Pro-Ject CD Box RS2 I2S pin definition

@wharfy , This is my latest listening assessment at 100 hours that I sent last night to another Audiogon member and ProJect RS2 transport owner. It keeps getting better. 😊

@erictal4075d

I’m just past the 100 hour burn-in point with the Fidelizer Nikola 2 LPS. It is obviously evolving and continuing to improve its sound quality. Take what I wrote in my last post (50 hours) and honestly add an additional 10% improvement. As impressively good the Pro-Ject is with its supplied SMPS wall wart, the high quality LPS is simply the superior choice.

That is saying a lot but is the unadulterated truth. Given the progression I am hearing, I unequivocally recommend obtaining a good LPS. I wouldn’t try to go cheap here. Power supply quality is too important and vital to acquiring good sound. It will advance the Pro-Ject RS2 transport to its fullest sonic potential. The manufacturer told me 200 hours to achieve complete burn-in of this LPS, so I’m halfway there.

How much more is there to gain? I’ll find out. This Pro-Ject with LPS is a tremendous package. Truly stunningly good sound quality. An exceptional audio value if there ever was one.

Charles

Interesting that you mention pianist Bill Charlip. I hear him (Trio) in a local jazz club about 7 years ago. An intimate venue without the use of microphones, just pure and natural sound. I was seated at a table about 10 feet from the stage. What an absolute joy!

You can access my system page by clicking on my avatar. I named my audio system "SET Bliss".

Charles

@wharfy 

I've have about 50 hours on my Fidelizer Nikola 2 LPS (Manufacturer said 200 hours for complete burn-in). Directly out of the shipping box with  the initial listening exposure a few things were apparent within the first few hours and have gotten gradually better. In my opinion the Pro-Ject RS2 transport sounds excellent with the standard wall wart power supply. If someone decided to stop there they'd have a top level performing CD transport. 

With the use of the Nickola 2 LPS there is not a "night and day" difference.  It did not cause the wall wart powered Pro-Ject to sound broken.  There are clearly noticeable improvements that elevate the sound quality from an already high standard. 

1 The sound presentation opens up and the 3-dimensional aspect is heightened.  

2 You are aware of distinct spacing and separation between the musicians.

3 Dynamic contrast is improved particularly lower level or micro dynamics,  the overall sound is more nuanced. The subtle and small details are more apparent. 

4 What's already excellent resolving ability is taken further. 

5 The very good organic nature of the transport becomes more  organic and the musical flow is just impressively natural. The antithesis of mechanical/electronic/canned.

6 The Pro-Ject straight out of the box with the wall wart has beautiful natural tonality of instruments and human voice.  This my top sonic priority. I was actually surprised that this was improved. Wonderful fleshed out harmonically rich and fully expressed tone and timbre. Increased instrument reverberation and a very tactile/palpable presentation. 

This is what I hear specifically with the Fidelizer Nikola 2 LPS. I suspect that other high quality LPS would do similar things. The Pro-Ject CD BOX RS2 transport with a very good LPS similar to mine paired with a high DAC is going to provide "superb " Redbook CD playback sound quality. 

Charles 

@wharfy 

Gerry Mulligan "Night Lights"-A great sounding CD. My partner was listening to it and said the sound reminded her of a great cheesecake-rich textures and complexity. I’m a big GM fan and just ordered this one. And the accompanists are awesome-Bob Brookmeyer is a favorite

Now she described  an excellent analogy . I've had "Night Lights " for years and with my first listen I was struck by the very well captured full and rich authentic tones of all the instruments. Very beautifully played music by superb musicians that is recorded well. What more could one ask?

I have "Full House" as well, I believe that you'll really like "Smoking At The Half Note" I will seek out "Bob Brookmyer And Friends", thanks. If you listen to "Finger Painting" I believe you'll like it.  Terrific playing and well recorded. 

