Resolving CD Transports Crowd Sourcing

@wharfy 

FYI, John Darko recently reviewed the URD.

https://youtu.be/zguY93eWX5k?si=_JBXlrVEOY4qxT19

@wharfy -  Regarding the 260DT, the AES/EBU output is the optimized one (confirmed via email with SimAudio). It takes the SQ up a notch over the SPDIF ; I've used it both ways and settled on the AES/EBU

@facten -

That's good info. TY! I'm auditioning the 260DT at the end of the week. My DAC has AES/EBU capability.

@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

@charles1dad

Could be...

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

https://www.discogs.com/release/5029549-Jackie-McLean-Nature-Boy

More images

If you're worried about transport issues.....Just narrow your search to Jays and CEC. Period.

@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

I'd suggest you try the Urd via the USB connection.  Mike Moffat, the designer, says "it's the best I ever heard".   Listen to his Youtube video "Schiit Q&A Mike Moffat", streamed live on Jan 13, 2021, "CD Transport" chapter.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ToIjKCUvrow

My understanding, which could be wrong, is the Schiit Urd Unison USB uses the USB Word clock to synchronize the flow of data from transport to DAC.  That would probably mean the DAC Master clock is used and the Urd is the Slave.  Though the roles could be reversed.  Use of the Word clock in the transport-DAC control scheme is significant and allows for lower levels of jitter.  I gleaned this information from listening to several of the Schiit Audio podcasts with Moffat.  I don’t know why Schiit doesn’t advertise or promote the transport data synchronization scheme.  It’s quite unique from what I can tell.

Most DACs use input receiver chips such as CS8416 and AKM AK4113 to recover the clock data from the input signal from the spdif and AES/EBU connections.  These connections can't be used as a control loop back to the transport.  So, in theory, the Urd Unison USB connection should sound superior. 

I use an Urd with an Yggdrasil LIM connected via USB with a a Kimber Select Cu USB-C to USB-B cable.  To me, the Urd USB connection sounds superior to the SPDIF, even when I used a more expensive Jorma SPDIF cable.  Imaging is a bit more precise, tonal densities are better, and the sound is more liquid through the USB connection.  I have not listened to the Urd via AES/EBU, so I can comment on that connection.

If you aren't using a Schiit DAC, I'm not sure if the USB function with the Urd  is the same.

Inexpensive USB cables can be used, just make sure they are USB 2.0

Transport search update-Will be auditioning an Audio Research CD6SE this coming weekend. While I have been specifically focusing on transports, the CD6SE has an onboard DAC utilizing PCM1792 dac chips (which are Delta Sigma), that can stream my Aurender N200. I It is a top loading CD player using a CDPro2R drive. I already have an ARC power amp and line stage and the ARC house sound leans towards neutrality with a bit of tube warmth.

CD6SE is a great machine...

I happily own a Audio Research Ref CD9SE. An absolutely wonderful DAC and CDPlayer. I compared it with a Berkeley Reference Alpha DAC ($22K) for a couple weeks and the difference was miniscule… the ARC was a tiny warmer and the Berkeley a tiny more detailed. I was prepared to buy the Berkeley… but surprisingly the ARC sounded better to me. 

@wharfy 

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

Terrific!

Looking forward to your  listening evaluation thoughts.

Charles 

Just chiming in as another former Sim 260D owner who had transport issues.

For a little perspective, I owned a Sim Moon 760D CD / DAC with the Sim Moon 820 power supply ($18K together) for a number of years. My dealer brought over an Audio Research REF CD9SE without me asking. Holy cow, it is sooo much more natural and musical without loosing detail, it took me all of about 10 seconds to suspect and 30 more seconds to open my iPad and send a message to my audio dealer to order me one… I would have to figure out how to pay for it later… it just completely blew away the Moon for me.

