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

kingdeezie:   Yes it does, and you are correct. My wife and I had a similar argument (discussion, she made me put that in)  We were both on the fence, that said, one more time, only because I heard the SOUND!!  I wish I had a listen to the new BIG JAY"S unit. People have said that the smaller Jay's unit is not as good as the project RS2T, which makes mean lean towards the Big one. I guess time will tell.  A lot of the transport/DAC's some people are recommending are very good, I'm Sure. But, i really like my Meitner MA-1, so all I need is a good transport. Robert

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 have an old Lambda LG531 20 volt linear regulated power supply waiting in the wings to power the RS2T. Ordered a couple of mini XLR connectors to interface with the player. I want to wait the full 60 days of the return policy before connecting the Lambda. It is both current and voltage regulated. I'm not sure that I will be able to hear the difference.

 

Regards,

John

@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

John, Robert from above a couple of posts. I wish you a lot of luck. I would love to be in your position, of having to decide  when to add my LPS. I'm hoping it's not to far away. As Charles 1 DAD said in his post,  after hearing it, it's hard not to give it every opportunity to survive. I sincerely hope my 3rd is a winner. As I've said before, it was like having a brand new collection, no exaggeration. John, I hope you continue to have success.  Don't know your DAC, but, hope a great synergy. 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.

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

Robert,

Hopefully your retailer will open the box and check the unit out, with your permission of course. At least they can be sure they are sending you a working unit. The longevity of this unit will be tested with me, as I use it daily. We shall see!

Regards,

John

 

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

John and Charles 1DAD, Thanks. I am going to e mail Gunter, in a moment. That was a good idea to have him check out the forum.

Another question to all. I am going to call the music room shortly and ask them this question: Should my unit need servicing,( in and out of warranty) do you (in my case) service it? do you send it out to a local service r? Do you send it back to the factory?  I really am trying to keep one!!!!!! I'll keep all posted.  So far only one response from  MR. Rathammer, asking where did I buy it, and what country do i live in?  For all those that have a working unit, ENJOY! Robert

Robert. You made the right decision on a third Project unit. I always noticed what I termed a third harmonic distortion on loud passages of certain CD’s. Example: Rippingtons "Buit To Last" Firefly. On loud passages could always hear an edginess with the soprano sax. Totally non existent with the Project. I still can’t believe the improvement in the sound quality of of my old eighties system. Kudos to the design engineers involved with the rs2t project.

I have one on order so I emailed Pro-ject (Sumiko) and asked what is being done to correct these issues.  Depending on their response I may pivot to the Jays transport.  

I 'm curious to hear the response. I just took the plunge for a third unit a couple of days ago. They are going to check out the unit prior to shipping. Maybe, just maybe someone interjected this time and told someone,  don't send this guy another unit that doesn't work. I can only hope!!! I will keep you posted when i receive it and after. Trying to establish some faith. Thanks all for helping. Robert

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

I’ve had the unit for 4 months now and it has been completely reliable. I do use an LTA LPS with it. Sounds great. Very happy. Was coming from a Bel Canto CD3T, which had numerous issues. 

It's good to be back. I received my 3rd unit on 8/8/22   A black clad unit that has reportedly  been checked out.  On my first play on that date. Surprise,  everything worked. Listened for two hours, in Heaven, hopes that's what it's like. Things just sounded great. Then the next day as I felt a little strange  (if you knew me that would be hard to diagnose) I tested positive for covid, Oh boy, just delighted. Feel a little better after a couple of days. Going out this afternoon for at least and hour or two. Have my fingers crossed. I keep all posted. Wish me luck, with either or both. Have a great weekend. Robert

@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 

Well, your Project recovered, so you should as well. Take care and enjoy the music.

All the best,
Nonoise

Have had my BC CD3T for 6 years and nary a problem, knock on wood.

Next transport will be a Heed Audio.

@robshaw Hope you recover quickly. 

 

 Was coming from a Bel Canto CD3T, which had numerous issues. 

@mtrspt5 

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

Charles

Thank you all for your thoughts. Today is a much better day for me,(usually a healthy ox) recovering quickly i hope. A very successful day with the RS2T. Turned it on and it acted as it should. Two hours of various Rock and Roll artists. Pink Floyd, Def Leopard, Led Zeppelin. Emerson lake and Palmer, Rush, Great White etc. all playing wonderfully!!!. My fingers hurt having crossed them continually. Out of such a small box, yielding such a great sound. I stream qobuz now and again, and when I play my Cd's with this Transport, I still can't believe that they can sound this GOOD!!!  For the person that asked and others, if curious. System is as follows:: Tekton Double Impacts (upgraded) SVS SB 4000 SUB, Meitner DAC MA-1, Benchmark LA-4 Line AMP, ATI 6002 AMP and of Course the RS2T CD transport.  No real Hi-End cables, just good upgrades over stock, Wire World Electra power cables.  My acoustics in my shop area, that I have designated as a listening area are superb, why, I have no Idea, played as everyone does with there speaker placement, just luck I guess, IN THAT REGARD. System all Balanced. Hope I can come back shortly with a positive review continuing. Robert

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

@robshaw Glad to hear you are hearing the sound you wanted. Hopefully, you recovery is quick and complete.

