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

Bob7296       Thanks for the update. I was the one that initially started all this.

I couldn't agree more, it is the best I've ever heard, and not just for the money!   I'm on my third one,  from the music room. They were great to deal with, and checked my third one before they shipped it. So far so good. My puck had a small burr on the inside. I removed it an its been just fine.

I actually hope they (project) work out the bugs and start shipping NEW ONES that have been future proofed. They have a gold mine, and don't know it!!!!!

If anyone experiences the unit not playing check the door’s micro switch. Mine wasn’t making good contact and wouldn’t turn on. So I bent the switch tab up higher so it hit the door better. Now it’s working fine.

my remote just died! Anyone have any suggestions?

I changed the batteries. I replaced the IR LED but no luck.

i checked behind the front panel by the receiver LED didn’t see anything wrong.

Anyone have any suggestions??

 

Just saw this thread, and wanted to contribute some definite solutions…

First, I must say from the outset that this is the best sounding CD "player" I’ve ever had (and that includes some serious devices like the Naim CDS3 and Micromega T-Drive/T-DAC in the 90’s).

But there are issues :

1) Can’t read a great number of discs (especially CDr). Defective clamp?

This was really frustrating, as I own a lot of these. The puck just doesn’t sit properly on the CD, Meaning that there maybe a variation in the thickness of the discs.

A fixed this by adding 3 layers of self adhesive tape at the bottom of the puck. Thickness may vary, but it now works with 100% of discs.

This is temporary solution, but it’s fine until I tidy it up :-)

 

2) Screen Flashing

This was corrected with a firmware update that can only be done by a trained technician. Pity the upgrade didn’t replace the terrible clip art graphics :-/

 

3) Top lid is difficult to handle.

You really need a 3rd hand, when you are trying to place the disc.
This was fixed by attaching a very light self-adhesive rubber piece on one side. It is now easy to raise the lid with one finger..

@astronomer63 

I've lost power several times this year with my RS2-T always being in standby mode. It now seems the best approach under these circumstances is to just leave the unit on. When I first encountered an outage with the unit in standby, I would switch it off awaiting power restoration. Is that the way you handled the situation?  That was when I had problems powering up. The last few outages I leave it alone and when power returns the unit is on awaiting a disc to load. I then return it to stand by and this has worked I believe 3 times now. I've never had a problem coming out of standby to on.

With the 2 units I have had I never experienced random skipping that then shuts the unit down. 

You paid for a perfect working unit and should be permitted to exchange for just such a player.

 

    LP

Hi Folks. I'm new to this forum having discovered it while researching issues with my RS2T transport.

I was interested to read lpretiring's post of 01-03-2023, having experienced an identical issue with my unit following a power cut. I was able to restore functionality in the same way by looping through several off/on cycles.

My unit also has an intermittent  'skipping' problem - it can work OK for weeks, then lose tracking to the extent that a CD loses playability and the transport has to be restored with one or two off/on cycles. Having read the posts on the forum, it is clear that the RS2T has issues, and that my thoughts that spikes in the mains power supply might be responsible are unlikely to be true.

Looks like the unit has to go back. I'll keep you posted.

As Charles one has stated, I concur. Charles has helped me numerous times with his expertise as I have little. I trust and listen to his posts often for that reason. As a result I bought my third one, hesitantly.

      I just can't get over how it makes the CD's sing like no other. With a good DAC, which you own, you should be in heaven. People that haven't experienced the RS2T can't understand, its that good. Enjoy  Robert

@bernardo 

I believe that The Music Room is reputable and trustworthy. I’m interested in your listening impressions with your RS2T if you are so inclined to post them.

Charles

robshaw - I appreciate your input.

FWIW here is the rest of the story. I was reluctant to identify the seller as I was afraid someone else may have purchased it while I was researching the unit. This a used one I have now pulled the trigger on from The Music Room. Your experience with TMR makes me more comfortable with my decision. 

The unit comes with a 14 day trial during which I would expect to get any input from Fine Sounds. It should be broken in so I expect it to sound better than a brand new unbroken in unit. If I experience any issues I can send it back and it comes with a 45 day warranty. I suspect that the majority of the units which have had issues were discovered in the first month or two of purchase.

