Resolving CD Transports Crowd Sourcing

I have made in-roads to learning about the sonic available from streaming over the past few years, where demo's have been had in carefully selected systems to help with the assessments and evaluation.

I have not had a demo' of streamer as a Source using my own system.

I have heard my own CD Source used in a System I am very familiar with that has a Linn Akurate + expensive upgrades.

The Linn Streamer was great, it was a really good way to be presented music, it actually changed my thoughts on streaming, I become an advocate of the idea, the ease of use and sonic produced were in conjunction a worthwhile experience.  From previously sought out demo's, I had formed a view of not being too impressed, after hearing a few Sources on other systems of which one was a £6K Streaming device used in a £100K system.

The Linn Streamer + expensive upgrades was not a match in being able to create a sonic that had a undeniable attraction, that was near parity to the systems Vinyl Source, CD Source or my own CD Source. 

I would still have a Streamer, I will be interested in discovering one that can present a sonic similar to the Linn, but come in a t a cost that is quite a a bit more pocket friendly.

@thyname +1

I can’t believe that the OP is considering buying another Project after having 2 previous failures and complaining of inadequate CS.  This is like trying to counsel an abused woman who yet again is contemplating returning to her abusive mate because he keeps promising to change 

Just to offer my 2 cnts. There are 2 reasons I took a flyer for a third RS2T. As it has already been stated the first 2 were not workable. I sent them back to TMR, with a through explanation. They were great to deal with. If it were not for TMR, and their customer service, return policy,  I would not made  a third purchase. Charles and I had posted back and forth several times, and  agreed the sound of the unit just cannot be beat. Once heard you will always remember its sonic attributes.

I asked TMR if they would open and thoroughly test the new unit before shipping, they had it for almost a week. Maybe I'm as lucky as Charles with this unit now, I HOPE!   Having TMR as a dealer was very reassuring. Hopes this helps someone. Robert

My comments about wanting another CD Box have elicited some strongly-opinionated responses! I know it sounds crazy, the sound I'm after is what the CD Box delivers. I go back and forth.

With that said-I contacted Pro-Ject N.A. and they indicated the CD Box is being redesigned to eliminate the disc recognition issues and squeal noise that many users encountered. They don't know when their redesigned product will be back on the market. Meanwhile, I had a terrific conversation with an audio dealer who carries Pro-Ject. They said the failure rate of the CD Boxes since 2022 was 70%. Wow!!

So, what does that mean for me? I'm going to take some time to listen and learn. If anyone around Northern NJ has Jay's Audio transports, or CEC transports and is willing to invite me over for an audition, I'm happy to bring some snacks and spirits.

The TEAC mentioned at the beginning of this thread is available in October. Happy to seek one out for a demo. I'm also interested in ARC CD6SE because I have ARC upstream, and suspect there will be synergy with my rig. Will it best the CD Box? Only one way to find out. 

@robshaw 

Wishing you best outcomes! Do let us know what's happening. TMR is a stand-up audio dealer, for sure.