A phenomenal new CD transport-Pro-Ject CD Box RS2 transport
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 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. |
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. |
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 |
@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. |
"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 |
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. |
@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 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. |
Here's the link: https://audioenvy.com/product/home-car-pro-interconnects/digital-coax-3ft/ All the best, Nonoise |
@musichead , I was worried/curious about this also, and among other reasons, is why I purchased from a retailer with a trial period. Good news is no noise issues at all. During the first 20 or so CDs played through the unit there were a few with slight repetitive ‘tick’ like a fast clock but it hasn’t happened again now after a month or so. Maybe just the mechanism breaking-in, like some motorized mechanisms do… Question for other owners: Does the triangle shaped “reading” symbol ever show up green? And same, does the no disk “X” icon ever show as green?? These two screen icons are usually red in color, but periodically they show as green. Why? BUT it seems like ever since I switched to a different aes/ebu digital cable they are now always red; I haven’t seen these icons show up as green since the new cable. That’s probably a coincidence and maybe it has to do with powering down or something. Has anyone else seen this? |
musichead, I've had mine for several months and have had noises with noise. Very happy. I was using optical and switched to AES/EBU and am pleased with the improvement. There's a short discussion above about AES/EBU cable options. Alas, I can't use the I2S in my system griggy, re red/green, I've noticed that too. I switched from white background to black and was wondering if that was the reason. I'll start trying to track it. |
Two questions, First, Anybody hooking up the Project to a PS Audio Directstream with I2S? Is it a good match? (My Jays CDT2 MK2 always had a small glitch). Second: Speaking of the Jays, is it possible to use the aftermarket Qstab disk stabalizer on the Project unit? That little Project clamp sure looks like it could use a bigger brother. Thank you, Tim |
"That little Project clamp sure looks like it could use a bigger brother." It's my understanding that the small size of the clamping disc, chosen alloy metal and weight were well thought out and very specific to compliment the actual CD spinning mechanism and isolation suspension. So in this instance a larger clamping disc may not be advantageous. Certainly one could experiment with a larger disc and report their findings. Charles |
