Resolving CD Transports Crowd Sourcing

@wharfy 

David congratulations, good decision and I am happy for you. I don’t believe that you will have any regrets at all. I have absolutely no doubt that you’re ARC component signal path sounds marvelous!

Charles

@pindac

One individual who was present at the reviews I Copy/Pasted as a Post, has given up on their very long endeavours into Streaming as a Source and have now ventured with gusto into rediscovering the Values of CD and CDT as a Source

I derive immense pleasure listening to CD

as well. However it seems that both physical CD and digital audio streaming can be enjoyed simultaneously within the same audio system. They do not have to be mutually exclusive.

Charles

The TEAC VRDS certainly set a high reference point for tray loading CD transports. I have heard my share of various models through the years and they are very good. However I don’t believe it is superior to a high quality and well implemented top loading CD transport. Just my two cents worth.

Charles 

@wharfy

I have most of those recordings. Excellent choices across-the-board! As I have said before you have excellent taste in music. Your audio system without a doubt is more than capable of bringing out the best in these recordings. Your decision to stick with the Audio research signal chain is a very wise one.

if you still decide to give the TEAC 701T transport an audition please share your listening impressions. I am curious how it stacks up against your ARC CD( 6 SE transport/player.

Charles

@wharfy 

The owner says purchasing it, and getting a replacement CDPro2, just in case, from ARC ($500 with S/H) is a no brainer with my ARC components.

Sounds like a good plan. You have heard it in your system and confirmed it is a fantastic fit.

Charles

Another review of the La Diva M2. Interesting comparison with the excellent Antipodes K50 and Grimm MU-1 music streamers.

https://www.hifi-advice.com/blog/review/digital-reviews/cd-player-reviews/aqua-la-diva-m2/
Charles

@lalitk

You are correct. The CD drive units do not operate in isolation. They are a major contributor to the overall sound one ultimately hears. One has to judge the entire package as all aspects of the component matter. It is possible I could be placing too much emphasis/importance on the CD drive unit/mechanism.

My outlook/perspective could be a bit biased for that reason. I have the Pro-Ject RS2T transport that utilizes the Stream Unlimited drive and the sound quality is freaking excellent!!

Charles

@acresverde

The biggest quandary for me is, knowing that I can get a refurbed CD Pro 2 like the one in my AA drive from ENCO, is the CD Pro 8 that much better to justify the 20x cost to get the Aqua. I do expect it will sound better but <$500 also sounds pretty good compared to approx. $9000

When you put it in those terms I understand your dilemma. Certainly the discontinued Philips CD Pro 2 is a CD drive unit that has stood the test of time and was utilized in numerous top shelf transports. You have enjoyed its quality for 20 years so obviously you know its capabilities.

On the other hand I don’t believe it is a coincidence that The Stream Unlimited CD PRO-8 has been chosen by top level manufacturers for their upper tier CD transports. If budget is a major criteria then certainly a refurbished Phillips CD is very viable and prudent.

Charles

@acresverde 

I have the Accustic Arts Drive 1 and their latest reference transport uses the much loved SU CD Pro 8 drive, as does the La Diva, but it’s twice the price of the Aqua so if I have to make a change, by default, the Aqua will be first on my list.

The upper tier European manufacturers do seem smitten with the Stream Unlimited CD PRO-8   drive mechanism. It's also favored by Audionet and Gryphon for their CD trabsports. I'm certain that you'd be very happy with the Aqua HiFi La Diva transport.

Charles

@wharfy 

David,

I have read very fine things about that particular Denon component. A company that established and that size has the resources to build really special audio components when they want to. I look forward to your listening impressions of it.

Charles

@wharfy 

Thanks you for your updated listening impressions. I knew that the ARC CD6 SE would set the bar high. It does appear that the Schitt presents a very good high value proposition which is good to know.

Charles 

@wharfy 

I'm auditioning the TEAC next week. It will be fun to compare listening notes. The balanced and detailed presentation of the TEAC is something I find appealing.

David you have very good ears and music taste. Additionally you’ve had excellent CD transports in your home audio system for reference. Your listening impressions of the TEAC  will be enlightening.

Charles

@ja_kub_sz 

Congratulations!!!

Appreciate your time and effort to share your listening comparisons.

