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Doesn't DAC Do Heavy Lifting vs. Transport?

As I am no expert, I was wondering just what one looks for in a CD transport if one has a separate DAC. Maximum stability and minimum jitter I assume, but beyond that? Doesn't the DAC do the heavy lifting? Does the transport impart it's own influence on the sound? How? What transports are recommended under $500?
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Showing 2 responses by bigbucks5

bigbucks5
184 posts
 
If the DAC is playing music from a buffer, then aren't the only requirements placed on the transport that it 1) keeps the buffer full and 2) doesn't pass incorrect data? So then, what the heck does it matter about jitter?
bigbucks5
184 posts
 
I guess that I always have assumed (there it is) that an external DAC doesn't ever rely on the transport for data timing. Instead, it empties its buffer at the right time intervals according to its own clock. Therefore, the only jitter is the DAC's jitter and the transport therefore must be totally irrelevant. Your experience means what? That some DACs don't use their own clock and instead rely on the transport's clock?

I just don't understand (unfortunately).
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