Does the Transport make a significant difference

The difference depends on what your sonic priorities are and whether the upgraded transport does things that you find make the sound more enjoyable. I really think you need to actually try one to find out. Either buy something new with a return privilege, or buy something used at a good price that you can sell at a minimal loss if you're not happy with it.

Ricred1, I'm not debating cables and its always your choice with your money.
Only suggesting that upgrading components should take priority.
david

Not to the same degree of magnitude, but I believe it's important almost to the point of turntable/cartridge/arm combo.

These days, with modern gear, if things are done well, it should not affect the sound much at all. At least that is what I have been finding in recent years. Most newer "transports" are more than adequate. ALl the rest matters more. If you rip and play files rather than CDs, then most any modern computer optical drive will do, as long as you use good fail safe software for the ripping.

It can make it better because of better mechanical design. quieter power supply and better output stage, but it can make it worse if output slew rate is high (short transitions) and your coax or DAC is not perfectly matched. It is a system thing.