If a player only has one set of outputs with variable output, adding additional gain stages will only amplify what the player is already passing through its' built in attenuator.
On top of that, so long as the player already has more than enough output and is capable of easily driving the amplifier to full output and beyond, one should not run into the typical "lack of dynamics" situation that many people feel occurs when running passive or direct.
In addition to all of the above, Cdc mentions that the cdp being used has a buffer stage built in, so the player itself should be less sensitive to cable changes, etc... Adding another gain stage that is sensitive to cable / impedance changes could easily reduce the sound quality that such a design is capable of providing.
For the record, i typically prefer active preamplification for multiple reasons. BUT, and that is a BIG "but", if everything is accounted for with a well designed cd player and it is your only source, i see no reason why this should not work out quite well.
As mentioned above, try it and see. Personally, i would want my cd player to be capable of producing at least 3 - 4 volts on a steady state if i were going to do something like this. Running a player with lower output levels may get you into trouble. Obviously, this is an amplifier dependent situation so there is quite a bit of lee-way involved. Sean
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