New Project RS2T transport


I have had one already and sent it back, did not work at all upon receipt. Dealing with the Music Room though is a pleasure. Will always do business with them. Had unit replaced with a new one, just arrived Yesterday, Sunday afternoon 7-25-22. Hooked it up and SAID WOW!!! I have a Meitner MA-1 DAC and the synergy is Fabulous. Right out of the box it sounded, GREAT. So very OPEN. I have been blessed when upgrading several pieces to be totally surprised by the improvements. VERY Audible!

I am somewhat concerned though as there have been a great deal of posts about quality control issues. (see first sentence)  As I said unit sounds GREAT, very impressed. HOWEVER, if anyone can comment that owns one, I noticed when placing the little magnetic puck on the disc that it just sits atop the center spindle and does not contact disc. The magnetic puck has a female center on the underside that goes over a very small  male metal protrusion. (SPINDLE)   I would think that it should go over that spindle totally and meet the disc firmly. (no space between disc and puck??? When I place puck on top of CD, It appears that the machining on the underside of the hole should be a MM wider so it doesn't sit atop the spindle and drops down totally on the disc. Hope this makes sense. Thanks Robert TN    Ps would like to thank Charles1 DAD  for encouraging me to stick with transport. It is that GOOD!!!   Just wondering if they all are designed to do what I am experiencing?

robshaw

Showing 33 responses by charles1dad

@robshaw

If you click my avatar you will be lead to my virtual audio system page (Titled SET Bliss) My entire system and some pictures are posted there. With regard to the choice of LPS. A very trusted long term Audiogon member owns the RS2T. He has both the LTA (Linear Tube Audio) LPS and the Fidelizer Nikola II LPS. He told me that both are “really “ good but said the Nikola II is even better sounding with the RS2T in his system.

He and I have compared notes on same audio equipment and always seem to reach the same conclusion. I guess our ears are just very much alike. So long story short, his recommendation and preference for the Fidelizer Nikola II LPS was good enough for me. As always with High End audio, YMMV.

Charles

 

 

@robshaw Listened to my system for an 1 1/2 today, just keeps getting better, if that possible. Have a great weekend all. Be safe!

Robert,

You can expect continued improvement in the sound quality for the first 100 hours or so. And this is with the wall wart SMPS. So yes, more to come, then further more with a good LPS.

Charles

Robert, I wouldn’t group Pro-Ject and Fidelizer together. The latter communicates well and is responsive. Their problems are external supply chain uncertainty. They are as frustrated as their customers.

Pro-Ject has apparent internal quality control issues with certain products. From my vantage point this seems so correctable, if attention is sincerely paid to it. An out of the park home run product in terms of sound quality, yet dropping the ball with very fixable QC problems. It makes no sense for someone not to follow up with you Robert.

My support of them has been strong due to the fantastic music reproduction their CD transport contributes to my audio system. But they need to get the entire act together.

Charles

 

@lpretiring 

There was a bit of a delay when I ordered my Fidelizer Nikola II back in January. Fortunately it all worked out well. These supply chain issues are no doubt frustrating. Do what is best for you. All I can say is that it is a top quality LPS fit for the RS2T. 
Best wishes 

Charlles

Robert,

That is good news to hear from you. As with power cables, there are numerous good choices available with LPS. The LTA has proven to be very good according to RS2T owner feedback. I can certainly vouch that the Fidelizer Nikola II is a splendid high quality choice. 
 

Robert I’d just caution not to try to go too cheap when choosing the LPS. Definitely go for the quality. The RS2T is a first rate CD transport and in my opinion deserves an appropriately paired quality LPS. The Nikola II is a bit more expensive than the LTA, but no regrets whatsoever from me.

Charles

@robshaw 

Hi,

Just checking in with you. I hope that all is continuing to go well with your RS2T. Have a wonderful weekend.

Charles 

@lpretiring 

Also a big "Thank You" to Charles for alerting me to the standby feature of the RS2T by utilizing the remote.

You are welcome. I’m just happy to know that you and Robert are able to enjoy the terrific sound quality of the RS2T. Admittedly I post often about this CD transport. I’ve been so thoroughly pleased with its performance I feel compelled to let other music lovers aware of it.

I was using an old (20 years) Marigo Lab Audio power cable to the Fidelizer Nikola II LPS. I very recently replaced it with a Lavricables “Master “ pure silver power cable. My goodness what an improvement. The RS2T-Fidelizer-Lavricables combination just sings!

Charles

@jackd 

Yep! Triode Wire Lab is another very good option. Robert has some terrific choices to sort through. I’m a strong advocate of improving quality of all things related to AC electrical power. It does matter. 
 

