This week in high-end audio, Swiss legend Nagra officially released the “Compact Player,” a compact network streamer/DAC. The company also unveiled a prototype of the “Classic Preamp II-S,” a new preamplifier for the Classic Series. From Austria, Pro-Ject Audio introduced the “CD Box RS2 Tube,” a CD player featuring a vacuum tube output stage.
1. New Product Releases (Official Announcements)
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Compact Player — Nagra (Network Streamer/DAC)
- Key Specs: Nagra’s network-enabled compact streamer/DAC. Supports high-resolution playback up to DSD256/DXD and is compatible with major streaming platforms including Roon Ready certification. Features the company’s signature solid aluminum machined chassis, embodying their professional audio heritage.
- Price: US$7,500
- Availability: Now available
- Notable: Nagra is a prestigious Swiss manufacturer renowned for professional recorders in broadcast and film industries. While their Hi-Fi flagship products command ultra-high prices, this unit offers a more accessible entry point to experience the Nagra sound. The launch event also showcased a prototype of the “Classic Preamp II-S” preamplifier scheduled for 2026.
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CD Box RS2 Tube — Pro-Ject Audio (CD Player)
- Key Specs: Dedicated Red Book CD player featuring SUOS DM-3381 drive mechanism and BlueTiger CD-88 servo controller. Output stage employs E88CC (6922/6DJ8 equivalent) dual triode vacuum tubes paired with a Burr-Brown PCM1796 DAC. Offers both XLR balanced and RCA unbalanced outputs.
- Price: £1,749 (UK)
- Availability: Now available
- Notable: Pro-Ject’s serious entry into the high-end CD player segment amid the physical media revival trend. Combines precision mechanism design expertise from their analog turntable heritage with vacuum tube audio appeal. Focused exclusively on CD playback without compromise in sound quality.