 DAC, it delivers a richly detailed, natural, and emotionally engaging listening experience. Built in Europe and finished in a solid aluminium chassis, the CD Box RS2 Tube represents Pro-Ject’s most advanced CD playback design to date.
Key Features
- Top-loading Red Book CD mechanism: SUOS DM-3381 low-vibration drive for stable, accurate disc reading
- Fully balanced tube output stage: Dual E88CC vacuum tubes add warmth, depth, and harmonic richness
- High-end PCM1796 DAC: Texas Instruments DAC in fully differential configuration for precise digital-to-analogue conversion
- Balanced and unbalanced outputs: XLR and RCA analogue outputs for flexible system integration
- Digital outputs: Optical and coaxial S/PDIF for use with external DACs
- Precision mechanical design: Aluminium top plate, magnetic clamp, and central-mass gravity layout
- Clear LCD display: Shows track info, time, and CD-Text where available
- Premium aluminium remote: Full system control with matching RS2-series design
Customer Benefits
The CD Box RS2 Tube is built for listeners who want more than just technical accuracy from digital playback. Its balanced tube output adds body and realism to recordings, while the low-jitter drive and high-quality DAC preserve detail and timing. Whether paired with a fully balanced reference system or a classic analogue setup, it brings CDs to life with a smooth, engaging, and deeply musical character.
Quick Specs
- Supported format: Red Book CD-DA
- DAC: Texas Instruments PCM1796
- Tubes: 2 × E88CC
- Analogue outputs: 1 × RCA, 1 × balanced XLR
- Digital outputs: 1 × optical (TOSLINK), 1 × coaxial (RCA)
- Power consumption: Max. 20 W, <0.5 W standby
- Power supply: 20 V / 3 A DC, 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz
- Dimensions: 20.6 × 8.4 × 20.0 cm (W × H × D, 21.0 cm with sockets)
- Weight: 3.2 kg (without power supply)
What’s in the Box
- Pro-Ject CD Box RS2 Tube
- External power supply
- Aluminium IR remote control
- User documentation
Use Cases / Ideal For
Ideal for high-end two-channel systems, tube-based setups, and listeners with large CD collections who want reference-quality playback with musical warmth. Perfect for pairing with balanced preamps and power amplifiers in premium hi-fi systems.
Compatibility
Compatible with all standard audio CDs. Integrates easily with analogue systems via RCA or XLR, or with digital systems using optical or coaxial outputs. Designed to match visually and sonically with Pro-Ject RS2-series components.
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros:
- Fully balanced tube output adds warmth and musicality
- High-quality DAC and low-jitter CD mechanism
- Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs
- Solid aluminium construction with elegant design
⚠️ Cons:
- CD playback only (no SACD or network streaming)
- Top-loading design requires some vertical clearance
The Pro-Ject CD Box RS2 Tube delivers reference-level CD playback with the unmistakable character of real vacuum tubes—an elegant, musical solution for discerning listeners. Available at Soundium.
