CD TRANSPORT THAT MAKES AN AUDIBLE DIFFERENCE

I own the CEC TL-5 Belt drive cd transport and find it very musical and the sound is life-like. The belt drive has alot to do with it.

Project... I bought lps the uni 4 way and power the transport and the rs2 dac from this.... Dac and transport connect by i2s which also reclocks the transport for apparently better sound..... 

@mbmi 

A long time ago I had a CEC, but the belts stretched and were very expensive. I found a work around: a company who specializes in O rings sold them by the bag for less than one belt from CEC

@tweak1,,,,That's good to know....2 years running and no belt issues and they give you an additional belt in the package. CEC is the go to transport in Japan where they're made.

A good few years ago I auditioned so many CD Transport/DAC/CD Players I could get hold of. I came to only one that satisfied - THETA.

Expensive, but well built and sounds amazing - still working like a dream and still sounds fantastic. Occasionally available second hand.

The designer is called Mike Moffat, and he now co-owns Schiit Audio. 

If I was going to buy a replacement for Theta, that is the first place I'd look. 

Paul,

Mid level recommendation is an Audiolab 6000CDT for $600. GREAT transport for the money, sounds amazing with my Denafrips Pontus II DAC.

Would replace it with a $2,500 Jay's Audio CDT2-MK3 if cost were no object. My friend let me borrow his for a couple of days, and hated giving it back.....but the Audiolab holds it's own, and at 20% of the price.

I quit borrowing equipment from him after I borrowed his Aurender N10 streamer, and am now saving the $6,300 for an N200

+1 for the Audiolab 6000CDT, Pontus II combo as I am very happy with mine. I too would spring for the Jay’s Audio CDT2-MK3 in a heartbeat as my next upgrade.  Audiolab just recently released both a 7000CDT and 9000CDT which are priced higher than 6000CDT.  These might be worth checking out.

Love my CDT 6000

I think a lot of people sell theirs as they do not understand how much better is sounds with a quality power cord and coax cable. I upgraded from Pangea’s Premier SE ($169) and Wire World Electra 7 power cord ($260) to Ali- Express Odin Gold coax and power cord, which were much less money and fabulous upgrades. If interested I bought from DIY HiFi Store

For a bit more ($899) check out the Pro-Ject DS3 cd player, but use it as a transport

https://pro-jectusa.com/product/cd-box-ds3-cd-player/

Hi all.  Felt compelled to chime in here as I just plugged in a Project RS2T after picking it up used. Looked perfect. Sound into a Musetec 005 dac via coax blows away an Oppo bdp 105 used as a transport with same coax cable. (DH Labs) HOWEVER, within the first few tracks the sound dropped out for a second and the clock on the display screen seemed to stall.  Seems to happen randomly pretty much on every other track.  Needless to say I am DISAPPOINTED!!!  Project usa or whatever was VERY NICE on the phone but of course the warranty does not transfer to new owner.  Apparently my only option is to box it up and mail it to Minnesota for repairs.(at my expense) Still glad there's support in the U.S.  Really don't want to go back to the Oppo. Scanned the web for some trouble shooting tips but found none even though this feels like a fairly simple problem.(laser track needs greasing??... clocking issues... who knows?)   

The Oppo never failed to play but sounded brighter, with a lot more hash and less meat on the bones.  So, IME, the transport with a decent dac definitely makes a difference! (sound is roughly 35% better with the RS2T and that's my impression only after sampling 5 cd's)

FWIW bought used for a better price but mainly because the wait time for an ordered new transport puts you into next fall, or at least that's what I was told.   Anyone else have this type of problem??  ( split second sound drop outs)  I know one gentleman had to wait for a THIRD, new unit before he was satisfied. Hopefully I only have to have it fixed once. 

@baylinor 

I can only tell you about what I know. I used to have a Cambridge transport and went to a Jay's CDT2-MK3. The difference is simply phenomenal. In this case you get what you pay for is real.

That's fascinating. I wonder exactly what is going on there to make such a difference? The DAC must be getting a different signal, and I'd guess it has to be a more accurate one with the better transport, or at least one that is somehow better suited to that DAC. 

@asctim 

For one thing the clock on the Jay's is excellent. I also connected to the dac via I2s. The cambridge CXC is not fancy that way.

😀

Asctim,

"That's fascinating. I wonder exactly what is going on there to make such a difference? The DAC must be getting a different signal, and I'd guess it has to be a more accurate one with the better transport, or at least one that is somehow better suited to that DAC."

Jays CDT2 Mk3, beautiful build quality and superior components: OCXO (oven controlled crystal oscillator), neutrik connectors, galvanic isolation, discrete linear power supply, milled aluminum bilet case (weighs 33 pounds), high quality isolated toroid transformers, I2S outputs, etc.

