CD TRANSPORT THAT MAKES AN AUDIBLE DIFFERENCE

Just stumbled on this post after being off Agon for a while, and perfect timing as I’m researching a transport. Lots of good info and especially thanks for charles1dads informative (and persuasive) posts. Planning on picking up an RS2T this week. First time with a separate transport, pairing with a decent DAC. Considering an LPS as well, LTA, Teddy Pardo, anyone else US based? Thanks.

@charles1dad

I have an Auralic DAC but will be upgrading to the Holo May. The Auralic served well for many years but it’s time to move up.

I’m familiar with the Audio Bacon site and LPS reviews, great stuff. That site seems to be sadly winding down, there hasn’t been much activity for a while.

Your Nikola LPS seems to be a fine unit, so I'll check that out. Thanks.

Thought I would add my impressions of the RS2 T after 3 weeks of use. Although I see the OP has already made his decision, this might be helpful to others.

I’ll get the nitpicks out of the way first. *I wish there was some kind of handle or finger detent to lift the top. I can see some cosmetic wear to the finish eventually affecting the sides where I always lift. *The display is pretty basic; the no CD display is a bit strange; it does read titles though on the CDRs I’ve fed it. *It doesn’t read some CDRs that other players do (but I understand there’s so many variables). *Sharp edges! Why they don’t put a bigger edge-break or radius on the top corners/edges I don’t get, except as a cost-cutting measure. Anyway, first observations that I’m getting used to with time. Except the sharp edges lol.

For sound quality, beautiful. I ran a break-in CD for about 200 hours between listening sessions. The bass really came into being with time. 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.

Very happy with the purchase and grateful to @charles1dad and others here and in other threads for turning me onto this unit. It’s a keeper.