What is the best CD player direct into one's amp?

Sorry to digress, but a 4000A, now that really is a classic. I used one into Dayton-Wright XG-8s when the high end was in its infancy. I think that Nelson actually designed the 400A, 800A and 4000A on the Daytons, since they pretty much blew everything else up. Nice amp, a real classic, glad to hear that it is still in service. Oh BTW many of the Wadia players are specifically designed for direct connection to amps.

Let me know when you find out my ancient Audio Aero Prima CD was used that way and just crumped again . That Marantz sounds interesting for the Money. I can tell yout the Consonance is an underated product and it does sound good, there are several variations to choose from. There is an Agon dealer who specializes in their products Quest for Sound the dealer is a great guy.

I have owned the Prima, Resolution Audio Opus 21, Quad,Consonance 2.2 Ref and the Muse Thalia. The Muse was the best by a good margin. Hard to find used with the volume option. It was almost as good a an Audio Aero Capitole Sig that I A/B'd with it. Very close indeed.

Very few know how food this CD/DVD player is. The Resolution Audio is also great, but costs $2500 used.

Bill

I have owned and used several CD players or DACs with volume control. Here is the List:

Theta Miles (balanaced)
Cary CD-308
Quad 99 CDP
Resolution Audio Opus 21
Birdland Odeon Lite DAC
Monarchy Audio Model 33 DAC/pre-amp
Musical Fidelity CD/Pre-24 DAC/pre-amp

Personally, for value, I thought the Quad 99 CDP was the best. It sounded very good and only cost $800-850 used. It also had 6 additional digital inputs so you could add other digital components if you desire. Heck, you could buy one used, try it and resell it for little/zero loss if you didn't love it.

Overall, the best sounding from my list was the Resolution Audio Opus 21. Unfortunately, I have never seen one sell for under about $2400.

The Cary CD-308 is not bad for about $800 used. I've read that the Cary CD-308T (tube) is significantly better and it sells for about $1300 used.

Enjoy,

TIC

I am using a Resolution Audio CD55 in this manner and love it. Used, about $1200 to $1400 or so.