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Pro-Ject CD Box S3 CD player (Black)

Item # 252CDS3BK

This sleek, compact disc player boasts a high-resolution DAC that lets it play CDs with extreme accuracy.

This sleek, compact disc player boasts a high-resolution DAC that lets it play CDs with extreme accuracy.

Item # 252CDS3BK

Every order includes

  • Free lifetime tech support
  • 60-day price-drop protection
  • 60-day returns
In stock
$599.00

Other options

Get questions answered fast & free

Expert help 400+ hours training Virginia-based

About the Pro-Ject CD Box S3

Eric A.

Product highlights:

  • ultra-precise Texas Instruments 32-bit/384kHz digital-to-analog converter
  • smooth front-loading slot mechanism
  • 1.54" status display
    • color inversion function lets you control how the display is illuminated
  • compact, vibration-resistant aluminum chassis
  • S/PDIF coaxial digital output
  • analog stereo RCA output
  • remote control included
  • frequency response: 20-20,000 Hz (±0.15dB)
  • signal-to-noise ratio: 120dB
  • total harmonic distortion: 0.005% (analog), 0.001% (digital)
Dimensions and warranty:
  • 8-1/8"W x 2-3/16"H x 7-5/16"D
  • weight: 2.14 lbs.
  • warranty: 2 years
  • MFR # 9120097827579
  • Item # 252CDS3BK

What's in the box:

Pro-Ject CD Box S3 owner's manual

If you need assistance accessing this owner's manual, please give us a call.
  • CD player
  • AC power adapter (attached 46" DC cord)
  • 3 AC plugs (US/EU/UK)
  • Remote control
  • 2 "AAA" batteries
  • Instructions For Use

More details on the Pro-Ject CD Box S3

Stacey B.

Features & specs

General
Disc Capacity 1
CD Transport Only No
Disc Exchange N/A
Track Programming No
Random Play N
Direct Track Access Yes
Direct Disc Access N/A
Networking Features
Network Music Streaming No
Ethernet Port No
Wi-Fi No
Remote Included
Parts Warranty 2 Years
Labor Warranty 2 Years
Compatibility
CD-R Playback No
CD-RW Playback No
Stereo SACD Playback N
Specifications
CD Frequency Response 20-20k Hz
Signal to Noise Ratio 120 dB
SACD Frequency Response Not Compatible
SACD Dynamic Range Not Given
SACD THD Not Given
Inputs
Digital Optical Input No
Digital Coaxial Input No
USB Type-A Input No
USB Type-B Input No
Outputs
Analog RCA Output Yes
Analog XLR Output No
Digital Optical Output No
Digital Coaxial Output Yes
Headphone Output No

Product Research

Features

CD Box S3: The Pro-Ject CD Box S3 is a compact single-disc CD player for high-quality CD audio playback. Its ultra-compact and features a carefully manufactured, high-quality all-aluminum case and buttons that resists vibration and interference. The CD Box S3 is available in Black or Silver.

Compatible Discs: The CD Box S3 features a slot-in mechanism for playback of Audio-CDs only.

  • This unit is not compatible with CD-R or CD-R/W writable and rewritable discs.
  • This unit does not support playback of compressed music files such as MP3, WMA, AAC, etc.
  • This unit does not support playback of high resolution music files such as FLAC, ALAC, DSD, etc.
  • This unit does not support playback of SACD (Super Audio CD).
  • This unit does not support CD-Text information display.

Note: It takes approximately 20 seconds for the CD Box S3 to power on and start up.

1:1 Bit-Accurate Drive: In contrast to DVD or Blu-ray Disc players, a pure CD player is frequently better for playback of stereo CDs. The drive in the CD Box S3 enables 1:1 bit-accurate CD playback. The player is controlled by a mini-computer, to optimize its PC-drive for a 1:1 bit-accurate reading of the "Redbook" CD-standard. The CD is read into a memory allowing any reading errors to be corrected, which ensures the best sound quality that you can get from a PC-drive. Although this approach results in slightly longer start-up and reading times, it enables Pro-Ject to fit an audiophile-grade CD player into and ultra-compact case.

