Cd players with variable output?

I've now owned 4 different digital front-ends that had built-in volume control, and I liked all of them very much. I really like the idea of a single pair of interconnects and reducing cost by not buying a pre-amp.

Here are the units I've owned. They are in the order of my preference.

Birdland Odeon Lite DAC (needs a CD or DVD transport for use)

Theta Miles (balanced version)

Cary CD-308 (will be selling soon as I upgraded)

Resolution Audio Opus 21

All sounded really good, but each successive rig was a little better. The RA Opus 21 is a killer unit! The Cary is really good for the price and has some other special features.

BTW, having one remote to control the usual CD player functions AND volume, is a major plus.

Enjoy,

TIC

So Proy, that's a pretty bold statement "Best deal for the $$$. bar none....".

Have you actually heard All of the $900-975 used CD players w/volume control, in your system?

If not, then you actually have no idea if the Sony is the best....bar none!

I have not heard the Sony in my system. I have heard all of the units I mentioned in my post. I don't know if any of them are the best for the $$$, bar none, but I do know how they sound relative to each other. They are all pretty good, and considering the rapid improvements in digital technology, it is likely that being 10-12 years newer, the Cary may well be sonically better than the Sony, even at half the weight!

Oh yeah, you can buy the Cary for only $800 used. And its transport is 10 years newer!

Enjoy,

TIC

PS, if you have heard all of these units in your system, nevermind! :~)

Viggen,

Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. Based on your moniker, I assume you know this!:~) But I agree, the Sony is more attractive to me too.

BTW, I like the Viggen too.....

Enjoy,

TIC