I hope to have the LPS soon😊

Charles 

@wharfy 

It's good to hear that the Pro-Ject is working out so well  for you (Not that I'm surprised). Did you have the chance to listen to any of the CDs I suggested awhile back? Curious  if you liked in particular

,Gerry Mulligan "Night Lights"

Oliver Nelson "Nocturne"

Mark Whitfield "Finger Painting" also features trumpeter Nicholas Payton.

Wes Montgomery "Smokin At The Half Note" he's with the Wynton Kelly Trio, it's good!!!

I believe you'll really like these via your Pro-Ject/Musetec 0005 combo.

BTW hope to have my Fidelizer Nickola 2 LPS in the near future (Being built right now).

Charles

@wharfy 

Any further Pro--Ject listening  impressions as it progresses  through the  burn-in period?

Charles 

@wharfy ,

Actually I heard changes within a few hours. This was probably due to warming up as it came straight out of the cold shipping box. Recognized further evolving improvement after several days (Increasing openness and at the same time more relaxation).

In my opinion I don’t believe that it needs a ton of hours for break-in, 50-60 hours for me. I was certain the Pro-Ject would bring out the best in your Musetec 005 DAC.

I’m still very pleasantly impressed by the big sound presentation and dynamics it provides with a wall wart power supply. It has larger scale, musical pace and tonality than my PWT(Where these qualities were strengths) with internal linear power supply.

Charles

@wharfy 

Any further evolving listening impressions? I know that you are having a ball.😊

Charles 

"I also compared an awesome Philip Catherine/Niels Pedersen CD, Art of the Duo."

@wharfy , I'll have to seek that one out,  sounds like a recording I'd really enjoy.  Catherine with Chet Baker is also a very fine pairing.  To clarify,  I received my Pro-Ject transport 1 month ago.  Just loving it with the supplied SMPS wall wart (Without debate the best CD sound ever in my audio system). I'm expecting delivery of the Fidelizer Nikola 2 LPS in a few weeks. 

David I've listened to so many recordings to compare the music with the performance of my P.S. Audio PWT. Here are some examples, 

1 Gerry Mulligan "Night Lights"

2 Oliver Nelson "Nocturne"

3 Mark Whitfield "Finger Painting"

4 Theloneus Monk  "Monk's Dream"

5 Dexter Gordon "Doin Alright"

6 Kenny Burrell  "Midnight Blue"

7 Joe Pass/JJ Johnson "Well Be Together Again "

8 Miles Davis  "Someday My Prince Will Come"

9 Roy Hargrove "Parker's Mood"

Lots more but I'll stop here. Every single recording is more alive (Breath of life aura), realistic, tactile, dynamic, nuanced  and emotionally involving with the Pro-Ject. No exceptions.  David I know the beautiful musical joy  you're experiencing. And I'm told this is taken to a yet higher level with a good LPS😊. Oh boy!

Charles 

@wharfy 

Is it safe to assume that you were up late last night?😊

Charles 

@wharfy 

Yours is yet another compelling  example of the importance and substantial impact a CD transport contributes.  All you did was exchange transports and witness the huge improvement,  nothing else changed in your system.  People who adhere to "bits are bits" and any CD player will suffice fine as a transport are so mistakened. Transport and DAC are 'both major factors in the ultimate sound quality. 

Charles 

@wharfy ,

Congratulations!

I knew that you would find it wonderful sounding straight out of the shipping box. And it will quickly and steadily improve. I was very sure it would fit right into your home system and immediately impress you.

The Cambridge is a solid and competent CD transport however the Pro-Ject is just in a much higher tier of sound quality. I post fairly frequently about it because I want others who listen to Redbook CD to understand how superb this transport is. Its price is an outstanding value given the level of performance. @wharfy I’m glad that you took the chance to hear it for yourself.

👍

Charles

@lula 

Thanks,  I  believe that you're going to be very happy with your decision. I know that @grannyring did an excellent modification job for you. The Pro-Ject will exploit the full potential of his work.😊

Charles 

@lula 

What DAC will you use with your Pro-Ject transport?

Charles 

"Birds of a feather (be)bop together." 😎

"Jazz brings me such joy. Am happy going forward trading recommendations with you."

