Does the Transport make a significant difference

Ricred1,
the PWT has "very high" sound quality. As others here have pointed out, transports play a major role regarding the overall sound you get from CDs.

Ricred1,
I believe you'll be happy once you hear the PWT in your system.

Some have made the case that transports are equal or perhaps more important for overall sound quality Than the DAC..I can tell you that the PS Audio PWT is an excellent transport to consider(exceptional value used). Jfrech is right, all the individual pieces matter.

Agree with Rja, active preamp vs direct DAC just try both methods in your system and compare. That topic has been discussed it seems a thousand times on audiogon. The answers never change.