Hey Rob, I used to have 3 WW PCs, one WW series 7 XLR, and series 7 speaker cables. A fellow ’phile told me about these (see link), bought one then quickly the second; one between wall and PLC the other on my power amp. Cheap enough to try and can be returned.

Prior to these, from another forum blog I went to, I spent hours on Ali-Express looking at cables (stupid cheap prices and free returns). I dipped my toe in the water and bought a Nordost Odin 2 Coax knock-off < $100 to replace a Pangea Coax Premier XL ($169) between my Audio Alchemy DDP-1 + PS 5 and it blew me away, this led to slowly replacing all my cables with Odin 2s knock-offs, including all but the one PC between wall and CorePower 1800 PLC, so I bought one (link below), then quickly a second one for my LSA Voyager 350 GaN amp

After break in I treated all connections with Mad Scientist Audio Graphene Contact Enhancer to amazing sonic benefits

https://www.amazon.com/Audiophile-IEC320-C15-Connector-Subwoofer-Turntable/dp/B09L4X9LBG/ref=rvi_sccl_2/133-5118798-8929300?pd_rd_w=RmMtg&amp;content-id=amzn1.sym.f5690a4d-f2bb-45d9-9d1b-736fee412437&amp;pf_rd_p=f5690a4d-f2bb-45d9-9d1b-736fee412437&amp;pf_rd_r=JBVH0YXX27DDQHPMTK8A&amp;pd_rd_wg=ITmug&amp;pd_rd_r=a1d35608-6f53-48a5-8125-56f11b81754d&amp;pd_rd_i=B09L4X9LBG&amp;psc=1

hth

 

 

 

Thanks so much for the INFO. I went to the Amazon site you listed, they look beautiful, but, you always wonder the old add-age,UGWUPF, easier to type. I think I may take the plunge and try 2 PC for my AMP as it requires 2 cords. Hope I downloaded your suggestion properly. Robert    $44.85 for a 10 gauge 5' cable Amazon   Hope that's right. TKS  

Yes sir! The price sounds way too good to be true. Trust me. Anyway, you can return them

Hi Robert,

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

Charles

Charles 1 dad.  Nice to hear from you. The answer is YES. So far so good. I've listened for maybe about 10 hours thus far without an issue. Started listening to some CD's I haven't heard for years. Kind of opening the door that hasn't been opened in ages and discovering something new. I was afraid to say anything prematurely, lest,  something bad would happen. I am very pleased thus far. Glad I didn't throw in the towel completely. 

Before I look into the LPS I will most likely wait until the Music Room 60 day period expires. It is on my list.   Just wondering if I may pick your brain. I have an ATI 6002 model power amp,(quite robust)and am looking to replace the 2  stock power cords the unit has. Don't want to spend a lot of money in that direction,but, would like to upgrade. The only thing that makes real sense to me is a lower gauge wire cord. Most likely a 10 or 8 gauge. Any thoughts are very much appreciated. Thanks again for checking in. Robert TN  Would like to stay under 6 hundred for both, if possible?  Tks again

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

First growth and Charles 1 Dad  Thanks so much for your help. I hope others follow this blog, as the Project RS2T is that good. I think most people (myself being one) look at the price and the diminutive  size and immediately dismiss the purchase. (not to mention the quality  control issues discussed) If they read this and pay attention, they will be rewarded. The blog has assisted me greatly. Charles one, I will further explore your power cable suggestions. I was going to buy and still may the Cullen Crossover 2 cable, which happens to be 10mm gauge. My only concerns is that Patrick has stated in his e mail, 2 to 3 weeks. However, after doing a little exploring, 2 to 3 weeks may mean 2 to 3 months?  His company or he himself may have merged with wyred4sound.com and the back log may be a long time????? Don't know   Others that I have considered in Pangea AC 95 SE Mk11 1.5 meters and Shunyata Venom HC V2 also 10 gauge.  I will look into your suggestions. Thank you!   If anyone else reads this post and has any suggestions, please feel free to suggest anything. I have been very educated as a result of this posting, thank you all!!!! Robert TN

Rob

Patrick's father Rick Cullen works for W4S and has for quite some time after shutting down his own shop.  Patrick has also worked there on occasion and done some contract for them.  Not sure why he would merge with them as they are in the same town. I would also recommend Charles recommendation of the Audio Envy power cables.  Give Cap a call and talk to him as he used to have a trial period.  Another great internet direct cable is Triode Wire Labs. 

@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

You guys have been great. I really appreciative all your power cord recommendations. Somewhat narrowed down to these four. 

