Re thinking my system; where to start?

If you want to give your cdp a shot and see how it does driving the amp without any further gain stages hooked up, try contacting Nice_Tom here on Audiogon. He currently has a very reasonably priced 1 input passive attenuator for sale. It uses Cardas input and output RCA jacks, a Sonic Frontiers supplied stepped attenuator, silver litz wiring, etc... All for $75 plus shipping. Besides being a killer deal, he's a good guy and you can trust him. Sean
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Sounds like you might want to look at the Placette passive preamp. It's basically a volume control unit with one input--doesn't get much simpler or more transparent than this. FTAudio also seems good if you don't need a remote.

I'd also recommend either a DAC(EVS Millennium DAC, Kora Hermes, Modwright P3A, etc.) or send the Sony to someone like Ric Schultz at EVS to get it modified. Between this and the preamp I think your system will open up to a new level. Best of luck.

Tim

I have used the placette passive volumne control with excellent results in a single source system.

sale the Audio Research purchase a placette remote control passive preamp and send your Sony to Richard Kern to modify with Super clock and black gates.

The Audio Aero Capitole is pricey, yes, but given that it can be run direct to your amp(s), it obviates the need for a pre-amp, given you're CD only. Add to this that it is a 1 box solution, you have no need for separate transport/ DAC and digital cable. This $$ saving somewhat offsets the price of the Capitole. And it is one of, if not the, finest digital front end I've heard. I've had some awfully good pre-amps, and running the Aero direct is my preference. You don't mention a price point, so.....