Pro-Ject CD Box RS2 T CD Transport

Pro-Ject CD Box RS2 T CD Transport

Ultra High-End CD Transport with AES/EBU and I²S Masterclock Output

The Pro-Ject CD Box RS2 T is a transport-only CD player built for customers who already own a serious DAC and want a high-quality disc transport in front of it. Pro-Ject describes it as the next generation of its CD transports, built around a customised CD-Pro 8 transport mechanism, with an alloy and carbon fibre chassis and upgraded disc-reading electronics.

This is not an all-in-one CD player. There is no internal DAC stage here. The whole idea is to read discs accurately, minimise vibration and send a cleaner digital signal to the DAC you already trust.

Transport-Only Design

Built for external DAC systems

The CD Box RS2 T is designed specifically as a CD transport only. Pro-Ject makes the point clearly: many hi-fi buyers already have a DAC they like, so this unit focuses purely on disc reading and digital signal delivery rather than trying to be everything in one box.

• Dedicated CD playback into an external DAC
• High-end digital source for a serious hi-fi setup
• Compact reference transport for Red Book CD playback
• A cleaner alternative to lower-grade internal disc mechanisms

Flexible Digital Outputs

Proper options for serious DAC matching

The CD Box RS2 T offers a stronger output section than most ordinary CD players.

• Optical S/PDIF output
• Coaxial S/PDIF output
• AES/EBU digital output over XLR
• I²S + Masterclock output over HDMI

Pro-Ject specifically notes that the AES/EBU output offers a balanced digital connection, while the I²S + Masterclock output is intended for matching RS2-series components. They also make it very clear that this I²S connection is not compatible with third-party DACs.

Built Around the CD-Pro 8 Mechanism

Serious disc reading in a modern transport

At the heart of the CD Box RS2 T is the StreamUnlimited CD-Pro 8 mechanism and CD-84 servo system, developed under the direction of Philips designer Michael Jirousek according to Pro-Ject’s product copy. The company presents this as a genuine high-end modern mechanism rather than a generic off-the-shelf drive.

• Reading accuracy
• Low vibration
• Stable digital extraction
• Reduced dependence on correction and interpolation

Suspended Motor and Carbon Fibre Chassis

Designed to reduce vibration

Pro-Ject says the motor system is integrated into an aluminium body and suspended in a proprietary anti-vibration housing within a rigid carbon fibre chassis. The goal is straightforward: keep external vibration away from the laser and disc-reading system.

Top-Loading Clamp Design

Smooth disc handling and secure rotation

The CD Box RS2 T uses a top-loading drive with a central mass point and a magnetic clamp. Pro-Ject says the clamp is made from a new aluminium alloy and is balanced to ensure firm disc contact, smooth rotation and accurate reading.

Disc Compatibility

More than standard CD Audio

• CD Audio
• CD-R
• CD-RW
• Hybrid SACD

Specifications

Detailed Technical Specifications

For those who like to drag out all the useful bits

The Audio Experts Take

The CD Box RS2 T is for the customer who already understands why a dedicated transport matters. This is not about convenience and it is not trying to be a budget disc spinner with fancy clothes on. It is a serious transport aimed at getting the best possible digital signal off a disc and into a good DAC.

The output options are strong, the transport engineering is properly thought through, and the top-loading design has the kind of tactile appeal that keeps physical media fun instead of turning it into a chore. For the right system, this is a very serious CD front end.