What is the best CD player direct into one's amp?

Let me know when you find out my ancient Audio Aero Prima CD was used that way and just crumped again . That Marantz sounds interesting for the Money. I can tell yout the Consonance is an underated product and it does sound good, there are several variations to choose from. There is an Agon dealer who specializes in their products Quest for Sound the dealer is a great guy.

I have owned the Prima, Resolution Audio Opus 21, Quad,Consonance 2.2 Ref and the Muse Thalia. The Muse was the best by a good margin. Hard to find used with the volume option. It was almost as good a an Audio Aero Capitole Sig that I A/B'd with it. Very close indeed.

Very few know how food this CD/DVD player is. The Resolution Audio is also great, but costs $2500 used.

Bill

I have owned and used several CD players or DACs with volume control. Here is the List:

Theta Miles (balanaced)
Cary CD-308
Quad 99 CDP
Resolution Audio Opus 21
Birdland Odeon Lite DAC
Monarchy Audio Model 33 DAC/pre-amp
Musical Fidelity CD/Pre-24 DAC/pre-amp

Personally, for value, I thought the Quad 99 CDP was the best. It sounded very good and only cost $800-850 used. It also had 6 additional digital inputs so you could add other digital components if you desire. Heck, you could buy one used, try it and resell it for little/zero loss if you didn't love it.

Overall, the best sounding from my list was the Resolution Audio Opus 21. Unfortunately, I have never seen one sell for under about $2400.

The Cary CD-308 is not bad for about $800 used. I've read that the Cary CD-308T (tube) is significantly better and it sells for about $1300 used.

Enjoy,

TIC

I am using a Resolution Audio CD55 in this manner and love it. Used, about $1200 to $1400 or so.

The 308T is also very good as I had this player. I agreee with Reubent on this. I also owned the Quad I found it to be one of the biggest disappointments I have had in audio.

I so agree with Reubent on the Opus and Cary and am not sure why we are on the opposite extremes on the Quad. I found the Quad very electronic sounding. Not musical at all and rather lifeless. System matching my be an issue, I don't know. I found the preamp section paired with the player even worse yet.

Love to hear other comments on their experience with the Quad. Mine was the 2nd generation model as an FYI.

Bill