Pro-Ject CD Box RS2 I2S pin definition

@jriggy -You are correct. Asking around I was told by multiple sources, including Pro-ject that their I2S is proprietary. Great to know the AES/EBU is good. I'm ordering the RS2T next week and will get that cable with it.

Question-what are you using?

@fuzztone -that's what I was hoping to do. 

@charles1dad -

Thanks for the info. I have been following your RS2T observations on the other RS2T threads.. I was considering a pre-owned PS Audio DirectStream Memory Player, and read your comparisons between PS Audio and RS2T with great interest. Cheers!

David

@jriggy -Thanks for the info.

I ordered the Pro-Ject CD Box RS2T, 4 Orea Bronze isolators and an Audioquest AES/EBU. I'll find out soon when to expect delivery. With the changes I've made to my system recently, an ARC pre-amp, a L.K.S Audio MH-DA005 DAC, I "think" I've assembled my ideal set-up. It's revealing, articulate, PRAT, expansive 3D soundscape, and  just the slightest touch of warmth to tame the higher frequencies that trigger tinnitus from time to time.

I appreciate everyone sharing their impressions and info.

@charles1dad -Thanks for the kind words. I have an ARC 28SE, ARC 75SE and ProAc 30R speakers. I put together my system because it makes the jazz music I listen to sound fabulous. 

I'll certainly share my impressions. And yes, what people have said about the DAC is correct.

I've read about the wall wart power supply and the outboard power supply upgrade. That's down the road.

David

@charles1dad -"Once I receive my  Fidelizer Nickola2 LPS I'll let you know what I hear." Thanks! Looking forward to your observations.

Curious to know what DC output you are getting? If I am reading the technical specs correctly the outboard power supply is 20V/300mA DC.

David

@sns -"DDC only does usb to I2S. I guess some kind of custom cable only way to do?" I looked around for an on the shelf coax or TOSLINK to I2S cable adapter. Appears they aren't available. So, yes a custom cable. What I am wondering is if this type of cable will degrade the signal path? In which case, experimenting with the existing inputs/outputs makes more sense.

@charles1dad Yes. I learned that after talking with a Pro-Ject who said he was not allowed to share the schematic with me. Interesting sidebar-I was told if I open the both the 005 DAC and the transport I could modify both I2S connectors. BUT that would void both warranties.

My transport is scheduled for delivery on Friday. Perfect timing because that gives me the weekend to set-up, listen and select best signal path between the transport and DAC.

I'm going to wait a bit ( no pun intended) to listen before deciding on which LPS to purchase. I think what I purchase will fine tune the sound quality I am after.

Once again @sns ​​​​@charles1dad , thanks for your insights.

David

@sns -"What could also be optimum connection would be DDC with I2S in, usb out, since usb likely best input on 005. SPDIF will be superior to Toslink."

Thanks for the info. I'm currently using Toslink with my Cambridge transport and was going to use it with the Pro-Ject. I have an Aurender music server that is feeding the 005 via usb. Sounds terrific, and much better that the Singxer DDC I was using with the Holo Spring DAC I just replaced.

@charles1dad -I was going to wait a while before ordering an LPS. If the wall wart is as good as said I'll use the money for more CDs. 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.

David

@charles1dad -"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."

Yes, I plan to do just that.

I have a favorite listening test CD, 2 copies in fact, Tete Montoliu-Catalonian Fire, that I am going to use. I can sample back and forth. Recorded live, the personnel is Montoliu on piano, Niels Pedersen  on stand-up bass and Albert Heath on drums.

This is one of a series of CDs recorded in 1974. The music is rhythmic and inventive. Like the awesome Tardo Hammer CD you recommended (I'm "mad about Tad", btw) the collaboration and interplay is fantastic. 

Mixture of ballads and bebop are my breadbasket.

David

@lula -Awesome. My Pro-Ject arrives on Friday. I'll be interested in hearing your impressions.

@charles1dad -"Birds of a feather (be)bop together." 😎

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

David

It arrived! I rushed home from work, doing my best to obey speed limits and full stops at stop signs. Took about 20 minutes to set-up. Tete Montoliu in the tray.First impressions-Incredible!

PRAT-best I have experienced

Depth of the soundstage.

The speakers disappear. 

Attack and decay-wow!

Presence and the "weight" of the instruments-the space between instruments has dimensionality. I am in the room with the musicians. 

The drums have full presence. And this is just one CD out of the box.

Compared to my Cambridge transport (which is very good at its price point), what an upgrade!

If you all could see the smile on my face.

Stay tuned...

@charles1dad -LOL. Yes. And early this morning. There's no rest for the weary 😁

I had the opportunity to simultaneously listen to Tete Montoliu's, Catalonian Fire from 2 different sources-the Pro-Ject CD Box and the Cambridge CXC transport.