Right or wrong for me remains to be seen. Looking forward to hearing it versus my existing Ayre Acoustics DX-5 used as a transport which has died. Using A Vinnie Rossi L2i-SE Integrated Amplifier with 2.0 DAC.  

Bernardo. just adding my 2 cents. I am on my 3rd one, as the previous have been defective. The newest one is doing just fine, SO FAR!!!  about 7 months, maybe 8? I have added a Linear power supply from LT Audio and a good grade Anti cable Power cable.   I have a very nice system to compliment the unit. It is really divine to listen to Cd's, some still better than others, can't change that, recording process.

With my back ground on the units, all of which were purchased through the Music Room, they have been great with them. The 3rd Unit,upon my request was tested at their facility for any issues, it passed, an now I own it, with A 2 YEAR WARRANTY. Based upon my past experience (maybe just unlucky, as were several others) I would not buy one without a warranty.  Don't know anything about your sellers warranty?? I would just be very cautious.  Hope this helps. Robert TN They are not CHEAP $$$$$   If it was only 30 or 60 days, That would make me nervous. Good luck!!!

LP, Charles

Thanks for replying. Both of you have good points to consider.

The seller will accept the unit back for a refund if any issues are identified.

@bernardo 

The unit I am considering is less than one year old and has been checked out by the seller and verified to function correctly

This is a key point. If you have received reliable confirmation that this unit is functioning properly and you’re satisfied with the price, buy it. Will the seller accept the unit back for refund if any problems?

Charles

 

 

@bernardo 

Having been down the rabbit hole with a defective unit I would lean towards a new unit.

How much are you saving by buying the year-old unit? I will make a guess at 25%. The additional expense is not only an insurance policy but also a unit that hasn't been used for a year.

Either way best of luck to you.

 

LP

I am seeking advice from RS2T owners on possibly purchasing a used unit due to the discussion in this thread about the manufacturer's mistake on the transport mechanism which has been resolved. That discussion leads me to believe the only way to be sure it is not an issue would be to purchase a new unit. I have sent an inquiry to Fine Sounds asking about this based on the serial number of the unit I am considering.

The unit I am considering is less than one year old and has been checked out by the seller and verified to function correctly.

What would you advise in this situation?

@bernardo 

The wall wart SMPS/power cable that came with my RS2T is 9 feet in length.

Charles

I am planning on purchasing the RS2T CD Transport soon. Can any of you RS2T owners advise me the length of the standard power supply power cord? I have asked Audio Advisor but their representative did not know and had to contact Pro-Ject for the answer and I have not received a reply.

@charles1dad, once again, thank you very much for your help. I tried using the mode button before, but it did not do a thing. Just got home from work and tried it again and it worked exactly the way you said it would. Once again, thank you everything‘s working superbly. ;-)

@lak 

Remote control

1 Press “mode” button (This with bring up a different screen).

2 This screen will direct you to push the “stop” button (Black square on the remote, left bottom. This allows you to switch between black or white background.

3 Larry on this screen you’ll see left and right direction arrows. Pushing these arrows will adjust the darker/brightness of the screen.

Charles

I'm looking for assistance with a question regarding dimming the display on the RS2T. The directions that came with the new unit (which is very vague) says "use button "mode" on the remote control to change brightness - 10 steps and display scheme: black background + white font and vice versa".

I've tried pressing the mode button while the unit is turned on however nothing happens. Can anyone assist me with this issue?

I received an update from Abbas this morning. Shipping will be next week.

Larry I’m happy to know that your  sound is “exceedingly good “.

Charles

@charles1dad,

Everything is sounding exceedingly good, just received an REL T/7X to incorporate into this system in the Greatroom. Thanks for asking. Any word on the tube Dac?

I'm happy to report back and say I took @lpreting's recommendation and used very fine steel wool to smooth out any slight burrs in the disk, took about one minute, and the disk sits nice and flat on the cd now.

@lpretiring 

I understand that thought process. Not being able to audition the amplifier is a disadvantage. I can see the desire to pursue push pull tube amplifiers. A friend of mine had the Tekton Double Impact speakers. They were driven pretty easily by my Frankenstein mono blocks. I don’t know how different the stereo Frankenstein is with regard to capability and sound quality.

Best wishes to you.

Charles

@charles1dad 

Yes, I did. 

I was a little surprised how much Israel was promoting the mono's which gave me pause for concern. Mono's due to some set-up complications is something I had decided against.

