A phenomenal new CD transport-Pro-Ject CD Box RS2 transport


I have had in-house for the last week Pro-Ject's new CD Box RS2 transport to review for the website Stereo Times. I was very curious to assess its performance because it uses the Pro 8 drive with the Blue Tiger CD-84 servo card. This drive was developed and built by StreamUnlimited a company started by the original Phillips designers that historically built the finest CD mechanisms. Only two other companies use the StreamUnlimited 8 drive and Blue Tiger CD-84 servo card, their pieces cost $16,000 and $39,000 compared to Pro-Ject's sane price of $3,000!

My reference for the last two years has been the excellent Jay's Audio MK-II transport that had out-performed much more expensive highly regarded transports in my system. Well, across every sonic parameter  (transparency/micro-details-overall dynamics/bottom-end extension/purity of tonality- a much more airy sound-stage with wonderful 3D imaging) compared to the Jay's Audio transport.

That's way I titled this thread a "phenomenal new CD transport" because while not inexpensive, it just might be a bargain based on its performance. Mind you, this superlative level of performance is based on using the switching power supply that Pro-Ject ships the transport with. I have shortly coming a custom 20 watt 3 amp linear power supply from Linear Tube Audio and Pro-Ject's own upgraded power supply to see if the RS2 transport performance will even go to a higher qualitative level of performance.

I'll be writing a full detailed review for Stereo Times in the near future. However, I wanted to share this information to GON members who still spin CDs. I have had numerous CD transports in for evaluation and this just might be the best sounding of all of them.

Teajay (Terry London)




amorstereo
@pguezze mine is 1.5 M, based on what I read here (likely the same threads you found).  I usually go as short as possible, but made an exception.  It's possible teajay or someone else has compared the WireWorld with the Black Cat and will chime in. 
@disc thanks so much for the recommendation. I have a full loom of Wireworld interconnects, speaker, and power cords so it probably makes sense for me to stick with Wireworld. 
What length did you get? I’ve read to stick with a minimum of 1.5m. 1.0m would work for me but thinking the 1.5m will sound its best. 
pguezze, from teajay earlier: "First, disc I highly recommend you try the Black Cat Digit 110 AES/EBU cable that retails for $875. It's my reference cable and competes with much more expensive models."  That has been seconded in this thread.  I ended up going a cheaper route -- WireWorld Micro-Platinum Eclipse 8 AES/EDU.  I got it from Walter at Underwood HiFi -- I've purchased several pieces of gear from Walter, including the RS2 transport, and have been very happy with his advice, pricing and speed of delivery.  The WireWorld was a little more than half the price of the Black Cat.  I'm loving it, though I'm sure I'll start dreaming about black cats in a few months.  I tried to find a shoot out of various AES/EDU cables before buying, but had no luck.  Cheers.
What digital cable is everyone using with their Pro-Ject CD Box RS2 transport?
@hcywng I purchased from TMR Audio. Ask for Nick and let him know Paul sent you. 😎.   

P.S. There was a nice discount. 
@charles1dad I will definitely do a comparison review after a decent amount of break in.
@pguezze,
Congratulations! I’m interested to know your thoughts on  how the Pro-Ject compares to OPPO UDP -205 transport. Regarding your Aurender, I continue to find people’s CD transport to streamer comparisons interesting.
Charles
So I just pulled the trigger on the  Pro-Ject CD Box RS2 transport. I have just about 1000 CD's and using an OPPO UDP-205 as a transport to my Bryston BDA-3 DAC betters my Aurender N100H. I can only imagine what the Pro-Ject CD Box RS2 transport will do.
Its refreshing to read of a component that performs with such apparent fidelity that doesn’t necessitate the sale of a kidney! 
"That is part of what makes it so phenomenal."

Hard to argue against this.
I have a favorable bias toward heavier, solid and robust components but there are always exceptions. In regard to the Pro-Ject, light weight doesn’t imply cheap and flimsy.

In the link I provided above the attention to detail, design and choice of solid aluminum and carbon fiber inspire confidence in high quality construction. Much focus on structural  rigidity and on isolation from vibration It doesn’t weigh 40 or 50 pounds because it doesn’t have to in order to be "phenomenal" . Owners of this transport certainly appear to support that conclusion.
Charles

“Is there any concern that the Pro-ject cd transport only weighs 6 pounds?”

That is part of what makes it so phenomenal. 

I’m extremely interested in the Pro-Ject CD Box RS2 transport. I’m using an OPPO UDP-205 as a transport to my Bryston BDA-3 DAC. My DAC doesn’t have an i2s input. Will my Wireworld silver sphere HDMI work?
@gyeltsen I own one now but haven’t posted on it yet…  the transport is simply clean, clear and natural, and is a source that should pair well with any DAC or whole system. 
 Like others have said, I too, hear the clean and well separated bass, the natural musical textures, and it’s open and transparent nature. It seems to present the music in a nice full, neutral, balance and uncolored way. And I don’t have an upgraded power supply yet. 
I wonder if the Pro-ject CD transport would pair with the DAC built into my Hegel H360 integrated amp. Would anyone happen to know? Thanks
charles1dad, 
Thanks for the link. Seeing how it's made is like audio porn.

