Audio T Verdict
The Pro-Ject CD Box RS2 T is built for a very specific customer: someone who still values their CD collection, already owns a serious DAC and wants the disc-reading side of the system treated as a high-end source in its own right.
Everything about it reflects that brief. The top-loading StreamUnlimited CD-Pro 8 mechanism is suspended and mechanically isolated, its CD-84 servo electronics are integrated closely with the transport, the disc is secured by a precision magnetic clamp and the complete assembly sits inside a compact but exceptionally substantial aluminium chassis.
Just as importantly, Pro-Ject hasn't forced a DAC into the box. Instead you get optical, coaxial and balanced AES/EBU digital outputs, plus a dedicated I²S and Master Clock connection for the matching Pro-Ject digital electronics. If you already have a DAC you love and want to hear what your CD collection can really deliver, the CD Box RS2 T is a fascinating transport to audition.
Pro-Ject CD Box RS2 T CD Transport
The CD Box RS2 T is Pro-Ject's reference top-loading CD transport, designed from the outset to concentrate solely on reading standard Red Book Audio CDs and delivering the recovered digital signal to an external DAC.
Rather than sharing its enclosure with digital-to-analogue conversion, analogue output stages or streaming electronics, the RS2 T focuses on the mechanical transport, servo system, vibration control, digital signal transfer and power supply required for high-quality CD replay.
- Reference top-loading CD transport
- Transport-only design with no internal DAC
- StreamUnlimited CD-Pro 8 mechanism
- Blue Tiger CD-84 servo system
- Dedicated anti-vibration suspension system
- Carbon-fibre mechanical support structure
- Precision magnetic disc clamp
- Red Book CD-DA playback
- Balanced AES/EBU digital output on XLR
- Coaxial S/PDIF digital output
- Optical TOSLINK digital output
- Pro-Ject I²S plus Master Clock output
- I²S connection via HDMI-style connector
- LCD display
- 10-step display brightness adjustment
- Selectable black or white display background
- Track selection, repeat and shuffle functions
- Full aluminium remote control supplied
- External 20V power supply
- Compatible with suitable Pro-Ject Power Box RS power supplies
- Compact 206mm-wide aluminium chassis
- Silver or Black finish
A CD Transport, Not a CD Player
The distinction is important.
The CD Box RS2 T contains the mechanism and electronics required to read a compact disc and output its digital audio data, but it does not contain a digital-to-analogue converter.
There are therefore no conventional RCA or XLR analogue audio outputs.
To hear music you connect the RS2 T to a suitable external DAC, DAC-equipped amplifier, digital preamplifier or compatible AV processor.
You Need an External DAC
The CD Box RS2 T cannot be connected directly to a conventional analogue amplifier input. It is a transport-only product and requires a compatible external digital-to-analogue converter.
Why Leave the DAC Out?
Pro-Ject deliberately concentrates the RS2 T's engineering and cost on reading the CD accurately rather than duplicating a DAC that the customer may already own.
This also allows the transport and DAC to be upgraded independently.
If your preferred DAC changes in future, the RS2 T can remain as the disc transport. Likewise, an existing high-end DAC can immediately be used without paying for another conversion stage inside the CD player.
StreamUnlimited CD-Pro 8 Mechanism
At the heart of the CD Box RS2 T is the StreamUnlimited CD-Pro 8 top-loading mechanism.
StreamUnlimited has strong historical links with the development of CD technology in Vienna, and Pro-Ject worked with the company when developing the RS2 T.
The CD-Pro 8 was designed as a dedicated high-quality audio transport rather than adapting a computer or general-purpose optical drive for Hi-Fi use.
Blue Tiger CD-84 Servo System
The transport is partnered by StreamUnlimited's Blue Tiger CD-84 servo system.
The servo system controls the mechanical processes required to recover information from the spinning disc, including the operation and positioning of the optical pickup.
