Your Unplayable CD Collection Now Has a $2,000 Audiophile Solution

Revive your forgotten CDs with Pro-Ject’s premium CD Box RS2 Tube, blending vintage warmth and cutting-edge tech for an unbeatable listening experience.

Remember When We Thought CDs Were Dead?

Once upon a time, we all declared CDs obsolete, tossing those jewel cases into dusty bins as we fully embraced streaming and digital playlists. Guilty as charged—I currently have a stack of CDs on my shelf, gathering dust, with no way to enjoy them. And if you’re nodding along, you’re not alone.

Interestingly, physical albums remain hugely popular in niches like K-pop, where they’re more than just music carriers—they’re collectibles, complete with photo cards, posters, and intricate packaging. We’re buying music we can’t even properly play. Enter Pro-Ject Audio CD Box RS2 Tube CD Player. This sleek machine might just inspire you to dust off that shelved collection and give those CDs the listening love they deserve.

Audiophile Engineering Meets CD Playback

This isn’t some retro gimmick cashing in on vinyl nostalgia. Pro-Ject Audio CD Box RS2 Tube CD Player, an Austrian brand revered for their high-end turntables, crafted the device with serious analog expertise. At its heart—a top-loading CD player boasting a fully balanced tube output stage. Those two glowing E88CC vacuum tubes aren’t just for show—they infuse digital sound with warmth and fluidity akin to the best vinyl experiences.

If you crave that organic, emotionally charged music vibe—where the sound feels alive, not just played back—this player gets you. It’s like striking a chord between classic analog charm and modern digital convenience.

The CD Drive That Knows Its Roots

What truly sets this player apart is the SUOS DM-3381 Red Book drive inside. This isn’t some off-the-shelf component tucked into a fancy box. SUOS-HiFi—formerly StreamUnlimited Optical Storage—is the brainchild of former Philips CD engineers based near Vienna, the very pioneers who helped invent the CD format.

The drive employs BlueTiger CD-88 servo technology with predictive algorithms designed to maintain precise data retrieval—even from scratched or less-than-perfect discs. Let’s be honest, who doesn’t have a few CDs with battle scars from years of road trips or careless handling?

Built-In DAC That Means Business

Inside the CD Box RS2 Tube, the Texas Instruments PCM1796 DAC handles digital-to-analog conversion with finesse. What’s cool? This means you can connect directly to any amplifier’s analog inputs, no separate DAC needed.

Operating in a fully differential setup, it feeds the balanced tube output stage for pristine sound quality. Plus, you get both XLR balanced outputs and single-ended RCA connections, each with dedicated output stages, so you can run both at the same time—no impedance headaches.

If you already have a favorite DAC, no worries—the player also offers optical and coaxial digital outputs. Talk about flexibility.

Design and Build: Classic Meets Modern

Pro-Ject didn’t skimp on build quality. The chassis is precision-machined aluminum, available in sleek silver or black finishes, and looks downright stunning on any audio setup.

The top-loading design is a tactile joy—you actually get to interact with your music physically, placing discs on a magnetic clamp and watching them whirl to life. That feeling beats tapping a screen any day.

An easy-to-read, large LCD display shows track info and CD-text when available, and the included full aluminum remote control feels satisfying and substantial in your hand. It’s luxury you can see and feel.

Power Matters: Clean, Quiet, and Upgradable

High-end audio gear can’t overlook power delivery, and Pro-Ject nailed it by using an external power supply to keep transformer noise far from the delicate tube circuits.

For those who want to push the envelope, the player supports the Power Box RS2 Sources linear power supply upgrade. This optional add-on promises even deeper soundstage and quieter background noise, a true treat for audiophiles chasing perfection.

Why Physical Media Is Still Worth It

The CD Box RS2 Tube makes a bold statement: physical media isn’t obsolete; it’s a choice for listeners who value sound quality and the tactile joy of music ownership.

The ongoing surge in CD collecting—fueled especially by fandoms like K-pop, where albums are treasured art objects—proves people still want tangible music collections. These aren’t just playlists curated by algorithms; they’re personal libraries reflecting real taste and passion.

So, if you’re going to hold onto your CDs, why not give them the player that does them justice?

When and Where Can You Get One?

The CD Box RS2 Tube is rolling into UK and EU dealers this month, priced around £1,749 or €1,900. While US pricing hasn’t been revealed, it’s clear this is a premium player for serious listeners who want to elevate their CD experience.

For those of us with dusty collections, it might be time to dust off those discs and finally give them the spotlight they deserve.

FAQ

• What is the main feature that sets the CD Box RS2 Tube apart from regular players?
  It features a fully balanced tube output stage with premium E88CC vacuum tubes, offering a warm and organic sound similar to vinyl playback.
• Can this player handle scratched or damaged CDs?
  Yes, the SUOS DM-3381 drive uses BlueTiger CD-88 servo technology with predictive algorithms that maintain accurate data retrieval from less-than-perfect discs.
• Does the CD Box RS2 Tube require an external DAC?
  No, it has a built-in Texas Instruments PCM1796 DAC, allowing direct connection to analog amplifiers without needing a separate DAC.
• Is the design user-friendly for those who like physical interaction with music?
  Absolutely. The top-loading design and magnetic clamp provide a tactile, satisfying experience unlike tapping on screens.
• Can I upgrade the power supply for better performance?
  Yes, it’s compatible with Pro-Ject’s Power Box RS2 Sources linear power supply upgrade for enhanced soundstage and reduced noise.

If you’re inspired to bring your CD collection back to life with a touch of audiophile magic, consider shopping for your favorite album cover poster at our store. It’s a beautiful way to celebrate music’s enduring physical charm.

Shop album cover posters here