There is the SCE Harmonic Recovery System, an active black box with no buttons or knobs, to place between the CD source, and the amp(s) which will improve the quality of signal transmission. It is much cheaper than any preamp, going used on Audiogon in the $250 range, and allows for those who prefer a direct connection, but feel that lack of preamp is failing to optimize the sound reproduction.
I use in each of my systems, both with, and without a preamp stage, and it improves the sound, as a good tweak should.
I use in each of my systems, both with, and without a preamp stage, and it improves the sound, as a good tweak should.