Apparently, a number of really good transports being discussed here.  I had a 47-Labs Flat-Fish transport with power supply and it was a good little transport.  I replaced it last year with a Jay's-Audio CDT2 MKIII and it certainly was an upgrade in sonics.  It's built like a tank and works very well via I2S with my Denifrips Terminator-Plus DAC.  Jay's also has their flagship CDT3 transport for double the price of the CDT2.  I don't feel the need to upgrade as I use a transport occasionally, otherwise I'd get the CDT3.  Good Luck in your search !

@cymivka 

Did you try unplugging waiting about 10 seconds then plugging it back in? Fingers crossed, it's nothing more than a blip in the internals

@vthokie83

So all those high quality components and the overall build quality is somehow getting better information to the DAC. What surprises me about this is the fact that cheap transports have reliably delivered photos, videos, software, and other digital data to my computer for years with rarely a case of corrupted data. So there should be a way to insert something between a cheap transport and a good DAC that would be able to buffer the stream off the transport, make sure it’s error corrected, and then distribute it cleanly to the DAC, which apparently cannot properly buffer and error correct the stream of data it’s getting on its own. It sounds like also doesn't have it's own internal clock for d/a conversion. Is that true? It seems the DAC is putting an unnecessary burden on the transport and perhaps cables and connection fittings by lacking some normal digital data receiving functions. I recently solved some glitchy sounds I was hearing in my online streaming playback by increasing the buffer time. There’s a tiny bit more lag now between when I hit play and when the music actually starts but it’s still too fast for me to notice.

tweak 1 and all

I never unplugged the RS2T. 

I am a bit embarrassed to mention that I put the transport on top of the dac on the floor and the cut outs stopped.  Placed the transport back where it was initially MINUS the Bright Star Audio super heavy, granite looking slab (about 25 lbs) and again no cut outs for several cd's.  I figured (wrongly) the heavy, stone like slab was a good vibration isolator as my Oppo sat on top for years with no hiccups.  So weird.   And I don.t want to jinx the happy outcome as I've only spent a lil time with the new set up but couldn't wait to correct my possibly mistaken perception/pronouncement (at least at this point) the transport needed repair. Quick morning check...no cut outs five songs in...happy.   Very odd that no one seems to have had a similar problem with a disc player?  The RS2T IS rather small and light weight (relatively dinky) and I guess vibration build up on top of the rigid slab proved too much for it. Now wondering how to best isolate the sensitive lil beast for even better sonics.

@cymivka

Good to see you were able to solve your problem. I agree that the RS2T is small and compact. I don’t agree that it is “dinky”. The chassis is solid aluminum. The actual CD drive unit and suspension housing is comprised of aluminum and carbon fiber. A small footprint package, lighter weight but nice rigid component.

I have mine on Star Sound brass audio points with their larger size reversible discs.No vibrational issues at all. My excellent P.S. Audio Memory transport is probably 4x the weight with a bigger footprint. The RS2T is better sounding in every way. So, I believe marvelous engineering in a diminutive unit.

Charles

PS Audio makes a great SACD/CD Transport.  Their Perfect Wave SACD Transport is excellent.  

asctim,

You sound much more knowledgeable about such things than I am. I'm an engineer, but the mechanical kind. I'm assuming you could do what you're looking at, but as an audiophile my job is to find the companies that do what I cannot....at a cost I can afford.

Having owned several CD players, and since transports; the Audiolab is the best I have owned, and the Jay's is the best I have personally had in my system on loan.

As with most things in this hobby, I have found that bits is not bits.....and higher quality components usually provide better sound 

@cymivka 

Glad you were able to resolve without sending it out

Enjoy

I step in and out of the 'must upgrade arena', this is seemingly for the reason.         I am new to using Digital as a Source within the Main System, with only a few+ years of CD in use as a Source.

I moved quite swiftly from CDP to CDT > DAC and have a Bespoke Built Valve Rectified / Valve Output DAC, with a PS Audio Perfect Wave Memory Player.  

I have heard with a intention to evaluate more DAC's than Transports and a few other CDP Models over the period of time I have been using a Digital Source.

Recently a friend put their own designed DAC with a Build Cost of approx' £350  out for a Demonstration and undergo comparison with other Digital Devices to be used.

The outcome of this has been a Denafrips Venus II owned by a HiFi Dealer as their personal DAC, is now wanting to depart from the DAC and the own design DAC owner is keen to experience my Set Up in use in their own system, as they feel the Transport can be found for very fair money used and can have real potential.

For me, It will be good to sit down and Compare my Transport > DAC with another DAC in a system I am quite familiar with.

