Suggestions for adjustable gain CD player


I am looking for a relatively high quality CD player with adjustable gain, and I have been looking at the Wadia 302 player for one example. I do not need a unit with a volume control since I will be using it with a preamp. I currently have an Ayre CX7e player, which has an output level that is too hot for my system, otherwise I would keep it. I have tried Rothwell attenuators and did not like what they did for the sound quality. I am interested in players in the $2,000 to $3,000 price range, and do not need multi-format or DVD. Any further suggestions would be appreciated.
mitch2

Showing 2 responses by mitch2

Thanks Newbee for the thoughts. My system has changed and is not finalized, so I have not yet posted the changes. I do like to keep the system simple, and I still have the Aerial 9's and DNA 500, but I sold the Muse gear. I currently have the Ayre source and have been trying several tube preamps including the VTL 5.5 and an Atma-Sphere MP-3 (both nice). I want to stay with an all balanced system and I am considering getting back into vinyl so I will probably keep the MP-3. Therefore, the player will go through a preamp. The Ayre player ran hot through the MP-3, so that I could only use one or two clicks before the volume was getting quite loud. That is why I am interested in the Wadia players that allow you to adjust from 0.5 to 2.0 V output. Do you know of any others?
Thanks Jppenn, I was hoping to hear from some 302 owners. I do not mind a lateral move, but do not want to take a step down from the Ayre. Gregm, you must be mistaking the model Ayre I own, the CX-7e does not have any form of preamp or attenuation, although it is a good unit. I am not looking for any form of a volume control, but simply a unit where I can adjust (reduce) gain for system matching (e.g., set it an forget it). I contacted Ayre, but they said even if I send it in to them, they cannot modify the CX-7e to reduce gain.