Transport needs a DAC to convert the digital signal coming from its output before it can be be plug-in to the analog inputs of your preamp. (If your preamp accepts digital signal then it means that your preamp has a built in DAC into it and thus you don't need an outboard DAC). The term player is used when the unit houses both the transport and the DAC in the same chassis. In addition the player has an analog output signal that can be plug-in to the analog inputs of the preamp. I hope that helps to differentiate the two terms.