I've been following a couple of recent amplifier threads trying to understand the synergy between my Truth line stage, 4 ohm Tekton Double Impacts and various stereo tube amps. More information or maybe just a review with better understanding will make my decision easier.

The use of a less desirable driver in the stereo Frankenstein compared to the mono's along with the possibility that the power of a push pull amp might be a benefit with 4 Ohm Tektons, and no way to audition the stereo Frankenstein has me evaluating other tube amps.

@lpretiring 

Just to go off topic briefly. Did you follow up further on acquiring the Coincident Frankenstein Stereo 300b SET?

Charles

lpretiring is spot on. It doesn't take much. You may not even feel or see the burr or imperfection.  BEFORE YOU KNOW IT, IT JUST SNAPS IN PLACE. Enjoy   EYE OPENING!!!!

Very simple repair of the puck. I used very fine steel wool to smooth out any slight burrs. 

Hi Larry,

 I am glad that you are off to a good start sonically. I didn’t have a problem with with the magnetic puck. You could either try to widen the puck opening or just request a replacement puck.

Charles

I received my RS2T 1/5/23 but was not able to implement it into an audio setup in my Greatroom (at least that's what the builder called it LOL) until yesterday. So far so good, and it sounds very good along with my Remyo DAP-777 Dac.

I did notice the same issue that robshaw mentioned at the beginning of this forum;

"I noticed when placing the little magnetic puck on the disc that it just sits atop the center spindle and does not contact the disc". 

The transport still works and thus far I'm happy ;-)

 

I believe Charles the RS2T is excellent if the issue on puck is resolve? I see a CEC  transport well built? I wonder how good is it compare to RS2T?

@jriggy 

Yes, this seems to be the sequence of events.
I also had the P.S. Audio PWT as my prior CD transport for 12 years. I really enjoyed it but the RS2T is even better in my system.

Charles

I’m another that has had no issues with my RS2T transport. I was thinking about replacing my PWT right when Terry posted his review, Aug ‘21? So I purchased early in our collective knowledge of the unit. I bet if we could see build date for the few that have had issues, that they would all be from the same run. If units were good earlier on and are now good again —as well as a rectified time frame given— than it would seem safe to assume that the problem is behind them or soon to be. Also no knowing if the issues was even from Pro-Ject or before them and from Stream Unlimited. 
 I’m glad they have been forthcoming with an expected calendar schedule to be back on track. That says a lot of Pro-Ject IMO. 
 

@tweak1 

That unit is their RS model (1500USD list) the RS2T is their top or highest level CD transport. It's more than double the cost but is a very different design utilizing the Stream Unlimited Pro-8 drive mechanism and Blue Tiger -84 servo as an integrated complete unit. These two transports are significantly distinct.

Project Transport deal
Available in black or silver
 

The Pro-Ject CD Box RS is a high-end transport

I saw a picture of a Pro-ject transport on Underwood HiFi specials today that shows a new version, where the top no longer is a hinge type, it has a top load puck

I think Charles one dad is spot on. You can read my earlier threads.  I just listened for a bout 5 hours over the last 2 afternoons with my RS2T and it was GREAT! After experiencing my past, (previous units) it's always fingers crossed when I turn it on. But, for the past several months (newest model #3) it plays just like it should. For those of us that have one or have heard one, it's just heaven.  I know my cables and some equipment is still burning in, so each and every time I listen, some additional nuances are heard.

Two years in they have just identified the problem.  Sounds like a bit of casualty control

I can understand that sentiment. However folks who got the early run/production model such as fuzztone,wig, myself and others have had no problems.  It seems that at a later point they ramped up production to meet demand, this is where the problems began it appears.

Charles 

Two years in they have just identified the problem.  Sounds like a bit of casualty control.

My nad 502 “ I think is the model” is still working after around 28 years! Lost the remote long ago.

@fuzztone 

I've had zero issues with the CD Box in 30 months

Yes, the malfunction issues are hit and miss. Zero problems with my RS2T with very frequent /heavy use. Hopefully they will get it all together.

Charles 

I had a Herbie's Super Black Hole mat that got the stickum eaten off it by my PC. They graciously sent out another one so I glued the naked one to the puck. It mates the disc perfectly.

I've had zero issues with the CD Box in 30 months.

 

@duramax747

I’m a US manufacturer and understand logistic issues and appreciated the explanation.

