New, Very Interesting CD Transport

@cleeds

+1

On point as usual.

Charles

@creativepart 

I heard other great reviews of the Audiolab CDT6000 in the same price range as the CXC. So, taking a bit of a risk I bought a used one of those, too. I really like the CXC but the CDT6000 is just that little bit better.

These two models are on the used market for between $300 and $400. You owe it to yourself to try one - don't be a bits is bits guy proud of his $16  purchase on eBay. Don't be someone with zero actual knowledge how good your CDs can sould and then tell others that it's crazy to spend more on something designed to do a much better job doing a single job as perfectly as possible.

Salient points. I know that some listeners report  hearing no difference between a very cheap player/transport and  higher end versions. If that is their  experience, who am I to argue with them ? They  have  saved themselves considerable money. This just has not been the case in my experience. Consistently  better built, better engineered and designed CD transports sound significantly better in my listening experience.

I have also observed (As cited above)  that the higher quality better sounding  transports are dedicated CD only rather than a jack of all trades multi format approach. So again, it depends on what someone is trying to accomplish.

Charles

@mofojo, described in their own words.

Built around the class-leading CD-Pro 8 mechanism from the optical division of StreamUnlimited, and developed in collaboration with Pro-Ject Audio Systems, the CD Box RS 2 T’s drive alone features a high-quality aluminium chassis, carbon fibre cover and a carbon fibre turntable. The mechanism is then equipped with a SANYO HD850 OPU and internally coupled to a CD-84 servo board for maximum information retrieval and transmission. Vibration dampers are mounted on the very rigid carbon fibre chassis, and then the whole surrounding chassis is firmly connected to the body of the CD Box RS2 T for absolute rigidity and minimal vibrations. For reduced resonance, the CD Box RS2 T features a gravity design with a central mass point.

The drive chassis is milled from a solid block of aluminium and engineered to hold firm in any environment. Each turntable is also lathed from steel and chrome plated. This is critical for transportation and ensures it will last a lifetime. The suspension system consists of a rigid carbon fibre plate, carbon fibre tubes, springs, silicon dampers and screws. The suspension, cover and turntable platter is made of pure carbon fibre. Everything that’s gone into engineering this drive has been done to achieve absolute technical and mechanical perfection.

@mofojo

I was thinking that. I just looked it up and it’s 3200 usd. I was drooling over it a year or so ago and had 4K stuck in my head for some reason.

Again not saying the Shanling is anywhere near the sound quality

As an owner (Purchased new in November 2021) of the Pro-Ject RS2T I can report that it isn’t “plasticky “ . The chassis and the CD drive unit is made of aluminum. The top lid is carbon fiber and portions of the isolated vibration control mechanism is stainless steel/carbon fiber. Much attention is paid to addressing vibration and resonance with regard to the spinning CD.

It utilizes the latest CD drive technology made by Stream Unlimited, CD Pro-8 and is integrated with their Blue Tiger servo system. It retails for 3200.00 USD. Too expensive? Good value? That’s up to the potential customer to decide. I can state my assessment (Subjective obviously). Its sound quality is astonishingly good!!! A tremendous value for the sonic performance it is capable of providing. YMMV.

Charles