Streaming might be everywhere these days, but Pro-Ject Audio is betting there’s still a solid audience for people who enjoy spinning physical discs. Their latest release, the CD Box RS2 Tube, is a high-end CD player and transport that brings together three key components in one compact device: a dedicated CD drive, a built-in digital-to-analog converter (DAC), and a tube-based output stage.
It’s part of Pro-Ject’s premium RS2 line and is built specifically for CD playback — not for DVDs, SACDs, or any other disc format. The idea is to focus entirely on getting the most out of standard Red Book CDs, while giving users flexible options to hook it up to both analog and digital systems.
At the heart of the RS2 Tube is a top-loading CD drive built by SUOS-HiFi (formerly StreamUnlimited Optical Storage), a company founded by former Philips engineers. SUOS is based just outside Vienna — near Pro-Ject’s headquarters — and still actively develops dedicated CD hardware. That’s pretty rare in 2025.
The drive they’re using here is the DM-3381, which ditches the usual stamped metal build in favor of solid aluminum. That helps cut down on vibration and blocks electrical noise from getting into the signal path. When you load a CD, you place it on the spindle, cover it with an aluminum plate, and it locks into place with a magnetic clamp — simple and tactile.
To keep things tracking smoothly, the drive is paired with the BlueTiger CD-88 servo system, which handles error correction and reads your discs even if they’re not in perfect condition. It’s designed to be more reliable than older systems, especially with aging or slightly scratched CDs.
Unlike most CD transports — which require a separate DAC to output analog audio — the RS2 Tube has its own built-in DAC. Pro-Ject chose the Texas Instruments PCM1796, a 24-bit/192kHz chip known for clean, natural playback.
That means you can plug this player directly into any amp with analog inputs, whether you’re using RCA or balanced XLR cables. Both output types have their own dedicated circuits, and you can even use them at the same time. For those who still prefer to run everything through an external DAC, there are also optical (TOSLINK) and coaxial digital outputs.
This setup makes the RS2 Tube useful for all sorts of hi-fi systems — whether you’re working with separates or just want to hook up to an integrated amplifier.
Here’s where it gets a little more interesting: the RS2 Tube includes a pair of E88CC vacuum tubes in the output stage. These don’t mess with the digital signal, but they do shape the analog signal after it’s been converted from digital.
Whether you prefer the sound of tubes is a personal thing. Some people like the subtle warmth and smoothness they add. Others may not notice a difference or may prefer solid-state output. Either way, having the tube stage built-in gives you more options for how you want to listen, especially if you’re pairing the unit with high-end headphones or speakers that reveal more of that detail.
The RS2 Tube follows the familiar Pro-Ject design language: clean lines, machined aluminum case, and a compact, no-fuss aesthetic. The chassis is designed with a “gravity” layout, putting the heavy stuff in the center to help with stability and vibration control.
The front-panel LCD shows basic track info, time, and CD-Text (if it’s available on the disc), and you can control the unit with physical buttons or the included aluminum remote.
It uses an external power adapter to keep transformer noise away from the sensitive audio circuitry. If you want to get even more serious about clean power, it’s also compatible with Pro-Ject’s Power Box RS2 Sources, a linear power supply that’s sold separately.
Technical Specifications:
Who's this for? Well, it's not for everyone. But if you’ve got a CD collection you care about — and you want to hear it through a high-quality setup that supports both analog and digital connections — the RS2 Tube should be on your radar. It brings together a precision CD drive, a solid DAC, and a tube output stage in one compact box.
For some, it might even be the easiest way to rediscover how good CDs can actually sound — without needing a bunch of extra gear.
The Pro-Ject CD Box RS2 Tube is expected to be available starting in December 2025 through Pro-Ject dealers. It’ll be offered in silver or black finishes, with European pricing set at €1,990 / £1,749. US pricing hasn’t been announced yet. You can purchase other Pro-Ject products at Crutchfield and Amazon.
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