Charles

@wharfy 

Onward and upward. Waiting for the Urd and Teac 701T to be released. Am going to give them attentive auditions

Agreed!!

Pro-Ject RS2T is a home run sonically but let down by questionable management actions/decisions. Onward indeed. David I am looking forward to your listening impressions of the Schitt and the TEAC transports. Sonically the ARC CD6 SE and RS2T have set the bar high.

Charles

@facten 

As a very happy owner of the RS2T I totally have no issue with your injected comment. Pro-Ject has a quality control problem that they have to acknowledge and correct. Hopefully they will commit to this. They obviously had a bad product run at some point. 
 

I purchase my RS2T in November 2021 and have had zero problems. This seems to be the case with other owners who purchased around that same period. So something went wrong at some point with subsequent production of this transport. I’ve been an advocate of the RS2T on this forum solely based upon my outcome with it. 
 

Pro-Ject needs to figure out how to get the quality control and reliability to match their achievements with its superb sound quality.

Charles

@facten 

Good advice. I understand why you wouldn't. I also understand why David is contemplating another try. He's lived with it and has experienced its brilliant sound quality. 

Charles

So, if the issues are corrected, how would one find out, without purchasing and hoping you got a good one? 

What are everyone's thoughts? 

David,

I’d only buy from a retailer who has a clearly stated return policy. It’d be ideal to compare in your system with the ARC CD6 SE you’re enjoying currently.

Charles

@wharfy 

 

In all, when working, the CD Box is a wonderful transport because it achieves a balance of resolution and musicality

That balance of resolution and musicality is a spot on assessment. Precisely my initial and lasting/ongoing impression of the RS2T. I'm glad that the ARC CD6 SE is working out so well for you. 

@wharfy 

That's disappointing.

Charles

@facten 

Good question/fair point.

Charles

@wharfy

Hi David, thanks for sharing this reply from Pro-Ject. I hope that they respond to your pertinent follow up question. I have to say that I have not experienced any of the numerous problems they detailed. My RS2T has been silent while operating since day 1. Anyway I hope that their quality control is raised to a consistent high standard.

It should not be a hit and miss proposition under any circumstances. Every buyer of this transport should expect and receive the exact same outcome that I have gotten. As always David I appreciate your recording recommendations and heads up.

Charles

@wharfy 

Meanwhile, I've been sending emails to Pro-Ject's parent company, Audiotuning, asking how the CD Box re-design is going

David,

What type of feedback have you received thus far?

Charles

@wharfy 

I still have the CD6SE (On loan from a friend). I’m really impressed with the air between and around instruments. Listening to John Coltrane’s solos on "Blue in Green" from Kind of Blue, the CD6SE allows you to hear the resonance/echo as he plays.

David,

I enjoy every track on that iconic album. I have to admit however that “Blue In Green “ is my favorite. I just love Adderley’s beautiful alto saxophone solo. Superb musicians all.

Charles

@pindac 

Thst was a very insightful comparison of the new TEAC 701 transport. I have no doubt that it has excellent sound quality. They have been at this for quite some time and clearly know what they are doing.

@wharfy (David) it will be most interesting to see how this refined tray loading VRDS transport matches up sonically to the terrific top loading RS2T and CD6SE. Fun and exciting times.😊

Charles

Hi David,

https://indianapublicmedia.org/nightlights/jackie-mclean-and-lee-morgan-the-dynamic-hardbop-duo/
 

I bought “Consequence “  probably 25 years ago. They’re good playing together.

Charles

I would agree with your assessments of Vermeer and Sargent. You have a good eye!

David, you are a kind gentleman .😊

Lee Morgan and Jackie McLean did some collaborations on the early 1960s “Blue Note”. However knowing you it’s likely  you are probably already aware of these recordings. They work very well together.

Charles

David,

I have returned to look at those pictures of art several times now. The Vermeer painting is more detailed, vivid and nuanced. The Singer Sargent is also appealing but more subtle and suggestive of mood perhaps. Hey, I’m no art critic for sure. Thanks for the artistic introduction.

Charles

BTW-Art Blakey and his classic Jazz Messengers, with Lee Morgan and Sonny Rollins sounds fantastic through the CD6SE.

Oh boy, I bet that it does. Of all the tremendous trumpeters who had stints with the Jazz Messengers, Lee Morgan may be my favorite with Blakey.

