Project RS2 T CD Box and DAC Box RS2 CD Transport and DAC

These two boxes together make a diminutive yet superb CD Player!   ...with a Valve Hybrid DAC. 

The CD Box RS2 T represents a huge leap forward for CD playback. While many manufacturers are moving away from the CD format, there is still a huge number of keen audiophiles who still use their existing CD collections, and require a playback device that performs to the highest technical standards. The CD Box RS2 T is a luxury transport, featuring new technologies that have not been considered by others for many years to guarantee the level of excellence that audiophiles expect from their equipment.

Key Features:
Luxury CD transport with top-loading system
Magnetic metal clamp for smooth and stable rotation
Playback support for CD Audio, CD-R, CD-RW and Hybrid SACD
Features CD-Pro 8 mechanism and 'Blue Tiger' CD-84 servo board
Sophisticated anti-vibration design 
Multiple digital connections including I²S + Masterclock via HDMI connector 
LCD screen displays time, tracks and text (if available)
Aluminium IR remote included 

Specifications
Supports: CD, CD-R, CD-RW (finalized) and Hybrid-SACD
Digital Outputs: 1 x Balanced XLR (AES/EBU) / 1 x Optical S/PDIF (TOSlink) / 1 x RCA S/PDIF (Coaxial) / 1 x HDMI I²S
Outboard power supply: 20V / 3A DC
Power consumption: 600mA DC (< 0.5W in Standby)
Dimensions (W x H x D): 206 x 78 x 210
Weight: 3.0kg (excl. power supply)

The DAC Box RS2 features a very sophisticated digital stage, with a dual-mono configuration of the high-class ESS Sabre ESS9038Q2M DAC chips, featuring upsampling technology. Unlike most other designs, it boasts dual DAC chips and separate signal paths for the left and right channels. This allows for the finest conversion possible and support for digital transmission up-to 32-bit / 768kHz PCM and DSD512 over USB. There's also full authorisation and hardware/software support for Master Quality Authenticated (MQA) audio files, and Roon Tested certification for quick integration into a Roon-based system. To handle all this complexity, the DAC Box RS2's USB input is processed by a powerful multi-core XMOS microcontroller with advanced Multi-Core RISC architecture. The CPLD MAX II (Complex Programmable Logic Device) Altera is used for re-clocking, which together with the XMOS microcontroller brings high-quality processing of both traditional and MQA source material. 

In addition to the extensive USB options, the DAC Box RS2 can also connect directly to the matching CD Box RS2 T via a proprietary HDMI connection that carries I²S and the master clock (16,9344 MHz) signal. There are also additional optical, coaxial, AES/EBU and wireless Bluetooth (v4.0) digital connections to take care of all other possible sources, including a smartphone or tablet. 

For sound personalisation, the DAC Box RS2 offers a switchable solid-state / 6922 tube output stage. Then there are also eight (8) digital filters, including a proprietary optimal transient digital filter designed by the creators of MQA, for further customisation of the end performance. 

For ease of use, the DAC Box RS2 is equipped with a large LCD display that matches the CD Box RS2 T design. Control is best achieved with the supplied aluminium IR remote, where the extensive setting options menu can be navigated with ease to fully personalise your experience. The DAC Box RS2 is a truly complete solution, and is available in high-quality aluminium black or silver finish.

Specifications
DAC: X2 ESS9038Q2M (dual mono - 32bit/768kHz/DSD512) with 8 different digital filter settings
Digital Inputs: 1 x USB 2.0 Audio 32/768 + DoP and Native-DSD up to DSD512 / 1 x HDMI I2S for CD Box RS2 T / 2 x S/PDIF optical 24/192, 1 x S/PDIF coaxial 24/192 / 1x AES/EBU balanced 24/192
MQA Support: Full MQA unfolding by hardware
Line-level Input: 1 pair XLR / 1 pair RCA
Output Impedance: 180Ω solid state, 220Ω tube
Analogue Outputs: Fixed Outputs (XLR & RCA pairs)
THD+N (20Hz - 20kHz): < 0.0008% solid state/0.001% tube @ 2V RMS, 1kHz 
Bluetooth Version: Fully embedded Bluetooth® v4.0
Bluetooth Codecs: SBC, AAC and AptX
Output Buffer: Discrete and balanced, tube and solid state
Tubes: 4 x 6922EH
Power Supply: 20V / 3A DC
Power Consumption: Max. 1.2A DC (< 0.5W in Standby)
Dimensions (W x H x D): 206 x 72 x 222 mm
Weight: 1520g without power supply