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What do modern, current day CD Transports do that older CDP's with RCA digital out don't?

I have read a few posts saying that even a modern inexpensive CD transport can sound better with modern DACs than older, more expensive CD players equipped with digital outputs (RCA digital output).

I understand very old CD players with optical outputs only can be poorer sounding due to the optical interface. But I would be curious to learn about how a nice $2000 Sony ES or Marantz higher grade CD player from 12-15 years ago, with RCA digital out won’t work just as well feeding a DAC as say, an modern Audiolab slot loading transport for about $600.  Let's consider the older player is working without problems, like bad laser or mechanical problems.

Hopeful that someone here can explain what the new stuff has on board that works in their favor.

troidelover1499

Showing 2 responses by elliottbnewcombjr

elliottbnewcombjr
5,211 posts
 

Digital Out can be different that the player's RCA outs

i.e. some do not always send SACD's DSD out the digital, but convert DSD to PCM internally

also, if sending to external dac, what internal OEM processing may have already occurred in older players prior to digital out?  I have no idea, just wondering if ....

elliottbnewcombjr
5,211 posts
 

A BIG YAY for Sony xa5400ES, it's internal dac and processing, no outboard DAC.

I went thru 2 two Onkyo's, 2 Oppos, 1 KLH, 1 Denon, 1 Yamaha, 2 Sonys until I found out about the Sony ES players and chose a lightly used xa5400.

 

 

It's not just the transport, or just the single or multiple dacs, it's the OEM's specific combo of all other technology: re-clocking, up-sampling, anti-jitter, error correction dsd out without conversion to pcm, that you hear, this Sony is the end of the line for me. If it dies, I find another without any hesitation or sideways glance. I was buying LP versions of favorite CD's. Not anymore, now it's re-discover all my existing CDs, buy 'new to me' used CD's as well as 'new to me' new or used LPs.

the transport, drawer could be made of granite or cardboard, once the disc is in play it has been lifted up, sandwiched between two spinners with no support other than the center, spun between 200 and 500 rpm. 

People buy replacement transports for the Sony ES players, IOW it's vintage transport is 'good enough' to produce superlative results.

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