Sony DVP9000ES as a Redbook Transport?

I used the 9000es in combination with a Bel Canto DAC2. The Bel Canto “warmed” up the sound and improved the detail considerably over the 9000es by itself. I thought it was a nice match-up at the time. I sold the Bel Canto (and kept the 9000 for DVD and SACD) and bought an Audio Aero Prima. For less money than the Sony transport + Bel Canto DAC + digital cable the Prima was a significant upgrade. Kind of made me wonder why I went to all the trouble. Unless you need a DVD player a good 1 box solution is probably a better way to go, IMO.

Thanks for all of the input. I am a big believer in what a difference a transport makes. I have now tried several in my system but just have not found the right one..

BTW: I own an Electrocompaniet ECD-1 DAC. I would consider a one box solution but the DAC serves double duty on my computer music..

Thanks again,

Chris

If you haven't already check out Empirical Audio. He seems to do alot of what you're after.

In theory all transports should be the same,
however in real life there are some differences, which make them sound different. To name a few: Jitter, Power supply noise, error correction algorithm, etc.....
The lack of detailes and poor soundstage probably caused by a jitter on SPDIF output.
Properly designed external DAC can help significantly.

I currently have a Sony DVP9000ES and an Arcam FMJ 23.Both
are being run into a Benchmark DAC 1.I am purchasing a
Denon 3930CI. I plan on keeping the Sony or the Arcam. Any suggestions on which one to keep.Currently I use a Toslink from the 9000ES to the Benchmark and a D-60 coax from the Arcam to the Benchmark. ???