Passive line stage? New cd player? Opinions please

System below...

I'm trying to find more transparancy/nirvana in my digital front end. I currently have my preamp in bypass mode when listening to cd.

I'm wondering if a passive preamp, like the Placette Line Stage, would be the answer. It has 3 sets of inputs so I can use my HT preamp through it for movies/TV (and match volume levels). I'd prefer a passive with a remote volume control.

Another option could be a new CD player or DAC. The Cary 303/300 looks good to me (I want HDCD). I coud go directly to the amp with it, but then that cuts out HT and radio, so that's out.

I guess I'm wondering if bypass mode on my preamp is truly bypass; a clean path. Or can I do better?

Thanks in advance for opinions!

relevant equipment:
Music Hall CD-25 modified
Outlaw 990 preamp
Eagle 7A amp
Hales Transcendence 5 speakers
VH Audio DIY silver interconnects w/Furutech RCAs
VH Audio power cables
Audioquest type 4 bi-wired