My CD-player stopped working. Does it make sense to invest in a new CD-transport?

Of course only I can determine if it's worth the money. But that doesn't mean people's opinions can't help to figure out the pros and cons.

Digital is not like Analog where better mechanical engineering gets you better sound quality. Any CD/DVD player is going to output the identical data stream irrespective of its price. This is reality though golden ear 'philes will dispute this.That's why I use a secondhand JVC DVD player as a transport. Works fine, sounds great!

The problem with CD transports / players is that at some point you have to expect it to breakdown.  I’m on my 4th and all 4 have developed problems.  The prior 3 were replaced due to mechanical or electrical failures, not obsolescence or wanting to upgrade.  Too many moving parts, I guess!  Agree with Kennyc in that it really comes down to how much you plan to use it.  If you can accept having to replace it after 5 years (or less) or so and are willing to go with a cheaper transport, it may make more sense to go that route.

@russellrcncom I prefer to buy things that will last a long time. But you are right, it's a balance between sound quality, use and price.

@richardbrand I made an interesting observation. My streamer and dac can be connected by i2S, which is also recommended by the manufacturer (Metronome technologies) as the best one. However, several dealers recommended SPDIF as the better connection. When I compared a cheap HDMI cable to my more expensive Yamamura SPDIF, the latter was indeed the clear winner in terms of smoothness and details. However, recently I upgraded my preamp to a much better one. Now the difference in cable is hardly audible. Maybe the Yamamura is still a little smoother, but I need to listen side by side. Several times I assumed I was listening to the SPDIF connection and then it appeared to be the i2S. I guess it must somehow be the effect of the better preamp.