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CD transports; do they really matter

In my pursuit of total sonic harmony, I have been investigating whether a CD transport ( to replace my bulky and aged Luxman CD player ) would be a good option.  I had an interesting conversation with the manufacturers rep of a respected brand regarding his companies CD transport.  He basically said its all in the DAC, the transport, as long as its not a cheap component, does not make much or any difference. So, I ask does it really matter?

mdrone
ghdprentice
7,064 posts
 

@majorc 

 

And the DAC, preamp, amp and speakers you played them through?

majorc
78 posts
 

DAC: ifi micro idsd   No Preamp - the DAC has a volume control  - ran direct to quicksilver M60 monoblocks - speakers Eminent technology LFT 8Bs.  

jl35
4,017 posts
 

lots of CD and DVD players use the same transport...

ghdprentice
7,064 posts
 

@majorc

 

Thank you. I understand.

 

@jl35

 

Yes, you are correct. However, high end equipment will incorporate transports in heavy dampening structures to reduce vibration, feed the exceptionally clean power, isolate from electronic noice and get a tremendously better sound quality.

Also, you need a system of a certain level of resolution and fidelity before differences in transports start making a difference. In general, the better the system the more obvious and important the sonic differences in a transport.

jl35
4,017 posts
 

I absolutely agree ghd… just referring to comparing inexpensive CD players used as transports… I’ve never really liked them as transports, much prefer something like the Cambridge CXC…I believe comparing these CD and DVD players is likely to show little difference, but does not prove that transports are not extremely important

 

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