Pro-Ject
Pro-Ject CD Box S3 CD Player
Best compact player for audiophiles seeking high-fidelity physical media playback.
Experience pure audio with the Pro-Ject CD Box S3, a compact CD player designed for audiophiles. It delivers exceptional stereo CD playback, focusing solely on high-fidelity sound. Featuring a precision drive and a high-quality 24bit/96kHz DAC, it reproduces your music with natural detail and clarity. Its robust, all-metal construction ensures reliability, while the minimalist, half-width design saves space and integrates seamlessly with other Pro-Ject Box components. Enjoy your physical media collection with uncompromising sound quality.
$599.00
More CD Box Options
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
87
/ 239
#87 in CD Players & Recorders
Price vs Category Average
-87%
Below average
DAC
320232496
/ Texas Instruments TLVDAC Bit/kHz
Who it's for
- Desktop listeners with limited shelf space for audio equipment
- Audiophiles seeking high-fidelity sound from their existing CD library
- System builders wanting a dedicated transport for external DACs
Who should skip it
- Collectors worried about potential scratching of delicate or rare discs
- Users requiring integrated headphone jacks or volume control features
- Listeners who prefer the tactile weight of premium, heavy components
Performance breakdown
Audio Fidelity
High-fidelity DAC ensures natural, detailed sound reproduction for critical listening.
Build Integrity
Robust all-metal chassis effectively minimizes vibration for cleaner signal output.
Space Efficiency
Compact half-width design fits perfectly into any minimalist audio setup.
Playback Precision
Optimized servo mechanism guarantees accurate, skip-free reading of physical discs.
System Integration
Coaxial output allows for easy upgrades with high-end external DACs.
Operational Simplicity
Streamlined, dedicated design prioritizes pure CD playback over complex features.
Key Specs
DAC
Texas Instruments TLV320DAC23 24Bit/96kHz
Digital Output
1x Coaxial S/PDIF
Frequency Response
20Hz—20kHz, -0.3dB
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)
0.01%
Noise Floor
96dB / 1V
Output Voltage
1Vrms via 1 pair RCA
Dimensions
206 x 36 x 150 mm
Weight
1260g (without power supply)
Features
- Ultra-compact, half-width design saves space
- Slot-in mechanism for easy disc loading
- Robust all-metal CD transport for durability
- Optimized servo for accurate playback
- Direct digital interface for cleaner signal
- Metal casing protects against vibration
- Exclusive focus on Audio CD playback
- Coaxial output for external DACs
What customers say
The Pro Ject CD Box S3 impresses with its exceptional audio quality and elegant design. Users consistently praise its remarkable clarity and detailed sound, confirming its audiophile capabilities. The compact size is a significant advantage, allowing for easy integration into any setup. While the player itself feels well constructed, some find the remote control a bit light. Overall, this CD player offers a superb blend of high fidelity performance and space saving sophistication, making it a standout choice for discerning listeners.
Know before you buy
Yes. The CD Box S3 features a coaxial S/PDIF digital output, allowing you to bypass the internal DAC and connect the unit to a higher-end external digital-to-analog converter if you choose.
While the unit is compatible with standard CD, CD-R, and CD-RW discs, it does not support SACD playback. It is designed specifically for high-fidelity playback of standard Red Book audio CDs.
No, the CD Box S3 does not include a remote control. The unit is designed with a minimalist aesthetic and is intended to be operated directly via the front-panel controls.
The slot-in mechanism provides a sleek, modern look and protects the disc from dust. It is a robust transport system, but it is important to insert discs straight to ensure smooth loading.
Yes, you can connect the RCA analog outputs directly to a pair of powered speakers or an integrated amplifier. The unit provides a standard 1Vrms output signal suitable for most home audio setups.
Pro-Ject designed this unit with an exclusive focus on audio CD playback to minimize internal interference and maximize sound quality. By omitting features like USB playback or recording, the player maintains a cleaner signal path for your physical media.
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