Pro-Ject integrates the servo closely with the transport mechanism rather than treating the drive and control electronics as unrelated assemblies.
Why the Mechanical Drive Still Matters
A compact disc stores digital information, but recovering that information is still a physical optical process.
The disc rotates, the laser must track the data accurately and the transport has to deal with real-world mechanical effects such as vibration, eccentricity and disc imperfections.
Pro-Ject's approach is therefore to treat the mechanism itself as a precision source component rather than assume that every device capable of reading a CD must perform identically.
Top-Loading Design
The CD Box RS2 T uses a manual top-loading mechanism.
Lift the top cover, remove the magnetic clamp, place the CD label-side upwards onto the transport, replace the clamp and close the lid.
Once the disc has been read, the display shows the number of tracks and total running time.
Precision Magnetic Clamp
A magnetic clamp secures the CD directly to the mechanism.
Pro-Ject uses an improved clamp manufactured from a new aluminium alloy and places considerable emphasis on its balance and mechanical contact with the disc.
Its purpose is to keep the disc properly seated and rotating smoothly while the optical system reads it.
Don't Forget the Clamp
Unlike a tray-loading CD player, the disc must be manually secured with the supplied magnetic clamp before playback. The clamp is an integral part of the transport system and should always be used.
Mechanical Isolation
Pro-Ject suspends the transport mechanism on a dedicated anti-vibration system rather than simply bolting the optical drive rigidly to the outer case.
The CD-Pro 8 mechanism is supported within a structure incorporating carbon-fibre elements, springs and damping components intended to reduce the amount of external vibration reaching the optical mechanism.
Carbon-Fibre Support Structure
Carbon fibre is used within the transport's mechanical support and suspension architecture.
The combination of low mass, rigidity and damping allows Pro-Ject to build a stiff platform around the drive while simultaneously controlling the mechanical energy transmitted to it.
Rigid Aluminium Main Chassis
Outside the isolated transport assembly sits Pro-Ject's compact RS2 aluminium enclosure.
The substantial metal casework provides a rigid mechanical foundation and also helps shield the internal electronics from the outside environment.
Despite its relatively small footprint, the complete transport weighs 3kg before the external power supply is included.
Gravity Design and Central Mass
Pro-Ject describes the RS2 T as using a gravity design with a central mass point.
Rather than distributing significant mechanical mass unevenly around a large conventional chassis, the compact enclosure and transport assembly are arranged around the central disc mechanism.
Red Book Audio CD Playback
The current Pro-Ject specification states support for Red Book CD-DA.
This is a specialist Audio CD transport, not a universal optical-disc player.
Designed for Standard Audio CDs
The manufacturer specifies Red Book CD-DA playback. The CD Box RS2 T is not advertised as an SACD, DVD, Blu-ray or general data-disc player, and Audio T does not promise compatibility with formats that Pro-Ject does not list.
No SACD Playback
The RS2 T is not an SACD transport.
If your collection contains hybrid SACDs, compatibility with the conventional CD layer is a separate matter from accessing the high-resolution SACD layer; the RS2 T itself is specified for standard Red Book CD audio.
Use Full-Size Circular Discs
Pro-Ject's operating instructions specify fully circular, full-size CDs.
Cracked, chipped, warped or otherwise damaged discs should not be used, and the manufacturer does not recommend shaped discs.
Four Different Digital Output Routes
The CD Box RS2 T provides an unusually broad choice of digital connection for a dedicated CD transport.
Coaxial S/PDIF
- RCA digital connection
- Widely supported by standalone DACs
- Use a proper 75-ohm digital cable
Optical S/PDIF
- TOSLINK connection
- Provides electrical isolation
- Widely supported by DACs
AES/EBU
- Balanced digital connection
- XLR connector
- Useful with suitable high-end DACs
I²S and Master Clock
- HDMI-style physical connector
- Dedicated Pro-Ject digital interface
- Designed for compatible Pro-Ject electronics
Coaxial S/PDIF Output
A conventional RCA coaxial digital output makes the RS2 T compatible with a very wide selection of DACs and DAC-equipped amplifiers.
