Romulus CD player--

"I would never go without a great preamp so the volume would be a waste."

Since your Romulus doesn't have a VC, how do you know?

I don't care what preamp you're using, less is more.

Kana, we disagree on this. No problem as we all have different tastes.

BTW the Signature version does not have to come with volume. One can have a Sig version with no VC. One can send a non VC unit in and have the Sig upgrade done.

I have owned many top end players with built in volume and no go in the end. More simple, as you say, does not automatically equal better sound. I suppose your reasoning would make an integrated amp, or better yet a receiver with dac the top of the audio chain:-)

Grannyring, You know I am a fan of the Romulas, maybe you have not found the best direct to amp set-up yet, look at Mattnshilp's thread, The absolute best for top tier redbook dac, you will see Guidocorona sold the Top model Roland pre-amp to use the Roland Aeris dac with Volume control to use straight to his amp, I wonder why he did that?, I understand what may work for him may not work for you, Guidocorna may be on to something.

Kana813, Do you have a signature Romulas with volume control running direct to a amp?

I have owned the best direct and tried it many, many, many times.....it will
never do for me. I must have a top flight TUBE preamp or too much is lost
IMHO.

I am reading that DAC thread. I see G sold his top flight SS pre and that is
good for him. He likes a certain type of sound that may well be different
than my preferences. I don't like Class D amps and he seems fond of them.
I would see why he likes going preless.