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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
psioni's avatar
psioni
11 posts
 
I notice that the manual states:

"Never use any other power supply than the one supplied with the unit - except suitable Pro-Ject Power Box RS device"

and, under the Warranty section -

"The manufacturer accepts no responsibility for damage caused by not adhering to these instructions for use."

Not saying you shouldn’t use a third-party LPS; just a heads-up that you might want to think twice about publicly stating you are using one.
riaa_award_collectors_on_facebook's avatar
riaa_award_collectors_on_facebook
981 posts
 
 I already have my contacts for dozens of brands. Everybody should if they've been in this hobby for awhile and have made lots of purchases. Ive always been willing to steer people in the right direction if it can save them some coin. No skin in the game for me. If people can reciprocate down the road and hook me up with a brand that I dont have contacts for GREAT. If not its fine.  Only an Idiot would PUBLISH his sources on a forum. Business savvy just isnt some people's strong suit. Probably why they cant get good deals to begin with.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Given the feedback on this thread it seems indisputable that a linear power supply is superior to the stock wall wart power supply for the Pro-Ject  CD Box  transport. Does anyone have any idea how the LTA power supply compares to Pro-Ject’s own linear power supply option?

@wig provide a link for the LTA power supply and its description is quite impressive.
Charles
wig's avatar
wig
1,274 posts
 
Here's what the OP noted between the 2 power supplies:

"Just got through with my evaluation of using Pro-ject's own up-graded linear power supply, which I stated earlier in this thread lead to significant improvements over their standard switch-mode power supply, with Linear Tube Audio's own customized linear power supply. LTA changed the rating from 12V-3A to 20V-3A.

These subtle but easy to hear positive changes were:
1) Transient speed and overall dynamics/aliveness increased.
2) The sound-stage opened up with more air around instruments.
3) Transparency/clarity went to a higher level.
4) The purity of timbres/tonality/colors increased.

Great stuff! The Linear tube Audio power supply costs $645, which is about two hundred dollars less than Pro-ject unit. Therefore, my conclusion is if you get this transport, go for the Linear Tube Audio power supply."
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Hi @wig,
Much appreciation for that. Obviously the LTA linear power supply is a very high quality unit.  Any confirmation or concern about possible voided warranty coverage from Pro-Ject if alternative brand power supplies are utilized?
Charles 
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