CD Player with volume or preamp

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

I have owned the Cary 303/200 and found it to benefit from a good tube pre amp. The volume control on CD Players in the 3K price range don't do justice to a good pre amp. You will have to get the Audio Aero Capitole MK I or MK II or a Wadia 301 to go direct and get the most out of your music. If I were you, I would get one of the Audio Aero MK IIs on Audiogon right now which is about $5000 USD and forget the pre amp altogether. I promise you you will yield more benefit by putting this 5K into this player than any other upgrade that you can do. If you have any more questions please feel free to email me.