CD TRANSPORT THAT MAKES AN AUDIBLE DIFFERENCE

CD transport tray mechanisms are relatively complex and can become finicky and unreliable over time. I love and appreciate the straightforward simplicity of the top loading RS2T. To boot, its spinning mechanism unit is astutely thought out and isolation/vibration management is very well addressed.

My P.S. Audio PWT served me quite well sonically for 12 years. Occasionally the sliding tray would get stuck and not open. This is not a concern obviously with the RS2T top loader.

Charles

@jaybe

In general, smooth, refined, detailed, and capable of huge dynamic swings. I find it easy to follow multiple instrumental lines (not sure how to describe it) that bring some sort of cohesiveness and "flowing musicality" that I have not gotten from previous players. I’ll leave it at that.

Congratulations!!!

It is gratifying to know that you are very pleased with the RS2T. I agree wholeheartedly with your listening impressions. This is truly a first rate CD transport that did actually exceed my high expectations. As you note, terrific delineated and resolved reproduction of all types of music. It also really nails the fluidity, pace and flow of music. In a nutshell, it gets the music listening experience very right.

It does all of this with its standard SMPS wall wart. A good quality LPS extends the excellent performance further.

Charles

@jaybe 

The Holo May is highly regarded and should pair well with the RS2T. I can’t think of a reason why this would not be the case.

The Fidelizer Nikola II is overbuilt in my opinion. I’ve had mine on 24/7 since purchased in January 2022. Not even warm to the touch and it’s absolutely silent. So, an over spec’s power transformer and very good quality parts. I’m very happy with it.

Charles

@jaybe 

What DAC will you be using? I feel confident that you’ll be impressed with the RS2T. Here’s a comprehensive linear power supply review you may find very helpful.

https://audiobacon.net/2021/08/06/the-worlds-best-audiophile-linear-power-supplies/

@dsper 

Charles, I am still using a PS Audio PWT and am wondering if you heard improvement via LPS when you used your PS Audio transport

The PWT has an onboard internal LPS. And a very good one given its sound quality. I used the PWT for 12 enjoyable years. The RS2T with the stock SMPS wall wart sounds excellent!! An external LPS just takes the sound quality further upward.

Charles

@cymivka 

The RS2T has totally transformed my cd collection, exactly what I was hoping for

Yes. This is why in my own way I’ve tried to spread the awareness of the RS2T.  For those listeners who enjoy physical CD media and high quality Redbook CD sound, this transport is a superb sounding option.

I understand your point about size/weight/footprint etc. Pro-Ject explicitly explains small “box”  compactness was their product goal. Diminutive physically and big sonically. They achieved their objective with flying colors.

Charles

@cymivka

Good to see you were able to solve your problem. I agree that the RS2T is small and compact. I don’t agree that it is “dinky”. The chassis is solid aluminum. The actual CD drive unit and suspension housing is comprised of aluminum and carbon fiber. A small footprint package, lighter weight but nice rigid component.

I have mine on Star Sound brass audio points with their larger size reversible discs.No vibrational issues at all. My excellent P.S. Audio Memory transport is probably 4x the weight with a bigger footprint. The RS2T is better sounding in every way. So, I believe marvelous engineering in a diminutive unit.

Charles

@tennisdoc56 

This is what I use. Nikola II.

Well, Pro-Ject makes their own optional LPS. Many RS2T owners are very happy with the LTA (Linear Tube Audio) LPS. I’m very happy with the Fidelizer Nikola II LPS. I do not believe that you could go wrong with any of these 3.

Charles 

@tennisdoc56

Next consideration is the value of upgrading power supplying

Yep! That’s an individual decision. Excellent as is, but can be pushed further with a high quality LPS. I listen usually 4 days a week for 4 to 5 hours on average. Most decidedly worth the price to acquire the LPS .

Charles

@tennisdoc56

Thanks!

Charles 

@tennisdoc56

If you don’t mind, what DAC and music server/streamer are you using? The RS2T sounds excellent with its standard wall wart power supply, yet improves further with an external LPS substitution. I purchased my RS2T from Underwood Hifi as well.

Charles

@langla4

Probably not adding much to the discussion but I have a PS Audio transport with a Brinkmann Nyquist DAC. We couldn’t be more pleased. Plus, I picked up the transport used.

I believe you. I owned the P.S. Audio PWT for 12 very happy years before replacing it with the Pro-Ject RS2T in 2021. In my opinion the PWT is still one of the better higher level CD transports that one could acquire and very high value if bought used. It was exceptionally reliable during those12 years of heavy usage.

Charles

@bigkidz

The CEC TL3N is excellent, and the Project Audio transport was our favorite that simply was an instant sonic difference maker in about three system we tried it in. There was no going back and forth, it was simply the nicest sounding of them all. The lower priced transports are nice for the money but the Project was the one to purchase. The Jays was good, very dynamic but was not as musical as the older Metronome which we felt the Project was in another league all together.

Insightful comparisons from a manufacturer of a very high end DAC. In addition someone who’s heard 3 highly regarded CD transports (CEC, Jay’s Audio and Pro-Ject RS2T). One could not go wrong with any of this trio but I understand his conclusion. The RS2T I’ve had in my audio system the last 16 months and can concur that it is genuinely sublime sounding.

It is by design a small footprint and compact CD transport with a huge performance presentation. The better one’s DAC, the more one will recognize and appreciate the quality contribution of the Pro-Ject RS2T. It replaced my “terrific” P.S. Audio PWT memory transport. It is an improvement across the board.

Granted, it is considerably more expensive than the value oriented Cambridge transport. Sometimes you really get what you have paid for.
 

There are some of us who are well aware of digital audio streaming and acknowledge what it offers. However, we immensely enjoy and appreciate very high level Redbook CD playback and media. The RS2T is meant for this type of listener.

Charles