Seeing that's is all about "balance" in the end (and of course, most people's system, to be critical, are off balance in one way or another), I think there's probably not one solution to every system set-up!!! They all tend to have different requirements/needs depending.
I've heard some systems that seem to do better with passives, or no preamp from the CD out. And I've heard others that absolutely do better with an active preamp (some tube/some solid state).
Usually what you find is that most CD player outs(or other sources) don't seem to make a good enough match in impedance and such with amp/speaker combo's! Some times it works great. Usually, when the passive approach doesn't work, it's either thin and amusical, or dynamics are lacking and a bit weak (more noticable on percussion and rock and such..).
The only way to find out is to try the different approaches, and see how it works in your sytem! I'm currently using a Pass Labs Aleph L passive/active preamp, which works supeb with my solid state friendly Sonus Faber Electa Amator set-up! It's passive all the way to a point on the volume, then goes active...best pre-amp I've had for this system. However, I noticed the same preamp doesn't seem to work as well with my older Thiel speakers/Classe amp combo! The sound was a bit thin, bright, and lacking snap! That combo did best with a tube active preamp for sure!
Anyway, you just gotta try for yourself what works, then you'll know....no free lunch...
I've heard some systems that seem to do better with passives, or no preamp from the CD out. And I've heard others that absolutely do better with an active preamp (some tube/some solid state).
Usually what you find is that most CD player outs(or other sources) don't seem to make a good enough match in impedance and such with amp/speaker combo's! Some times it works great. Usually, when the passive approach doesn't work, it's either thin and amusical, or dynamics are lacking and a bit weak (more noticable on percussion and rock and such..).
The only way to find out is to try the different approaches, and see how it works in your sytem! I'm currently using a Pass Labs Aleph L passive/active preamp, which works supeb with my solid state friendly Sonus Faber Electa Amator set-up! It's passive all the way to a point on the volume, then goes active...best pre-amp I've had for this system. However, I noticed the same preamp doesn't seem to work as well with my older Thiel speakers/Classe amp combo! The sound was a bit thin, bright, and lacking snap! That combo did best with a tube active preamp for sure!
Anyway, you just gotta try for yourself what works, then you'll know....no free lunch...