Pro-Ject CD Box RS2 I2S pin definition

HDMI/i2s adapters are wanted. I'm too shaky to make my own any more.

Word is the i2s only works with the Pro-Ject corresponding DAC, but I’d be curious if the pin config does indeed work with another DAC (any DAC). But the AES/EBU output sound great. 

@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. 

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 

@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

@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

@wharfy I took Terry’s recommendation and switched to the Black Cat digi 110 XLR, over my past Snake River Audio Boomslang, which was to warm for my current system. Great cable (the SRA), I just needed neutrality for this spot and the Black Cat does that. 

@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.

@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

@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

@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

@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

@wharfy The 005 optimized for usb, I haven't tried any other input. It may be good to experiment with DDC, such as Singxer SU-6, configurable I2S pinouts to fit any dac. I have one, haven't used with 005 as of today. The Pro-ject transport with I2S into 005 may be just the ticket.

Sorry, brain fade. DDC only does usb to I2S. I guess some kind of custom cable only way to do?

@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 

@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

@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

Someone will likely publish schematic for pin out on Pro-ject at some point, don't see how that is proprietary info. Custom I2S to I2S would be most direct path, no deterioration just by altering pin configuration in to 005.

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.

Anyone know of a dealer in US that has the Pro-ject presently in stock?

@ Lula,

Try Underwood Hifi.com

Charles 

@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

@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 

@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

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

@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

@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

@Charles

I just ordered an open, unplayed Pro-ject from Walter.

Thanks,

Phil

@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 

@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

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

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

 

😊👍

Charles

@lula 

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

Charles 

Presently it will be a MHDT Orchid, modified by Grannyring. I'm considering the upcoming Mojo Mystique X among other possibilities.

@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 

I2s is fine I had transport coax into chord qutest then changed dac to project and used i2s. To be fair very similar sound although project dac sound better iS2 compared to coax

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...

@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

@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 

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

Charles 

@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?

"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 

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

Charles 

@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

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

Charles 

@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

@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

@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

@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 

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