I had a current model of a Cambridge transport, with both optical and digital outputs to an external DAC. The transport was for RedBook CDs only. (no md3 or SACD disks) I was very satisfied with its handling of RedBook 16/44.1CDs. I've given both the transport and DAC to my grandson, as I'm now the owner of a BCD-3 CD Player (yes: still only standard RedBook CDs!)
I have several disks that are hard to load and play, but the Cambridge transport managed to play them with no trouble. IMO, the digital output is preferred, but output via the TosLink was identical to the digital.
One of my favorite test recordings is the Verdi Requiem by Fritz Reiner. It's an early recording, remastered by Decca. The beginning Requiem, followed by the Dies irae can tax both the frequency and dynamic system responses to classical music.. The Cambridge transport didn't disappoint.