David thanks for the artists links. I have to say that I really like both pictures. As I’d very likely feel the same comparing the RS2T and CD6SE. 😊

Charles

@wharfy

Hi David,

Thank you very much for taking the time to present your listening impressions. I was very curious about what your outcome would be. Your results did not surprise me. I had a strong suspicion that the ARC CD6 SE would fit beautifully within your ARC audio signal chain. Also fell that the unit itself is very high quality. As we both have acknowledged the Pro-Ject RS2T is a superb CD transport but there is certainly very viable competition available.

Given your experience and keen listening skills I’d really look forward to your impressions of the TEAC 701/Jay’s Audio CD transport/Schitt URD. Easier said than done I recognize. If you decide to just stick with the ARC CD player that would be perfectly understood by me.😊 You’re in a can’t lose scenario in my opinion. David I must confess I don’t know enough about art to appreciate the artists analogy.😊

Charles

@wharfy 

Transport search update-Will be auditioning an Audio Research CD6SE this coming weekend

Terrific!

Looking forward to your  listening evaluation thoughts.

Charles 

@wharfy 

Have you heard Jackie McLean, Nature Boy? Cedar Walton on piano. Billy Higgins on drums

I have a fair amount of his recordings but not that one in particular. I will seek it out. Thanks as always for the tip.

Charles

@wharfy 

Given that your DAC is optimized for USB then it seems the Schitt URD could be just the ticket. It will be very interesting to learn what you think of it sonically. You have an established reference point per the RS2T.

Charles

@facten 

Thanks!

Charles

@wharfy

I had a terrific conversation with an audio dealer who carries Pro-Ject. They said the failure rate of the CD Boxes since 2022 was 70%. Wow!!

That does qualify as a wow!!
I received my RS2T in November 2021 and as I have said previously, no operating/ reliability problems with very frequent and heavy usage. It seems that other owners who purchased theirs around that time or earlier have had similar outcomes as mine. Obviously something changed in later production (2022) batches/runs.

No question I feel quite fortunate. I am glad that Pro-Ject has put a hold on things until they get this sorted out thoroughly and once and for all.

David how much is the TEAC 701 retail? If you are able to hear it, the CEC or a Jay’s Audio model I’m very interested in your listening impressions. BTW I strongly suspect that the ARC CD6SE would be very good.

Charles

@wharfy

David,

The 3rd time was the charm for Rob as he mentioned earlier. I’d only consider it if there’s a clear snd definitive return policy. It would be wonderful if you can finally enjoy the RS2T trouble free as other very happy owners are. Particularly in your case as you well know its sonic capabilities. What ever you decide I wish you the best.

Charles

@facten 

I have no skin in this, but based upon reading posts over the last year or so the QC issue(s) has been a known for some time . It would seem that Project would have long since addressed its production and overall QC especially given its price point

I concur 100%. This should have been recognized and corrected earlier. I suppose better late than never. I have posted often on these forms as a very happy and impressed owner of the RS2T. Every one sold should perform splendidly as mine has, rather than hit and miss outcomes. Pro-Ject must ensure that the transport reliability equals its brilliant sound quality.

Charles

@wharfy 

I go back and forth about purchasing another RS2T. I love everything about the sound. And at the price, it's a bargain. The CD Box reminds me of a Fiat ("Fixing it always trouble") 

I understand your hesitation. To my understanding Pro-Ject is addressing and troubleshooting the problem (As they most certainly should). Although you enjoyed superb sound quality, a shame you had to endure the unnecessary reliability issues.

There are other fine CD transport alternatives undoubtedly. It's just that you're acutely aware of what you had sonically with the RS2T. A homerun concerning  performance, a dropped ball regarding consistent unit to unit quality control. I wish you the best.

Charles

@wharfy

One of the great discoveries I made via streaming was this Dexter Gordon gem.

Dexter Gordon Featuring Joe Newman. It’s not a particularly great recording, with some questionable editing of songs. But the musicianship is top rate

Thanks David . Newman is a 1st rate jazz trumpeter but in my opinion, under appreciated. I feel the same way about Kenny Dorham whom I’m sure you are familiar with. I’ll seek out this recording. I’m a huge Dexter Gordon fan.

Charles

The sound quality from TIDAL/Aurender is very, very good. But, CDs played through a terrific transport/DAC combination always sounds better.