The idea of getting out and receiving demonstrations of equipment, is in my view, the only method to aide the OP in attaining the New Experience of produced sound they are hoping to achieve.

When discoveries are made that are attractive, if a Home Demo' is achievable, the experience will be very valuable in making a assessment for a purchase.   

charlesdad1

You are correct it does seem to be well made while it also seems to buck the notion good gear is to have a substantial foot print.  The Benchmark LA4 pre is also not very big but is a joy to own. (got one after hearing it used in another enthusiasts system.)  The RS2T has totally transformed my cd collection, exactly what I was hoping for. Even lesser discs sound better. Listening to tracks that I used to bypass. Now plan to scour used racks at "record" stores for bargain, high quality sound.   So glad the issue seems to have disappeared. Oh, am definitely going to snag a linear power supply. 

@cymivka 

The RS2T has totally transformed my cd collection, exactly what I was hoping for

Yes. This is why in my own way I’ve tried to spread the awareness of the RS2T.  For those listeners who enjoy physical CD media and high quality Redbook CD sound, this transport is a superb sounding option.

I understand your point about size/weight/footprint etc. Pro-Ject explicitly explains small “box”  compactness was their product goal. Diminutive physically and big sonically. They achieved their objective with flying colors.

Charles

I don't have the budget a lot of you folks have; my DAC is a Gustard X16 and it has appreciated the changing of coax cables from my transports. My first was a Sppo 103D which also allowed me to play SACD through it. My second was an Emotiva ERC3D which made a fantastic transport but the drives themselves only last about 3 years. Now that I but the drives from Emotiva direct it's not a huge cost. While I was waiting for a drive to show up I configured an older Pioneer Elite DV-47A for nothing but CD?SACD and digital out.  It sounds really well, especially at the price.  I'm trying to swing Audiolab 6000CDT to try out next,  I'm still amazed at how much the coax cable makes a difference considering we're talking digital frequencies here.

I have been few a variety of Cables over the years, exchanging OFC Wire Cables for OCC Copper/Silver Wire Cables.

Most recently OCC Copper/Silver has been superseded by PC Triple C Wire and D.U.C.C Wire that is used in Cables.

The D.U.C.C Wire used in a Cable has worked excellently as a CDT>DAC Umbilical COAX. The D.U.C.C Wire Cable superseded Mapleshade Ribbon Cables.

I was also a user of Mapleshade Clearview Double Helix Speaker Cable.

The Mapleshade Speaker Cable was Trialed in a line up of Cables at a Bake Off on a well known system. Speaker Cables were present up to £1500 per pair.

The Mapleshade Cables used in this system came in as a unanimously agreed by the attendees, Joint First Place on this system.

The Mapleshade Cables are superseded in my system today with PC Triple C Wire used in the Speaker Cable. 

When in comes to Umbilical Connection, I have recently been demonstrated on a Ponostage by the designer /owner the impact a Pure Copper Low Eddy RCA Chassis Mounted Connector can have on the SQ.

Two identical Schematic > Topology Phonostages were available, with the only differences being one has a Pure Copper RCA the other has a Pure Copper Low Eddy RCA Connector   

Along with the Chassis Mounted Connector there were Two Identical Cables, where one was with the Producers RCA Connector and the other with a Low Eddy RCA as a exchange RCA Connector.

The differences detected was substantial and for the better.

The Cables used on the Chassis Mounted Copper RCA was quite obvious the Low Eddy cleaned up the presentation to a much more attractive SQ.

The Cables used on the Pure Copper Low Eddy Chassis, was quite something to experience, the Producers Cable>RCA was used first and it was a good presentation.

When the Cable was exchanged to the Low Eddy RCA Connector, the magic occurred, the X Factor was presented, there was no going back to compare again, it was blatantly perceivable the betterment was present.

As the owner suggested, imagine doing this all again with a few hundred usage hours on the Phon' and Cables.

If a DAC > CDT has a device out of a warranty period and they are willing to tweak to extract a little more, this is a very cost effective way to investigate, and one that can be achieved with relative ease.        

+1 charles1dad

The Jay's CDT2 is great, but the CDT3 is proving to be one of the best sources available at any price, actually. Hard to believe with Redbook CD but it's true. I think it must be the CLK system mostly, which occupies the whole right third of the unit basically. If you're very serious about audio it's definitely worth it.

A high end friend in the DFW area has been trying to beat his CDT3 with various expensive streamers (eg Naim, Rockna, ..) but has been unable to so far.

And I went to audition some Focal a few months back and had a hunch by now that I'd need to bring my own CDT3 to be able to hear what the speakers could really do. That hunch was entirely correct. The shop guy was stunned by the magnitude of improvement vs their streaming setup.

