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 troidelover1499

Thanks to all that responded so far. Some are more useful than others.

I don’t plan on spending several thousand bucks on a new CD transport, but maybe a thousand or so. So yes, I was referring to more economical, but good modern transports, and whether they are somehow now able to outperform a real nice CD player with a coaxial digital output from say 10-15-20 years ago.