Preamp or Not to Preamp?

I second Sedond's recommendation. I think the ARC's power supplies and output stages are superior to those in any CD player, and that could make a significant difference. But it doesn't hurt to try, and your ears are the best judge in this case.

I probably can't answer your question anyway, but before anyone can, isn't some more information needed? WHAT Wadia digital source did you play straight in? WHAT passive preamp did you try? I'm a big passive fan myself, and am trying to sell a CAT SL 1 III in consequence, despite its transparancy having been improved by simplifying the signal path. But with my Accuphase DP-75, it's very clear that no preamp is better than even a very good passive preamp, much less the CAT, which comes in a poor third. If a modern Wadia doesn't sound better to you straight in, my suspicion would be that you've become fond of artifacts, which is okay but no criticism of the straight in option. One more factor to consider: how MUCH digital attenuation did you need? The 800 Wadias allow you to adjust so as to need very little, and maybe your older Wadia required you to use too much.

Be shure to adjust the analog output in the Wadia. The best Preamp is no preamp.

My preference is no pre amp. The reall problem is the impedance match with your power amps. I've owned Wadia (DP-75) and I did not prefer it staraight in. It has trouble really driving some power amps and the digital based volume control will drop bits and cause the sound to roll off at both top and bottom extensions it is a much better player with a pre amp IMO. An analog volume control will give better results as long as the player used has the same ability to resolve detail that the Wadia does (no slouch) I prefer the Resolution Audio resolves like a Wadia and will drive most power amps with aplomb. The wadia sounded best to me with the ARC Ref One Pre Amp. Just my Take!!!

i can't imagine *any* cd player that would sound better straight-in, then thru a *good* preamp. my brother-in-law has a resolution-audio cd player. it sounded better thru even a reasonably-priced alchemist kraken preamp (retail $1080), than straight-in. one person's opinion, doug.