To Preamp Or Not To Preamp,That Is The Question

Hey Mikey!

If it sounds good to you, don't mess with it!

I've used CD direct over the last 10 years with most of my system incarnations. For me, it is a good value decision. I don't spend funds on a pre-amp that is not necessary, I save the audio rack real estate required for the unnecessary component and I like the transparency of the CD direct sound.

However, I have also used a pre-amp and I can understand why many audio enthusiast would prefer to have one. It adds multi-input capabilities, adds gain (if needed) and typically gives the system more dynamic capabilities. For classical music or hard driving rock, I think a pre-amp may be more beneficial. For acoustic, jazz , singer/songwriter or other more intimate types of music, I feel it's very easy to live without a pre-amp (if one doesn't need multi input capabilities).

For me, it comes down to a value decision. I typically don't want to pay for a high quality pre-amp when I'm happy with the sound I get without one.

Enjoy,

TIC

Mikey,

Many fine CD players from Theta, Wadia, Resolution Audio, Cary, Quad, etc., have variable volume control. I've owned CD players from Quad, Theta and Musical fidelity which had variable volume control. I've also owned DACs from Monarchy and Birdland which had variable volume control.

Currently I have an EVS Level-2 modified Oppo 970 that has variable volume control. Unlike the other players I've owned, this one uses digital volume control, which does lose resolution as you lower the volume. It's not optimal, but it still sounds great and I still enjoy the benefits of CE direct, plus I get DVD, DVD-A, SACD, etc. with the Oppo.....

Enjoy,

TIC

Mikey,

The Quad 99 CDP or 99 CDP-2 is a very good sounding CD player when used direct to amp. It also has multiple digital inputs, so you can use it as the pre-amp (switcher) for multiple digital sources.

I had both a 99 CDP and a 99 CDP-2 a few years ago. I connected my DVD player and digital cable box through it with good results. If I still had it today, I would also be connecting my MAC Mini based music server through it.

I've seen them for as little as $600 and it is a very good unit. BTW, there is also a Quad 99 CD player (not CDP). Don't buy it. I think it is only for use connected directly via Quad-link to a Quad integrated amp.

Does the Cambridge Audio 840c have variable volume? If so, it might be a good choice. It gets nearly universal good reviews.

Another very good moderately priced player with variable volume is the Cary DC-308 that I once owned. Supposedly the CD-308T(tube) is even better, but I've never heard one.

Enjoy,

TIC