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CD Player w Volume control-Suggestions?

I am looking to run direct to my amp as the majority of my listening is digital. I am looking for a player which is upgradable, and has an excellent volume control. Unfortunately, I don't get the opportunity to audiotion alot of peices, and therefore have to "dwindle" down the choices and go from there. My budget is about $3000US (I'm from Canada.......so that's about $4500CDN). Any suggestions? This is my system I'd be connecting it to: HT TruthLink 2m XLR Plinius SA-100 MkII Transparent Ultras (single) Castle Winchester speakers with mods. Thanks alot folks and happy listenin'!!
rcoppens
rcoppens OP
5 posts
 
LOL .... Alot....hmmm, must be my Canuck upbringin'.....just like ain't in the US or "yous guys" in the Maritimes?? I've seen a few posts, but was hoping someone had luck with the Plinius and is familiar with the Castle speakers (namely the Winchesters, which there was only 1000prs built). Doesn't hurt to ask.....
rcoppens OP
5 posts
 
ALSO,...... Am looking into DAC's with volume controls as well. I am only familiar with Camelot and Wadia's. Any others??
gmkowal5c1a
91 posts
 
I think you are on the right path. If I had a cd player with a volume control and enough output, I would drive the amp directly. By putting another piece of equipment between the cd and amp you are introducing an entity that may color the music. To my ears this is not a desireable thing. When it is time to upgrade I will try to buy the most transparent amp I can afford and if I can not find a good CD player with a volume control I will add a good set of attenuators between the CD and amp.
dekay's avatar
dekay
5,385 posts
 
See if you can audition the Theta Miles. It has a nice and punchy rythem, good seperation on instruments and is very musical. If you like your sound not quite as much "in your face", then check out the Resolution Audio models 50 and 55. I use a player/DAC combo, but only did so due to budget restrictions. An all in one player is less hassle and can sound just as good or better, plus you don't have to juggle more cables (tone controls) in your system.
jla
231 posts
 
I recently pulled my Audio Research preamp out of the chain since all of my listening is digital and I am now running my Wadia 850 directly to my Mark Levinson 331 via Harmonic Technology Pro Silway Mk. II Balanced. When comparing the Wadia's w/out a preamp make sure the internal DIP switches are set to match your systems sensitivity. I recently adjusted the internal DIP switches in my Wadia 850 in order to maximize its output level. I am now listening between the 70-90 range comparred to the 45-65 range. This allows me to operate the 850 well beyond the top half of its range and the resolution and overall weight of the presentation has been incresed dramatically. Also, with the exception of some of the best preamps available I have found the Wadia's to always sound better w/out a preamp
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