For this connection, use a purpose-designed 75-ohm digital coaxial cable rather than assuming any ordinary analogue RCA interconnect is electrically identical.
Optical TOSLINK Output
The optical output provides another widely supported connection to external DACs.
Because the signal is transferred optically, there is no direct electrical connection between the transport and DAC through this cable.
This can be useful where electrical isolation between components is desirable.
Balanced AES/EBU Output
A professional-style AES/EBU digital output is provided on an XLR connector.
This is a digital connection, despite using the same broad connector type commonly encountered on balanced analogue equipment.
It should be connected to an AES/EBU-compatible digital input rather than an ordinary analogue XLR socket.
AES/EBU Is Not Analogue XLR
The XLR socket on the CD Box RS2 T carries a digital AES/EBU signal. Do not connect it to a conventional balanced analogue amplifier input.
I²S Plus Master Clock
At the top of Pro-Ject's connection hierarchy is its I²S plus Master Clock interface.
I²S is a digital-audio interface that allows the constituent digital signals to be transferred separately rather than combining them into a conventional S/PDIF data stream.
The RS2 T's implementation also incorporates a Master Clock connection between compatible Pro-Ject components.
The I²S Socket Uses an HDMI Connector
The physical socket is HDMI-shaped, but it is essential not to confuse the connection with conventional consumer HDMI audio or video.
This Is Not a Conventional HDMI Output
The rear HDMI-style connector carries Pro-Ject's I²S and Master Clock interface. It is not intended for connection to a television, AV receiver or ordinary HDMI input.
I²S Compatibility
I²S over HDMI does not have a universal consumer pinout shared by every Hi-Fi manufacturer.
Pro-Ject's current operating manual specifically documents the RS2 T I²S connection for use with the Pro-Ject Pre Box RS2 Digital, where the link also incorporates the DAC's Master Clock.
Do not assume that a third-party DAC with an HDMI-shaped I²S input is electrically compatible simply because the connector looks the same.
Using a Third-Party DAC?
Use optical, coaxial or AES/EBU unless compatibility with the Pro-Ject I²S implementation has been explicitly confirmed. HDMI-shaped I²S interfaces are not automatically interchangeable between manufacturers.
Master Clock Integration
When partnered through the intended Pro-Ject I²S interface, the connection includes Master Clock communication from the compatible DAC.
This allows the transport and converter to operate as a closely integrated digital source system rather than relying solely on the clock recovery used with conventional S/PDIF connections.
Which Digital Output Should You Use?
There is no reason to choose an output purely because it appears highest in a theoretical hierarchy.
The optimum connection depends on the receiving DAC and how its input stage is engineered.
With a compatible Pro-Ject RS2 digital front end, I²S and Master Clock is the purpose-designed option. With another high-end DAC, AES/EBU may be attractive where supported, while coaxial and optical provide excellent compatibility with a much wider range of equipment.
This is exactly the sort of comparison worth making during a demonstration.
No Analogue Outputs
The RS2 T has no:
- RCA analogue output
- Balanced analogue XLR output
- Headphone output
- Volume control
- Internal preamplifier
All four rear audio outputs are digital.
No Streaming or USB Music Playback
The CD Box RS2 T is deliberately single-purpose.
It does not contain:
- Network streaming
- Wi-Fi
- Ethernet
- Bluetooth
- Spotify Connect
- Qobuz Connect
- USB audio input
- USB memory playback
If those functions are required, they should be provided elsewhere in the system rather than compromising the RS2 T's role as a dedicated disc transport.
LCD Display
The front-panel LCD provides disc and playback information including track and timing data.
Pro-Ject also states that text can be displayed where it is available from the disc.
10-Step Display Brightness
The remote control provides 10 brightness steps.
