Considering the Pro-ject Box CD RS2 Transport ? You might want to read this, first.

@charles1dad:

Sorry for the confusion-- I only meant to say that because resolution is not my highest priority, returning the Pro-ject was not as big a deal as it might be for others. I wasn't making any negative judgments about the Pro-ject itself. 

I was, however, complaining about the prevalence of speakers that (unlike the Prop-ject) end up with fatiguing highs (fatiguing for someone like me who is very sensitive to any harshness that region) because the designer(s) apparently choose to prioritize resolution above all else.  

Hope this makes at least a little more sense. . . 

Fascinated to try the RS2 now… I had heard the performance was pretty special. I’m currently evaluating the PS Audio PerfectWave SACD (Marantz SACD M-3 transport) and will have a review out in the coming weeks. I have a Cambridge CXC v2 on hand as a baseline reference. Obviously not a fair comparison but the RS2 certainly would be. The I2S link to my DirectStream DAC is an obvious advantage for the PWT transport and it does indeed sound better than SPDIF and AES-EBU, but it’s relatively subtle, at least with a generic HDMI cable (better one on the way).

I finally decided to keep the CD RS2 and accept the strange SHUFFLE behaviour. Sound quality is superb and might even get better in the future when I own a DAC with I²S. I cannot agree about the complaints about the size and the weight.

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             Source

@stuartk ,

No problem, 👍

Charles 

I thought I'd try the Bryston BCD-3 as an alternative (yes, I'm well aware that it doesn't utilize the same Steam Unlimited mechanism as the RS2) but was told by Audio Advisor that Bryston is unable to provide eta's for any components, due to severe supply chain issues!  I hope the company can survive. 

Guess that leaves the Urd. . . hopefuly,  waiting for the Urd won't turn out to be akin to "Waiting for Godot". 

@deralte:

"I cannot agree about the complaints about the size and the weight"

It's entirely subjective, as I've said all along and as such, is not something to be debated. 

@stuartk,

Have you given consideration to getting the Jay's Audio CDT2 MK 3 ? It is highly praised and very well regarded. Also dimensions are traditional sized so ergonomics should be a non factor. 

Charles 

Hi Charles;

Yes-- I know about its reputation, thanks. 

While I don't begrudge the Chinese people having access to the global economy, my strong aversion to their government's policies, at home and abroad, is a stumbling block I'm simply unable to circumvent at present. I realize this may be viewed by some as irrational but that's where I'm at. 

Best,

Stuart 

@stuartk ,

Understood,  we must adhere to our individual conscious. Good luck with whatever you decide to acquire. 

Charles 

Thanks, Charles. Looks like it will probably be the Urd, at this point. . . 

Is the Urd available currently?

I wish!  

I'll just have to wait (along with everyone else) for an announcement from Schiit (hopefully within 3 or 4 months) regarding availability.

I thought it was supposed to be out this year but it's not looking like that's gonna happen, at this point. 

I'm OK with this, though, Charles.

It's not like I have any major complaints about my Sim. 

@stuartk ,

I haven’t heard the SimAudio 260CDT but I do know that it’s well regarded, you could easily do worse in terms of the sound quality. No doubt that it’s a very solid reference point for comparison with competing CD transports. Could very well go toe to toe with the yet to be released Urd transport.

I’ve placed an order for a linear power supply for my Pro-Ject CD BOX RS2, so stage 2 (Stage 1 being the stock wall wart power supply) is coming soon😊

Charles

Charles:

I was really hoping to try the Bryston, which I suspect would better the Sim at retrieving data from the disc.  

However, I've just bought a Hegel H390, which should, in a different way, produce

a more articulate presentation from the system.

This also means I can't afford a Bryston.  I could afford the Schiit, if it ever steps out of the land of unicorns and into physical reality.   

Why did you go with the Pro-ject PS rather than the Linear Tube Audio unit? I'm curious. 

@taww:

We shall await your impressions with interest....

@stuartk ,

The LPS I chose is the Fidelizer Nikola 2 (Formerly known as the Nickola Signature). I know a very reliable and trusted Audiogon member who has heard the LTA LPS and the Nickola 2 with the Pro-Ject RS2 Transport.  He said the LTA is in fact very good with more of an emphasis on detail and transparency. The Nickola is more toward an organic richer tone/timbre sound. The latter suits my preferences. Just depends on what a listener is after. Pro-Ject transport and my other components do a very commendable balancing act between resolution and organic sonic character. 

Charles

Has anyone tried the Nuprime CDT-8, 9, or 10 transports?

@charles1dad:

I misunderstood; I thought you'd bought Pro-ject's own LPS.

From your description, the Fidelizer sounds like a great unit! 

FYI: the unit I returned is now available at TMR at an "open box price, for anyone looking for a deal on this transport.