CD TRANSPORT THAT MAKES AN AUDIBLE DIFFERENCE

Thank you to all!

I understand the argument that bits are bits.  Ones and zeros are sent to the DAC - and that is where magic can happen - or not.

Still my ears tell me different.  A transport makes a difference.  It is illogical, but it is true.  I confirmed this phenomenon in conversations with Gordon Rankin - who is infinitely qualified as he build DACs.

After trying numerous transports in my system, the TL5 sound the best with the Berkeley DAC 2, and my overall system.  In paradise now.

P

My friend likes my Oracle CD2000. 

Thought I would add my impressions of the RS2 T after 3 weeks of use. Although I see the OP has already made his decision, this might be helpful to others.

I’ll get the nitpicks out of the way first. *I wish there was some kind of handle or finger detent to lift the top. I can see some cosmetic wear to the finish eventually affecting the sides where I always lift. *The display is pretty basic; the no CD display is a bit strange; it does read titles though on the CDRs I’ve fed it. *It doesn’t read some CDRs that other players do (but I understand there’s so many variables). *Sharp edges! Why they don’t put a bigger edge-break or radius on the top corners/edges I don’t get, except as a cost-cutting measure. Anyway, first observations that I’m getting used to with time. Except the sharp edges lol.

For sound quality, beautiful. I ran a break-in CD for about 200 hours between listening sessions. The bass really came into being with time. In general, smooth, refined, detailed, and capable of huge dynamic swings. I find it easy to follow multiple instrumental lines (not sure how to describe it) that bring some sort of cohesiveness and "flowing musicality" that I have not gotten from previous players. I’ll leave it at that.

Very happy with the purchase and grateful to @charles1dad and others here and in other threads for turning me onto this unit. It’s a keeper.

@jaybe

In general, smooth, refined, detailed, and capable of huge dynamic swings. I find it easy to follow multiple instrumental lines (not sure how to describe it) that bring some sort of cohesiveness and "flowing musicality" that I have not gotten from previous players. I’ll leave it at that.

Congratulations!!!

It is gratifying to know that you are very pleased with the RS2T. I agree wholeheartedly with your listening impressions. This is truly a first rate CD transport that did actually exceed my high expectations. As you note, terrific delineated and resolved reproduction of all types of music. It also really nails the fluidity, pace and flow of music. In a nutshell, it gets the music listening experience very right.

It does all of this with its standard SMPS wall wart. A good quality LPS extends the excellent performance further.

Charles

I am interested in upgrading from my Cambridge CXC (Denafrips Pontus II dac) and I been thinking about these two:

- Audiolab 9000 CDT

- Atoll DR200 Signature

Both are built around the same TEAC drive and cost half the price of the Jays Audio CDT2MkII or the Moon Audio 260DT. The Pro-ject RS2T must be wonderful, but is a bit pricey and too small for me.

The upcoming Schiit URD also looks tiny...