In theory, you're missing the fact that the ones and zeros are encoded at precisely timed intervals. If the transport fails to convey the precise timing of the data to the DAC a phenomenom called jitter occurs. For credible evidence read the jitter specs published during transport tests.
In practice, you're missing the fact that the quality of design thought, the parts used, their layout and vibrational issues all affect any machine's ability to produce the results desired. For credible evidence test drive a corvette.
Or rely on anecdotal evidence: my CD player with digital out sounded like it was creating a gap between the sound of cymbals and the rest of the audio stream. They sounded disjointed and in that sense highlighted. Installing a dedicated transport eliminated the gap. The sounds of cymbals became seamless and integrated into the whole. Was this jitter or some other quality of implementation? Who knows for sure.
In practice, you're missing the fact that the quality of design thought, the parts used, their layout and vibrational issues all affect any machine's ability to produce the results desired. For credible evidence test drive a corvette.
Or rely on anecdotal evidence: my CD player with digital out sounded like it was creating a gap between the sound of cymbals and the rest of the audio stream. They sounded disjointed and in that sense highlighted. Installing a dedicated transport eliminated the gap. The sounds of cymbals became seamless and integrated into the whole. Was this jitter or some other quality of implementation? Who knows for sure.