This new Pro-Ject CD Box S3 CD player replaces Pro-Ject's well-known Box DC. It keeps the extremely compact dimensions that still make it the smallest audiophile CD player on the market today.
Pro-Ject CD Box S3: front panel
The very "flat" anti-resonance aluminium case (under 6 cm) is fitted with a black or natural aluminium front panel.
In the middle sits a slot revealing the "Slot In" mechanism. This means there is no tray: you simply insert the CD and the player draws it in. It may seem a little basic, but it reduces the number of moving mechanical parts, a tray among them.
Below the opening are 4 push buttons giving access to the basic functions (play, stop, previous and next track). The other functions are available via the supplied infrared remote control.
Track and time information appears on a small 1.54" LCD screen on the right of the front panel.
Pro-Ject CD Box S3: rear panel
The back of this CD player offers very simple but sufficient connectivity: an analogue RCA output and a coaxial SPDIF digital output.
The Pro-Ject CD Box S3 is powered by an external 9V DC / 200 mA unit.
Pro-Ject CD Box S3: technical
The Pro-Ject CD Box S3 player uses a Texas Instruments PCM5102A digital-to-analogue converter. This DAC operates at 32 bits / 384 kHz, ensuring precise, high-performance conversion. It lets the Pro-Ject CD Box S3 switch between IIR and FIR digital filters, which use linear digital signal processing to improve the sound.
The mechanism accepts CD, CD-R, CD-RW and Hybrid SACD (CD layer only). All functions are also available on the remote control supplied as standard.
Pro-Ject CD Box S3: testing and listening
The sound is surprising and inversely proportional to the size of the product. Music fills the room with ease and dynamics.
Transparency is remarkable, as is the balance, which is a real success.
The Pro-Ject CD Box S3 is an excellent CD player that meets audiophile standards and is very easy to accommodate. It perfectly complements Pro-Ject's integrated amplifiers.
Its musicality and relative neutrality allow it to pair with many audio components. The fact that this player is explicitly designed for audio CD playback only also shows how much importance Pro-Ject still places on this format, which has plenty of good years ahead.
FAQ: Everything you need to know before buying the Pro-Ject CD Box S3 CD player
What are its connections?
The back offers an analogue RCA output and a coaxial SPDIF digital output. Power comes from an external 9V DC / 200 mA unit.
Why doesn't this player have a tray?
It uses a "Slot In" mechanism: you simply insert the CD and the player draws it in, which reduces the number of moving mechanical parts compared with a conventional tray and helps the unit's reliability.
Which DAC does this ultra-compact CD player use?
It features a Texas Instruments PCM5102A converter operating at 32 bits / 384 kHz, with the option to switch between IIR and FIR digital filters to adjust the sound to your preference. Our guide on how to choose a CD player covers these criteria in detail.
Can this player read media other than the standard audio CD?
Yes, the mechanism accepts CD, CD-R, CD-RW and Hybrid SACD (CD layer only); all functions are accessible via the remote control supplied as standard, despite the minimalist 4-button front panel.
FranckDigital-to-Analog Converter (DAC): Texas Instruments PCM5102A 32-bit / 384 kHz
Compatible Discs: CD, CD-R/RW, Hybrid SACDs (CD layer only)
Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (+/- 0.15 dB)
Total harmonic distortion: 0.001%
Signal-to-noise ratio: 120 dB
Output level: 2. Vrms
Accessory: remote control
Power supply: external 9VDC/2A
Power consumption: max. 1.5 A
Standby power consumption: 0.5 W
Dimensions: 205 x 55 x 153 mm
Weight: 1350 kg without power supply
Customer reviews
Bon lecteur premier prix
J'ai acheté ce lecteur en attente de réparation de mon transport ancien mais de très haut niveau (ML 37). Je ne peux pas comparer les deux, puisque je n'ai pas eu l'occasion de les écouter l'un juste après l'autre, mais la qualité d'écoute avec le Pro-Ject ne me déçoit pas du tout !
La connexion numérique vers DAC est très pratique (je n'ai pas essayé le DAC interne du coup).
La compacité de l'unité est un vrai plus.
Les points moins positifs sont liés à l'interface, avec les boutons en façade qui ne répondent pas toujours très bien ou le mode répétition qui semble s'engager tout seul.
Arrêt CD automatique
Bonjour.
Comment faire pour que les CD s'arrêtent automatiquement en fin de lecture ?
Sans avoir besoin d'utiliser la télécommande pour retourner sur le point à l'écran.
Sans cette manipulation, le CD recommence au début.
C'est un peu répétitif pour ma part.
Cela dit, c'est quand même un superbe petit appareil.
Salutations.
Un parfum de perfection
Deux atouts majeurs de ce site , un rapport qualité/prix remarquable d'une part et la disponibilité du ( des ) techniciens d'autre part , toujours à l'écoute de leur clientèle .
Aucun regret
Son au top, navigation intuitive des pistes. DAC et rendu sonore très haut de gamme compte tenu de son prix. Content de mon achat