CD direct to amp vs active preamp

The only reasons not to run direct are if you have other sources and don't want the hassle of switching interconnects, OR you have a source with a wimpy output stage that doesn't work well directly into your amp. For a high-quality cd-only system, direct is the way to go. The adage that the best interconnect is no interconnect is true, and it goes for preamps too. Think about it, how can another component possibly improve on the signal? It can't, it can only degrade it. I have, however, read posts by some tube-o-philes who just had to have the euphonic color of a tube preamp in the chain. So if that's what floats your boat, go for it.

I don't have much love for passive attenuators because every one I've ever tried or heard has sucked the dynamics right out of the music. I know this was probably due to less-than-stellar output sections on the source end, but it's been my experience nonetheless.

In one of my systems, I'm running a Mark Levinson 390s CD player directly into a Pass Aleph 3. It sounds good. The 390s has an analog volume control. (Digital volume attenuation involves losing data.) Compatibility with the Aleph 3 is fine; I am able to drive it to loud volume levels. (My speakers are Red Rose R3s with a Sunfire True Sub Mark II. Before the R3s, I had good results with Proac 1 SCs.)

Sean, I've tried 2 different setups. 1st, a few years ago, was a Wadia 850 direct into a BAT vk60. Then I added a VK50Se preamp. In that scenario, the preamp's volume control was much better at lower volume levels-in all respects. At normal or high volume, the gap closed and I'd say the detail/intimacy was a little better direct, everything else better with preamp.

2nd, currently, is DCS Delius direct into VK60 with/without vk50SE preamp. Same conclusion. With a caveat, that I recently added 30 ft interconnect to the amp, now the preamp takes the edge in all areas.

For the money, direct is hard to beat, for the best, without regard to cost, I prefer the preamp in the chain.

I run my Resolution Audio direct to my Lamm's
I have yet to hear a better system
I use Valhalla balanced
Direct is the way to go

Another theorem: If you have all your sources with volume control all you will need is input selector that you can get from Bryston.