This allows the display to be reduced for darker listening rooms rather than remaining permanently at maximum brightness.
Invert the Display
The display scheme can also be changed between:
- Black background with white characters
- White background with dark characters
This is controlled using the Mode function on the supplied remote.
Front-Panel Playback Controls
Essential CD operation is available directly from the front panel.
Functions include:
- Play
- Pause
- Stop
- Previous track
- Next track
- Scanning backwards and forwards
Direct Track Selection
The supplied remote allows a particular track to be selected directly using the numeric controls.
This is particularly useful on longer classical, soundtrack or compilation discs where stepping through a large number of tracks manually would be inconvenient.
Repeat Playback
Repeat modes allow either the current track or the complete disc to be repeated.
Shuffle Playback
A random or shuffle mode is also provided where you want the tracks on a disc played in a non-sequential order.
Aluminium Remote Control
Pro-Ject supplies an aluminium-bodied IR remote rather than a lightweight generic plastic handset.
It provides full playback operation as well as display control, standby, repeat, shuffle and direct track access.
The remote uses either a CR2032 or CR2025 3V battery as specified by Pro-Ject.
External 20V Power Supply
The RS2 T keeps its main mains power conversion outside the transport chassis.
The supplied external supply provides 20V DC at up to 3A.
The transport itself is specified at 600mA DC consumption during operation and below 0.5W in standby.
Why Use an External Power Supply?
Keeping the mains transformer outside the compact transport enclosure helps separate a significant potential source of electromagnetic and mechanical interference from the disc mechanism and sensitive digital electronics.
It also allows the power supply to be upgraded independently from the transport.
Pro-Ject Power Box Upgrade Path
Pro-Ject's manual explicitly permits the supplied power supply to be replaced by a suitable compatible Pro-Ject Power Box RS device.
This provides a manufacturer-supported upgrade route for customers building a larger RS or RS2 system.
Use the Correct Power Supply
Use the supplied 20V supply or a Pro-Ject power product specifically confirmed as compatible. Do not substitute an unrelated supply simply because its connector appears to fit.
Compact RS2 Format
The CD Box RS2 T measures only 206mm wide, considerably narrower than a conventional full-width Hi-Fi component.
Its dimensions are:
- Width: 206mm
- Height: 78mm
- Depth: 200mm
- Depth including rear sockets: 210mm
The compact footprint makes it particularly attractive where a reference digital source is wanted without a large stack of conventional 430mm components.
Allow Space Above the Transport
The compact footprint does not mean the RS2 T should be placed underneath another component with almost no clearance.
Because it is a top loader, you need enough vertical space to open the lid comfortably, remove the magnetic clamp and change the disc.
This is worth considering before choosing a shelf position or equipment rack.
3kg Without the Power Supply
Pro-Ject specifies the transport itself at 3kg, excluding the external power supply.
That is substantial for a component only 206mm wide and reflects the amount of metalwork and mechanical engineering packed into the compact enclosure.
Silver or Black Aluminium
The CD Box RS2 T is available in:
Both use Pro-Ject's precision aluminium RS2 casework.
CD Box RS2 T With Pre Box RS2 Digital
Pro-Ject designed the CD Box RS2 T and Pre Box RS2 Digital to work particularly closely together.
The pairing allows the transport's dedicated I²S and Master Clock interface to be used rather than relying only on conventional S/PDIF transfer.
The Pre Box then provides digital-to-analogue conversion and preamplifier functionality while the CD Box remains dedicated to disc reading.
Use It With Another DAC
The RS2 T is by no means restricted to the matching Pro-Ject converter.
Its conventional outputs make it suitable for many third-party DACs:
- Use coaxial S/PDIF where the DAC has a suitable 75-ohm input
- Use optical TOSLINK for an electrically isolated connection
- Use AES/EBU where both products provide the appropriate digital XLR interface
The best connection can then be chosen around the DAC you actually own.
Is a Dedicated CD Transport Still Worthwhile?
