CD transports; do they really matter

If anybody remembers way back Theta sold a transport that was actually a DVD player 

yes, but did you actually ascertain if it was a good sounding transport, as that was its function.?

I have used a Genesis Digital Lens since it came out (with a Pioneer PD-65 as transport), which eliminated jitter. Always assumed it more or less solved transport issues.  Would a modern transport, eg the Project, really improve things?

i have Chord DAC which supposedly does the same. Unfortunately I can hear the difference between an average CD player digital out and a good transport, or even a CXC vs a Wadia

Everything matters. 
 

I just upgraded my Marantz SACD 30n with the McIntosh MCT500 transport two days ago . I like my decision so far. 

I am relatively new to using a CD as a source for a replay in my system.

I have built a very satisfying Analogue LP Source system over 30 Years and do not feel there is much I can change to make a major improvement, but I a do know I can change the presentation if wanted as the overall system is very adept at resolving detail.

About Six Yeas ago, I decided to try out CD in the System for the first time.

I used a Cambridge Brand CDP that was used in my Son's Bedroom Separates System.

There was something about the convenience I liked and the idea of not needing to be vigilant, not like when using a LP and Cartridge.

The idea that when a CD was being played, my Stylus was not subjected to usage wear was also attractive.

The CDP used was not able to endear myself, and the overall was unattractive to be thought of as a main source, more of a background music replay.

Wind the Clock Forward, a friend had been modifying Sony CDP's to be working as a Valve CDP.  I had supplied ears on a few occasions to assess the work being carried out on the different models to varying specifications and cost values of exchanged components.

A loan of a CDP was offered and when used, I got it immediately, the CD Source was quite attractive and I had no concerns about using it, I also purchased a large quantity of CD's as the outcome.

Wind the Clock Forward, an offer of a Bespoke Built Valve DAC was made to me to purchase. This DAC was produced by the person who had mentored my friend through the CDP Modifications.

I accepted and made the purchase, that was delivered to my friends home to be picked up.

Modified CDP's vs Bespoke Built DAC>Cheapo CDP's was carried out for a few hours and the DAC Combo was performing in a very attractive manner.

I was a very happy customer.

The DAC was in my mind, deserved of a CD Input that was to allow it to really show itself off, and after a period time the DAC was taken to an event where Vinyl Replay was the main presentation, and at the end of the day a demonstration was given of the DAC coupled to a the PS Audio PWT.      

I and a few others in attendance were blown away, by the demonstration, especially when the day had been demonstrating TT Set Up's approaching           £8 000 - £20 000, replayed on a system with a value of approx' £150 000.

Today I own the PS Audio PWT > Bespoke Built DAC, it has been Tube Rolled and there is a New Level of Performance as the result, and I  have a Trialled COAX Interconnects to a variety of values and do believe I have this interface as good as it can be.

With this additional investigations and work carried out on the DAC, I was feeling there was not much need to look further to raise the performance level further.

The information being shared in this thread, suggests there are most likely experiences for myself to be encountered, that are worthwhile pursuing and  attempting to arrange to receive a demonstration of a different model of CDT.

Very Fortunately there are a range of Jay's CDT's at a Dealership quite close to my home. 

Is there a synergy between the DAC and PWT that will be hard to surpass?

Is there a CDT that will make the PWT appear to be a less attractive option?