After getting off the phone I felt confident they will make right on malfunctioning units and restore customer confidence.

I got in line for a backorder unit to ship out expectedly in May

Thanks much for this follow up information. It’s very good to know that Pro-Ject has identified the problem and is taking steps to resolve it. Initial QC measures could possibly have averted this. The RS2T is excellent sounding and reliability:dependability should match this level of performance.

Charles

Well I did not want to leave what I mentioned the other day without follow up to the source. I called Fine Sounds today and this was what I was told. 

The bad units were a manufacturing mistake on the mechanism and the problem was compounded with rough handling during transit. 

The factory has corrected the issue. They have faced/facing bottlenecks with the transport mechanism. They feel they will receive their long awaiting order soon and can resume production. Back orders are expected to be May and new orders would start shippinbg in July.

I'm a US manufacturer and understand logistic issues and appreciated the explanation. 

After getting off the phone I felt confident they will make right on malfunctioning units and restore customer confidence. 

I got in line for a backorder unit to ship out expectedly in May. 

Very interesting. Again I will say It took me a 3rd unit to get one to work properly. Going out shortly  to listen for a couple of hours. At least one of those hours will be strictly CD's. I had the music room "thoroughly" check my third unit before shipping. I am way beyond the 30 day trial period at this point, and have also invested in a LTA LPS for the RS2T. There is a 2 year warranty on same, hoping I dont have to use it. I think, (my opinion only) that in order to find something that sounds as good, you would have to spend thousands more. Vinshine audio has a MORE expensive unit available, don't know the track record though?? Would never spend more than I did on a transport ever again. If my RS2T ever fails, PERIOD!! and cannot be fixed, I will never buy another product from Pro-Ject EVER!! I don't think Pro-ject will let it ever get to that????? Just my 2cts. Good luck!

@lpretiring

It’s a shame because sonically this transport even in stock form is a joy to listen to and can be enhanced to a higher level of sonic purity by adding a quality LPS like my Fidelizer Nikola II that I’m guessing this combo would compete with units many times its asking price

This is what’s so frustrating to me. As you say, sonically the RS2T is actually brilliant! I have been a strong advocate and recommend it because of the very upper tier sound quality it presents. Also I’ve had zero issues with mine. I don’t know why Pro-Ject can’t once and for all resolve the quality control issues.

An excellent sounding CD transport they’ve built but nagged by very fixable problems. This established company has resources available to avoid this. They were so spot on to utilize the Stream Unlimited CD Pro-8 drive mechanism and make it accessible for reasonable cost.

All other brands that have also chosen this drive mechanism unit are 10K USD and higher. It’s truly a high end CD drive unit.

Aqua Hifi/Audionet/Acustic Arts/Gryphon are the only other choices available for this drive mechanism.

Charles

The unit is still listed on Pro-Ject’s web site. Very confusing. Mine has been 100% reliable. 

Interesting timing with the reactivation of this thread. Those following it know I also had a defective RS2-T. After a couple of months of frustration, I received a replacement tested unit in August.

Until last Friday when I lost power for 45 minutes everything was hunky-dory.

After losing power in the past, I would unplug most gear until the power was restored. Due to poor judgement based on not wanting to disturb graphene contact treatment I failed to see the bigger picture and left all gear plugged in.

Anyway, during the outage I turned the power switch off on my Gustard R-26 and RS2-T. When trying to power on after the restoration of power the RS2-T did not respond. Bypassing my theatrics on the 3rd attempt switching the unit on I noticed a very slight movement-sound from the laser assembly. On the 5th try to power on with about one minute intervals between attempts the unit began to function and again is working properly for the time being.

It’s a shame because sonically this transport even in stock form is a joy to listen to and can be enhanced to a higher level of sonic purity by adding a quality LPS like my Fidelizer Nikola II that I’m guessing this combo would compete with units many times its asking price.

I will baby this unit the best I can, but I wouldn’t be too surprised if a different transport is in my future.

 

LP

 

lak,

As I was talking to Underwood HIFI on the phone,  he said I'm pulling the product from the website as it has had so many returns and manufacturer is discontinuing it. 

It disappeared right before my eyes as I was on site to review products. 

I was told a few weeks ago by Walter (Underwood HIFi) that they did not have and could not get any RS2 Transports.