Take a look at the Nuprime CD Transports, I've been very happy with the CDP-9, the best CD playback I've ever had.

pawsman

@jl35

@ghdprentice

@charles1dad

I was up late last night, and early today, after adding the ARC CD6SE to my system. I’m impressed. Since I already have ARC (upstream/downstream?) the synergy is what you would expect with the ARC house sound-spacious, dimensional, for the most part organic. I listened to a variety of jazz, classical and rock CDs. Bass is very present, great midrange with extended highs. The CD6SE definitely presents a full and instrumentally defined sound palette. Vocals sound terrific, also.

Since the CD player’s DAC uses Delta Sigma PCM1792 dac chips, I was concerned that the highs and accented music notes would have digital glare, which is something I have encountered in lesser (cheaper) digital equipment. This isn’t noticeable with the CD6SE. I think because of the signal tubes in the ARC linestage, and power/signal tubes in the ARC power amp.

So, how does it compare with the Pro-Ject CD Box RS2T? While not using the same DAC, both units share a 3D palpability and realism. I think the Pro-Ject (sadly RIP) has greater PRAT and transparency, while the CD6SE projects a weightier presentation. But, it’s only a matter of degrees, and for me, both are equally satisfying. Not to get too esoteric with regards to degrees of realism, but here it goes-The Pro-Ject presents music like a Vermeer painting and the CD6SE is closer to John Singer Sargent.

Additionally, something I like about the CD6SE is that it has a terrific on-board DAC. What’s funny in a way is how the plethora of really good DACs have steered me away from onboard DAC/transport players. I am able to run my Aurender music server, via USB, through the DAC without losing any of the resolution and clarity I had with the Musetec MH-DA005 Sabre chip set DAC.

David

@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

@charles1dad 

Vermeer paintings and Pro-Ject CD Box Rs2T analogy (YMMV)

https://www.khm.at/en/objectdb/detail/2574/

John Singer Sargent and CD6SE analogy (YMMV)

https://collections.mfa.org/objects/31782

I'm giving the TEAC 701 a listen when it ships to one of my local audio shops. I'm going to listen to a Denon dcd-a110 110th anniversary edition sacd at the beginning of the week. The URD is on order, with an opportunity to return if I don't want it. WRT, Jay's CD transports and CEC-This will be difficult because they are purchase with no return option. With that said, I'm really liking the CD6SE.

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

David

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 Will be auditioning an Audio Research CD6SE this coming weekend.

Curious how you were able to secure an audition.  I was under the impression that the CD6SE was discontinued two or three years ago after a two-year run because Phillips (IIRC) discontinued making the laser it uses.  Makes you wonder why ARC didn't just source another laser vs quit making CD players altogether.  

@wharfy 

Very interesting analogy! I am not surprised by the outcome of using CD6SE in your system, given the synergy with other ARC pieces. Looking forward to your impressions with other players. And thanks for sharing the art, I loved them both! 

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

Regarding the ARC CD6SE, are replacement lasers available from ARC or eBay/other, or is it destined to be an expensive boat anchor when the current laser goes bye bye?

OP,

Thanks for your impressions. I use my Ref CD as a DAC 99% of the time streaming with my Aurrender. The higher resolution of much of the material from Qubuz sounds better and the CD is there as a backup in case the network goes down.

@charles1dad 

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

I agree about Lee Morgan. I always "liked" him. Sidewinder was one of my first jazz purchases. And then one afternoon I was listening to Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers-First Flight to Tokyo: The Lost 1961 Recordings on an Art Blakey birthday celebration radio broadcast (WKCR). I was blown away by the trumpeter-Lee Morgan. Deeper listening helped, me really appreciate his expressive lyricism. "Here's Lee Morgan" is a terrific CD. Morgan as a 21 year old is playing with Morgan with Clifford Jordan, Wynton Kelly, Paul Chambers and Art Blakey. 

@jetter 

Good question. I should check as I am considering purchasing the CD player.

@ghdprentice 

I can see that. The DAC on the CD 6SE is terrific. I haven't made the effort, yet, to listen to HI REZ. I have TIDAL, which has MQA. People on A' Gon boards regularly have back and forths about the superiority of Qobuz and TIDAL. 

