CD Player with volume or preamp

The current single source in my system is the Granite Audio 657 cd player and I use the tube output stage with manual level control. The analog output is adjustable from 0-30v. The signal goes to a Placette Passive linestage. I have the output on the cd player set below 1/3. At that setting, most recordings are barely audible on the lowest linestage setting and loud before half. The beauty of this combination is the signal can be increased going into the passive to be attenuated for volume control to the amp. I think I'm getting the benefits of a passive transparency with no negatives and the volume control on the Placette is outstanding.

You should avoid any cd player that has a level control on the digital output.

The upside of cdp to amp is saving on one pair of interconnects, cord, and preamp. You could put more into the other components within your budget. What speakers are you considering for the system?

KF has given you an excellent option. Proac 2.5's or Harbeth Compact 7's, I bet would work quite well with this setup. Others may argue that this would be the perfect setup for a Resolution Audio CDP. With only one source it would seem most reasonable to me to run the Opus player through tube amplification with what I suspect would be awesome results. Personally, I have Quicksilver Silver 60 monos which have a wonderful synergy with my Spendor Sp1/2's.

Another CD player to consider would be one from the Resolution Audio range. The CD-50 and CD-55 are absurd bargains in the $1,500 range s/h, and the newly released Opus 21 is an improvement over these and retails for $3,000. They have both balanced and unbalanced outputs and have a digital volume control that will drive directly into a power amp. Check out the reviews on any of these and you will be impressed with the loyal following these units have. I currently own the 50 and will shortly be upgrading to the Opus 21. I drive Plinius amps with mine.

Peter, are you considering not doing an active preamp for this guy, who's into loud rock??? The dynamics will suffer according via the PASSIVE ROUTE!!!! I'd do the preamp for him for sure...that's me however

The Resolution Audio Opus 21 is the best I've heard