Sony ES DVD Players as a transport

I'm contemplating the addition of an external DAC to my stereo rig. I have an older Sony DVP-NS999ES DVD/CD/SACD player in the living room which hasn't been used much in the past couple years. It is a solidly built unit and am thinking of using the Sony as a dedicated transport in the near future.

Any A'Gon members have experience using the upper level ES DVD models as transports? Any input or suggestions are greatly appreciated.