Pro-Ject CD Box RS2 I2S pin definition

@charles1dad -LOL. Yes. And early this morning. There's no rest for the weary 😁

I had the opportunity to simultaneously listen to Tete Montoliu's, Catalonian Fire from 2 different sources-the Pro-Ject CD Box and the Cambridge CXC transport.

The differences between the two transports are not subtle. While a revealing transport, the CXC throws a shallow and lighter weight soundstage compared to the Pro-Ject, Instruments like Tootie Heath's drums are subdued on the CXC when compared to the Pro-Ject. I've listened to Catalonian Fire countless times and Heath's presence was startling. 

Via the Pro-Ject and an Aurender music server which feeds a Musetec 005 DAC with an Amanero USB board, I also compared an awesome Philip Catherine/Niels Pedersen CD, Art of the Duo.

Have you heard this one?

Via the music server, the output level of this CD is on the quiet side, and when you read the reviews many people complain about that. You need to turn it up to hear the nuanced interplay between PC and NOHP. It's satisfying.

Played on the Pro-Ject transport, the nuance is now replaced by first row intimacy. Hearing NOHP's playing is captivating. He's prominently featured and on many songs is playing lead to Catherine's rhythm. You can hear him plucking, pulling and sliding his fingers on and across the strings of his stand-up bass. In my set-up, with the Pro-Ject, you are right there!

If my timing is right, you have had your Pro-Ject since the summer. What CDs that you've listened to are noteworthy?

"I also compared an awesome Philip Catherine/Niels Pedersen CD, Art of the Duo."

@wharfy , I'll have to seek that one out,  sounds like a recording I'd really enjoy.  Catherine with Chet Baker is also a very fine pairing.  To clarify,  I received my Pro-Ject transport 1 month ago.  Just loving it with the supplied SMPS wall wart (Without debate the best CD sound ever in my audio system). I'm expecting delivery of the Fidelizer Nikola 2 LPS in a few weeks. 

David I've listened to so many recordings to compare the music with the performance of my P.S. Audio PWT. Here are some examples, 

1 Gerry Mulligan "Night Lights"

2 Oliver Nelson "Nocturne"

3 Mark Whitfield "Finger Painting"

4 Theloneus Monk  "Monk's Dream"

5 Dexter Gordon "Doin Alright"

6 Kenny Burrell  "Midnight Blue"

7 Joe Pass/JJ Johnson "Well Be Together Again "

8 Miles Davis  "Someday My Prince Will Come"

9 Roy Hargrove "Parker's Mood"

Lots more but I'll stop here. Every single recording is more alive (Breath of life aura), realistic, tactile, dynamic, nuanced  and emotionally involving with the Pro-Ject. No exceptions.  David I know the beautiful musical joy  you're experiencing. And I'm told this is taken to a yet higher level with a good LPS😊. Oh boy!

Charles 

@wharfy 

Any further evolving listening impressions? I know that you are having a ball.😊

Charles 

@charles1dad -My day passed pleasantly, listening to CDs and repositioning my speakers and sofa to maximize the increased soundstage. Late in the day into the evening, my partner requested we listen to chamber music, string quartets and early Renaissance music.

Among my favorites last night was the Unicorn Ensemble-Codex Faenza, which is music from the 15th Century. The ensemble is composed of Gothic harps, organ, fiddles, a Hurdy-Gurdy, recorders along with baritone, tenor and countertenors.

The Pro-Ject, paired with my system really brings this music to life. You are very aware of the instruments and voices reflecting off the stone walls of the church, where this was recorded. Just stunning.

At this point I’ve run the transport about 15 hours and I am starting to hear the music become more liquid. While being a lot more revealing than my CXC transport, the Pro-Ject is not overly analytical. In my system the emotional resonance is very satisfying.

At what point did you start hearing noticeable changes in sound?

David

@wharfy ,

Actually I heard changes within a few hours. This was probably due to warming up as it came straight out of the cold shipping box. Recognized further evolving improvement after several days (Increasing openness and at the same time more relaxation).

In my opinion I don’t believe that it needs a ton of hours for break-in, 50-60 hours for me. I was certain the Pro-Ject would bring out the best in your Musetec 005 DAC.

I’m still very pleasantly impressed by the big sound presentation and dynamics it provides with a wall wart power supply. It has larger scale, musical pace and tonality than my PWT(Where these qualities were strengths) with internal linear power supply.

Charles