My favorite way to get the separate amp performance without the preamp cost, and to avoid the somewhat less stellar performance of an integrated amp, is to use EVS Ultimate Attenuators, from tweakaudio.com.
If playing only one source, such as CD's, you can usually do without the preamp, and still use a CDP lacking built-in volume control, if you go with the Ultimate Attenuators.
They plug directly into the RCA input jacks on your amp. There is a model for tube, or transistor amp matching.
The list price is $350, which is often less than the cost of the interconnects you no longer need when a separate preamp is absent.
The stepped volume controls are not as flexible as continuous ones, but the quality of a fine amp can be revealed, as never before.
If playing only one source, such as CD's, you can usually do without the preamp, and still use a CDP lacking built-in volume control, if you go with the Ultimate Attenuators.
They plug directly into the RCA input jacks on your amp. There is a model for tube, or transistor amp matching.
The list price is $350, which is often less than the cost of the interconnects you no longer need when a separate preamp is absent.
The stepped volume controls are not as flexible as continuous ones, but the quality of a fine amp can be revealed, as never before.