CD player, audio out, discrete vs. op-amps..?

"I have not liked the sound of players using op-amps for the audio output stage. Am I wrong that discrete components in the output stage are better than op-amps, or are there exceptions to that thought?"

I would prefer no op-amps, but there are so many different players out there, you may find an exception. Personally, I usually just listen to a component and make a decision based on that.

I prefer tubes in the output stage
Alan

It's "possible" that the op -amp could play a role in what you hear. I've read that they rely on generous amounts of NFB. A discrete circuit can be designed with little or no NFB used. Just a generalization(other varibles as well at play). The best test is to listen and judge the individual players of interest.