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

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. 

Gentlemen - I usually refrain from contributing to such post but I'm compelled to do so this time.

First - a system has to be of high fidelity to be able to distinguish the differences of anything. The system includes equipment, it's set up and the room acoustics.

Second - EVERYTHING matters. Everything!

I switched transports, from a Meridian 800 transport to a Oppo 205 used as a transport. In both cases, a $4,500 (retail price) MIT coaxial digital cable was used. The Meridian sounded natural and dimensional with a wide, deep soundstage.

The Oppo sounded thin, artificial and lacked any dimensionality. Also, the bass was significantly compromised.

I usually state anyone is welcome to come listen for yourselves but my system is not operating because my wife issued me a divorce, which we're in the process of completing.

Jasonbourne71 - when I get my system operational, I'll offer to pay for your transportation and lodging to come and listen to my system if you agree to post your experience. Friends told me not to do it because you would be biased. I enjoy sharing good music and would enjoy experiencing your reaction - no matter what that reaction may be - because I'll gain insight to individuals. You'll either clearly hear a dramatic difference or your won't.

To be completely honest - I'll also have others present during the demonstration who will select their favorite and describe and write down what they hear for each session, so it will be a collaborative effort. And, of course - it will be a blind listening test with a variety of things switched in random but documented order.

I guess I must add my 2 cents. My system (large acoustical area and 80 to 90 db Rock and Roll only) Pass x250.8 (running in Class A) Tekton Double impacts upgraded, SVS Sb 4000 sub, Meitner MA1 V2 DAC, Project RS2T transport, all decent cabling, nothing outrageously priced. Also a Benchmark LA-4 pre- amp, all Balanced.

I had started with a Benchmark 3B DAC and a Audiolab 6000CDT. Sounded very good. Then I upgraded the DAC to the Meitner, refined jump upwards! (ps still have in another system the Benchmark DAC, which I still like a lot) Then I added the Project RS2T, with upgraded LTA power supply, what a DIFFERENCE, not just 5 or 10%, every bit MUCH more. I was astounded. How could this be! Keep in mind some CD's sound better than others, mastered better I guess? Huge difference. See reviews from other owners of transport on Audiogon forum.  I also stream qobuz and it's amazing as well. Qobuz is still  (High REZ) a step up in resolution and dynamics over the CD, but, with the Meitner DAC and the RS2T it is so close, sometimes not being able to differentiate. Makes listening to CD's great.  It's that good. Very Very evident!!! Robert TN

@jasonbourne71 @robshaw

What went down? Any plans here for jasonbourne to find the truth? Quite a generous offer for him.

Related to this thread, to evaluate the difference a simple transport makes does anyone recall ever going to a Linn dealer 20 years ago and hearing the difference between the Genki and Ikemi cd players? Those had identical power supplies and chipsets: the only difference was an off the shelf Philips transport in the Genki, and a Linn produced proprietary aluminum transport for double the retail price of the Genki (and balanced outputs) for the Ikemi. Absolutely one could hear the additional resolution the transport in the Ikemi provided, by swapping one for the other in the same setup (using RCA’s) , but personally I didn’t have the extra money to buy the Ikemi 20 years ago so I had to settle the Genki and enjoyed it for well over 10 years. I don't have any Linn equipment anymore, but the word is still in my forum handle name :(