CD transports; do they really matter

If anybody remembers way back Theta sold a transport that was actually a DVD player 

yes, but did you actually ascertain if it was a good sounding transport, as that was its function.?

i have Chord DAC which supposedly does the same. Unfortunately I can hear the difference between an average CD player digital out and a good transport, or even a CXC vs a Wadia

Cannot believe a rep would say that about his own products.

at least he had the decency to identify himself as such.

too much “silent running“ going on

nobody here has a DAC/PWT synergy or CDT/PWT interaction databse that they can immediately refer to and spit out an answer. These are issues that you can only resolve for yourself by listening. Even if somebody were to give you an answer, how are you sure that their taste is going to be the same as yours? It’s a bit like asking someone to tell you what pair of speakers to buy. And people do that too..

I have the pre-empted thoughts

probably best not to have any pre conceptions as they may influence your conclusions. Just go into each listening session session with an open mind. Learn how to listen critically. Ask yourself how the music communicates at an emotional level. Remember YOU are the one who is going to have to live with the choices you make.

A better mechanism is a better mechanism, whether it is in a transport-only body or not.

never a truer statement, let your ears decide, not someone else‘s prejudices..

of course the belt drive thing is CEC marketing. They make very good transports, but to suggest that they are inherently superior because of their drive mode is taking things a little bit in the direction of the marketing department. As you suggest belt drives introduce problems of their own that are not inherent to direct drives.

the transport matters. big time, interconnect too, defies logic, really wish it weren‘t so. Take @stuartk‘s sage advice and see for yourself.

If you can‘t hear a difference count yourself very lucky..

There is no longer a compelling reason to buy a CD player unless you love playing with physical things.

The arguments for streaming are manifold, however this is not a universally held view. See threads discussing this issue.