Pro-Ject CD Box RS2 Tube Review: Premium CD Player Priced Like a Gaming Laptop

This Pro-Ject CD Box RS2 Tube CD player offers audiophile-quality sound but carries a price tag that rivals high-end gaming laptops.

Why Do CDs Still Matter to Audiophiles?

For many passionate music lovers, compact discs remain the gold standard. Unlike compressed digital files, CDs deliver uncompressed audio that has stood the test of time. While vinyl and cassettes have been enjoying a nostalgic revival, CDs too are experiencing their own second wave of popularity among true connoisseurs.

Enter the Pro-Ject CD Box RS2 Tube — a product made for these discerning audiophiles who crave pristine playback and want to breathe new life into their CD collections. This isn’t just any CD player; it’s a luxurious piece of audio craftsmanship designed to elevate your listening experience. But, as you might expect, this premium quality comes at a steep price.

A Feature-Rich, Audiophile-Grade Player

The Pro-Ject CD Box RS2 Tube is built to fit seamlessly into any high-fidelity audio setup. The rear panel is thoughtfully outfitted with a range of connectivity options:

• Balanced XLR outputs (a pair)
• Unbalanced RCA output
• Optical and coaxial digital outputs

This versatility ensures you can hook it up to a variety of amplifiers or external DACs, giving you flexibility in how you shape your sound system.

And there’s a lot more going on inside this sleek box that justifies the hype — and the cost.

Precision Engineering Meets Timeless Tube Warmth

At the heart of the device lies a high-precision CD mechanism sourced from Suos, crafted out of aluminum to minimize vibrations and mechanical noise. For anyone who’s ever been frustrated by jitter or audio dropouts, this attention to build quality is music to the ears.

What really sets the RS2 Tube apart is its signature feature: the tube output stage. It employs a pair of E88CC vacuum tubes, imparting that lush analog warmth and musicality so beloved by vinyl lovers and tube amp enthusiasts alike.

Inside, you’ll also find a carefully selected digital-to-analog converter (DAC) chosen for its analog sound character. This thoughtful combo allows the player to connect directly to an amplifier or via digital outputs to an external DAC for further sound tuning.

Design & Usability: Minimalist with a Touch of Class

The RS2 Tube offers a choice between sleek black or refined silver finishes, matching most home audio aesthetics. The front panel keeps things minimalist with a simple LCD display that shows track number, playback time, and other useful info.

Each unit is hand-assembled in Europe, ensuring meticulous quality control. Plus, it comes with a matching aluminum remote control, making operation as smooth as the sound it produces.

The Price Tag That Raises Eyebrows

Now for the elephant in the room: the cost. The Pro-Ject CD Box RS2 Tube retails for a hefty 1990 euros — roughly equivalent to about $2100 USD. That’s the price of a serious gaming laptop or a premium smartphone, and it’s certainly a significant investment for a CD player.

This price point clearly targets a niche audience — those audiophiles who aren’t just buying a player, but a statement piece designed to extract every drop of quality from their beloved CD collections.

Is It Worth It in the Age of Streaming?

With lossless streaming services offering millions of tracks for just a few dollars monthly, shelling out over two grand for a CD player may seem like a tough sell. Especially when you consider the convenience and breadth of streaming libraries, the RS2 Tube feels like a luxury product for those who prioritize sound quality and tactile music experiences over convenience.

Still, there’s something to be said about the tactile ritual of placing a disc in a player built with care and expertise — a ritual that many digital natives may never fully appreciate.

The Pro-Ject CD Box RS2 Tube is a love letter to the CD format, delivering audio fidelity that challenges modern digital conveniences. – Unknown

The Verdict: A Premium Player for Dedicated Audiophiles

If you’re a serious audiophile with a treasured CD collection and a penchant for tube sound warmth, the Pro-Ject CD Box RS2 Tube will likely enchant you. It’s a precision-engineered marvel that combines classic analog warmth with modern features.

However, its premium price makes it a tough purchase for casual listeners or those embracing streaming as the future of music.

FAQ

• What makes the Pro-Ject CD Box RS2 Tube different from standard CD players?
  Its high-precision Suos mechanism, tube output stage with E88CC tubes, and carefully selected DAC contribute to superior sound quality.
• Can I connect this player to any amplifier?
  Yes, it offers both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs, plus digital outputs for external DACs, ensuring compatibility with most systems.
• Does the player support digital streaming?
  No, it’s a dedicated CD player focused on delivering analog warmth and fidelity from physical discs.
• What colors are available?
  The player comes in stylish black or silver finishes.
• Is the price justified compared to streaming services?
  For audiophiles seeking the best CD sound, yes. For most casual listeners, streaming offers more convenience at a lower cost.

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