A lot depends on how the CDP implements the volume control.
I have found that if the gain on the power amp is high, a digital volume control is usually less effective. If the power amp has a low enough gain and you can dial up the digital volume control high enough, it may be a better match.
The other issue I find, even when the gains match is that while a direct connection provides a "purer" more direct signal, the soundstage feels a bit flat and more 2D.
Providing a good preamp in the chain expands the soundstage, particularly in terms of depth.
And then you have something ilke the Ayon CD5S which adds a true analog preamp stage. That IMHO is something that has to be heard to be believed. I use it directly to the power amp in a second system. It's that good.
I have found that if the gain on the power amp is high, a digital volume control is usually less effective. If the power amp has a low enough gain and you can dial up the digital volume control high enough, it may be a better match.
The other issue I find, even when the gains match is that while a direct connection provides a "purer" more direct signal, the soundstage feels a bit flat and more 2D.
Providing a good preamp in the chain expands the soundstage, particularly in terms of depth.
And then you have something ilke the Ayon CD5S which adds a true analog preamp stage. That IMHO is something that has to be heard to be believed. I use it directly to the power amp in a second system. It's that good.