2 channel Preamp or Pass on the PRE???

Perhaps I lack the ability to discriminate but I have listened to several CDP to Amp configurations that were amazingly dynamic. One system that absolutely floored me was a Wadia 850/Pass Labs 150/DAL SC4a setup. As I plan to obtain an analog rig I have a preamp. This has allowed me to run a long interconnect from pre to amps, thus removing the rack from between the speakers. Amazing how this increases the depth of the soundstage.

Also subs like REL recommend connecting to the amp instead of the pre. So this combination would work fine in a CDP/Amp configuration.

Matt413575 -

What does your last statement mean?

"Also subs like REL recommend connecting to the amp instead of the pre. So this commbination would work fine in a CDP/Amp configuration"

How would I wire a powered sub with this system?

Dan

Porschecab.

REL recommends that the sub should be connected by the supplied Neutrik Speakon cable to the speaker output terminals on your amp and not to the preamp.

Check out there website and click on "setup". I believe the address is www.REL.net

I started out going direct. Now have a ARC LS15 pre and could not be happier. The tube pre made my solid state amp.

Another big consideration is the quality of the volume control on the CD player. If this is not of high quality it will degrade the sound and will largely if not more than offset the benefits of skipping the preamp. I'm not familiar with your Marantz CD player, but I'd be suspect of the quality of any CD player's volume control priced under $3000. I'd echo what albertporter said and mention that this is obviously a very system-dependent issue, but if I were you I'd at least try a couple high-end preamps(Pass Labs, Ayre, ARC, etc.) to see what happens in your system. I might also try an Audio Aero Capitole run directly to the amp in your system to see if that makes a bigger difference than adding a preamp--lots of people seem to like going that route. Best of luck.

Tim