Are Preamps necessary?

This question has been kicked around quite a few times recently. I would suggest doing a search on Audiogon for these players: Resolution Audio Opus 21, Wadia 861, or Audio Aero Capitole MKII. Each player has been discussed in the various preamp or no preamp posts. Good luck!

With the Yamaha equipment, you will never be at the symphony.
Sorry.

David

A lot of thought and reading results in success when building a system. You first need a plan...your plan must include everything you would like to achieve with the end result.

You will also need to include your room this system will be placed in along with any (wife acceptance factor) that may alter your plan.

A financial breakdown from the total that you plan to spend will give a more clear picture and starting point. This may also alter your plan short-term...or even long-term depending on YOU.

Remember, our goals are not all the same. Take advice and opinion for what it is and use it as just another tool among many. I wish the internet had been around when I was building my first systems back in the 60's...use it to your advantage as another tool.

I don't usually ramble on like this, but I see that this is your first post.

Dave

JW94055 is right; you will need a volume control somewhere, I would try a passive, in my case once you've tried a passive you will not want an active preamp. The active preamp will always be adding another step of separation from the music, IMHO.