A lot depends upon how effeciant your speakers are and the size of your room. If your speakers are very effecient and linear, then using a cdp with a volume control may have enough drive with your Bel Canto amp in a small to mid size room. You may get more detail without a pre amp, and you will definately save money.
On the other hand, some people prefer to use a good pre amp that offers more drive and/or color. Many audiophiles prefer to use a tube pre amp with a solid state amp, although you may get the benefit of a tube output with the Cary 306/200.
I am presently very happy with my set-up. I'm going direct from my Metronome T-1i (solid state) cdp to the David Berning ZH-270 tube amp. The ZH-270 tube amp has a volume control and two inputs, which provides more drive than a cdp with a built-in volume control. I am getting great detail without using a pre amp, and I have enough drive to fill my large room with a cathedral ceiling.
On the other hand, some people prefer to use a good pre amp that offers more drive and/or color. Many audiophiles prefer to use a tube pre amp with a solid state amp, although you may get the benefit of a tube output with the Cary 306/200.
I am presently very happy with my set-up. I'm going direct from my Metronome T-1i (solid state) cdp to the David Berning ZH-270 tube amp. The ZH-270 tube amp has a volume control and two inputs, which provides more drive than a cdp with a built-in volume control. I am getting great detail without using a pre amp, and I have enough drive to fill my large room with a cathedral ceiling.