BEST CD TRANSPORT

Disc spinners that I own, in order of preference:

Pro-Ject CD Box RS2 T

Esoteric UX-3pi

Oppo UDP-205

Oppo UDP-203

Pioneer BDP-88f

Oppo BDP-80

I compared all of these as transports, in the same system, same cables.

Another vote for the Pro-Ject RS2 CD Transport.  I run it to the DAC module in a Boulder 866.  In A/B comparison, it bested by far my Oppo 105, as it should given the price point, which I had been running digital out to the DAC in the 866.  The Pro-Ject retrieves significantly more detail than the Oppo in terms of timbre, especially audible to me in the case of vocals, with singers sounding more like themselves.  So it manages the neat trick of presenting more detail, yet sounding less clinical.

Memory is a tricky thing, and I didn't do a direct A/B comparison, but I believe the Pro-Ject to be a significant step up from other CDPs I have owned previously, including a Meridian 508 and a Granite 657 (with tube output).

As detailed in other threads, the Pro-Ject sounds great with the stock power supply, but can be improved with an LPS.  I have one from LTA; I think Charles uses a different one.  Here's a long thread re the Pro-Ject -- https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/a-phenomenal-new-cd-transport-pro-ject-cd-box-rs2-transport

Magnuman agree esoteric can be organic it depends how you utilize and match them? Cables in one way to do that, and what Dac you use.Tube DAc like audio mirror will be a good choice, My only problem with esoteric is their repair service here in the US.

@thaluza 

I took a look at your audio system page, very,very nice!

I can imagine that your Mojo Audio Mystique EVO DAC and Pro-Ject RS2T pairing sounds exquisite.

Charles

Thank you Charles. Exquisite indeed!