32-Bit/384kHz DAC: A new and advanced PCM5102 DAC (digital-to-analog converter) by Texas Instruments enables more precise and detailed playback of your CD Audio discs. The new DAC chip provides the best digital analog conversion with a bit depth & sampling rate up to 32-bit/384kHz.

Analog & Digital Outputs: The Pro-Ject CD Box S3 is outfitted with analog and digital outputs. The analog stereo RCA outputs connect to your home receiver or integrated amplifier and utilize the CD Box S3's built-in DAC. The coaxial (SPDIF) digital output can feed an external DAC, letting your high-end DAC convert the accurately transferred bitstream from the CD.

Front-Panel & Remote Control: The CD Box S3 offers front-panel controls and comes with an IR remote. On the front-panel five aluminum push-buttons that operate Power On/Off, Play/Pause, Stop, Previous/Next Track, and Eject. The IR remote operates the same functions as the front-panel controls, but also adds a numeric keypad for direct track access and volume control for Pro-Ject integrated amplifiers.

Front-Panel Display: The Pro-Ject CD Box S3 features small 1.54" front-panel display which indicates track number and elapsed time of a track during playback. When a disc is first inserted, the display shows the total number of tracks on the disc and the total duration of the disc. The unit does not offer CD Text or song/artist/album information display.

AC Power Adapter: The Pro-Ject CD Box S3 comes with an external AC power adapter that plugs into the back of the CD player and into an AC wall outlet or surge protector (sold separately - see Accessories Tab).

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Customer Q&A

3 questions already asked

Q
Does this CD player play without adding gaps between tracks that should segue straight into each other? Live recordings ,classical recordings, things like that, that shouldn't have an extra second or more gap added to them? Any suggestions on players that will accommodate gapless playing? Seems like a lot of less expensive CD players have better spec sheets, however they add gaps were they're not needed. Thanks in advance for any advice you can provide.
john  Oct 08, 2022
1 answer
A
This Pro-Ject CD Box S3 does not list in the specs whether or not it has gapless playback sadly, John. That being said, most CD players use the Redbook standard and will play albums like Prince Paul's A Prince Among Thieves, The Beetles Abbey Road, and Pink Floyd's Dark Side Of The Moon without adding any additional gaps. That could be most frustrating with live recordings, and sometimes those gaps are actually in the data on the CD on some live recordings like Pantera's 100 proof as that is essentially a live medley and not one total show. You should be good to go here on the Pro-Ject, but just in case it does add any annoying gap you can always return within 60 days for a full refund if you wish, no worries there!
bo  Oct 08, 2022 (Staff)
Q
will this work with SONOS? If so , what hardware will I need.
ef  Aug 25, 2024
1 answer
A
Thanks for the question! So if you are trying to listen to CDs in your Sonos ecosystem, you will need to add a Sonos Port to that CD Box S3. It will run from the RCA ouputs on the CD Box and run into the RCAs on the Sonos Port and then with the Sonos app, you can distribute the audio through your Sonos system. https://www.crutchfield.com/I-rET1c402/p_616PORT1BK/Sonos-Port.html
red  Aug 25, 2024 (Staff)
Q
The remote control has volume controls (and the instructions refer to them) but they are non-functional on my unit. Is this a defect or possibly a feature implemented on other models using the same remote?
michael  Sep 15, 2022
1 answer
A
You hit the nail on the head there Michael! This is most likely no defect, those volume buttons are there in case you are pairing your Pro-Ject CD Box S3 with one of their integrated amplifiers. I do believe ONLY the MaiA S2 and S3 here. I hope this helps good buddy!
bo  Sep 15, 2022 (Staff)

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Pro-Ject CD Box DS3

Pro-Ject CD Box DS3

CD player
Black
In stock
5.0 out of 5 stars
8 reviews
$899.00

Larger screen, second digital output, and improved servo control

The Pro-Ject CD Box DS3 offers these features:
  • high-contrast dot-matrix display for CD track information
  • optical digital output
  • intelligent CD-80 Blue Tiger servo mechanism reduces tracking and focus errors
  • 24-bit/192kHz Texas Instruments PCM1796 digital-to-analog converter
  • total harmonic distortion: 0.018% (analog), 0.005% (digital)
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