I agree with Mahandave. Compared to variable outs in sub $1000 players you would be hard pressed to beat a passive as the volume control. Passives tend to be very transparent but compared to an active line stage seem to lack in dynamics (based on my expereince with a couple of passive units). Even so, I far preferred the slight dynamic restriction of the passive compared to the flattening of the sound field of the variable output cd players I've tried. The only cd players I can think of that perform rather well with variable outs are the big guns from Wadia which control volume in the digital domain and the Theta Miles which controls in the analog domain.
A good passive like an older McCormack Micro Line drive can be had for around $300. A Creek even less. There are plenty of $700 or less fixed output cd players out there that sound great. Total of $1,000. That approach would allow you to have greater flexibility in finding a player with sonics closer to what you prefer.
Oh, if you go passive keep your cable lengths short.
A good passive like an older McCormack Micro Line drive can be had for around $300. A Creek even less. There are plenty of $700 or less fixed output cd players out there that sound great. Total of $1,000. That approach would allow you to have greater flexibility in finding a player with sonics closer to what you prefer.
Oh, if you go passive keep your cable lengths short.