Robert, at a further point down the road when you get around to it. When you obtain a high quality LPS (For your RS2T) be sure to use a good quality power cord at this site. All of this stuff really does make a difference in my humble opinion.

Charles

Hi Robert,

That is very good news! I'm glad you hung in there for "one" more chance with the RS2T. You have a top notch CD transport to pair with your Meitner DAC. I understand why you are so happy with the sound quality.

RE, power cables in your stated price range. I'd look at Audio Envy, Zavfino cables and Cullen cables for good quality in that range. For a little bit more money, Lavricables (Pure silver conductors) out of Latvia are excellent sounding. I recently acquired some and they are "quite" exceptional in my audio system.

Charles

Hi Robert,

I'm just checking in. I hope you're doing much better and that the RS2T continues to serve you well.

Charles

Out of such a small box, yielding such a great sound. 

Yes Robert. One of my earliest realizations when I first put the RS2T in my home system. I thought, diminutive shoebox size component yielding (contributing to) a big, open and resolved soundscape.  It's good to know that you are rapidly improving and feeling better.

Charles

@mtrspt5 

If you don’t mind sharing, what DAC and amplification are you using?

Charles

@mtrspt5 

Congratulations to you. So nice to know that your experience with the RS2T up to this point mimics mine. 
 
Robert,

I wish you a speedy and uneventful recovery. Also continued success and musical bliss with your RS2T:

Charles 

That’s good news Robert. I’m glad someone seems to be responding to your recent issues with the RS2T. I hope that they get things right for you. I want you to be able to enjoy this transport in a trouble free manner just as I have been able to do.

Charles

The longevity of this unit will be tested with me, as I use it daily. We shall see!

Ha!

John, same here. I've used my RS2T quite regularly since bought in November 2021.

Charles

Robert

PS: I have e mailed Gunter Rathammer a high ranking officer in the project chain and he responded. I certainty hope he can help me obtain a working unit. We shall see.

Hi Robert,

If you don’t mind, keep us posted on their response and actions. For goodness sakes, their RS2T is a homerun in sonic performance. Now please address the QC issues folks! I’m a very happy owner but there is potential for many more if they get problems identified and corrected. Robert, you should direct him (Mr. Ratrhammer) to this thread.

Charles

@johnlcnm 

With the vast majority of audio components replacing a SMPS wall wart with a "good" quality LPS is going to result in improved sound quality. I'm unfamiliar with your specific LPS, but if a good one, then a worthwhile move.

I understand your skepticism because the RS2T sounds excellent with the supplied wall wart power supply. I waited 2 months before I made the switch. It did get even better with my replacement Fidelizer Nickola II LPS.

Charles

I completely understand the cautious sentiment toward the RS2T given what’s been reported here lately. I feel very fortunate that I haven’t had those problems.

I also understand the desire to give a final chance toward the RS2T. Robert has actually “heard” the transport in his own system. Just as @johnlcnm  reported above, sound quality is simply fantastic. Once you have witnessed this with your own ears in your system you want to maintain it.

But  to be perfectly candid, quality control and reliability are significant concerns. Given what I know about this product , I would make the same decision as Robert.Yes, one more chance. If successful you have a truly splendid sounding CD transport. Another failure? Time to move on!

I would then pursue the Jay’s Audio flagship CDT3 rather than their CDT2 MK III. May as well go for their best offering. 
Robert I sincerely hope that the 3rd time is the charm.

Charles

. I cant believe how much better this unit sounds then my Cambridge CXC. What are these folks doing that improves the sound quality of a stupid transport? Secret internal DSP? Very happy with the results. I’m using the AES output to a Schiit Yggy. Old Threshold S-500 amp.

John,

Numerous factors are responsible for the high quality sound you’re hearing. In my humble opinion, I believe that the major contributing factor is the latest Stream Unlimited CD Pro-8  drive and Blue Tiger-84 servo card integrated unit. I hope that your RS2T continues to perform flawlessly (As has been my experience thus far). Congratulations!

Charles

@robshaw

For those of you that have one and working properly, I envy you. I went back today to my Audio lab 6002 transport, (Meitner MA-1 DAC) listening for an hour to what I thought was a good Transport, which it is. However, it doesn’t hold a candle to the project transport. The project is so HIGH END, it’s not funny.

Robert , your “rant” is understood and warranted. As you have so clearly stated they RS2T is a superb CD transport on sonic grounds, I knew it would mate wonderfully with your Meitner DAC. I wanted you to hear it for yourself, and your listening impressions mirror mine.