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

ghdprentice brings up a great point I hadn't considered in mentioning using it mostly for its DAC.  It would be nice though to have a spare laser assembly in a cabinet somewhere.   Just like I will now buy a spare remote for my electronics to have on hand as spares.

@jetter 

Both you and ghdprentice raise an interesting point. To many people playing a CD is an archaic way to listen to music. There are multiple reasons. Consequently, the technology that makes the CD listening experience sublime, i.e the ability of getting a replacement Phillips CD drive is no longer a necessity for the majority of music enthusiasts, and is a real concern and consideration. 

If I was much younger (I'm  66 and recently retired!!), I'm not sure CDs would be the way I like listening to music. My thirty year old son lovingly chides me because of the money I spend on my hobby and the physical space needed to enjoy it. His media of choice is his iphone and Apple Music.

I was a BIG analog person and only when my turntables stopped working, were hard to repair, and records were harder to buy, did I grudgingly buy my first CD player--a SONY multi-disk. Now, I like CDs for their physical convenience-storage and ease of handling, sound quality, and the availability of satisfying CD players and transports. 

With that said, technology being what it is, it's not hard to accept (after a Manhattan, or two) that at some point I could be streaming on a regular basis. The sound quality via Hi REZ is improving, the huge music catalogs available, and the excellent DACs and streamers available point to a future where CDs and transports could be fewer and far between. Space considerations also factor into this. Looking to downsize, one of the first questions I ask is if the house I'm looking at has a something I can turn into a listening room. Until then, or not, I'm going to really, really enjoy my CDs. 

@charles1dad 

I did not know that Morgan and McLean collaborated. Looking into this I saw that at some point both played with Art Blakey. What do you recommend?

OP,

I recommend signing up for the free month of Qubuz. My dealer pestered me for the better part of a year to switch fro Tidal to Qobuz. I finally did a couple years ago and cancelled my Tidal subscription within a couple days.
 

While there is only a slight difference in the basic sound of the two services with the exact same recording… Qobuz has well over one half million high resolution albums Tidal only has something like 50K… MQA pretty much sound like red book. 
 

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

The Marantz CD60 is a strong buy a $999. Marantz is one of the few companies still taking CDs seriously, and both the 6007 ($599) and the CD60 make excellent cases for their success. The CD60 has 2 filters in its DAC, a new output stage and dedicated headphone amp. There are those who turn their noses up at Marantz as being too 'mid-fi'. I suggest you listen before speaking. For sound quality, value, actual support they are hard to beat.

And if it's just a CD/SACD/Streamer with a custom DAC/Upsampler, dedicated streaming and headphone amp with a wireless player with app (HEOS) you want, the SACD 30N  for $2999 has you covered. Oh, finally, the analog parts are not the ubiquitous opamps, the HDAM modules are Marantz designed differential amps, more skin to high precision instrumentation amps than hifi. Long story short: Marantz is building some pretty awesome high-end gear, as they have for the last 65 years.

I have had a look at the supplied images of Artwork myself.

For the Vermeer, I would say the image gives a 'clear insight' into how the Subject of the Painting and Artist are working towards producing a Portrait. A portrait within a Portrait.

Is it suggested the Project has a presentation that leaves the Perception, one is receiving more information than the recording alone, it is able to conjure up the sense that the recording studio might be detected as well. I only say this, as their are a few Vinyl LP's I listen to, that really can make one feel they are sensing the ambience of the recording environment. 

The Sargent, show everything one wants, the subject is quite easy to depict, it has an additional ambience, especially the content that pokes to create a mood.

The Sargent application of medium, shares similarities to how Audio Equipment processes the applicant of the embedded data released from the storage medium.  Each are pretty much aligned to a journey in creating a Audio System, the impression made is always satisfactory, but the longer observed, and perceiving deficiencies, the objective can easily become one where the intent, is for getting that last morsel of resolution and clearly defined image. Is this not the outcome that for some is the most desirable as the end goal.

How the colour and vagaries are revealed and are able to stimulate one, is where the end product produced shows we are all with our own unique preferences.    

