A top-loading CD transport with no converter on board, the CD Box RS2 T reads audio CDs and hands the signal to an external DAC through optical, coaxial, AES/EBU and I²S-over-HDMI outputs.
CD Box RS2 T: the drive and its suspension
Pro-Ject chose to build a transport and nothing else, leaving out conversion and preamplifier stages on the reasoning that anyone who already owns a good DAC should not pay for a second one, and that those circuits should not disturb disc reading. Inside sits the StreamUnlimited CD-Pro 8 module, whose Blue Tiger servo board (CD-84) is built into the aluminium body of the reading assembly. The disc drops in from above and is held by a magnetic clamp in aluminium alloy, balanced to give even contact and steady rotation.
Much of the engineering deals with vibration. The reading assembly hangs on a proprietary suspension made up of a carbon-fibre plate and tubes, springs and silicone dampers; the dampers rest on a stiff carbon-fibre frame which is in turn fixed to the case. The frame of the mechanism is milled out of an aluminium block so that heat cannot distort it, and the sled gears turn on precision steel axles.
Round the back there are four digital outputs: optical and coaxial S/PDIF, balanced AES/EBU on XLR, and I²S with master clock on an HDMI socket, the link intended for pairing with the Pre Box RS2 Digital from the same range. The LCD shows time, track number and disc text where the CD carries it. The box contains the external 20 V power supply and an infrared handset with an aluminium body.
Specifications
- Discs played: Red Book audio CD (CD-DA)
- Loading: from the top, disc held by a magnetic clamp
- Mechanism: suspended CD-Pro 8 module, Blue Tiger CD-84 servo
- AES/EBU output: 1 balanced, XLR socket
- S/PDIF outputs: 1 TOSlink optical, 1 RCA coaxial
- I²S output: 1 with master clock, on an HDMI socket
- Display: LCD with time, track and disc text
- Power: external 20 V / 3000 mA DC unit, 100-240 V mains
- Current draw: 600 mA DC, under 0.5 W on standby
- Remote: infrared, aluminium, 3 V CR2032 or CR2025 cell
- Size: 206 mm wide, 78 mm high, 200 mm deep (210 mm including sockets)
- Weight: 3 kg, power supply excluded
- Finishes: black, silver
