Differences the Project RS2 Transport and the (newest) Jay's Audio CD2 Mk 3

@desalvo55

Congratulations on those who own both the Jay’s and the Project not to mention the CEC’s. Let’s give those shiny discs a workout!

Yep, those shinny discs can sound superb with a high quality CD transport. Pro-Ject has their own proprietary i2s so may or may not work with your DAC. I look forward to your listening impressions.

Charles

I should be receiving my RST2 in a couple of days. I ordered it sometime in October I believe. 

I was hopeful to procure a Network Acoustics I2S cable as I already am enjoying their Muon USB that connects from my May KTE to a computer. I will post a review soon after the Project settles in.

Unfortunately, NA is so busy building their Muon cables, they could not provide me a i2S for beta test. I'm hopeful my HDMI cables can provide transport to my TRANSPORT. I have a pretty good Monster HDMI (don't laugh, it beat up on some pretty expensive boutique cable a decade ago) and a few cheapie others, but I want really a good i2S cable, a I learned lesson with the USB cable quality being important in the chain.

It will be an interesting test, having amazing digital using even the raw bit rate NOS from May KTE to computer against this well regarded transport.

I've owned so much gear in my lifetime. Why am I excited to see what this transport can do against a ripped file transported from a noisy computer motherboard over USB? The Muon USB - somehow seemed to even elevate the sound beyond what my extensive network junk could perform. 

Congratulations on those who own both the Jay's and the Project not to mention the CEC's. Let's give those shiny discs a workout!

I agree with Charles in that if you want/need full DSD output and have the ability to take advantage of the I2S output give it a try. You’ll have 30 days to see if anything odd happens that bothers you. I'll also add that nobody on the forum that I have seen including the people that sent it back had anything but raves about the sound of the PST.  Some people especially some that went through the issues with the DMP were willing to do it again.

@lordmelton 

Given your particular circumstances and format choices the P.S. CD/SACD could be the best option for you, 

Charles 

@jackd Thanks for the "heads up" I'll investigate further.

@charles1dad The new PS transport outputs native DSD via I2s so you are getting the encrypted DSD layer.

I have most of my favorite albums on SACD some of which I've been able to copy to my server. It's very enjoyable listening to these favorites in DSD but I do still have 1000s of Redbook CDs and files and stream mostly 44.1 kHz which are all absolutely fine.

Also unless you have a collection of SACDs it's a moot point.

Anyway this px discount that PS are offering got my attention.

@jackd

I understand your perspective with regard to potential software issues. I owned the P.S.Audio PWT for 12 very enjoyable years and initially did give some consideration to the current CD/SACD transport.

I just haven’t found SACD particularly compelling compared to high quality well recorded 16/44 Redbook CD via a good CD transport,. If others have had a different experience, that’s good and go for the SACD. I was told by two Audiogon members I trust that the Pro-Ject RS2T was better sounding.

I have not heard the new CD/SACD transport so certainly I’m in no position to verify. At this point it doesn’t matter, as the RS2T is a marvelous CD transport. As I’ve said previously I seriously doubt that you could go astray with any of the three choices.

Charles

@lordmelton 

For me it's because I don't own any SACD's other than maybe a half dozen hybrids.  Secondly as a member of the PS Audio forum for six years some of software related quirks involving this transport took it out of consideration quickly.. Nothing like the problems with the DMP but again still software issues.   The better build quality of the Jays and the lack of software involvement made it an easy choice.  If Pro-ject could get their act together and start delivering inventory then I would also choose if over the PST.  If you're curious about the PST at that price take advantage of the trial period and you may get lucky and receive a "bug" fee unit. Not worth the risk of hassle for me and I own other PSA products.  

I'm sure the Project and Jay's are excellent solid and robust transports but why not think about the PS Audio CD/SACD transport?

I know it's $6.5k but PS will give you up to 30% trade in on any old gear you have providing it's working. You even have 30 days free trial.

For it's price, I know it's not cheap, but SACD will give you a higher level of SQ and it will output native DSD directly into your DAC provided you have I2s input.

I've never heard it but I'm tempted.

@snopro 

I ordered on the 12th and was told 7-10 business days plus shipping. The CDT2 will be broken in and the CDT3 right out of the box so it will take a while before they are anywhere close to on equal footing.  I will however give initial impressions.  The first review came out over the weekend in High Fidelity from Poland.  The translation made it hard to follow plus it was dual review of the CDT3 and the new DAC.  His point of comparison for the CDT3 was his $23,000 Ayon spinner.  

jackd, I am waiting patiently for your comparion between the CDT2 and the CDT3. I have the CDT2- MK.3 and think it sounds excellent and built like a tank.