The following is a extension of the previous info posted as a user review on the REAC VRDS 701CDT.

This time it is used in another system where the system owner has carried out substantial investigations into a Digital Source, from trying out numerous Devices and Modifications to a range of Devices.

________________________________________________________

System Owner

Today was the day that the TEAC CDT came to play, and with it came our resident poster of down to earth opinion and logic, Macca. I couldn’t quite believe it had been 5-6 years since he was here last, but when we dissected what system I had at the time, there was no doubt. For this occasion was not only an opportunity for me to hear this new off the shelf CDT, but also a chance for Macca to hear what I had done since he was here last…..which is a lot.

The system previously consisted of a DCB1 preamp, PecanPi DAC, Krell KSA100 MK1 and Pioneer CS-77A speakers. As I said, it’s been a while.

We decided to allow the CDT to warm up while Martin got his head around the system. The X50D has been on 24/7 so no need to warm that up. We played a fair bit of music in that hour. Tracks from Robert Plant, Gary Moore, ZZ Top….the list goes on.

After a little while Martin turned to me and offered the following opinion (not verbatim)

“If I had one criticism, it would be that it’s too smooth…almost overly smooth. It’s missing some crunch. It’s also missing a bit of air and space around the HF”

I wasn’t entirely in agreement. The system is refined and i have always thought of it as such, but i then started listening to it for crunch and yea, i can see what Martin was getting at. The room and acoustic solutions may have impacted the HF’s space and air too. Maybe it was a little too polite. If so, i have no idea what i can do about it at this point. We listened for a while and then got down to business. Files vs CD.

The plan was to rip the CDs and then put the rip on the X50D and compare it to the CD it came from. I had already done a few rips prior to Martin’s visit, but he had two CDs with him. Joni Mitchell Blue, and Dire Straits - Love over Gold. I ripped Joni Mitchell first and we compared “The last time i saw Richard”

I will keep the description fairly brief so as to not fatigue you all, but my perception of what I heard was that when we played it on the X50D, the soundstage seemed to flatten off a bit, front to back. It was wide, but it didn’t seem to have a lot of depth VS the TEAC’s presentation. The TEAC equalled the X50Ds soundstage width, but it had more space front to back and top to bottom. This gave me the impression of a more natural presentation, with better 3D imaging. There was also one other change I noticed. When JM played the piano, via the CDT, it sounded more vibrant, more dynamic. Admittedly, it’s maybe a 2-5% difference, but it’s how I felt when I heard it. Quite honestly, I don’t know if you’d pick it out of a line up with any regularity, but I felt it, and it was a feeling that didn’t leave me all the way through today’s session.

We played Peter Schneider’s - Secret Mission album and again, to me, via the CDT, the trumpets had more “thrasp” when they were played, and if i am being 100% honest, it sounded more alive, like it was bouncing along, like it was fun for them to play and it was fun for me to listen to.

The session was bloody brilliant, and in a world where you had to pick one or the other, we both said we would pick the CDT, which surprised me as I had absolutely no inclination that I would feel that way when we started this session.

Funnily enough, when we swapped from the “internet obtained” FLAC files to WAV files ripped from the CD’s, that feeling of everything being too smooth went away. There was absolutely nothing to grumble about SQ wise. In fact, it sounded epic to me. I know that when you download P2P shared files you are at the mercy of the quality of them, and yes, i am sure my official purchase of Sera Una Noche file (AIFF) would sound epic too, but the fact is that i only have a couple of VERY decent files like that, vs an entire library of files with origins i have no idea of.

One of the things that became apparent today was that buying a CD with the EXACT mastering you want is a very desirable thing. The copies of Joni Mitchell and Dire Straits that Martin brought with him were FAR superior to even the 24/96 versions of both albums that I have, which were P2P downloads btw. Which kind of proves the point.

In the midst of all of this, it’s easy to forget why this session was arranged, but i should point it out as I feel it’s a point worth making.

