Pro-Ject CD Box RS2 Tube
High-end Pro-Ject top-loading CD player, featuring a PCM1796 DAC and a balanced E88CC tube output stage.
Description
The CD Box RS2 Tube is a high-end CD player from Pro-Ject, part of the RS2 range. It combines a top-loading transport mechanism, compatible with Red Book CDs, with a fully balanced tube output stage. It is the first model in the RS range to feature a built-in digital-to-analogue converter, making it a complete digital source capable of directly driving an amplifier or a pair of active speakers via its line output.
Digital-to-analogue conversion relies on the Texas Instruments PCM1796 chip, mounted in a differential configuration. This DAC feeds a tube buffer made up of two E88CC valves, which shape the audio signal before output, available in unbalanced RCA as well as balanced XLR. On the digital side, the unit offers a TOSlink optical output and a coaxial S/PDIF output via RCA socket, allowing connection to an external DAC if required. The transport mechanism, designated DM-3381, is housed in a vibration-damped chassis, designed to limit jitter and parasitic noise linked to disc reading.
Control is via the front-panel buttons or the supplied aluminium remote control, with an LCD screen displaying playback information, including artist and title when the CD contains CD-Text. Power is supplied externally, via a 20 V/3000 mA DC power supply compatible with 100-240 V, for a maximum consumption of 20 W and less than 0.5 W in standby.
This player is aimed at music lovers using physical CDs who are looking for a high-end source, paired with high-fidelity electronics or a demanding active speaker system. The presence of balanced XLR outputs makes it particularly suited to installations where a balanced connection is preferred to limit interference over long cable runs.
Technical specifications
| Tubes | 2x E88CC |
| Digital outputs (S/PDIF) | 1 x optical (TOSlink), 1 x coaxial (RCA socket) |
| Analogue outputs | 1 RCA socket, 1 balanced XLR socket |
| Digital to analogue converter | PCM1796 |
| External power supply | 20 V/3000 mA DC; 100-240 V, 50/60 Hz |
| Power consumption | 20 W max.; < 0.5 W in standby |
| Remote control replacement battery | 1 CR2032 / 3 V battery or 1 CR2025 / 3 V battery |
| Dimensions (H × W × D) | 206 x 84 x 200 (210) mm |
| Weight | 3,200 g without power supply |
What to check before buying used
The original E88CC tubes lose linearity with use: a listening test is advisable to detect hum, microphonics or channel imbalance, though they are easily replaced if worn. The motorised top-loading tray and DM-3381 mechanism warrant a check of playback across the full surface of a disc, as some Pro-Ject players of this generation are prone to transport mechanism wear. It is also recommended to check the RCA and XLR outputs, as well as the original 20 V external power supply, the latter being specific to this model.
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