I am interested in using a passive pre-amp in my system but am curious if it would sound better than going direct from cd. I currently own a reference line power amp and would naturally use its matching pre, but i am not sure if this would sound better than running a wadia 830 or cal audio cl-20. For the most part i only listen to one source. So my question is should i go the passive route or look at purchasing one of the above cd players. I have personally found running cd direct into the amp has led to aloss in dynamics, at least with the players i have heard. Supposedly both wadia and cal audio share the same digital attenuation stage. If any one could offer some advice please do.
Passive Preamps
I have the EVS "Nude Attenuator" RCA version which costs $225. I didn't evaluate others such as the Placette Audio, Art Audio, etc. My preference is the type that eliminated one interconnect and mounts directly to the back of the amp's RCA. Has anyone done cross comparisons between passive preamps? I have seen passive preamps as high as $1000. My system - Sony SACD player, Harmonic ProSilway II interconnects and a Bel Canto EVo 200.2 Digital amp.