Originally, I had questioned CD’s or CDT’s ability to match modern day technology. I bought an old Audiolab 8000CDM and gave it a damn good listen. Ultimately that fell by the wayside due to reliability, but it wasn’t up to it sonically either. The TEAC is a whole different story. It’s right up there with one of the best file based transports i have heard, and in my humble opinion, if you own an X50D you should be extremely pleased with it, especially if you get the PSU changed. However, for me, the future of digital in my house looks to be CDs.

The X50D has been sold, and I have bought a TEAC VRDS - 701CDT in silver.

Humongous thanks to Martin for dragging the TEAC down here for a listen. I owe you a pint or two at the next show/bakeoff

______________________________________________________

TEAC Owner

I'm speaking with TEAC. see if they will put me on commission  

No hanging about there just go for it. I like it.

I put a few thoughts up:

Always enjoy a meet up with Ollie because like me he never gets bored of talking hi-fi. Plus I did want to get a listen to his Troels speakers.

The streamer vs CD was very interesting. The random files from the internet we listened to first didn't sound so great to me, but I think there was a couple of things at play.

First I had to adapt to a very different room and although the speakers are not dissimilar to those I own (both three-way front ported towers) the overall presentation was quite different. 

Second I had only just got out of a car from a 40 minute trip down the motorway, I know that the noise from that dulls my hearing for a while after. Much later when we played another of those files it sounded fine. 

With the cd copied to hard drive vs the same CD in the player, both synchronised, we could swap fairly fast between the two. (Now I think about it, having one running ahead of the other might have been better).

Have to say I did not hear any specific differences, except maybe the decay on Joni Mitchell's piano was not so delicate with the streamer. Also as Ollie mentions the trumpets maybe had a bit more rasp. But Ollie did blind test me - I got two right and two wrong. If there are differences they are at best tiny at least for me.

Gut instinct though - If it was a dealer demo and I had to walk out with the transport or the streamer, sound quality the only factor - I'd walk out with the transport. But it's a choice I already made so I'm going to have some bias.

But onto the speakers - yes, once I was acclimatised I could start hearing all the good things they do We listened to the whole of  Oasis - 'Definitely Maybe' which is probably the second best test disc you can get after Thin Lizzy 'Live And Dangerous.'

The Oasis will show up any crap speaker usually within seconds. A studio recording mixed to sound like a gig in a working man's club. Hardly any mid-bass, a shedload of very low bass, dense mix, musically raucous. It's a killer.

Well, it sounded great, top to bottom with everything there - for example you could even hear the backing vocals which are well buried in the mix without having to actively listen out for them. Yes, that's the sort of thing I base my judgements on,  I'm afraid.

Bass goes deeper than my speakers even though they are maybe 50 percent larger, the kick drum had power behind it mine don't do. But then on a lot of speakers that kick drum isn't there at all.

Never got untidy but they didn't smother the recording either. They are very refined but not to the point where it starts killing the sound. 

Great speakers. Plus the finish on them is outstanding. 

Anyway thanks for having me Oli - when is your TEAC turning up?

@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

@charles1dad It is a pleasure to share a few descriptions from those who post on another forum.

 Especially when a very experienced individual in the area of digital source becomes a convert, as the result of a short exposure to the device in use.

It is also nice to see the description come from a party without any commercial interest in the item being reported on. 

As stated in the past, my ear is to the ground when it comes to CDT's, I am keen to learn where the next move will be from the PWT I am using. 

@pindac

Great comments on the two paintings--I’m of the school that you can’t see or hear what’s not there. In the case of music, if it is there you want the best resolving equipment to hear it.

@charles1dad

Agree about comparisons between the TEAC, RS2T and CD6SE. The review posted by Pindac is so thorough, I’m going to make sure I DON’T read it before listening to transport.

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

@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

I have two dead high end Project CD transports.  Took forever to get a service authorization.  I have yet to send them for repair cause I have moved on.

@jaymark -

Ugh! I feel your pain. Any chance you can get refund/credit for your purchases?

