suggestions for top quality CDP running direct

Hi, I sold my REF2 to purchase an Accuphase DP-75v CDP. Running direct into Rowland model 9 monos w bps into Dunlavy SC-VI, wired with Dominus throught . I listened to the Audio aero MKII, Audiomecca IIX.The 75V is also very flexable, via expantion slots.

If you want a real life, inexpensive preview of what eliminating your pre-amp may sound like, take a look at tweakaudio.com where the Ultimate Attenuators are sold.
These are plugged directly into amp RCA input jacks, acting solely as stepped volume controls, and eliminating separate pre-amp with its pair of interconnects presently in the signal path. Ultimate Attenuators seem sonically invisible.
Allows for any CDP, even one with fixed analog outputs.
There is a model for either transistor, or tube amp.
Rather than simply running direct, when the pre-amp was gone, I discovered the SCE Harmonic Recovery box which better optimized the transfer of analog musical information exiting my CDP. So, in the end one pre-amp box was discarded, only to be replaced with one SCE Harmonic Recovery box. The payoff was getting audibly better sound than with either the original pre-amp, or with no pre-amp. Just one way that one change may lead to another.

Top quality in what price range? Are you interested in an expensive gamble or are you able to audition a lot of different players? These are important questions that will help determine a good recommendation.

Not knowing the answer to those questions, I would hardly recommend the Resolution Audio Opus 21. It is $3500 new, direct from the manufacturer and can sometimes be purchased used for $2400-2600 (You want the "new" transport only). I mistakenly sold mine because I was concerned about the flood of "recommended players" at dirt cheap prices. Well, I'm finding out that "you get what you pay for". Resolution Audio has a 30 day return policy with a small restocking fee. BTW, the RA Opus 21 is the best I've ever heard, but I have not heard the Accuphase, AudioMecca or Audio Aero. They are too expensive for me comfort level.

I've also owned the Theta Miles (balanced), Cary CD-308 and Birdland Odeon Lite DAC which all have built in volume control (The Odeon does not have remote). Based on my experience, I would purchase a Cary CD-308T (tube) if I only had $1500 to spend. Also, the Birdland O'deon AG and Benchmark DAC1 have volume control.

Just some possibilities. If your pockets are deeper (or looser) I'm sure you can do better than my suggestions.

Enjoy,

TIC