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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
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,891 posts
 

Charles, I sure hope so. 👍 
From what I've read, the Technics is to audio what Sam Colt was to the Wild West: an equalizer, rendering everyone the same. Every review I've read about it that tried different transports all came away with the same findings. No matter the CDT, they all sounded great with the caveat that the better the transport, the better the results in the sound, but even the "lessor" ones sounded great.

All the best,
Nonoise

charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 

@nonoise

Hifi+ reviewer Roy Gregory is very good and thoughtful in his writing approach. He is spot on making the case that CD transports are at their best when dedicated to the singular objective of managing Redbook CD rather than the multi-format/task/feature option.

Put all resources toward the "CD" transport role. No wonder he finds the CEC TL5 to easily sound much better than the CEC CD5 player when used as a transport. In these scenarios, narrow and sharp single purpose focus beats "Jack of all trades" concept. I completely agree. Pro-Ject adapted this same mindset with their RS2T. Do one thing and do it very well. BTW I also agree with his observation regarding top loader versus tray loading CD transports. He is keen and astute in my opinion. 

Charles

nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,891 posts
 

@charles1dad ,

You sure know you're reviewers. 👍
Not to mention your way around a CD player.

All the best,
Nonoise

fthompson251's avatar
fthompson251
463 posts
 

I am still enjoying my older CEC TL 1 transport. I think i would most likely need to spend a lot to out do it.

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