Do Transports Matter???


I borrowed an outboard D/A from a friend to try in my system. My intent was to hook the analog outs on my CDP to one input on my preamp and the analog outs of the DAC to another input so I could a/b my player with and without the DAC. However something is wrong with the digital out on my player because I couldn't lock a siginal with the DAC. So I grabbed my pioneer DVD Player and hooked it up as a transport. Everything sounds awesome, made a big difference in my system(won't go into details). The outboard also puts the DVD players onboard DAC to shame(well duh). But this of course also made me wonder if using a different transport(my cdp if it worked)would make any difference?? In reality the DVD player is reading the CD and sending 0s and 1s to the DAC where its reclocked anyway. I know that sometimes little things make a difference, even though on paper they shouldn't. Being this is my first expirence with an outboard DAC, I am just curious if what you use as a transport makes any difference
brianvoelz
Transports make a huge difference! Can make even more of a difference than the DAC.

IMHO

Richard
My experience tells me that transports can have a big influence on the sound of the system, just as the digital cable that you use to link the transport and dac together can.

Having said that, i would look for a transport that is built like a tank and has VERY low jitter. That is, if you really want to go the "two box" route. Sean
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Brian- In my experience it can make an enormous difference. The type of platform under the transport also has a significant effect upon the result. The power cord also has an effect, and lets not forget about the digital cable. So, in short, it all matters! Will it have the same level of impact in your system with your gear as in my system? Only you can determine that. Try a Neuance shelf and/or Audiopoints under your transport to start, and then a decent power cord. Your appreciation of the difference is the only thing that matters. Enjoy.
I agree with all of the above. My system improved greatly when I upgraded a Theta Data Basic to a Data Basic II. A great transport for not much money is the Audio Alchemy DDS 1. This is a top loader. The company is long out of business though, so parts are not available. They usually sell for around $200 on ebay.