Why bother with places like those that offer ZERO discount?? Buying from a Mom and Pop dealer can get you up to 20% off. If you need to buy "on time" then I can see the benefit to buying from Musicdirect etc BUT if you have the coin on hand thats an incredibly bad decision.
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)
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)
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@ boukman I bought mine from Upscale Audio and upgraded power supply from Linear Tube Audio: Pro-Ject CD Box RS2T – Upscale Audio LPS+ Linear Power Supply by Linear Tube Audio @ charles1dad You are very welcome! The Pro-Ject still have me smiling even with a wall wart, my MK3 had a SR orange fuse, quality OCC power cord and an upgraded Qstab CD platter and the RS2T still surpassed the MK3 handedly... Wig |
@wig, Thank you for taking the time to express your listening impressions. Your comments along with those of @bigkidz has caught my attention. If I do decide at some point to replace my current CD transport, the Pro-Ject RS2T is the very likely destination (With a linear power supply 😊). High praise indeed that you and others find it better sounding than the esteemed Jay's Audio CD transport. Charles |
Guys, I have been a huge fan of Jay’s CD Transport for over 2 years owning both MK2 and MK3 and have enjoyed the performance gains I have attained over many other transports. I sold my MK3 a few days before my Pro-Ject CD Box RS2T arrived and have been spinning discs on my MK2 and its without question that the MK3 is an improvement over the MK2, especially in the sound staging and imaging department where the sound is pulled inward from the boundary of the loudspeakers and the sound stage is much deeper. Just like many that have bought the Pro-Ject and voiced their impressions on the differences they have heard between several transports are Spot-On! Clarity, separation, layering, imaging, sound staging, image width/depth/height, timing and it goes on and on and must be heard to Believe… I am hearing things effortlessly with speed, impact, detail and with a dimensionality I didn’t think was possible but what I find amazing is how each instrument is separate and occupy its own space within the sound stage and you can almost feel the space between the layers of music developing. This is very noticeable on string instruments after the initial pluck where the pressure “swell” and the notes appear to Pro-Ject toward the listening position in an enveloping and immersive listening experience. Over the past two days, I have been up until 2 AM listening to my new RS2T and just can’t believe how spacious and airy the sound is and the bass is so textured, deep and impactful… I like the analogy mentioned by Bigkidz as “bay windows”, the floor noise appears to be nonexistent which allows such clarity and a beautiful soundstage to emanate from a space that has no boundaries and imaging is So natural and realistic sounding; It’s quite Amazing to say the least and will see what LTA will bring to the table… Wig |
riaa my store has 1.6 million dollars of display inventory w state of the art gear in five soundrooms we have a 4000 sq foot house which has been tirned into a private store Audio Doctor Video - Jersey City, NJ United States - Home Garden - Bing video |
Guys, absolutely no issues with noise coming from the transport. My review sample has worked flawlessly after hundreds of hours of use. I also checked with the importer who said both statements (noise problems/lack of product) are not correct. Yes, like virtually all high-end gear there is a longer waiting time than usual, but no problems with their production. |
My dealer says the RS2 is no longer available till November because they are going through some optical drive issues with their current production. Can anyone else confirm this? Am dying to buy one :) Don't know if this is true or not, but, if it is, maybe they could use this opportunity to add track programming? Still shaking my head at that omission. |
Teajay; Thank you. Unfortunately, that may be a deal breaker. Especially since I really love my Jays CDT2 Mk2. I probably will just move up the Jays line. Thanks to you I have the Jays in my system and the sound has been superb. So, a little more Jays goodness might be exactly what I would want anyway. I’m just having a difficult time figuring out which Jays I want to try. Thanks again, Tim |
Hey Tom, Including the height of the transport chassis you will need about 10 inches with the lid wide open to comfortably change discs. You could get away with maybe a few inches shorter,but you would have to be much more attentive/careful when placing the CD and clamp during operation for the next disc. |
And I just picked up a project 4 way power supply less than 1/3 price off the dreaded Bay... Does sound better but will need to do proper listen before I offer thoughts but straight off... Better seperation, wider SoundStage and bass seems to have sharper bigger punch (a bit the bass I get from vinyl) |
I bought a rs2 cd box the OP spoke of... It is beyond sublime... I always thought my rega RP8 was best in my system even compared to my sacd player.. Then got the rs2 cd box playing into the same chord qutest... Now here (or should that be hear) is the nub Playing hybrid SACD my project sounds better playing the CD layer than my arcam sounds playing the SACD layer on the same disc. Not just one example either... All of the hybrid ones I own And as for tidal master... There is no comparison... This old 80s tech still has its place... |
@amorstereo, Ah shucks. I thought it was a cheaper implementation of the one you're using. On another (musical) note, did you find the coax out to give just as great results? I ask because I'm thinking of getting the Technics SU-G700 and feeding it, for now, with the coax out from an older CDP I have until I can save up for the Pro-Ject Box RS2. It's all in the planning stages but I need to know what I'm in for. All the best, Nonoise |