If most of your listening is streaming and you rarely play physical discs, perhaps not.
But if you own hundreds or thousands of CDs, a dedicated transport allows that physical collection to remain a serious part of a modern system rather than becoming an afterthought.
The advantage of the RS2 T concept is that the disc mechanism and DAC remain separate. Your CDs can benefit from a purpose-designed transport while conversion is handled by whichever DAC best suits the rest of the system.
Who Is the CD Box RS2 T For?
The CD Box RS2 T makes particular sense if you:
- Still have a substantial CD collection
- Already own a high-quality external DAC
- Want a dedicated transport rather than another integrated CD player
- Use AES/EBU digital connectivity
- Own or plan to use compatible Pro-Ject RS2 digital electronics
- Want a compact high-end digital source
- Prefer top-loading CD mechanisms
- Want the transport and DAC to remain independently upgradeable
- Value mechanical isolation and dedicated CD-drive engineering
Key Features
- Pro-Ject CD Box RS2 T
- Reference CD transport
- Transport-only design
- No internal DAC
- Top-loading mechanism
- StreamUnlimited CD-Pro 8
- Blue Tiger CD-84 servo system
- Dedicated anti-vibration suspension
- Carbon-fibre mechanical elements
- Precision magnetic disc clamp
- Red Book CD-DA playback
- AES/EBU digital output
- Coaxial S/PDIF output
- Optical TOSLINK output
- I²S plus Master Clock output
- HDMI-style I²S connector
- Pro-Ject Pre Box RS2 Digital compatibility
- LCD display
- 10-step display brightness
- Invertible display colour scheme
- Play/Pause control
- Track skip
- Track scan
- Direct track selection
- Repeat track
- Repeat disc
- Shuffle playback
- Aluminium IR remote control
- External 20V/3A power supply
- Suitable Pro-Ject Power Box RS upgrade path
- Less than 0.5W standby consumption
- 206mm-wide compact enclosure
- 3kg transport weight
- Black finish
- Silver finish
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Pro-Ject CD Box RS2 T still current?
Yes. Pro-Ject continues to list it within the current RS Line and CD-player section of its active Hi-Fi electronics range.
Is the CD Box RS2 T a CD player?
It is specifically a CD transport. It reads the disc and outputs digital audio but contains no internal digital-to-analogue converter.
Do I need an external DAC?
Yes. A compatible DAC, DAC-equipped amplifier, digital preamplifier or processor is required.
Does it have RCA analogue outputs?
No.
Does it have balanced analogue XLR outputs?
No. Its XLR connection is a digital AES/EBU output.
What CD mechanism does it use?
The StreamUnlimited CD-Pro 8 top-loading mechanism.
What servo system does it use?
The Blue Tiger CD-84 servo system.
Is the mechanism suspended?
Yes. Pro-Ject uses a dedicated anti-vibration suspension system around the transport assembly.
Does it use carbon fibre?
Yes. Carbon-fibre components are used within the mechanical support and suspension architecture.
How is the CD held in place?
With the supplied magnetic clamp.
Which discs does it support?
Pro-Ject currently specifies Red Book CD-DA audio CDs.
Does it play SACDs?
No SACD playback is specified.
Does it play DVDs or Blu-rays?
No. It is a dedicated audio-CD transport.
Does it play MP3 data discs?
Pro-Ject specifies Red Book CD-DA rather than general data-disc playback, so Audio T does not advertise MP3-CD compatibility.
Can I use shaped CDs?
Pro-Ject does not recommend shaped discs and specifies fully circular full-size CDs.
What digital outputs are provided?
Coaxial S/PDIF, optical TOSLINK, balanced AES/EBU and Pro-Ject I²S plus Master Clock.
What is AES/EBU?
It is a balanced digital-audio interface carried here on an XLR connector. It is not an analogue XLR output.
Can I plug the AES/EBU output into an amplifier's XLR input?
