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What do modern, current day CD Transports do that older CDP's with RCA digital out don't?

I have read a few posts saying that even a modern inexpensive CD transport can sound better with modern DACs than older, more expensive CD players equipped with digital outputs (RCA digital output).

I understand very old CD players with optical outputs only can be poorer sounding due to the optical interface. But I would be curious to learn about how a nice $2000 Sony ES or Marantz higher grade CD player from 12-15 years ago, with RCA digital out won’t work just as well feeding a DAC as say, an modern Audiolab slot loading transport for about $600.  Let's consider the older player is working without problems, like bad laser or mechanical problems.

Hopeful that someone here can explain what the new stuff has on board that works in their favor.

troidelover1499
roxy54's avatar
roxy54
7,762 posts
 

"There's a fad to use CD's again. Unlike vinyl its not valid for better SQ."

Ridiculous and untrue comment davide256.

 Repo

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troidelover1499 OP
253 posts
 

Thanks to all that responded so far. Some are more useful than others.

I don’t plan on spending several thousand bucks on a new CD transport, but maybe a thousand or so. So yes, I was referring to more economical, but good modern transports, and whether they are somehow now able to outperform a real nice CD player with a coaxial digital output from say 10-15-20 years ago.  

jasonbourne52's avatar
jasonbourne52
2,863 posts
 

Bits are bits! The old analog ideas do not apply! All CD players/transports output the same data streams. That is what the Redbook Standard is about. In fact, DVD players will work just as well as transports. The proliferation of expensive transports is a marketing ploy to profit from the gullible! 

jasonbourne52's avatar
jasonbourne52
2,863 posts
 

Unlike LP playback CD playback doesn't benefit from costly mechanical construction and vibration control. Data streams from different players/transports can be readily measured for jitter and errors. Little if any differences can be found. Claims of sonic differences are entirely subjective from uncontrolled listening. Confirmation bias is at play here. That shiny new toy always sounds better!

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