CD Player versu Dedicated Transport

Well, I had the ARC CD first, and I thought it sounding just fine. I did not do a lot of comparisons when I bought it, but I certainly enjoyed my system. The Audio Logic 24MXL changed the sound. The sound was more alive, more jump factor, I guess what people refer to as dynamics. I get the sense there is more precise positioning of instruments physically and a distinct sources of sound in relation to other voices or insruments in the music - I guess less "smearing" or "blurring" of the individual instruments or voices.

I'd like to hear more about the right digital cable. I'm using a DH Labs Coax BNC to RCA. What might offer some improvement?

Great. One source of neurosis put to an end. Thanks.

Audphile1, I have not tried the ARC CD in balanced mode. The DAC is single-ended, and my CAT pre is as well. For reasons I don't quite understand, I've heard that in the case of the 24MXL DAC it sounds "better" in single-ended (they do make a balanced version).