I may be wrong but I thought that David was clearly referring to his specific listening experience with his own audio system and not making a general proclamation for all.

Charles

@thyname

You got a lot of recommendations here to build a short lists. I am so sorry to say at this point you have to listen, compare and contrast by yourself.

I think everyone would agree that an in home audition of audio components is the ideal scenario. Not always possible to arrange unfortunately. I have found listening impressions from experienced forum members very valuable over the years.

I try to hear as much as I can in person but you can’t hear everything all of the time. I have been made aware of audio components completely unknown to me via forum participation. I discovered my current Abbas DAC via a thread on WBF. I’m grateful for that exposure.

No auditioning was available. DAC is built by order in Ukraine by a very talented one man operation. I’m so glad I took the chance given the dire situation. The DAC is fabulous!

Charles

@wharfy

The sound quality from TIDAL/Aurender is very, very good. But, CDs played through a terrific transport/DAC combination always sounds better.

Have you heard Stan Getz and the Oscar Peterson Trio (1956)?

David,

Thanks for your reply. No doubt that both audio formats call easily coexist seamlessly. I’ll get into audio streaming eventually. I enjoy the Pro-Ject RS2T and Abbas 3.2SE DAC so much I am just thoroughly content for now. I’ll at some time duplicate what you are doing.😊

I have heard Getz-Peterson (Jazz radio) but do not have  any of their recordings (Yet).

Charles

@wharfy 

Do you split your time equally between CDs and streaming or is it more the latter for convenience/large streaming library?

Charles

@8th-note 

The TEAC 701 versus the Jay’s Audio CD transport will be most interesting. I hope that you are able to do this at some point.

@stuartk 

It is good to read that the Jay’s Audio CDT2 has worked out well for you. Congratulations!!

Charles 

David,

Audiogon member @wig owned the CDT2 MK II and MK III as well as the RS2T. I’d  contact him via this site’s email. He is insightful and knowledgeable.

Charles

@wharfy 

Hi David,

Ha! I should have known better that you have these terrific recordings. You know what? I own the 3 you recommended.😊

Not surprising I suppose, good taste and all  that stuff right!! This is exactly why my listening sessions are frequent and usually go 4 hours or so. With your ears and taste get the best CD transport you can afford.

Charles

@wharfy 

Just for old times sake, (😊) a few CDs I think that you’d like.

Chet Baker, “The Touch Of Your Lips”

Nicholas Peyton, ”Fingertips “

Jimmy Cobb/Roy Hargrove, “Jazz in The Key Of Blue”

Excellent trumpeters accompanied by excellent jazz guitarists.

Charles

@wharfy

BTW, your jazz recommendations, sometime back, have brought hours of great listening pleasure in the wharfy household

Hi David,

I am happy that you are enjoying them. You share a deep passion for jazz and appreciate the outstanding musicians that make it possible.

My comment/recommendation concerning the TEAC transport has to do with there highly regarded VRDS mechanism over the years. I have a 1990s era Esoteric/TEAC CD transport that still functions well to this day. They have certainly improved from my very early model. I suspect their new transport is quite accomplished.

David it’s a shame your RS2T was was faulty x 2 models. I really wish you could have gotten a good one like I did. I believe that much of the exquisite sound quality can be attributed to the superb Stream Unlimited top load drive and servo integrated unit. Same as used in the above mentioned Aqua HiFi La Diva (And Gryphon).

Jay’s Audio uses the highly regarded but discontinued Phillips drive mechanism. Personally I have never heard of any reliability issues with their CD transports.
 

You have an excellent audio system and great music taste. I’d take a thorough look at their CDT3. I believe it uses better parts and a better quality Phillips drive mechanism compared with the highly praised CDT2 model. I haven’t heard either, just going by what I have read. In reality, I don’t think you could go wrong with either transport.

Charles

@wharfy 

Sorry about your poor experience with the RS2T. Fortunately I’ve had excellent sonic performance you note without the reliability/customer service issues you suffered. It’s been brilliant for me.  I assume that if you were seeking a music server you’d have inquired.

Based on reputation:track record  I’d look into latest TEAC CD tray loading transport. I really like top loading CD transports and strongly encourage you to consider the Jay’s Audio offerings. 
Best wishes 

Charles