The differences between the two transports are not subtle. While a revealing transport, the CXC throws a shallow and lighter weight soundstage compared to the Pro-Ject, Instruments like Tootie Heath's drums are subdued on the CXC when compared to the Pro-Ject. I've listened to Catalonian Fire countless times and Heath's presence was startling. 

Via the Pro-Ject and an Aurender music server which feeds a Musetec 005 DAC with an Amanero USB board, I also compared an awesome Philip Catherine/Niels Pedersen CD, Art of the Duo.

Have you heard this one?

Via the music server, the output level of this CD is on the quiet side, and when you read the reviews many people complain about that. You need to turn it up to hear the nuanced interplay between PC and NOHP. It's satisfying.

Played on the Pro-Ject transport, the nuance is now replaced by first row intimacy. Hearing NOHP's playing is captivating. He's prominently featured and on many songs is playing lead to Catherine's rhythm. You can hear him plucking, pulling and sliding his fingers on and across the strings of his stand-up bass. In my set-up, with the Pro-Ject, you are right there!

If my timing is right, you have had your Pro-Ject since the summer. What CDs that you've listened to are noteworthy?

@charles1dad -My day passed pleasantly, listening to CDs and repositioning my speakers and sofa to maximize the increased soundstage. Late in the day into the evening, my partner requested we listen to chamber music, string quartets and early Renaissance music.

Among my favorites last night was the Unicorn Ensemble-Codex Faenza, which is music from the 15th Century. The ensemble is composed of Gothic harps, organ, fiddles, a Hurdy-Gurdy, recorders along with baritone, tenor and countertenors.

The Pro-Ject, paired with my system really brings this music to life. You are very aware of the instruments and voices reflecting off the stone walls of the church, where this was recorded. Just stunning.

At this point I’ve run the transport about 15 hours and I am starting to hear the music become more liquid. While being a lot more revealing than my CXC transport, the Pro-Ject is not overly analytical. In my system the emotional resonance is very satisfying.

At what point did you start hearing noticeable changes in sound?

David

@charles1dad -Yes! Thanks for inquiring. And all are terrific. To date. I'm cycling through my collection looking for what I call "intimate presentations." Last night I put on Billie Holiday's last recording, "Lady in Satin". She's backed by Ray Ellis and his orchestra. Oh my! The emotion in her voice is palpable, as is the decline in her intonation. Mind you, these aren't complaints, rather an example of how full and intimately revealing the recording is played though the Pro-Ject transport.

Other stand-outs are a Philly Jo Jones CD, "The Essential Jo Jones", with Ray and Tommy Bryant. Eva Cassidy, "Live at Blues Alley" and Art Taum and Ben Webster, "The Album."

I believe the synergy between the Pro-Ject and the Musetec DAC is perfect to my ears. 

Any stand-out recommendations, of late?

Regards,

David

@charles1dad -Wonderful recommendations. Thank you.

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.

Have you heard "Bob Brookmeyer and Friends"? What a band- Stan Getz, Gary Burton, Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, Elvin Jones, and a guest appearance by Tony Bennett.

Oliver Nelson "Nocturne"-Sonorous sax like Ben Webster, I love the Duke Ellington influences. Just ordered this one, also. I was reading that all of Nelson’s originals were destroyed in 2008 Universal Studio fire. Ugh....

Wes Montgomery "Smokin At The Half Note"-I have "Full House", which appears to be a companion disc to Smokin at the 1/2 Note. And based on how much I enjoy it, I just ordered Smokin’. And how about that back-up group! You have to be GOOD to play with those guys. He’s another musician who lost all his originals in the Universal fire. Thinking (writing) outloud-How many jazz (and rock guitarists) can trace their lineage back to Charlie Christian?

Looking forward to your impressions of your LPS.

All the best for 2022!

David

@charles1dad 

Thanks for the update. That's terrific news about your Fidelizer Nikola 2 LPS.  I've been thinking about your description and am wondering if my following comments/observations are accurate?

A quality LPS lowers floor noise allowing one to hear the micro-details, increased resolution, spacing between instruments, dynamic contrasts and 3D presentation.

Depending on the LPS one buys it works as a filter to fine-tune sound from a warmer/organic to a neutral to an analytical presentation.

I've also been thinking about-soundstage. Do you think there is an end point where the soundstage presentation exceeds the actual size of the room in which one is listening to music?

Also, for a reference point, what is the rest of your audio system? 

BTW-I picked up a Bill Charlp/Tony Bennett CD-The Silver Lining-The Songs of Jerome Kern that is terrific. The Pro-Ject/Musutec 005 combination is perfectly matched for the music genre I predominantly listen to.

Happy listening!

David