Why do these 2 sources sound different to each other whilst playing exactly same CD?

[Arkless Electronics]

They are being used through an off board DAC so the same DAC chips in both cases, hence the mystery. Although it is only half a mystery as anyone with ears can hear that transports sound different (not necessarily better or worse).

I've read that is that a co-ax/spdif cable does not transmit the data the same way electrically as a computer type cable like a USB cable does and this creates differences in cables as noise and distortion can be generated, although in this case the cables are identical.

Ah yes I should have read the op more carefully.... In that case I doubt any difference is present...

[bumpy]

Cables make a minuscule difference, if any, in digital audio.

Sorry, but you must have failed to hear a good digital cable. The result is far from minuscule.

[bumpy]

I don't understand the drama, of course they will sound different. If all CD transports or CD players with digital outputs sounded the same then there would only be need for one manufacturer and a £100 player would sound the same as a £5000 player.

Every part of a Hi Fi chain can affect the SQ, even down to fuses and binding posts.

[Arkless Electronics]

I don't understand the drama, of course they will sound different. If all CD transports or CD players with digital outputs sounded the same then there would only be need for one manufacturer and a £100 player would sound the same as a £5000 player.

Every part of a Hi Fi chain can affect the SQ, even down to fuses and binding posts.

Ever so tempted... but won't rise to the bait

[Macca]

Ever so tempted... but won't rise to the bait

Best not. But have to say I thought the same as you re CD transports until I tried it for myself. It isn't night and day difference but is more than one can wilfully put down to imagination. Although I accept a lot of transports will be indistinguishable from one another.

[Arkless Electronics]

Best not. But have to say I thought the same as you re CD transports until I tried it for myself. It isn't night and day difference but is more than one can wilfully put down to imagination. Although I accept a lot of transports will be indistinguishable from one another.

I guess I can see there being really tiny differences between transports yes. Error correction, ie "fudging it" will be more or less apparent depending on how well the unit reads the info...

[Dunluce978]

Another thing - is the perceived audio level you hear from the speakers exactly the same when you switch transports? Have you measured it with a sound meter?
A slight difference in sound levels easily fools the brains perception of audio quality/detail.

[57charles]

Arkless Electronics - I have been listening to hi-fi for over 40 years and whilst I'm sceptical about a lot of things, I trust my ears - there is a demonstrable difference between these two units which I can discern on a blind AB test - it's not snake oil and it's not imagination and I'm not a flat earther - I'm just a normal guy who loves music and hi-fi in equal amounts - not into cable differences, Russ Andrews etc etc. Just sayin'

[57charles]

Sound levels are the same - there is a perceived darkness and richness with the Denon and an open, lighter balance to the sound with the Sony - I like both of them!

[bumpy]

Sound levels are the same - there is a perceived darkness and richness with the Denon and an open, lighter balance to the sound with the Sony - I like both of them!

What is it that make you think they should sound the same?