CD direct to Amp/Current TAS issue ?


In the current issue of the Absolute Sound, the reviewers are asked to put together reccomended systems within certain price ranges (this is a great issue, BTW). One of the reccomended systems has an amp and CD player, but no preamp. The reviewer says something to the effect of "Because the CD player has an analog output level control, a preamp is not required and that money can be put into other areas of the system." Does this work with any CD player/Amp combination as long as the CD has an output level control? Is there any risk of damaging the amp or speakers by using this "no preamp" configuration? Other than being limited to only one input source, are there any drawbacks to going direct to amp? I appreciate any light you can shed on this subject, especially if any of you are actually running your systems in this configuration.
daddyo
You need a CD Player that has analog outputs (most do) and includes volume control. I've got a Meridian 508.24 and, just out of curiosity, I tried to plug it directly into my amp. Just to be safe, I used the quietest CD track that I own (the opening of the Schneck/Chicago recording of Barber's Prayers of Kierkegaard), and the volume levels were extremely loud. Tolerable on the quiet section, but I didn't push it through any loud points, since this might have damaged the speakers, and it wasn't possible to decrease the volume. The sound was very clean, though, and I kind of wish I had bought the Wadia that I tried out(with digital volume control), instead of the Meridian. This is not to say that the Meridian is a bad CD player. In fact, it is probably the best part of my current set-up. I don't really use any other sources, though, so the Wadia would work great for me. Hey, if anyone is interested in trading a used Wadia 830i or an 850 for a Meridian 508.24 (with a little scratch to make up the difference with the 850), let me know (kjeffers@gll.com).
Why do people make tube amps that sell for thousand of dollars? because it acts as a tone control. If you bypass the preamp, then the benefits of the pre are negated.
you need to use a cd player w/ volume control. on the low end are units like the marantz cd67, i think cal audio has one or two, then resolution audio 50, a couple others and the wadias. the thing is, to get the best sound you need an excellent volume control(attenuator). thats where the wadias (all of them) excell- all done digitally. none of these options will hurt your system. also the wadias have inputs for other digital sources. good luck.
Hi Daddyo; I enjoyed the latest issue of TAS too, and like you, especially the various stereo systems they put together at different price levels. Anyway, just for the helluva it, I ran good ICs from my Sony CA9ES ($700. MSRP) variable out terminals directly to my amp (very good amp). The sound was so incredibly detailed, etched, wiry, and shrill that it almost made my ears bleed. I blame the cheap variable volume control of the Sony CD player for the harsh sound (control is on the remote, and it worked fine). I quickly learned that if you're going to do this, you need a CD player with a high quality volume control. I replugged the CD output back into my outboard DAC, tube pre-amp, and went back to being relaxed and happy. Happy listening. Craig
... Of course the CD player also has to have a high quality built in DAC to sound good, and the CA9 doesn,t. I also use the well regarded Sony XA7 that has an excellent built in DAC. I'll have to try its variable outs (it's harder to get to). Craig.