CD Player Connected Directly to Amp

Check out the Audio Aero. It has a volume control with remote function of the entire player including volume and is one of the most enjoyable digital systems available. Another option to the EVS is a Placette passive volume control. These are exceptionally good passives. Not quite in the same class but very good is the Reference line Pre-eminence passive control. Both of these passives can be had with remote volumne.

You may also run a McCormack Micro Line Drive in passive mode.Great sound at approximately $300.
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I second the micro-line drive. Great build, only the essentials (3 inputs, volume control) and can be either active or passive.

Wadia 9 + 7 combo connect direct to power amps is the best aproach. Best of the best. I used to have Mark Levinson No.26S (a true reference pre-amp) even with the Wadia's connect to the preamp. Until I hook the up the Wadia 7 + 9 combo directly to the amps, there is no going back. The different is like listening to the hi-fi. vs. going to the concert hall (OC Performing Art Center) Need I say more ? Cheers.

Recently, I took the plunge and purchased an Audio Aero MKII. It replaced a Metronome T1A Transport and C1A DAC and a Genesis digital lens - one Conrad Johnson 17LS preamp - one Gold FIM and one Marigo Apparition 5.6 digital interconnects, one pair of Marigo MR33F interconnects, and four Electraglide Fat boys (all of which is now boxed up and ready to sell).
Don't get me wrong, the Metronome/Genesis/CJ stuff is great, whoever buys all this stuff will be happy! I was just tierd of all the boxes and cables everywhere, and I was ready for a change.
Bottom line - I COULDN'T BE HAPPIER. The system is now my CD player going directly into my power amp. Great Sound with "AIR" now being reproduced from my standard, 'red-book' CD's. The sound is fabulous. If you can, look for the Audio Aero. Then you'll be finished.