>>yes, I realize feeding directly into the amp is the best way to go, but cannot afford that now)
warren, this is NOT a forgone conclusion! I 3rd Arni & C123666.
From my experience the CDP needs to have sufficient o/p voltage to drive a power amp direct. When I had my Wadia 861 set to the factory 4.25V output, it drove a Plinius SA-250Mk4 (a friends) w/o any problems whatsoever. Today I have the o/p voltage much lower (tailored to fit my system) & it cannot drive that same amp (took my CDP over again) worth a cr**! The sound, w/ the lowered o/p voltage, is much degraded. Inserting a preamp redeems the sound.
If you upgrade the CDP volume control to a DacT or 1% precision resistor stepped attenuator then I'd agree w/ you. FWIW.
I simply gotta ask this question too - are you tired of your Audio Aero Prima CDP (the one that was THE BEST ever!)??
warren, this is NOT a forgone conclusion! I 3rd Arni & C123666.
From my experience the CDP needs to have sufficient o/p voltage to drive a power amp direct. When I had my Wadia 861 set to the factory 4.25V output, it drove a Plinius SA-250Mk4 (a friends) w/o any problems whatsoever. Today I have the o/p voltage much lower (tailored to fit my system) & it cannot drive that same amp (took my CDP over again) worth a cr**! The sound, w/ the lowered o/p voltage, is much degraded. Inserting a preamp redeems the sound.
If you upgrade the CDP volume control to a DacT or 1% precision resistor stepped attenuator then I'd agree w/ you. FWIW.
I simply gotta ask this question too - are you tired of your Audio Aero Prima CDP (the one that was THE BEST ever!)??