older CD transport vs newer ones.

The Pro-Ject CD RS2 T Stream Unlimited Pro 8 transport is newer than Jay’s and outperforms it.
Top loader like a TT.

I disagree with slot loaders being rubbish. I've had several tray loaders malfunction, break, jamb, stick, you name it. Mechanical is mechanical. Anything with a moving part can break. As far as the slot loader harming the disc,,, I haven't experienced it.

As I was looking for a streamer, the Cambridge Audio 851N came up. It is built like a tank and sounded good. 
But the Technics SLG-700 was a revelation in build and sound quality. Tray load was solid, but one has to carefully place the CD… $3,000 range, but I found an “open box” for a good disco. 

Cd transports sound very different.... I went from an arcam cds50 which spins sacd.... At first into amp direct and then via a chord qutest DAC. Earlier this year bought a pro-ject rs2 cd transport at 4x the cost that ONLY does CD and I am amazed. CD played in the rs2 as good (but different) than same album SACD in the Arcam.

But playing CD vs CD in both units it becomes very clear that the Rs2 is lightyears better. Clarity, stereo seperation, musicality, blackness between notes... I could go on.

All I know is I am hitting charity shops here in UK snapping up their CD... Up to £1 each but sometimes 5 for a quid. Even compared to my vinyl rig which is a rega. RP8 with apheta 2 MC I think CD might have it and that is the greatest surprise. 

"All transports that conform to the CD Redbook standard will output the exact same data bits regardless of whether they come from cheap DVD players, CD players or boutique high-end transports. That's the Facts of Life, kids!"

This in my opinion is poor and misguided advice regardless of how well meaning and sincere it may be. DACs get much more coverage and attention but I believe that the quality of the CD transport is as crucial to achieving exceptional sound.

@ejlif I would encourage you to at the very least look into and learn more about the Pro-Ject RS2 CD BOX Transport. In my opinion you should get the best quality transport you can comfortably afford to pair with your high level dCS Rossini and extract its full potential. Contrary to what some others may espouse,  CD transport quality is vitally important and takes no back seat to the DAC.
Best of luck, 
Charles