Should I need a pre amp for one source?

benzman

Your Cary has up to 3v output from a nice low 220ohm source and it has a volume control just do a direct to amp connection for the most transparent/dynamic sound you can get, any preamp will detract from these and add coloration/distortion.

From Cary: DMS 600 has full 3-volt output and variable volume control for direct-to-amplifier connection

Cheers George

Yes it drives my Kismet Monoblocks nicely. I just like to leave the digital sources at 100 and let the pre take care of volume while increasing the voltage.
Funny my goal all along was to get rid of a pre in the chain. I had a Gold Note DS-10 which is a Streamer/dac and analog pre, but just didn't cut the mustard. Very good for 2500 but not in the league of the Cary.
I had a Musicbook Source on order, which is a Streamer/dac with an analog pre but they took to long to get it to market. I guess I am hung up on the "digital" volume control figuring I am losing bits at lower output.
Thanks for the advice. I am building a dedicated room and will take the 3k and invest in a wall system which will probably make a much bigger difference for the $$$  

Schiit Sys as noted above. Simple and silent if you don’t need additional voltage or tone control. 

The question is whether you want a volume control or music? Those that find the right preamp don’t let it out of their grasp.

benzman OP
I just like to leave the digital sources at 100 and let the pre take care
of volume while increasing the voltage.

Good idea that way you don’t run the risk of bit stripping if the digital domain volume control is under 75% of full. (But if higher than 75% I would still go direct for the very best).

The Cary with it’s volume up full is 3v available at 200ohms, all you need is a good passive as tgrisham mentioned,  the Odyssey only needs 1v in to make it clip full output, so no need for anymore gain, noise, and coloration/distortion that an active preamp brings to the equation.

Remember what Nelson Pass said: (this’ll get a few backs up again)

Nelson Pass,

We’ve got lots of gain in our electronics. More gain than some of us need or want. At least 10 db more.

Think of it this way: If you are running your volume control down around 9 o’clock, you are actually throwing away signal level so that a subsequent gain stage can make it back up.

Routinely DIYers opt to make themselves a “passive preamp” - just an input selector and a volume control.

What could be better? Hardly any noise or distortion added by these simple passive parts. No feedback, no worrying about what type of capacitors – just musical perfection.

And yet there are guys out there who don’t care for the result. “It sucks the life out of the music”, is a commonly heard refrain (really - I’m being serious here!). Maybe they are reacting psychologically to the need to turn the volume control up compared to an active preamp.

Cheers George