Ben, the CDP-202 has analogue volume control. I have tried the CDP by itself straight to the amp and thru my Classe CP-700 preamp. I must admit it does sound better through the preamp but the CP-700 is a heck of a preamp. I have not compared the unit to any of the other units you mentioned but I will say this, the CDP-202 sounds phenomenal. Somebody said something about "resolution" in another thread....BS! This thing sounds absolutely wonderful. Plenty of resolution, depth, bass, imaging, soundstaging and warmth(in a very realistic and musical way). There is no graininess or harshness AT ALL, just completely smooth music. I can listen for hours with zero fatigue. The CDP-202 is just a complete joy to listen to.
Run it in balanced mode and your done with looking for a CD player.
Run it in balanced mode and your done with looking for a CD player.