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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 jjss49

jjss49's avatar
jjss49
6,612 posts
 

op

looks like you aren’t going to get the answers you are looking for here

maybe check out some detailed reviews on the audiolab and other modern dedicated transports... they may have in depth technical explanations and in use comparisons that can shed light on your query

all you are getting here is heat, not light

some links below that may be helpful to you

https://www.hifichoice.com/content/audiolab-6000cdt

https://www.soundstageaccess.com/index.php/equipment-reviews/1022-audiolab-6000cdt-cd-transport

 

 

this last one ^^^ is very interesting... miguel is very smart, maybe too much info for you, going past what you are asking, but this guy is impressive, and this vid provides real insight into what is going on inside the unit

jjss49's avatar
jjss49
6,612 posts
 

i am not an expert on this, but i understand the newer players have fancier/more effective error correction/jitter management in the clocking and signal transmission out of the digital output

for spdif outputs the receiving dac is slave to the sender clock (whereas the newer usb configuration lets the receiver unit clock be the controlling one... )

am sure others with more detailed knowledge will chime in

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