2. digital
  3. 172706-13640

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
audio-union's avatar
audio-union
179 posts
 

 I like the CEC CD5 player, full size steel case with a Hyperstream pcm dac. It uses the same transport as in the CEC TL5 transport. It is belt drive, so the noise and jitter associated with direct drive CD transports doesn't exist and as such the total electrical noise is lower than the competition. The transport is on a suspension system to reduce mechanical noise and is optimally placed in the case. There is an upgrade available to further increase the performance.

CEC makes many of the transports in players and transports and has been do so since CD's first entered the music market place in the 80's.

For more information visit Audio Union.

papadog
6 posts
 

I had the RS2 on Jr. Roller Blocks initially and had the same exact problem with opening it to insert a disc.  I switched to some Orea Carbons that I had and the problem is mostly solved (and sound good).  The sound quality is excellent so any inconvenience is well worth it.  Like another poster, I had the PS Audio Memory Player and this unit is far superior. I strongly suggest getting a linear power supply to power the unit.  I got the Mojo Illuminata and it improved the performance significantly.  The Illuminata is pricey, but Mojo is great to work with and have only high quality stuff.  The cost of the power supply plus the cost of the RS2 is still well below many transports.  Happy listening!

pedroeb
493 posts
 

It seems like it might be hard to beat for the price.

Can the feet be replaced with something heavier to increase stability?

Maybe a heavy plate could be placed between the unit and the feet with longer screws.
 

nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,950 posts
 

The top and bottom of the Oreas act like suction cups to whatever they sit on and hold above. I found that out trying them in various places on my gear and it was a PITA to unstick them with one hand while holding up over 40 lbs with the other so I can see them holding the Pro-Ject firmly in place (when affixing them to the bottom and avoiding the units feet). Some minor movement may result but it shouldn’t make it a deal killer as papadog pointed out.

Lots of things to consider.

All the best,
Nonoise

dynamiclinearity
279 posts
 

I agree it's poor design. But a good solution is a heavy weight such as the old VPI brick which will also reduce cabinet induced microphonics.

More to discover