I do feel bad that you’ve had 2 units and both have demonstrated quality control issues. It makes me frustrated, I have been very upfront and forward in encouraging you to go in this direction because of my excellent experience with this transport. I have had zero issues, it really bothers me that you were denied the same outcome as mine. From the first moment I heard it in my audio system, I knew immediately it’s a keeper.

Well, at least you know for yourself how great sounding this CD transport is. And one more chance with it? If not I totally understand. The 2 alternatives mentioned on this thread yesterday are seriously worth consideration.

1 Jay’s Audio CD transport (Highly praised by many)

2 Technics SL G700 multi function component.

Robert I believe that both of these would exceed your Audiolab transport, just as you found with the RS2T.

Charles

@lpretiring 

You can select standby mode with the remote (Upper button). This also turns off the screen but keep the unit in standby.

@lpretiring 

You shut your unit down when not listening? I keep mine in standby status when not listening. It draws less than 0.5 watt  in this mode. Seems like a bad batch of RS2T  were released. Other owners I’m aware of have had trouble free ownership same as me.

Charles 

@facten 

Thanks!

So it’s quite flexible. I just mentioned the CD transport performance because @nonoise specifically addressed that aspect and is highly impressed.

Charles

@robshaw . I worked very hard for my money, just like everyone else, Just tired I guess. Sorry to burden you guys, you have been great. Just wanted you to know the status!!! Thanks again to all

Robert,

I am sorry you’ve had such ongoing trouble with the RS2T, very disappointing in contrast to my problem free ownership thus far. You have to do what is best for you without question. As you have affirmed, sound quality is superb, sadly quality control is not.

Pro-Ject is losing a good customer due to what seem to me are very fixable issues. Very regrettable. At least you had the opportunity to hear this CD transport in your system. A wonderful sonic match with your Meitner DAC. Are you considering moving on to the Jay’s Audio CDT2 MK III or their flagship CDT3? What ever you decide, I sincerely wish you the best.

PS

@nonoise has spoken very highly of his new Technics SL G700 upper tier CD /SACD transport. Worth looking into.

 

 

Charles

@lpretiring If interested contact Keetakawee. So far he has been fantastic to work with

Yes, exactly my impression as well

Charles

@robshaw 

I understand your cautiousness but I believe that you’ll be fine. I listened to my RS2T for 2 months with the stock SMPS wall wart. Enjoying it so much I questioned if a LPS was really necessary. Pro-Ject implemented this wall wart very well. I was persuaded by other owners that further improvement is possible with a LPS. This proved to be true.

There is something quite special with the Stream Unlimited CD Pro-8 drive unit/mechanism and Blue Tiger servo card. It’s contributing to fabulous Redbook 16/44 CD playback.

Charles 

@kstaken I realized the puck requires a small amount of pressure to kinda click into place. Mine didn't take much but I was so used to other players that don't click in place I never tried it. I'm not sure if this is by design or just poor tolerance on the manufacturing of the puck but after placing it correctly the discs that couldn't be read before now work fine.

Yes, there’s a subtle click and the puck is then firmly magnetically seated. This has been my experience since day 1 of ownership. I am glad you find its sound quality “amazing”. If you don’t mind, what DAC are you using with your RS2T?

Charles

@lpretiring 

Let's hope that the right individuals have taken notice. If defective units continue to be circulated the community will gravitate towards other reliable alternatives. That would most certainly be a shame considering the level of performance in this relatively affordable product

Agree 100%

@robshaw 

Sounds like you have solved the problem. Yes, a firm magnetic adherence when working as intended. There are definitely good options for you with regard to LPS selection. I have been using the Fidelizer Nikola II LPS since January. It’s a marvelous match with the RS2T.

Charles

@lpretiring 

I have had my RS2T since November 2021 and no issues and it is silent in daily operation. I wonder if Pro-Ject is ramping up production to meet demand (Pure speculation admittedly). If so, they need to change course and commit to QC before units are shipped out. This is correctable with proper attention and resolve.

Charles

@robshaw 

Ps would like to thank Charles1 DAD  for encouraging me to stick with transport. It is that GOOD!!!   Just wondering if they all are designed to do what I am experiencing?

Hi Robert,

I’m very happy for you. Glad that you gave it a 2nd chance to at least hear it in your own audio system and make up your own mind. It is superb sounding and I thought it’d be a splendid match with the Meitner DAC. Terrific that it turned out that way for you.

1 You’ll hear improvement with additional hours of use.

2 As good as it is with the standard power supply, it improves further with a good quality linear power supply (LPS).👍

Charles