In case anyone is interested, an open box RS2T just popped up here:
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)
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- 339 posts total
So, I've beed following this and other Pro-Ject CD Box threads. What I have read convinced me to purchase one. I ordered last Sunday from Upscale Audio (terrific customer service, btw). They promptly shipped, and I awaited a Friday delivery. 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... |
Isn’t it interesting how great some things can sound ‘right out of the box’. Always give your system two days after unplugging moving and plugging in cables and power cords. The majority of what you know from your system will return by then…and then the nice ‘normal’ level of positive changes (level depending on what one is swapping from and to what) will show up 👍 |
@longinc - I bought the unit you mentioned below earlier today from Tmraudio.com. Didn’t see your link until now. I also bought an open box “Pro-Ject Power Box RS Linear Power Supply Black - For Single Unit” a couple of hours ago from audioadvisor.com. The Pro-Ject Power Box RS Linear Power Supply Black - For Single Unit sells for $540.00. I see a few folks here opted for the four unit output linear power supply, which goes for $799.00. I saved quite a bit on the open box one. “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/“ |
- 339 posts total