Pro-Ject CD Box S3

The CD Box S3 is a compact slot-loading CD player with a transport optimised for Red Book CD-DA and a PCM5102 DAC reaching 32-bit / 384 kHz, with an analogue RCA output, a coaxial digital output and a 1.54-inch display.

CD Box S3: the design

This was the first unit in the S3 range and it introduced the format: an all-aluminium, torsion-resistant case and a 1.54-inch display with an inverted-colour mode, showing the information you need while listening. The CD is pulled in through the front slot and is ready to play a few seconds later. It is built in Europe.

The circuit has been revised as well. The transport is optimised for bit-accurate reading of audio CDs under the Red Book standard; conversion goes through a PCM5102 chip that reaches 32-bit / 384 kHz. Published figures: distortion of 0.005% at 1 kHz on the analogue output and 0.001% on the digital one, response from 20 Hz to 20 kHz within 0.15 dB, level of 2.0 Vrms at 0 dBFS.

It can be connected in two ways. The RCA line output uses the internal converter and goes to any preamplifier; the S/PDIF coaxial output carries the digital signal to an outboard DAC. The remote runs on two AAA cells and the external adaptor is 9 V / 2 A. It measures 206 x 55 x 153 mm, 160 mm with the sockets, and weighs 1,330 g.

Specifications

• Type: slot-loading CD player
• Discs played: Red Book audio CD (CD-DA)
• DAC chip: PCM5102, up to 32-bit / 384 kHz
• Display: 1.54-inch with inverted-colour mode
• Analogue out: two RCA sockets
• Digital out: one coaxial S/PDIF
• Output level: 2.0 Vrms at 0 dBFS
• Frequency range: 20 Hz - 20 kHz, +/- 0.15 dB
• Distortion (analogue out): 0.005% at 1 kHz
• Distortion (digital out): 0.001% at 1 kHz
• Noise floor: better than -120 dB, 20 Hz - 20 kHz
• Power: external adaptor, 9 V / 2 A DC
• Current draw: 250-1,500 mA DC, under 0.5 W at idle
• Remote control: supplied, takes two 1.5 V AAA cells
• Size (width x height x depth): 206 x 55 x 153 mm, 160 mm including sockets
• Weight: 1,330 g, adaptor excluded
• Finishes: black, silver