Aqua 'La Diva' ($9k) or Gryphon 'Ethos' ($39k) versus. Pro-Ject CD Box RS2 T ($3k)?

@theburbster1

This is exactly what is of value, a "direct" comparison between the Pro-Ject RS2 and the Aqua Hifi La Diva M2 in the same audio system. And granted even then it’s one listener’s opinion but that’s okay. We know by its very nature it can only be subjective. This However is still more meaningful than comments and strong opinions from those who’ve heard neither or certainty did not hear them directly.

In your assessment you used the term slightly several times when describing the difference between the two CD transports. This narrow gap does not surprise me. I believe the Stream Unlimited CD Pro-8 drive and Blue Tiger servo control card shared by both transports is the dominant factor responsible for the superb sound quality of both.

I can see the Aqua La Diva M2 being "slightly " (As you put it) better due to additional fine tuning. What is quite telling is your RS2T was compared utilizing the stock SMPS wall wart. And yet results were very close. What happens when you instead use a linear power supply (LPS) which the Aqua utilizes internally?

Both exceeded your CEC CD transport (Other listeners on this forum have reported the same). It seems very apparent to me that this latest Stream Unlimited CD technology has undoubtedly elevated the performance bar. @theburbster1 , same as you I’m highly impressed with the sonic performance of the RS2T. It has surpassed my high expectations. All of this with  the tiny (Humble)  wall wart supply.

My Fidelizer Nikola 2 LPS will be shipped to me soon, I’m very curious to discover where things go from there. Thanks again for taking the time to post your insightful listening experiences with two wonderful CD transports.

Charles

@theburbster1 

The Gryphon Ethos is a complete CD player. What would be another interesting comparison is the Aqua La Diva M2 and the Accustic Arts Drive II. This is a dedicated CD transport that incorporates the CD Pro-8 drive unit and retails for 18K USD. What might it offer above and beyond the La Diva M2? Aesthetically it's very attractive and elegant. 

Charles 

@ghdprentice Before I decided on purchasing my Aurender N20 I exhaustively explored every avenue for ripping/streaming/storage. I auditioned Aurilic, Weiss, Lumin, Naim everything basically.

I was drawn to the Aurender ACS100 initially because it has two HDDs programmable in RAID format and since I wanted back up protection I valued this feature.

So I extensively compared the ACS100 against my smallish already ripped CD collection (ripped using DbPoweramp) by downloading onto the ACS100 HDD and from a USB and also freshly ripping CDs directly to the ACS100 HDD.

The differences were very, very subtle but they were there in favour of the ACS. So I decided to rip my whole CD collection on the ACS100 and buy an N20.

I have never subscribed to the bits is bits BS because a really resolving system will reveal many differences in digital cables etc. YMMV.

@charles1dad: Where do you insert your Fidelizer Nikola 2 LPS unit into the chain link of your audio system, between transport and speakers, and what is it supposed to "do" or "add" to the performance of your current setup that you sense it presently may lack or could potentially use some "help" with? (I realize you haven’t yet received your Fidelizer, so I’m not asking you to comment on its performance - just on how you’re hoping it might improve the already-very-good sound quality of your system.)

@erictal4075 

Hi,

Fidelizer Nikola 2 is just a direct plug in LPS to use into the RS2T in place of the supplied wall wart. No different than if I used Pro-Ject's own optional LPS in place of their wall wart. Virtually everyone who's tried a LPS with the RS2T says the sound quality takes a step upward. I will soon find out. 

Charles