A dac has to decode the values of the data stream AND the clock signal "built-in" in the signal. The source has to send both. Some dacs are sensitive to timing errors and is therefor sensitive to which transport or source that is used. Others dacs are not sensitive at all (may use large buffers and re-clock the signal) and are then insensitive to different sources.
Mr. Obvious (?) - digital source (burn)
After decades of improved CD players, I’ve been enjoying an Oppo BDP-103, on audio only. I now ponder the idea of a home music server, replacing the silver discs. After reading about the burning process (pit impressions and blank/land space), I’m thinking this front-end physical step creates the same coding on a CD Master Disc, on a hard drive, and on my burned discs via my home Mac. Home music servers use a hard drive, as do streaming services. They all use the exact same coding, via a hard drive or 4.7 inch disc. Correct? As to the all important sound quality, is the Only variable the DAC doing the de-coding before listening? I doubt a CD Transport affects sound quality(?). End question - any need for a home server vs. popping in my manageable group of CDs? Perhaps there is an engineer out there who can chime in. Thanks.