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Please recommend CD player w/volume under $5500

I'd like to get rid of my preamp and go straight from source to amp.

Seeking recommendations on such a player with quality sound.

Rest of my system consists of the new ESP Concert Grand SI speakers, and (currently) a Butler TBD-2250 (but I'm thinking about going for a Conrad Johnson 140 or similar).

Thanks very much!
passion4audio
cmo
471 posts
 
I'll probably get bashed for this but........... Every CD player I have ever heard (with a built in pre-amp/volume control) sounded better through a preamp. I have heard/done comparisons with the Wadia seperates, DCS stack, and my own Theta Miles. With a preamp in the system I noticed, across the board, a large increased in dynamics, soundstage depth/width and tone color. Preamps thet were included were CJ ART, Aesthetix Callisto sig, and ARC LS25II.

Hope this helps

Chris
arni
313 posts
 
Chris is right on! Don't do it.
dbld
297 posts
 
Chris,

Just curious, which pre do you like the most?

Dave
bbro
191 posts
 
Chris aka CMO reflects my experience also. I have an Audio Aero Capitole 24/192 MK II with volume control (passive preamp) and it always sounds better through a preamp regardless of which of my systms I use it in.
cmo
471 posts
 
Dbld,

I can really only compare the ARC LS25II (which I used to own) and the Aesthetix Callisto that I have now........ Well, I guess I just answered which of those two I prefer. The CJ was in a different system, so I can't really compare it to my preamps.

Chris
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