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Recent cd players w/ analog output/volume control

I'm looking for a moderately (no more than about $1500 new or used) to inexpensively priced cd player that has a volume control with variable analog output allowing direct connection to an amp. So far, my research has revealed a relatively small handful of such cd players, most of which are older and/or discontinued. Does anyone know of any present or recent players having this capability? Thanks to any or all.
opus88
opus88 OP
530 posts
 
Thank you, Matt. Before anyone else plans to respond, I would just like to add I want to avoid any cd player whose sound is sharp edged, bright, biased toward the treble range or overly analytical.
zd542
5,339 posts
 
Why an analog volume control? The loss of resolution/SQ when using a digital volume control is very overrated. That said, if it must be analog, some of the Cary's have analog VC's. Theta Miles does too.
opus88 OP
530 posts
 
Zd542: Good question. Frankly, I'm not really sure. Maybe it's my ignorance regarding some sort of lingering prejudice about "digital artifacts". What do you expect from an old, dyed-in-the-wool analog fan ;-)?
opus88 OP
530 posts
 
Is there a basic Oppo cd player(without video functions)that might have what I'm looking for?
zd542
5,339 posts
 
I think this will go a lot easier if you give more info on your system. One thing you need to be very careful of if you decide to not use an active line stage are gain issues. Without a line stage to act as a buffer between an amp and sources, it easy to get gain related hiss or noise. Especially if you have very efficient speakers.
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