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Running CD-Player Directly from Amp

I'm curious about the impressions of audiophiles regarding the use of a CD-Player's variable output for volume control while running it directly from a power amp. It seems like an ideal solution for a digital-only music listener, but doesn't the sound quality end up depending on the quality of the CDP's volume control?

Short of, say, a Wadia 850, are there any other CDP's (<$2,000) that give good results when used without a pre-amp?
ets23

Showing 1 response by reubent

reubent
3,587 posts
 
I use my Theta Miles connected directly to a pair on Monarchy Audio SM-70's via balanced interconnects. This setup works very well. The Theta has variable analog volume control of both unbalanced(RCA) and balanced(XLR) outputs. For a single source system, this works great.

I also sometimes use the Theta into a Plinius 8200 integrated. It is very hard to tell the two setups apart. A pair of used Monarchy's are significantly less expensive than the Plinius, but provide less functionality. I still haven't decided which setup to keep!

Enjoy,

TIC
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