CD2

About the CD2

The Bel Canto Design CD-2 is a premium CD player and transport designed for uncompromising playback of CDs, including CD-DA, CD-R, and CD-RW discs. It uses the professional CDPro2M top-loading mechanism for reliable and precise data retrieval. The CD-2 features selectable digital outputs (AES/EBU XLR, SPDIF BNC, TOSLINK) operating at 16-bit/44.1kHz, and an integrated DAC capable of upsampling to 24-bit/192kHz for analog output. It offers both RCA single-ended and balanced XLR analog outputs with selectable fixed or variable output levels, allowing direct connection to amplifiers without a preamp. The player incorporates Bel Canto's Ultra-Clock technology, achieving jitter as low as 2 ps rms and clock accuracy of 0.0001%, ensuring high fidelity and dynamic expression. The CD-2 is housed in a compact chassis with a brushed aluminum front panel and weighs 18 lbs (8.2 kg). It is powered by an external regulated 12V switch-mode power supply with multi-stage filtering to minimize interference. The unit consumes only 5 watts during operation, reflecting efficient design. Its minimalist user interface includes a single rotary knob and remote control for full functionality. The CD-2 is noted for its precise imaging, tonal accuracy, and organic sound reproduction, making it suitable both as a standalone player and as a digital transport feeding an external DAC.