There are probably many threads on this. There is no best way. Some of the CDPs with volumes work very well and you hae to step up to a really good preamp to make it worth the expense. If you don;t have the funds to get a good preamp, using a CDP direct can get you most of the way there. Each component has its own sonic signature so you need to experiment to see what better goes with your taste.
I have found that running direct offers more details but it can loose some of the soul of the music. The Wadia 861 was pretty close running either way when I tried it. The Opus 21 worked better through the preamp but not by much.
Happy Listening.
I have found that running direct offers more details but it can loose some of the soul of the music. The Wadia 861 was pretty close running either way when I tried it. The Opus 21 worked better through the preamp but not by much.
Happy Listening.