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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
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,236 posts
 

if your CDP sounds better than streaming, it pretty much says you have not kept up in the "arms race" for a streamin set up.

I disagree, they can definitely go toe to toe, you can easily increase the sound quality with either a transport or music server/streamer. It depends on how far one is willing to go in terms of budget comfort zone.

Both of these digital source components can range from "just ok" to uber level of performance. Examples of superb design, engineering and implementation exist for either source  options.

Charles

facten
2,764 posts
 

+1 Charles

 

 

marqmike
838 posts
 

I hope this doesn't hi jack this thread. I hope this is in the spirit of the thread. If not I apologize. I have an old Theta Pearl CDT, Late 1980's I believe. I have had it about 10 years and works great. And sounds noticeably better than my Marantz CD recorder, Pioneer Blue Ray player as a transport, my NAD 5000 cd player as a transport. Has anyone here had one, if so what did you go to and what significant difference do you notice. Thank you

nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,589 posts
 

In keeping with the OP's question and not going off into the weeds, there's a review of the CEC TL5 from HIFi+ that says it outperforms their CD5, which is basically the same unit but with a built in DAC (making it a CDP), when using the digital out of both to a DAC.

Over at You/Tube, on the Hans Beekhuzen Channel, he reviews the CEC CD5 and really liked what he heard. In the comments section, someone brought up the Marantz SA-10 (still, a highly regarded CDP) and Hans said the CD5 beat it out by more than a nose. 

So, yes, I think a dedicated CDT is the way to go. When Technics finally gets their act together and starts shipping their SU-G700M2 integrated, I plan on getting the TL5.

All the best,
Nonoise

charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,236 posts
 

So, yes, I think a dedicated CDT is the way to go. When Technics finally gets their act together and starts shipping their SU-G700M2 integrated, I plan on getting the TL5.

There are  very good quality CD transports available and this would qualify as one of them. I can't imagine there'd be any regrets.

Charles 

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