No. It must connect to an AES/EBU-compatible digital input.
Does the RS2 T have HDMI?
It has an HDMI-shaped connector used for Pro-Ject's I²S plus Master Clock interface. It is not a conventional HDMI audio/video connection.
Can I connect the HDMI-shaped socket to my television?
No.
Can I connect it to an AV receiver's HDMI input?
No. The socket carries I²S and Master Clock rather than standard HDMI audio/video.
Can I use the I²S output with any DAC that has an HDMI-shaped I²S socket?
Not automatically. I²S-over-HDMI implementations are not universally standardised between Hi-Fi manufacturers. Pro-Ject's current manual specifically documents the connection with the Pre Box RS2 Digital.
What is the safest connection to a third-party DAC?
Use coaxial, optical or AES/EBU according to the DAC's available digital inputs unless I²S compatibility has been explicitly confirmed.
Does it have a Master Clock connection?
Yes. Master Clock communication is incorporated into the dedicated Pro-Ject I²S interface.
Does it have USB audio?
No.
Does it have Bluetooth?
No.
Does it stream music?
No. It is solely a dedicated CD transport.
Does it have Wi-Fi or Ethernet?
No.
Does the display show track information?
Yes. The display provides track and timing information and Pro-Ject states that text can be shown when available.
Can the display brightness be changed?
Yes. Ten brightness steps are provided.
Can I invert the display?
Yes. The display can switch between black-background/white-text and white-background/dark-text schemes.
Does it have repeat playback?
Yes. The current track or entire disc can be repeated.
Does it have shuffle playback?
Yes.
Can I select a track directly?
Yes, using the numeric functions on the supplied remote.
Is a remote included?
Yes. Pro-Ject supplies an aluminium IR remote control.
What battery does the remote use?
Pro-Ject specifies either one CR2032 or one CR2025 3V battery.
What power supply does the RS2 T use?
The supplied external power supply provides 20V DC at up to 3A.
Can the power supply be upgraded?
Yes. Pro-Ject's manual permits use of a suitable compatible Power Box RS device instead of the supplied supply.
What is the operating power consumption?
Pro-Ject specifies 600mA DC.
What is standby consumption?
Less than 0.5W.
How large is the CD Box RS2 T?
206mm wide, 78mm high and 200mm deep, or approximately 210mm deep including the rear sockets.
How much does it weigh?
3kg excluding the external power supply.
Do I need clearance above it?
Yes. It is a top-loading transport, so sufficient space is required to open the lid and change discs comfortably.
What finishes are available?
Black and Silver.
What is the matching Pro-Ject DAC?
The CD Box RS2 T was developed particularly closely with the Pre Box RS2 Digital, which supports Pro-Ject's I²S plus Master Clock connection.
Can I use a different DAC?
Yes. The coaxial, optical and AES/EBU outputs allow the transport to work with a wide range of compatible third-party DACs.
Related Pro-Ject Products
Why Buy the Pro-Ject CD Box RS2 T From Audio T?
A transport at this level should be considered together with the DAC and digital connection you intend to use. Coaxial, optical, AES/EBU and Pro-Ject's dedicated I²S interface do not all behave identically, and the best choice depends on the receiving DAC rather than simply choosing the most exotic-looking socket.
Audio T can demonstrate the CD Box RS2 T with suitable digital conversion, help establish the correct connection for your existing DAC and make sure the transport is properly accommodated within your equipment rack with enough clearance for its top-loading mechanism.
- In-store demonstrations
- CD transport and DAC matching
- Coaxial digital connection advice
- Optical digital connection advice
- AES/EBU compatibility checks
- I²S compatibility guidance
- Pro-Ject RS2 system advice
- Digital cable selection
- Equipment-rack and top-loading clearance advice
- External power-supply guidance
- Existing CD collection demonstrations
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to arrange a demonstration or discuss how the Pro-Ject CD Box RS2 T can integrate with your DAC and existing Hi-Fi system.