True stories.

TK TEKAudioSpecialties.com

The newer Jay's Audio CDT3 MK3 now has a toggle switch on the back that activates 4X upsampling of redbook CD's. This is a much more sound way to activate 4X than it was on previous versions. I was skeptical of such upsampling, but the newer iteration of this procedure is easier to "find," and I have fallen in love with 4X even though I have been told this is mostly a "dithering" strategy. Whatever - it sounds very good.

Yes, just be sure not to double upsample. For example, make sure your DAC isn't also upsampling. But 4x to an NOS DAC is a great method IME.

The CDT2 also upsamples, easy to engage via the remote. TK

And don't get me started, but 4x should have been the fundamental lowest sampling freq of CD and all digital audio. 44K/48K is the root of most digital evil actually..

However there were sound reasons why even 44K was a stretch back in the early 80's.. But unfortunately we're stuck with it now for legacy reasons. Kind of like being stuck with all the legacy related bugs in Windoze, while they make a pile of money regardless. But I digress..

For some great tech background information see: http://www.mother-of-tone.com/cd.htm And yes, he's spot on.

If all recording were sampled at say, 8x there's no reason to have upsampling DACs and such. If I ran the world that's how it would be ;)

TK

Has anyone listened to the T+ A R2000 ?

Any comments on its sonic character?

@charlesdad1

Well, Pro-Ject makes their own optional LPS. Many RS2T owners are very happy with the LTA (Linear Tube Audio) LPS. I’m very happy with the Fidelizer Nikola II LPS. I do not believe that you could go wrong with any of these 3.

Charles, I am still using a PS Audio PWT and am wondering if you heard improvement via LPS when you used your PS Audio transport?

Thanks,

Dsper 

@dsper 

Charles, I am still using a PS Audio PWT and am wondering if you heard improvement via LPS when you used your PS Audio transport

The PWT has an onboard internal LPS. And a very good one given its sound quality. I used the PWT for 12 enjoyable years. The RS2T with the stock SMPS wall wart sounds excellent!! An external LPS just takes the sound quality further upward.

Charles

Wondering about the Audio Note UK transports?

Does anyone here own one? Heard one?

Just stumbled on this post after being off Agon for a while, and perfect timing as I’m researching a transport. Lots of good info and especially thanks for charles1dads informative (and persuasive) posts. Planning on picking up an RS2T this week. First time with a separate transport, pairing with a decent DAC. Considering an LPS as well, LTA, Teddy Pardo, anyone else US based? Thanks.

@jaybe 

What DAC will you be using? I feel confident that you’ll be impressed with the RS2T. Here’s a comprehensive linear power supply review you may find very helpful.

https://audiobacon.net/2021/08/06/the-worlds-best-audiophile-linear-power-supplies/

@charles1dad

I have an Auralic DAC but will be upgrading to the Holo May. The Auralic served well for many years but it’s time to move up.

I’m familiar with the Audio Bacon site and LPS reviews, great stuff. That site seems to be sadly winding down, there hasn’t been much activity for a while.

Your Nikola LPS seems to be a fine unit, so I'll check that out. Thanks.

@jaybe 

The Holo May is highly regarded and should pair well with the RS2T. I can’t think of a reason why this would not be the case.

The Fidelizer Nikola II is overbuilt in my opinion. I’ve had mine on 24/7 since purchased in January 2022. Not even warm to the touch and it’s absolutely silent. So, an over spec’s power transformer and very good quality parts. I’m very happy with it.

Charles

I have the Lector Digidrive TL-3, has a top loader for I am not a fan of trays. Great unit I bought from Deja Vu Audio.

If anyone is looking for a cheap transport I picked up a Tascam CD200 for under $100 recently, it sounds significantly better than my old integra dvd player as a transport, using both the optical and coax outputs. The tascam is more musical, detailed,  and faster. A good budget digital cable is dh labs silver sonic optical. Neutral, fast, clean, and dynamic. 

TEAC has announced a new transport, VDRS-701T CD.

Don’t know when it might be available but might be worth a look.

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...

Had a distribution from my company, and ordered the Nicola power supply.  The LTA costs more than the CD transport.   I’m not a fan of the top loading system, almost as consuming as an lp, yet it was the drawer mechanisms on my Theta and PS audio transports that failed 

CD transport tray mechanisms are relatively complex and can become finicky and unreliable over time. I love and appreciate the straightforward simplicity of the top loading RS2T. To boot, its spinning mechanism unit is astutely thought out and isolation/vibration management is very well addressed.

My P.S. Audio PWT served me quite well sonically for 12 years. Occasionally the sliding tray would get stuck and not open. This is not a concern obviously with the RS2T top loader.

Charles