Considering the Pro-ject Box CD RS2 Transport ? You might want to read this, first.


I recently bought one of these and soon returned it.

In terms of SQ, it clearly outperformed my Simaudio 260DT so I've no complaints in that regard. 

However, I could not get used to its toy-like dimensions.

It would not stay stationary, due to its light weight, so I had to hold it in place with one hand while operating its tiny buttons and loading/unloading discs with the other. 

Needless to say, this issue was only exacerbated once I placed it atop my preferred footers.

While audiophile geishas may find it ideally-sized, I found it highly impractical.

Given that our only current choices for this new drive are the Pro-ject and the 28K Gryphon, it would seem there's an empty niche in the market for a reasonably affordable alternative, housed in a full-sized case. 

To be fair, Steve Guttenberg did grumble a little about ergonomics but on the whole, reviewers' attention has been fixed squarely upon the Pro-ject's undeniable virtues.  

I'm not suggesting everyone will experience what I've experienced nor am I attempting to dissuade anyone from buying this unit- my aim here is simply to shine a light on what's been, so far at least, largely absent from discussions I've encountered. 

 

 

 

stuartk

Fascinated to try the RS2 now… I had heard the performance was pretty special. I’m currently evaluating the PS Audio PerfectWave SACD (Marantz SACD M-3 transport) and will have a review out in the coming weeks. I have a Cambridge CXC v2 on hand as a baseline reference. Obviously not a fair comparison but the RS2 certainly would be. The I2S link to my DirectStream DAC is an obvious advantage for the PWT transport and it does indeed sound better than SPDIF and AES-EBU, but it’s relatively subtle, at least with a generic HDMI cable (better one on the way).

I finally decided to keep the CD RS2 and accept the strange SHUFFLE behaviour. Sound quality is superb and might even get better in the future when I own a DAC with I²S. I cannot agree about the complaints about the size and the weight.

@deflate, 

." I cannot agree about the complaints about the size and the weight."

My feeling as well but understandably everyone has their individual tolerance level.  What annoys me may not bother another and thus I get what @stuartk is saying.   As you wrote,  the sound quality is superb.

People should be aware of all aspects of a component in order to make an informed decision. Bottom line for me, this Pro-Ject transport is a smashing home run if the priority above all else is top level sonic performance with Redbook CD playback. 

Charles 

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I thought I'd try the Bryston BCD-3 as an alternative (yes, I'm well aware that it doesn't utilize the same Steam Unlimited mechanism as the RS2) but was told by Audio Advisor that Bryston is unable to provide eta's for any components, due to severe supply chain issues!  I hope the company can survive. 

Guess that leaves the Urd. . . hopefuly,  waiting for the Urd won't turn out to be akin to "Waiting for Godot".