CD direct to Amp/Current TAS issue ?

I run my cd player directly into my amp. A cd player has to have a special set of VARIABLE outputs specifically designed to go directly into an amp. These CD players should have line level outputs for preamp use as well. If you try to connect your amp directly to line level (or non-VARIABLE) outputs you will probably blow up your speakers. Most CD player's these days output a strong enough signal that a preamp is generally lowering rather than increasing the output signal. I have heard some people state that the variable outputs are superior to using a preamp and vice versa. I found the variable outs sounded better in my system though this may have been a cheap cable issue. A nice advantage of using the CD player's variable outs is that I can use the CD remote for everything. Some CD players actually have digital input's so you can use them as a preamp in an all digital source system.

You need a CD Player that has analog outputs (most do) and includes volume control. I've got a Meridian 508.24 and, just out of curiosity, I tried to plug it directly into my amp. Just to be safe, I used the quietest CD track that I own (the opening of the Schneck/Chicago recording of Barber's Prayers of Kierkegaard), and the volume levels were extremely loud. Tolerable on the quiet section, but I didn't push it through any loud points, since this might have damaged the speakers, and it wasn't possible to decrease the volume. The sound was very clean, though, and I kind of wish I had bought the Wadia that I tried out(with digital volume control), instead of the Meridian. This is not to say that the Meridian is a bad CD player. In fact, it is probably the best part of my current set-up. I don't really use any other sources, though, so the Wadia would work great for me. Hey, if anyone is interested in trading a used Wadia 830i or an 850 for a Meridian 508.24 (with a little scratch to make up the difference with the 850), let me know (kjeffers@gll.com).

Why do people make tube amps that sell for thousand of dollars? because it acts as a tone control. If you bypass the preamp, then the benefits of the pre are negated.

you need to use a cd player w/ volume control. on the low end are units like the marantz cd67, i think cal audio has one or two, then resolution audio 50, a couple others and the wadias. the thing is, to get the best sound you need an excellent volume control(attenuator). thats where the wadias (all of them) excell- all done digitally. none of these options will hurt your system. also the wadias have inputs for other digital sources. good luck.

Hi Daddyo; I enjoyed the latest issue of TAS too, and like you, especially the various stereo systems they put together at different price levels. Anyway, just for the helluva it, I ran good ICs from my Sony CA9ES ($700. MSRP) variable out terminals directly to my amp (very good amp). The sound was so incredibly detailed, etched, wiry, and shrill that it almost made my ears bleed. I blame the cheap variable volume control of the Sony CD player for the harsh sound (control is on the remote, and it worked fine). I quickly learned that if you're going to do this, you need a CD player with a high quality volume control. I replugged the CD output back into my outboard DAC, tube pre-amp, and went back to being relaxed and happy. Happy listening. Craig