2. digital
  3. 166755-159189

A phenomenal new CD transport-Pro-Ject CD Box RS2 transport

I have had in-house for the last week Pro-Ject's new CD Box RS2 transport to review for the website Stereo Times. I was very curious to assess its performance because it uses the Pro 8 drive with the Blue Tiger CD-84 servo card. This drive was developed and built by StreamUnlimited a company started by the original Phillips designers that historically built the finest CD mechanisms. Only two other companies use the StreamUnlimited 8 drive and Blue Tiger CD-84 servo card, their pieces cost $16,000 and $39,000 compared to Pro-Ject's sane price of $3,000!

My reference for the last two years has been the excellent Jay's Audio MK-II transport that had out-performed much more expensive highly regarded transports in my system. Well, across every sonic parameter  (transparency/micro-details-overall dynamics/bottom-end extension/purity of tonality- a much more airy sound-stage with wonderful 3D imaging) compared to the Jay's Audio transport.

That's way I titled this thread a "phenomenal new CD transport" because while not inexpensive, it just might be a bargain based on its performance. Mind you, this superlative level of performance is based on using the switching power supply that Pro-Ject ships the transport with. I have shortly coming a custom 20 watt 3 amp linear power supply from Linear Tube Audio and Pro-Ject's own upgraded power supply to see if the RS2 transport performance will even go to a higher qualitative level of performance.

I'll be writing a full detailed review for Stereo Times in the near future. However, I wanted to share this information to GON members who still spin CDs. I have had numerous CD transports in for evaluation and this just might be the best sounding of all of them.

Teajay (Terry London)




amorstereo
amorstereo OP
64 posts
 
Hey essrand,

Yes, historically I have had CEC transports, I use one right now in my smaller system (double belt model) along with many other transports including the Jay's Audio that you mention. The Pro-Ject performs at a higher level then any transport I have had in-house for evaluation or listening pleasure.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
@amorstereo (Terry),
Thanks for the follow up. I am not surprised by the improved sound quality. I can’t recall any example of a component with  a standard switching power supply that was not improved with a good quality linear power supply in its place. What is the cost for the power supply upgrade? Agree that Pro-ject should default to the better linear power supply.

Terry , I’m currently listening to Dexter Gordon "Doin’ All Right" as a fellow jazzhead I suspect you’re familiar with this gem 😊.
Charles


ghdprentice
7,139 posts
 
@Amorstereo
.

Yep, power supplies.... the better the better the sound. I had a Sim 650 CD/DAC ~ $8K and hesitantly bought the ~$8K add on separate power supply... made a huge improvement. With the same kind of improvements you indicate. 
amorstereo OP
64 posts
 
Hey Charlies,

Long tall Dexter, he could really play his butt off!

I believe it's right around $850. I'm also waiting for Linear Tube Audio customized power supply, should get sometime in the next two weeks, to see which one might be the best at improving performance. The power supply should be 20 volt /3 amps for optimum effect on the transport.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Thanks Terry as it will very interesting to see how the two linear power supplies compare.  I look forward to your follow up. 
Charles 
More to discover