Dvavc, I don't use a preamp... currently I'm running the CD Player directly to my Atma-Sphere amps via single-ended Kimber PBJ. I am trying to decide if it makes sense to go with balanced. The Atma-Spheres are fully balanced, but, unless the CD Player is fully balanced, the benefits are not so significant. In this case I could go either single-ended or balanced, opening up a wider range of IC's in my price range.