. I have auditioned the Jay’s CDT2 MkIII both in a friends system, and in mine. It is without a doubt the best CD transport I’ve ever had the pleasure of hearing.

Very detailed, yet not at all bright or fatiguing. In my system it was paired with a Tubes4HiFi VTA St-120 tube amp, and a Denafrips stack which leans toward a more relaxed slightly warmer sound. The extra detail was a welcome addition to both combos, and a great pairing.

Hmm, so, Jay’s fabulous spinner transport was "very detailed, yet not at all bright and fatiguing"....Hmm OK, It was paired with some tube amp and a Denafrips dac. Hmmmmmm, so, how exactly did you figure out that the transport did the "very detailed, yet not at all bright and fatiguing" sound and it was not the Denafrips and the tube amp’s doing all day long????? Could any fairly decent spinny transport paired with your tubeamp and Denafrips do the "very detailed, yet not at all bright and fatiguing"?????????

Enlighten us a bit more about your assessment, will ya @vthokie83 ?

Deep_333,

Not sure where the snarky comment came from, maybe you're not a fan of Jay's or in ChiFi at all. I gave a short impression/opinion of the unit tested in my system, with my ears, in my house....nothing more. My system tends to be more "laid back" or warm, and I am always looking to add more detail in my budget restraints....if it does not lead to fatigue.

At the time I had the Jay's transport, I had a direct comparison with my Audiolab CDT6000 and my ancient Onkyo C-7030. Not sure what more what you would want than an honest tested and compared opinion in my system. I know my $16K mid-fi system is not the equal of your's, but everyone here deserves input from all levels.

Best to you

maybe you’re not a fan of Jay’s or in ChiFi at all. I gave a short impression/opinion of the unit tested in my system, with my ears, in my house....nothing more. My system tends to be more "laid back" or warm, and I am always looking to add more detail in my budget restraints....if it does not lead to fatigue.

At the time I had the Jay’s transport, I had a direct comparison with my Audiolab CDT6000 and my ancient Onkyo C-7030.

I like good quality Chifi or any quality hifi from my country or anywhere in the world just fine. I don’t like the crap from China...or other trash from the good ol’ boy here in town or anywhere else in the world.

For what its worth, one of my dacs is a denafrips. Generally, a Denfafrips+tube amp pairing can tend to sound detailed without fatigue (what you’re describing), no matter what the source is..i.e., it could be digital files from a NAS, or a flash drive or a CD transport. So, blanket attributing such a sound signature entirely to a transport seems rather strange (like you did on your first comment).

There are all kinds of dudes on youtube doing speaker reviews, preamp reviews, amp reviews, dac reviews, etc somedays and i know they’re conflating and describing some other component in their chain (not homing in on the component they say they’re reviewing)....

@deep_333 

It has been clearly stated by @vthokie83 that he compared all three transports in the same system, outlining sonic signature of Jay's in relation to other two. 

I think it is the best way, if not the only way to, review a component.

@twoleftears I was also going to mention the Simaudio Neo 260 Transport- 

FWIW-Enjoying the ARC CD6SE loaner quite a bit. Will audition the TEAC and URD as they become available.

Meanwhile, I've been sending emails to Pro-Ject's parent company, Audiotuning, asking how the CD Box re-design is going. If anyone else is interested in emailing them-

@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

@charles1dad 

This is their response. Does this mean the quality control issues have been fixed and a buyer can have confidence that the problems have been eliminated? I emailed them back and haven't gotten a response yet.

BTW--I picked up a used copy of Miles Davis, Highlights from the Plugged Nickel. Wow! 

"Thanks for your message. There have been several improvements over the years. A number of firmware updates that fixed various display issues and power and CD reading issues.

The top lid has received a modification to sound proof the CD player, as the CD Pro 8 was often a bit too noisy, especially when used in small rooms. It was fine with CDs that were very straight and not bent, but some CDs that were in less of a good shape (which are more than one would think) were noisy.

There have also been various improvements to the packaging and securing of the drive for transport.

Best regards,

Dominik Hofer"

@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