Want to know if the CDT3-MK.3 is at much higher level, It does cost much more. I seen the pictures and specs, it's built quality looks impressive!

I thought I had read a comment or two pertaining to this.  Forgive me if I'm in error.

No hum on mine why do you ask

I'm impressed with the Jay's Transports.  But may I ask this?  Do all their transports have hum?

Thanks Charles for now I'm having fun playing with different gear but sooner than later a thinning of the herd will have to happen. 

@jackd 

   The CDT2 Mk3 will be paired with Spring 3 KTE or Aqua La Voce S3 while the CDT3 will be paired with the May KTE.

Your cup surely " runneth over", Enjoy.. 😊

Charles

@charles1dad 

Will do as they will be in the same location for a few weeks at least though unlike the CDT2 the new unit won't have the hours on it. The units are going in two different houses in two different states in the end.  The CDT2 Mk3 will be paired with Spring 3 KTE or Aqua La Voce S3 while the CDT3 will be paired with the May KTE.

@jackd 

I  went ahead and ordered the new CDT3 Mk3 and should have it in a couple of weeks per Alvin and Victor. 

Congratulations!!!

I am interested in your listening impressions and how it differs from your CDT2 MK III.

Charles 

@acresverde ...mentally, right? 🤔

@charles1dad 

I have no doubt that the Pro-ject is a great sounding unit though not as robustly built as the Jays and I was attempting to buy one to do the comparison.  In the process I have communicated with over a half a dozen fairly large volume dealers including AA, Underwood and The Music Room.  The same distributor, Sumiko, is promising them delivery times from May to July after missing the March delivery.  Very few of the Pro-ject owners have actually owned both units to have made a head to head comparison other than a reviewer whose gear taste I have had cause to question in several instances.  As it is instead of continuing to wait for the Pro-ject unit to show back up for use in a second system I went ahead and ordered the new CDT3 Mk3 and should have it in a couple of weeks per Alvin and Victor. If at some point the Pro-ject or another model shows up using the Stream Unlimited drive system I may still consider picking one up to try. 

I will stick to my Tank of a CDT the Bel Canto Cdt3

@nonoise ...Well, I think @sfseay just did😁

@jackd  

I know that delayed shipping for the Pro-Ject RS2T has been an issue for some. It seems that I was fortunate in ordering mine from Underwood Hifi.  I received the RS2T 2 weeks after placing my order in November. As I've said before,  IMO both are excellent transport choices. They are more expensive than the Cambridge and Audiolab CD transports but I believe worth it if you can afford them.

Charles 

That Hurts!

Dave

At this point in time it's kind of irrelevant as to which one is better than the other as  Jays is the only one who can actually deliver the product for purchase at least in the US.  According to several dealers I talked to they have RS2 T back orders from as far back as August that can't be filled.  I had one on order but when they missed two delivery dates and finally admitted that they had no idea when they would see them I moved on. Pro-ject USA which is actually just Sumiko ignored my e-mail inquiry altogether. I already owned the CDT2 Mk3 but just wanted to do the comparison for myself. 

No one has compared these two CDTs yet.

There is no debate...Stream Unlimited rules when comparing these two CD players.

Let the Phillips vs. Stream Unlimited debate begin!

 I can't compare them re: sound but I find the Jay's MKIII much (!) more pleasant to use than the diminutive Pro-ject that I quickly returned. 

@twoleftears

Phillips CDPRO-2-LF Laser DRIVE MECHANISM

Straight from the website.

Much attention paid to vibration isolation chassis construction. I have no doubt that this flagship CD transport from them is terrific sounding.

Charles

Do we know which disc drive mechanism this new unit is using?

Yes, I saw it in Alvin's email in my inbox this morning. Looks nice.
A new CDT and R2R DAC.https://6moons.com/audioreview_articles/jaysx2/

All the best,
Nonoise

Jay's new CDT3MK111 is now available on Jay's website.

@desalvo55

I don’t blame you for your frustration given the excessive wait time. I ordered my Pro-Ject CD BOX RS2 transport in early November and it was delivered in 2 weeks. As I’ve posted before it is stunningly good sounding in my audio system.

