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CD transports; do they really matter

In my pursuit of total sonic harmony, I have been investigating whether a CD transport ( to replace my bulky and aged Luxman CD player ) would be a good option.  I had an interesting conversation with the manufacturers rep of a respected brand regarding his companies CD transport.  He basically said its all in the DAC, the transport, as long as its not a cheap component, does not make much or any difference. So, I ask does it really matter?

mdrone
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 

CDT3-MK2 Flagship CDT

 

 

"I was so taken with the Terminator driven by the Jay’s Audio CDT-3 MK2 that I have bought two sets of both, one for each system, and sold my previous digital gear which included an Esoteric K-03x. The Terminator blew away the Esoteric’s DAC and the CDT-3 MK1 blew away the Esoteric’s transport. The Terminator is finely built, an ergonomically excellent functional design, comes with a 3 year warranty, and most importantly sounds excellent. And for me it is a bargain at its price. I wholeheartedly recommend it and the excellent Jay’s Audio CDT-3 MK2 for your consideration. And last but not least, the worldwide distributor, Alvin of Vinshine Audio provides service second to none. Thanks for reading. "

 

@stuartk

This is the model I was referring to above that used the Phillips CD PRO 2 drive unit.

Charles

noske
783 posts
 

@charles1dad I got a LPS about 5 or 6 weeks ago and its just improved to silly good level.

At this price point I’m quite disappointed that Pro-Ject does not include an internal linear power supply.

Should there be disadvantages with this approach I must have blinked.

What pearls of wisdom did you discover in your recent LPS research and adventure? I know very little about the nuances of external LPS units, so another learning curve I guess.

noske
783 posts
 

And now I see that Terry London has written about this error of judgement in his review, but doesn't quite get to mentioning internal PS.  

I'm currently trying to digest his word block, deliberately designed to make my three neurons fight with each other.  And I'm not even dyslexic.

tednep
33 posts
 

Yes the cd transport matter. If it is made proper it does not matter if it is a top loaded transport or not. Some of what i have had in My own system:

Oppo, Cambridge, Lyngdorf, Playstation, C.E.C TL5, Simaudio Moon Neo 260D,Jays Audio mk2, Denafrips Avatar, TASCAM CD-9010

Have had a trusted friend test the Pro-Ject rs2 t against the TASCAM CD-9010 Used as a transport only.

Now i have the TASCAM.

In My opinion you get a ok value for your money from the newest transport from Jays and Pro-Ject is better. Compared to what has been made the last 10 years of cd transports you get more than you Pay for with Theese 2 transports

The Discontinued Avatar transport from Denafrips was a good transport but service was.......

Just my opinion. 

Regards

charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 

@noske

 At this price point I’m quite disappointed that Pro-Ject does not include an internal linear power supply

With all due respect I believe that you are missing the value/performance ratio of the Pro-Ject CD Box RS2T. At this juncture there are only a few manufacturers who have adopted the Stream Unlimited CD Pro-8 and Blue Tiger servo-84 unit.

Aqua Hifi La Diva II (9,000.00),  Accustic Arts Drive II (18,000.00) and the Gryphon ETHOS CD player (39,000.00).  These companies felt the CD Pro-8 was the best choice for their flagship CD transports/players.

Pro-Ject ofers the consumer this latest drive technology at roughly 3,000.00. This is very much worth acknowledging. Yes it is physically scaled down compared to the more expensive alternatives. It comes with a wall wart power supply whereas the more expensive alternatives have LPS as standard.

So Pro-Ject is providing a reasonable cost entry point to obtain the latest Stream Unlimited  CD drive mechanism technology.  I do not mind the smaller form factor at all. As Terry London noted in his review,  even with the supplied SMPS wall wart it still outperformed his Jay'sAudio CDT2 MK II, MBL CD transport, CEC, Accustic Arts transport (Not the current Drive II)and  so on.

I can understand his conclusions as the wall wart powered Pro-Ject outperformed my P.S.Audio PWT with has a LPS. So it seems to me that the Stream Unlimited CD Pro-8 and servo unit are likely the dominant factor as to why it sounds so terrific.  Pro-Ject went with a wall wart power supply to lower the price entry point. They do offer a LPS upgrade option.

@bigkidz who is a manufacturer of custom high end audio components and said the diminutive Pro-Ject outperformed his highly regarded Metronome CD player and his CEC. Again accomplished with the wall wart power supply.  So in my opinion the Pro-Ject RS2 transport offers superb  sound quality at its asking price. 

The cherry on top is one can further extend the sound quality if they decide at some point to add  a LPS. This is a splendid scenario as far as I am concerned.

Charles 

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