Can a direct CD to amp connection degrade sound?


I've had a Cary 300/200 for over a year and always ran it thru my Rogue 99 pre amp. A week ago I tried going CD to my Rogue Zeus amp direct. Many ads suggested that with a volume-control CDP, a pre was a waste. Sounded right on paper, sounded very wrong in person. The sound without the pre was flat,tinny. There was no air around instruments. What happened? How can a pre improve a CDP's signal when the whole point is to leave the signal unchanged? Has anyone tried it both ways and compared the results?
manorraul

Showing 2 responses by fatparrot

Manorraul, contact the manufacturers. They should be able to give you the spec's.
Throughout the years, I've seen more negative than positive comments when people go directly from the CD player to the amp.