This CD player definitely isn't like your old Walkman.
The Pro-Ject CD Box RS2 Tube is a high-end player for audio aficionados.
If you're an audio lover seeking the highest possible audio quality in a physical format, CDs are your friend. The uncompressed audio quality of the format has been loved for years, and is finding itself in the midst of a resurgence led by similar formats like vinyl and cassette tapes.
Now, Pro-Ject has unveiled a new CD player for the most discerning of audiophiles. The CD Box RS2 Tube is a luxurious box designed to give your CD collection the life it deserves.
A suite of I/O options on the rear panel ensure it's ready to slot into your existing hi-fi setup with ease. You'll find a pair of balanced XLRs and an unbalanced RCA output, as well as optical and co-axial outs for good measure.
The unit is built around a high-precision mechanism from Suos, which is constructed from aluminium. That's designed to minimise vibrations and mechanical interference, for pristine playback.
One of the central features – and part of the name – of the RS2 Tube, is the tube output stage. That uses a pair of E88CC's in the output, to enrich the signal with warmth and analogue musicality.
It also packs in a carefully selected digital-to-analogue converter, which has been picked out for its analogue-like character. That also ensures that you can connect directly to an amplifier expecting an analogue signal, but also offers digital outputs for connecting to an external DAC.
Users can pick between black and silver finishes, while a minimalist – almost industrial-looking – LCD on the front panel shows off the track, time and CD-text information. Each unit is also handmade in Europe, and comes complete with a matching aluminium remote control.
Priced at £1,749 / €1,990 (approx. US$2,350 / AU$3,550), this certainly isn't cheap. Still, if you're concerned with the higher end of audio and want a dedicated setup for your CDs, this is a great option.
