CD Transport

This function can be part of a complete CD player or a separate transport feeding an external DAC. A player’s analogue output uses an internal converter; its digital output lets another component perform that conversion. A CD ripper that only copies discs into stored files has a different job.

Check the disc formats you need, including any stated CD-R or CD-RW support. Loading type determines access and clearance, while the named drive mechanism identifies the reading hardware. Neither alone establishes better sound.

Match the digital output to the DAC’s input and supported formats. Coaxial, optical, AES/EBU and I²S connections can have different requirements. If upsampling is offered, check what actually leaves the chosen output: internal processing does not establish its transmitted rate.