No noises from my Pro -Ject.
Wig
Wig
A phenomenal new CD transport-Pro-Ject CD Box RS2 transport
I have had in-house for the last week Pro-Ject's new CD Box RS2 transport to review for the website Stereo Times. I was very curious to assess its performance because it uses the Pro 8 drive with the Blue Tiger CD-84 servo card. This drive was developed and built by StreamUnlimited a company started by the original Phillips designers that historically built the finest CD mechanisms. Only two other companies use the StreamUnlimited 8 drive and Blue Tiger CD-84 servo card, their pieces cost $16,000 and $39,000 compared to Pro-Ject's sane price of $3,000!
My reference for the last two years has been the excellent Jay's Audio MK-II transport that had out-performed much more expensive highly regarded transports in my system. Well, across every sonic parameter (transparency/micro-details-overall dynamics/bottom-end extension/purity of tonality- a much more airy sound-stage with wonderful 3D imaging) compared to the Jay's Audio transport.
That's way I titled this thread a "phenomenal new CD transport" because while not inexpensive, it just might be a bargain based on its performance. Mind you, this superlative level of performance is based on using the switching power supply that Pro-Ject ships the transport with. I have shortly coming a custom 20 watt 3 amp linear power supply from Linear Tube Audio and Pro-Ject's own upgraded power supply to see if the RS2 transport performance will even go to a higher qualitative level of performance.
I'll be writing a full detailed review for Stereo Times in the near future. However, I wanted to share this information to GON members who still spin CDs. I have had numerous CD transports in for evaluation and this just might be the best sounding of all of them.
Teajay (Terry London)
My reference for the last two years has been the excellent Jay's Audio MK-II transport that had out-performed much more expensive highly regarded transports in my system. Well, across every sonic parameter (transparency/micro-details-overall dynamics/bottom-end extension/purity of tonality- a much more airy sound-stage with wonderful 3D imaging) compared to the Jay's Audio transport.
That's way I titled this thread a "phenomenal new CD transport" because while not inexpensive, it just might be a bargain based on its performance. Mind you, this superlative level of performance is based on using the switching power supply that Pro-Ject ships the transport with. I have shortly coming a custom 20 watt 3 amp linear power supply from Linear Tube Audio and Pro-Ject's own upgraded power supply to see if the RS2 transport performance will even go to a higher qualitative level of performance.
I'll be writing a full detailed review for Stereo Times in the near future. However, I wanted to share this information to GON members who still spin CDs. I have had numerous CD transports in for evaluation and this just might be the best sounding of all of them.
Teajay (Terry London)
Showing 17 responses by wig
Guys, I have been a huge fan of Jay’s CD Transport for over 2 years owning both MK2 and MK3 and have enjoyed the performance gains I have attained over many other transports. I sold my MK3 a few days before my Pro-Ject CD Box RS2T arrived and have been spinning discs on my MK2 and its without question that the MK3 is an improvement over the MK2, especially in the sound staging and imaging department where the sound is pulled inward from the boundary of the loudspeakers and the sound stage is much deeper. Just like many that have bought the Pro-Ject and voiced their impressions on the differences they have heard between several transports are Spot-On! Clarity, separation, layering, imaging, sound staging, image width/depth/height, timing and it goes on and on and must be heard to Believe… I am hearing things effortlessly with speed, impact, detail and with a dimensionality I didn’t think was possible but what I find amazing is how each instrument is separate and occupy its own space within the sound stage and you can almost feel the space between the layers of music developing. This is very noticeable on string instruments after the initial pluck where the pressure “swell” and the notes appear to Pro-Ject toward the listening position in an enveloping and immersive listening experience. Over the past two days, I have been up until 2 AM listening to my new RS2T and just can’t believe how spacious and airy the sound is and the bass is so textured, deep and impactful… I like the analogy mentioned by Bigkidz as “bay windows”, the floor noise appears to be nonexistent which allows such clarity and a beautiful soundstage to emanate from a space that has no boundaries and imaging is So natural and realistic sounding; It’s quite Amazing to say the least and will see what LTA will bring to the table… Wig |
@ boukman I bought mine from Upscale Audio and upgraded power supply from Linear Tube Audio: Pro-Ject CD Box RS2T – Upscale Audio LPS+ Linear Power Supply by Linear Tube Audio @ charles1dad You are very welcome! The Pro-Ject still have me smiling even with a wall wart, my MK3 had a SR orange fuse, quality OCC power cord and an upgraded Qstab CD platter and the RS2T still surpassed the MK3 handedly... Wig |
Here's what the OP noted between the 2 power supplies: "Just got through with my evaluation of using Pro-ject's own up-graded linear power supply, which I stated earlier in this thread lead to significant improvements over their standard switch-mode power supply, with Linear Tube Audio's own customized linear power supply. LTA changed the rating from 12V-3A to 20V-3A. These subtle but easy to hear positive changes were: 1) Transient speed and overall dynamics/aliveness increased. 2) The sound-stage opened up with more air around instruments. 3) Transparency/clarity went to a higher level. 4) The purity of timbres/tonality/colors increased. Great stuff! The Linear tube Audio power supply costs $645, which is about two hundred dollars less than Pro-ject unit. Therefore, my conclusion is if you get this transport, go for the Linear Tube Audio power supply." |
I have used an assortment of devices under my components and roller blocks, Iso Acoustics Orea have been my favorite until I tried Star Sound Technologies Audio Points with their new inverted coupling... The best i have heard so far with a more natural harmonic sound signature and all of my components are outfitted with AP. |