New CDP on the way--Advise, please

Standby mode sounds like it should work, although I don't know the circuitry well enough to say exactly what is engaged and what is not in this mode. Personally, I would power up fully if there were any real doubt. If you have an ohm meter, you could test to see if the selector goes to open circuit (infinite resistance with no opportunity for current flow) when in standby mode. Best of luck.

Jcbtubes - It would be logical to assume that the CDP will be plugged into Warrenh's YBA Passion Integre integrated amp. The YBA Passion line uses electronic switching relays for input selection, not a mechanical selector switch. This may be one of the rare occasions that you mentioned where the device needs to be powered up to achieve the desired loading.