Shanling ET3 or Project CD RS2-T CD transport comparison

I bought the ET3 as a stop gap when my C.E.C. went to the US distributor for a check up (nothing major). I thought the ET3 sounded a tad too bass heavy in my system out of the box, but my system is voiced for vinyl in a pretty serious way.

I use the ET3 as a media player from an SSD, running it through a DDC to a relatively cheap DAC (Gustard X26Pro) via I2s. It sounds great, but much depends on the source. Even redbook standard can sound good. As to its merits as a CD spinner I found it ok, prefer the deftness of the C.E.C. but big price difference, even for the entry level C.E.C.

I'd say take this in the context of one specific system, one listener. Thing is well made at its price point, no drawer which adds to the mechanical complications. And it's pretty cheap- though I don't know if Shanling plans on keeping it alive, they seem to focus on new products and the ET3 is no longer "new."

Thank you everyone for your input. What i have decided to do is purchase the ET3 as its a relatively small investment (My AES cable linking this to my DAC costs more! ...)

I might have the oppourtunity to home demo the Pro-Ject RST 2 soon if the distributor will play ball. This will allow me to answer my own question regarding the sound quality between the two and in my own system as well which is the ultimate i guess. 

I have the ET3 running in - in my system since Thursday. As has been reported elsewhere it doesn’t sound good out of the box (then what does really...)

I found like most components / cables i try at home from new they need at least 48 hours (usually up to a week) to run in and sound decent. This was Definitely the case with the ET3. (i used to think this was rubbish and was a cable sceptic as well but these things matter! and really make a considerable difference. But i had to hear it myself and i have many times...)

I’ve been running it on loop for almost 3 days with sporadic listening sessions and its improving greatly as each day goes by. 

What do i think of it? Fantastic value for money!  It really does sound amazing, caveat being i’ve only listened to redbook CD as that is what i purchased it for.

It’s very detailed, has a wide soundstage and good layer separation. It doesn’t

sound like any CD source i’ve heard. The music flows more like my Turntable- vinyl front end but in my case i’d say its more detailed than that.

Its going to be VERY interesting to see what the RST 2 brings to the table at nearly 4 times the cost will it be 4 times as good :)

I will report back here once i have had a chance to listen to the Pro-ject.

FYI I started a thread Shanling ET3 vs SMSL PL200T

@qbitstate -I will echo/agree @robshaw . The Pro-Ject is an awesome transport, IF you don't have problems with it. Rob went one step further than I did, by getting a third one. After my second RS2 had playback issues, I sent it back and went in another direction. I still miss the sound quality.

If you decide you want one, do what Rob did and get it from The Music Room. Their service/support is the best.

I was one of the fortunate who didn't have any issues with my RS2T CD transport purchased in July 2021. Was previously using a Jays Audio CD2 MK3 transport which was amazing but the Pro Ject with stock power supply was So much  better and improved even further with a Farad Super 3 power supply...

My CD2 MK3 is stored for backup😀

Wig

Sir, My current transport is the RS2T. It is the best transport in my opinion, unless you want to spend Aqua la Diva money for their transport. RS2T uses A STREAM unlimited CD mechanism CD-PRO 8 and a blue tiger CD-84 servo system .  I own 2 audio lab 6000CDt's and they are extremely good for the money. However, in my main system the RS2T out performs it sound wise 3-1 (give or take) not a slight difference in sound, but, a major one!!!!!!

However, a little background. This is my 3rd one, I returned the other 2 back to the MUSIC ROOM as they were defective. The MUSIC ROOM was great to deal with!!!  The third was was hard to purchase based one aforementioned history. I just couldn't get over the sound quotient. I took a shot and they tested the third on before the sent it to me.(THE MUSIC ROOM) It has been wonderful!!!!!!!!! so far!!!  2 years later.  Dont know whether quality control has been bettered.  Ask anyone on this venue that owns one and they will back me up, incredible sound!!!! Just my 2cents. Robert TN     Need to know anymore text me. 

I don't own the ET3 but have had multiple, significant reliability issues with Shanling's SCD1.3 soon after I purchased it. Shanling had little interest in helping me resolve those issues.

If you do a search, reliability issues have been a problem for Shanling over the decades.

I know that this is not what you asking...Just to complicate things for you, I love my Cambridge CXC transport. I was looking at the Shanling ET3 because I liked the simplicity of the top loading as opposed to the drawer style. But I kept reading how the Cambridge transport performed, so I went for it. I wish I could have heard them side-by-side, but for the same money, I know I can get the Cambridge repaired if needed. And the sound is great!

My 2 cents...

Rather than either transport, are you open to change direction to a streamer/server?  I have found SQ better than playing discs.  Qobuz will have most of your library available.  If there is a record not available, you can burn and save in the server.  A used Aurender N100h will be between the cost of your listed transports and a used N150 at the cost of a new Project.   That is where I would spend my money.  I love the convenience is streaming and a library.  Any album or song is a couple of phone clicks away … with better SQ.  

I can't imagine the Project being any better that the excellent Shanling. I love mine never had a issue with the remote or the lid. 

 The big question is what actual CD drive are they using? You may find it’s the same one wrapped in a different case. There are not many companies making CD drives anymore.

Only the ET3, which can sound amazing, BUT... the remote is extremely fragile and takes 3++ weeks to get replacement (so far 2 have hit the floor and no longer work). Also, the lid is unnecessarily complex with the magnetic puck built it. Similar story, but amazing for desktop. FYI, I am selling mine, replacing it with SMSL PL200T

HTH

Yes i was aware of that one. I’m going with what i can get locally here in NZ. I guess what i’m after is the ultimate sound quality potential from either of these two.

So redbook CD how close are they or is the Project in a totally different class in regards to the sound quality and presentation of the music because there is a big jump in price between them.

Hoping someone out there may have heard both and ideally auditioned both at some point in their own system.  

Have you considered the $2100 Shanling Onix Zenith XST20 SACD/CD Transport?  I've had mine for 3 months and it's been amazing.  Excellent build quality and it sounds really good.  Outputs native DSD via i2s.