People can go back and forth about which transport sounds better between it and the Jay’s Audio CDT2 MK III. Have at it, I just believe that music lovers will be exceptionally happy with either. If the latest Jay’s Audio transport is going to actually utilize the Stream Unlimited CD-Pro-8 drive mechanism, that’s a very wise decision.

That new technology drive/Blue Tiger servo mechanism plays a hugh role contributing to the superb sound quality of the Pro-Ject RS2T. Either CD transport would simply be an excellent choice. It's very difficult for me to bring listening sessions to an end, utterly enraging presentation. 

Charles

Love my Bel Canto CD3T

I head the new transport will be in the $5,000 range

In my reference system that is highly resolving, I like the top of the line Jay's Audio transport a bit more than the Project RS2 transport.  Both though are excellent.  Personal sonic preferences will determine which one u like best.  Hands down, the Jay's is a more robust sturdier transport.

@rsf507 

A while back I read a post stating that Jay's was developing a model with the drive and also I believe the servo being utilized in the Project RS2T.

Being in the market for a quality transport I contacted Jay's a few days ago inquiring about this. I received a response yesterday advising me to watch Jay's website in the next few days.

@lpretiring can you tell us more regarding the upcoming CD3MK1?

@desalvo55

In the next few days Jay’s will be introducing their new transport model.

You might have the best of both worlds with the CD3MK1?

I’ve had the RST2 on order now since August of 21 I believe. I’m getting older and crankier waiting for this thing. And the ship date continually moves forward!

I saw this from old_ears, "Maybe a new can of worms here but the otherwise wonderful Project transport with it’s proprietary I2S only plays the redbook layer of a Hybrid SACD? Why would they limit the very best playback (original, well recorded SACD). Does it even happen with their DAC?"

proprietary I2S? I planned to mate the RST2 to my Holo May KTE DAC.

Looking at Pro-jects web-site, it doesn’t suggest that it is a proprietary cable. Now I’m wondering if I shouldn’t just abandon the order from AA and pull the trigger on Jay’s MKIII that might actually ship in a timely manner.

@chuckie 

Congratulations! I believe that you'll be very happy with your new transport.  Enjoy!

Charles 

Hello 

Well, my Jay's Audio cd2 mkIII arrived last week undamaged and very well packaged.....Thanks Alvin /Vinshine. Only 14 days transit time to arrive which seemed like an eternity. I am totally relieved as I am a worry wart until my merchandise arrives. Unboxing the Jay's cd2 mkIII and falling in love with the  beautifully constructed and meticulous neatly packaged unit I figured its best to check the manual. To my amazement reading the manual I noticed the "break-in" time stated "400" hours. I am not doubting that amount of time and was just wondering if those who sold their Jay's cd2 mkIII for the Project RS ever read the manual and didn't realize it would take that long to get the best sound. Is it possible that their Jay's cd2 mkIII wasn't even broken in yet?  Just a thought....

For those desiring SACD the Pro-Ject RS2 transport wouldn't be for them. Pro-Ject has clearly stated their singular objective was to provide the best quality Redbook CD playback they could. I'm in that category of listener and they hit a homerun with superb Redbook performance.

So as is always the case it depends on what  one is searching for. There are definitely very good choices available for those seeking SACD capability.

Charles 

    Maybe a new can of worms here but the otherwise wonderful Project transport with it's proprietary I2S only plays the redbook layer of a Hybrid SACD?  Why would they limit the very best playback (original, well recorded SACD). Does it even happen with their DAC?

   Chuckie and baylinor are on to this going with the new Jay's and a Pontus Dac...real SACD thru your choice of DAC.    

stevenmarchesano

You are absolutely right about the clock and data jitter affecting the sound quality of the D/A converter. The data coming  from a CD transport has to be reformated to the clockless data transmission of the AES/spdif format. A re-clocker such as the Mutec MC3 can make a huge difference in the sound stage and overall clarity of the converter, especially with a DVD player. Most have a lot of data jitter.      

MSB UMT-V is an expensive multi purpose transport based on the Oppo BDP Blue Ray unit. Here’s additional information.

The Universal Media Transport (UMT) V ... - MSB Technology

https://www.msbtechnology.com/about-msb/product-archives/umtv-support

Charles

@alfa100 - you need to create a new post for this question.

I think this transport is way more expensive than the other two.

Apologies for changing the topic a little.  I have the MSB UMT V which is an Universal Transport together with the Dual power base.  Has anyone compared this unit to the above ?  It connects to the DAC with I2S cable.   Has anyone found a superior brand of I2S cable ?

Sounds like you're talking about a marriage.