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CD player connected directly to Amplifier?

I've been noticing some CD players which can be connected directly to the amp; in many models, its the recommended way to play them. I've never done this, but it seems like a good way to go assuming one has a nice high-end cd player equipped for such a task. I see the obvious advantage of foregoing the expense of a separate preamp, especially in a combined HT/2 channel rig like my own. Is there an obvious advantage in performance? Anyone have any thoughts or experience with this method?
michaeljbrown
eldartford
4,262 posts
 
A "digital" volume control does not have to be implemented by "throwing away bits". If you were to "throw away" a bit, and I guess that means left shift the data, the bit you would lose would be the least significant one, which, since you are listening at reduced volume is unlikely to be audible. But such a shift would give a 6dB volume reduction, so I doubt that such an approach is used.
gsm18439
895 posts
 
I have used three CDPs with volume controls to drive amplifiers directly. Specifically, both the EAR Acute and Ancient Audio Lektor Prime had analogue volume controls. There was nothing to fault either of them.
zieman
339 posts
 
I have yet to hear a high end cd player sound as good as when incorporating an equal quality preamp.
rjhalla
47 posts
 
Whenever you can remove a component from the signal path you are very likely improving the resultant sound. If adding a pre improves the sound then it is likely you prefer what is being added, but in real terms it also means you don't really like the source you purchased and you are changing the inherent character.

For those that have yet to hear a cd or sacd player sound better driving an amp directly....well I challenge to plug an MCD500 or MCD301 into your system and report back.
itsalldark
182 posts
 
I have a Audio Aero Capitole MK2 SE running direct with a Hovland Radia and it is magic. I have also run it through a few very expensive pre amps and this combo sounds much better when the pre amp is removed from the chain. IMHO the pre amp, power cord and interconnects ALL add some type of color or signature to the music. If your CDP has a nice pre amp section and your CDP is your only source why not try it and hear what you have been missing !!!!
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