I scrolled briefly through the thread to see if this was addressed, but I didn't see it (or just missed it) Arthur Salvatore once made comparisons using Esoteric transports and dacs and his conclusion was that the better transport with the lesser dac sounded better than the lesser transport with the better dac. He was talking about all top-line Esoteric gear mind you. I think it would be interesting if you did a comparison of say the Pro-ject into the Orchid vs the Jay's into the May. I know you sold the Jay, but I'm just giving an example. I think it would be helpful to those who have a good transport/dac combo but are looking to upgrade only one. |
Here's something on a cheaper version of a Pro-Ject CD player in their line up and the reviewer just loved it. http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/0621/Pro_Ject_Audio_CD_Box_DS2_CD_Player_Review.htm I don't know if it uses the Tiger platform that the top loader uses but it's way cheaper and really impressed the reviewer. All the best, Nonoise |
I emailed the Pro-ject US importer about programming tracks, and this is the reply I received:
Thanks for reaching out. The RS2 T does not support track programming. It is a pure CD transport playback device. Best regards, Pro-Ject Customer Support Team@ The lack of the ability to program tracks may not matter to some, but, for me, it's likely a deal killer. I get putting sound quality over features, but I’m having a hard time understanding how implementing track programming would impact sound quality??? This is the first transport/player I’ve run across without it. Just wanted others who may be considering the CD Box RS2 to be aware of this omission. |
Hey everybody, Just got through with my evaluation of using Pro-ject's own up-graded linear power supply, which I stated earlier in this thread lead to significant improvements over their standard switch-mode power supply, with Linear Tube Audio's own customized linear power supply. LTA changed the rating from 12V-3A to 20V-3A. These subtle but easy to hear positive changes were: 1) Transient speed and overall dynamics/aliveness increased. 2) The sound-stage opened up with more air around instruments. 3) Transparency/clarity went to a higher level. 4) The purity of timbres/tonality/colors increased. Great stuff! The Linear tube Audio power supply costs $645, which is about two hundred dollars less than Pro-ject unit. Therefore, my conclusion is if you get this transport, go for the Linear Tube Audio power supply. On to the topic of comparing the Pro-Ject to the Jay's Audio MKIII. My friend will be installing the new board to bring the transport to MKIII status in the next couple of days. We will let it burn-in for a few days and then do the side by side comparison in my system and report back with our findings in the next two weeks. |
Not to mention in another thread he said he compared a 10 Year Old Model Esoteric K-01 to his current streaming service. His "Store" I am told is his dining room in his house LOL He's been busy the past couple of days reviving DEAD threads of T+A Gear to try to drum up business. Mortgage Banker must be knocking on the door :) How pathetic |
The individual who purchased my Jay's Audio transport MK-II is waiting for the new board replacement that would bring the transport to a MK-3 status. As soon as he gets it, I'll let you guys know how it compares to the Pro-Ject transport driving the same DAC (s) in my systems. This hopefully will be next week vs months away. |
Riaa we had esoteric the t+awas far better alsowe are streaming ripped cds as well a tidal and qubuzz te ripped cds sounded better then the esotric k01 spinninging them We used to sell aurende the innous sounded far better and 432Evo beats the innous It is a same you dont know anything your crack about t+a shows the the company is considered d to make some of the finest gear on the market Also kef blades are considered to be fantastic speakers Your hostiity towards our store is unwarranted E You are free to visit th store to señor yourself Dave and troy Audio intellect nj Importers 432Evo music servers |
Hey chayro, The company that Pro-Ject gets this transport mechanism from is producing them currently. Therefore, it is not NOS that is no longer in production, like what Jay's audio uses, and can be replaced with a current in-production one. No worries regarding replacement for a long time in the future. |
I don't know if anyone brought this up, but I would have an issue purchasing a relatively expensive transport without being able to purchase a spare laser or transport the way you can do with a Jays, or at least know that the company has set aside enough spare transports to guarantee replacements, as did Linn with their CD12. At least Linn said they did. |
@micro13, I’m just betting it’s gonna be a long while till that materializes. I’ve been waiting for how long now, for a comparison between Mojo EVO vs Holo May. Some comparisons happen faster and easier. This is another one, for a few reasons, I feel we won’t see for who knows how long, hope that’s not the case though. |
There's a new MK3 version of Jay's CDT2 which I read is a lot better than the MK2. It comes with a new and better oven controlled OCXO clock (like the clock in the Terminator Plus?!). Does anybody here already has experience with the new MK3 version? Would be interesting how it compares to the MK2 and also to the Pro-Ject RS2T. |
@essrandI owned the CEC TL5 - there is no comparison to the Pro-Ject really. Besides the Metronome, I also currently own the Audiomeca Mephisto II which I am currently repairing - and the CEC older TL-5100 (I think) but as much as I like the Audiomeca (Probably the most musical and analog CDT I have heard) the Pro-Ject may even be better for the reasons I described above. |
@bigkidz, Thanks for taking the time to share listening impressions of the Pro-Ject transport. I know how well regarded the Metronome digital components are. Both you and Terry prefer the Pro-Ject to the highly regarded Jay’s Audio CD transport. Very high praise indeed! "I don’t want to hear backing vocals on the same sound stage plane as the lead singers vocals if you understand what I am hearing. The Project was completely different than these two players." Know exactly what you mean. . I’m familiar with the sound of the CEC transports and have happily owned the P,S. Audio PWT for years. If I were to replace it, the Pro-Ject seems the direction to go. I’d very probably opt for the linear power supply. Charles |