All the best,
Nonoise
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.project-audio.com/wp-co...
For those interested there are good descriptions of construction materials and details along with some photos. A lot of thought and effort was put into this transport. 
Charles  
@rsf507 RCA or spdif cables are 75ohms AES/EBU cables are 110 ohms. I'm not an engineer so won't tell you why but that is the case.
Or Pro-Ject could simply make the linear power supplies the default choice and rightfully raise the price for this better sounding packaged combo.
Charles 
kully560, ...or LTA will!

jriggy and teajay, thanks for the Black Cat rec.  I'll check it out.  I'm running the Pro-Ject into the DAC in my integrated with optical, and am expecting (hoping) that the AES/EBU will be an improvement. 

"This is only one of the Emails I have received with the same superlative results"

The feedback from owners overwhelmingly tout the superiority of using a linear power supply with this transport. Makes me wonder why Pro-Ject even bothers with a switching mode power supply wall wart.
Charles
for another thought on improving the project transport ,I build a umbilical power cord with the v quad cable from vh audio with the furutech connectors . it was another step or 2 up the ladder for like $80.00
Hey rsf507,

I don't believe that this Black Cat cable is necessarily 110 Ohm. Its the name of this digital AES/EBU piece. If you want to check on it's Ohm rating give Chris a call, he'll inform you of its exact rating.
Two things,

First, disc I highly recommend you try the Black Cat Digit 110 AES/EBU cable that retails for $875. It's my reference cable and competes with much more expensive models.

Just got an Email from a recent owner of the Pro-Ject transport & LTA power supply: "With the LTA power supply the bass articulation, texture, and detail are significantly improved. The air and transparency around the musicians has improved, along with depth and width of the sound-stage. This transport, with the LTA power supply has made the most noticeable improvement in my system over any other component by far."

This is only one of the Emails I have received with the same superlative results.
Hey all, I'm looking for a 1.5M AES/EBU cable to run from the Pro-Ject transport to my integrated amp.  My budget is up to USD1000, with the ability to stretch if there's a great reason to do so.  Any thoughts?  Digital cabling is new territory to me.  Thanks in advance.
@ TJ

See page 3 on my initial impressions but will be doing an umbilical comparison in a few weeks with the LPS+ PS which is a very noticeable improvement in sound quality.

Wig
Hey Wig,

Thanks for your kudos!

Would you share what the Pro-Ject transport has added/improved in your digital front end performance.

Thanks, TJ
Kudos to TJ, what a great find on this transport!

I'm using a NOS Dac as well out of the UK, SW1X Dac III+ DHT and it's superb.

Wig 👍
Hey stewg,

I have nothing but respect for Audio Note UK gear. My hunch is that because all the different  Audio Note transports use some type of NOS Phillips transport mechanisms, and the Pro-Ject uses a qualitative new/different mechanism and control board that you still would get a higher level of performance out of your 2.1X Signature by driving it with the Pro-Ject. Part of this hunch is also based on that at least three transports that I have had in-house used different versions of NOS Phillips transports and none sounded as good as the Pro-Ject driving my 3.1 Balanced MK II.
Terry,
I wonder if you've been able to compare the Pro-ject to any of the upper level Audio Note transports that your local dealer sells. I have an all Audio Note system, using a level one transport with the Dac 2.1x Signature, which is one level down from your dac. Just curious if there would be a system compatibility between an Audio Note dac and transport, vs using the Pro-ject. The upper level Audio Note transports all use the Phillips CD Pro 2LF  transport.
Hey Charlies,
Glad that you enjoyed it. Yes, the brightness/color are adjusted through the remote control.
Hi Terry ,
I enjoyed reading your review very much.  Can the transport screen brightness and color scheme you cited in the review be done with the remote control?
Charles 
Hey disc,

Thanks for posting the link to my review. I hope all you guys enjoy it and find it informative about this great transport. It's not inexpensive by any means. However, I believe it's one of the best transports on the market today, and the highest performing I have ever had in my house.
@nonoise, 
Thanks for the review link. I'm glad the Fidelizer Nikola LPS was included.  Lots of positive comments I've come across in regard to its sound quality. 
Charles 
@ in_shore

Build that Vh Audio umbilical cord and you'll be rewarded with better SQ across the board for $80 and 30 minutes of your time 😁

Wig
For those looking for a LPS to use besides what's been offered here, here's a review of several models that took the reviewer about 4 months to conduct:https://audiobacon.net/2021/08/06/the-worlds-best-audiophile-linear-power-supplies/

All the best,
Nonoise
I have very happily been using the P.S. Audio PWT the past 8 or 9 years and it is wonderful paired with my Yamamoto YDA-01 DAC. Listening last night to jazz guitarist Royce Campbell CD   "Solo Wes" a tribute to the great Wes Montgomery.

It felt as though I was sitting in the recording studio, so real and tactile. Not an uncommon outcome with the PWT. Intriguing to contemplate the Pro-Ject CD Box transport taking this type of listening experience yet a further step upward. The comments on this thread are quite encouraging.
Charles
It gets even better with an LTA LPS+ and a DIY Vh Audio V Quad Cu 21 Umbilical...

Wig 🎶
Wig & Charles ,yes I’m sure of my findings ,there’s a lot to be said about the RS2 yet and I’m sure Terry London will lay it out with his up and coming full review of this transport.
I’ll say this if anything falls into the category of “price has no bearing on performance” it is the RS2 transport….
@in_shore
"The 432 Evo Aeon i had was the full option model at $8500.00 ,it’s sold ."

That’s quite a tribute to the Pro-Ject RS2 transport by any standard.
Charles