Cullen crossover 2    5'  About $750 for 2 cables (My AMP has 2 Cords)

Audio Envy Ocean-Elite 3 P  5' Most reasonable  Just under $400 2 cords

Zavfino  Majestic Mk2   5'   2 cables about $900

Triode Wire labs 700 plus American series 5' About $1100 2 cords

 I like one thing on the menu, Too many to choose from.  I'm sure they are all excellent, if anyone has any thoughts, that would be great. I'm not sure why, but, Cullen seems to get my attention?????  Thanks Robert TN

@robshaw This will stay in budget and is a top recommendation.

Mega - Audio Envy

Likewise, Cullen is fine, though the company is in transition.

Triode Wire Labs and Zavfino are both great, but might push your budget a bit.

Many fine recommendations listed so far.

I have a Cullen Crossover, Triode Wire Labs 8+ and a 10+ along with a Signal Cable magic PC and 3 Signal Cable Digital References.

I wasn't a fan of the Signal magic however for my system and set up the Digital Reference is the most neutral PC of my group. The Triodes are very close but a little warmer presentation that I do not need emphasized. The Cullen I found to be slightly heavy in the bass region but hasn't been auditioned in my main rig for a long time.

The Digital reference can be used anywhere. It is 12 gauge which is sufficient for everything with the possible exception of the most powerful amps.

Pricing for this cable which recently was an absolute steal is still a great bargain. The one stinker about it is that it's difficult to work with being so darn stiff.

These cables have been evaluated with my Tekton Double Impacts which if memory serves is the speaker you're trying to match up. 

Also a big "Thank You" to Charles for alerting me to the standby feature of the RS2T by utilizing the remote. Once I got the unit to power up, the standby has worked at least a dozen straight times. I can only assume it will continue as such until my replacement finally shows up. 

@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

Charles1DAD, and ipretiring:  As soon as I get a invoice from Cullen, My wife and I decided on the Cullen Crossover 2 cables 10awg.  We both choose them

independent of one another, maybe a good sign.  I'm sure the others are great also. May choose one for the LPS later to compliment the Rs2T. Providing it lasts through the 60 day trial window? For a different treat after cutting grass for 2 hrs, I listened to my IEM's which I haven't done in a long time. I forgot how good they are when you just want a quick listen, Hour or so. Hear is a taste if interested. I have an I-phone 6s coupled with an I phone camera adapter cable, attached to that is an IFI BTR5 ( if I remember correctly) headphone amp and DAC which then connects to my IEM's. (FIIO FH5 ) If you keep them WIRED rather than Bluetooth, and subscribe to Qobuz for example or Amazon HD, ( I do both) you will get an absolute treat. If it's 192 for example you will get 192, Just amazing sound. Hard to believe from an IEM. Just my 2 cents. Enjoy  Have a great weekend all. Tks again for all your help  Ps Has to remain WIRED to get that sound, otherwise just Good..

@robshaw 

Hi,

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

Charles 

Charles1DAD, Thank you for checking in. Have about 12 hours or so invested. So far so good. My fingers are tired after crossing them so much.  I played a CD that I hadn't listened to in a while, The best of the EAGLES. Wow, couldn't get over the sound. Just awaking.  Hoping all continues well.  Thank you for your power cable suggestions, and others also. I decided to go with the  10 gauge Cullen Crossover 2 cables. My AMP ATI 6002 requires 2 cables, so it was somewhat expensive. Looking forward to receiving them and seeing what they are capable of doing? I assume a few weeks,but, who can tell anymore. I will let all know the outcome. Also starting to look at some LPS. I know you have the Fidelizer Nikola 2 and seem to really like it. That is one of my considerations, another that interests me is the LTA LPS, if that is correct? I believe roughly the same cost? There are others too. Just tipping my foot in the water at this point. Thanks again for checking in, I'll keep you posted. Robert  TN

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

Purchased a Nikola II on July 6th. 

My last update inquiry was on Aug. 16th. Fidelizer has respond timely to requests for information. The following day I was informed my unit was to be built that weekend and should be shipped to me this past week. No shipping information as of this moment.

I'm not sure if going forward there will continue to be component supply issues which was paramount in causing most of the delay it appears in building me an RS2T LPS. 

I would recommend a conversation to this point for future potential customers.

 

LP

@robshaw Glad that you got squared away , enjoy. I do have a curiosity question - aside from his initial where did you buy it response did Rathammer ever respond further to your quality control concern, and if so anything worthwhile to pass along?

@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

@charles1dad

Frustrating...yes. I know it hasn’t been a real long time, but it sure feels that way.

It can be hard for a business to do but what’s that saying about under promise and over deliver? Anyway, I feel it has to be shipped this week because I’m starting to get crabby.

 

 

 

Facten, and Charles 1Dad, In answer to factens post, I received JUST one post from the Rathammer initially. I had sent several or at least a few additional posts to him citing my experiences. To date: He or any representative from Project has never contacted me. Very disappointed.  To me service is EVERYTHING!!! Most anything I buy, service is the deciding factor. So far my RS2T is performing as it should, now with the third one. I will continue to look into the LPS, with the aforementioned thought in mind. ( SERVICE) If anyone has any thoughts or experience with LPS, please feel free to comment.

    Would it not be nice to hear from a company rep: on this post! From any company that makes them???  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, 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