If the DAC is the same, how different do CD transports sound?

sudnh

"the optical laser detector inside the transport is an analogue electronics device which is changing its output continuously as the laser light dims and brightens."

This is revolutionary theory indeed. Why is then a DAC (digital to analog converter) needed if a laser provides analog signal?

For most of the history of CD players there have been only a few transport manufacturers… but CD players and transports sounded quit different with the same transports. Companies that wanted to get the most out of sound would go through extraordinary feats to mechanically and electrically isolate the drives to perform their best. And it works.

This is why, although CDs are waning in popularity there are still a number of high quality transports out there. 

Different players/transports can sound VERY DIFFERENT on the same DAC!

If a DAC is good enough, it buffers by storing bits and releases them in a precise enough clock, the bits just before conversion should correct inaccuracies in most transports. It becomes hard to hear the difference between the transport and a file in a storage device. 

I tried over a dozen, from highly rated DVD players, inexpensive audio transports to the latest PS Audio expensive transport.  I chose a fully upgraded/moded Arcam Delta with a new transport mechanism.  I had to upgrade the resistor fuse twice and double it's rating as two different boards blew and had to rebuild.  Otherwise, I would choose a Jay's Audio CDT3/M3 for $5,000.  The digital cable also makes a difference although I only tried 5, I'm keeping the Synergistic Research Atmosphere Euphoria X, best bang for the buck and only SR cable I own.