 

😊👍

Charles

@lula 

Congratulations! 

I purchased my Pro-Ject from Walter/Underwood Hifi and he was a pleasure to do business with. Let us know what you think once you've listened, if you have the time. 

Charles 

@wharfy 

"Mixture of ballads and bebop are my breadbasket."

David

You are my brother from another mother.😊

Tete Montoliu, you have excellent taste!

I’m glad to know that you enjoyed the Tardo Hammer tribute to Tadd Dameron.

Given the level of your Audio system, and how you listen, Friday is going to be a very pleasant day.😊

Charles

From @longinc In case anyone is interested, an open box RS2T just popped up here:

https://tmraudio.com/components/cd-sacd-players/pro-ject-cd-box-rs2-t-cd-transport-remote-open-box

Here you go @lula

@wharfy,

Given our very similar taste in music I believe that you’ll enjoy this recording.

NYC jazz pianist Tardo Hammer "Look, Stop and Listen" trio format. A tribute to the music/compositions of Tadd Dameron (I suspect you know of him😊).

It’s both well recorded (Full weight piano/bass and dynamic drum kit sound) and terrific playing. Excellent interaction between the 3 musicians. A beautiful mixture of ballads and up tempo Bop.

Charles

@wharfy,

"One of the things I like with my current equipment is how resolving jazz piano and bass are. Bill Evans/Scotty LaFaro, Oscar Peterson/Niels Pedersen CDs never sounded better...until this weekend."

When you receive the Pro-Ject this Friday,  compare piano and acoustic stand up bass to your Cambridge.  I'm curious to read what you hear. Pro -Ject will noticeably improve within the first few hours of continuous use.

Charles 

@ Lula,

Try Underwood Hifi.com

Charles 

@wharfy,

Despite all of the comments from RS2T owners confirming improved sound quality with the use of a LPS, I didn’t order one right away.   My intention was to listen to this transport in its “stock” condition with the SMPS wall wart. I wanted to become familiar and comfortable with its sound performance in this state before moving on to optional upgrades.

After 4 weeks I believe that I know the intrinsic sound and character of this transport. I can honestly state right now if I had to stick with the wall wart it would be no problem at all for me. It is that impressive. Whatever additional sound quality gains I hear by adding the LPS is in my opinion the metaphorical “icing on the cake”.

Charles

@wharfy,

1, The linear power supply requirement is 20 volts/3 amps.

2, The I2s connection for the Pro-Ject CD BOX RS2 is proprietary and probably specific for their own sibling DAC. There's an outside chance it could work with another brand. Problem with I2s is there are to my knowledge 4 different iterations available.  Too bad this wasn't standardized. 

Charles 

@wharfy,

That is indeed a "very" nice system you have put together. The Pro-Ject RS2 transport will be right at home among those components/speakers. Once I receive my  Fidelizer Nickola2 LPS I'll let you know what I hear. I'm a dedicated jazz head so I built my system with the top priority being acoustic instruments and vocalist tone/timbre/harmonic overtones along with musical pace/flow and rhythm.

Charles

@wharfy,

"I think I’ve assembled my ideal set-up"

Well, it sure looks good to me (What amplifier and speakers?). Please let us know your early listening impressions if you don’t mind. As you probably know this transport is supplied with a wall wart power supply. Nonetheless it sings!!!😊

PS, 

I have read very things about your chosen DAC.

Charles

@wharfy ,

Hi, you are making a good choice. I received nearly 10 years of wonderful sound and reliability from the PWT. It’s better than many available CD transports in my opinion.

The Pro-Ject transport is simply a level above in every conceivable way. I’m waiting for a linear power supply. Matched with a good quality DAC and you’ll have a fantastic digital front end source. Yes it is small in size, but powerful in performance. 

Charles

I can vouch for the the quality of execution of the Pro-Ject CD BOX RS2T Spdif connection. Genuinely excellent sound quality with my High Fidelity CT-1 Ultimate digital cable. 

Charles