CD transports; do they really matter

@charles1dad The belief that it’s all about the DAC is misguided in my opinion.

Comparing different transports with the same DAC is robust. Easy. And Sigma Delta DACs are mostly all very good these days. So, yes. Cannot comment on R2Rs but I understand from reviews that they vary. Yeah.

However something that may be quite relevant, I reckon, is that in comparing a CDP with a transport plus DAC, is that the DACs are in fact being compared.

The external (high quality) DAC with the internal DAC of the CDP of years past. "Aged Luxman CDP". I have a aged Technics CDP wasting space with something called MASH. It’s not pretty.

What I reckon most folk would be interested in is comparing a transport to their CDP where the same DAC is attached - if the CDP has digital out. I don’t know if CDPs generally have digital out. Especailly if they are like maybe 10 or 15 + years old.

And as I found recently, the transport mechanism in the CDP can become tired and require replacement by a technician (total cost for me was less than $100).  So that aspect is different as well.  But I digress.

@noske :

"However something that may be quite relevant, I reckon, is that in comparing a CDP with a transport plus DAC, is that the DACs are in fact being compared".

Perhaps the answer to this is to run a digital cable from the CDP (thereby bypassing its internal DAC) to a standalone DAC, then compare that pairing to the sound of a standalone transport connected to the same standalone DAC.  

@stuartk Yes, exactly, you got it. I’d encourage people to follow this advice.. Its just prudent and common sense.

My own CDP (Rega Saturn) has some DAC in it that was state of the art at the time - in 2008. It is very good, as it happens.

Chucked on a basic no frills Topping DAC and hello better everything.

Due to geography I can’t do a like with like comparison with a transport right now, but I certainly aim to do so before parting with over about USD$3,000 for a Pro-Ject transport.

Yes I've already run my CD player via my Bricasti DAC.  Sounds better but not that much impact which leads me to wonder if the issue is the transport in the Luxman ( or my digital cord).

BTW; has anyone tried the Bel Canto CD transport. Looks reasonably priced but few reviews on it.