If I rip all my CD's to flac files do I still need a CD transport?

Thanks for the confirmation. To be sure, I have a CD player. It is a Denon Professional DN-300Z. Handy to have in the system, but seldom used. I doubt it is even entry level audiophile quality.  My focus is vinyl anyway. But I still have quite a few CDs. 

With my focus being vinyl my current streamers are real-time Linux based built for purpose computers. My first DAC is also entry level being the SMSL SU-1. It will probably find its final place in my RV's system. It has been helpful as I enter the streamer/DAC space. I have yet to subscribe to a streaming service, but I have been test driving each one. I'll pick one before the end of they year...

I think that is a great question. My research led me to Exact Audio Copy as the software because it interrogates the CD drive and does not read the data as a CD player would, but rather as a data appliance. The audio CD format does not have much error correction/detection so the app reads each sector multiple times looking for consistent results. It also compares your results with previous users to identify problematic data. 

How to rip your CDs to FLAC | TechRadar

Said well.  I am an old IT pro so I backup and backup again. My flac files are on each real time Linux streamer as well as my NAS which I backup to 2 other NAS devices both of which are remotely located and online. Call me paranoid.

Indeed EAC is a bit fun to configure. I put a link to the article I used to guide my configuration previously in this thread. 

I have no intention to sell my CDs. They are a proof of ownership to the tracks as well as one my level of backup. Not to mention they are handy in the car from time to time.

I do enjoy using a MALP client on my phone and the room filling with sound. I don't even have to get out of my listening chair. But nonetheless, I really get a visceral pleasure from vinyl. I can't explain it, but it still sounds better