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CD player connected directly to Amplifier?

I've been noticing some CD players which can be connected directly to the amp; in many models, its the recommended way to play them. I've never done this, but it seems like a good way to go assuming one has a nice high-end cd player equipped for such a task. I see the obvious advantage of foregoing the expense of a separate preamp, especially in a combined HT/2 channel rig like my own. Is there an obvious advantage in performance? Anyone have any thoughts or experience with this method?
michaeljbrown
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almarg
9,670 posts
 
If the player was made to drive a power amp directly, not all are, then it should give the best sound in that mode. If it sounds better with a tube line stage then: 1, the output stage of the CD player was not of good quality or 2, you like the euphonic coloration the tubes add.

I'd add a third possibility, which is that the cd player may have high frequency or ultrasonic noise or other garbage on its outputs, which the power amp may be unhappy dealing with. The tube line stage may act as a bandwidth limiter that would improve the synergy between player and amp.

Regards,
-- Al
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nasaman
459 posts
 
I just tried it. Skipped the pre/pro and ran the IC from the source straight to the Amp and didn't like it. It sounded horrible actually.
eldartford
4,262 posts
 
Stanwal...You say...
"If the player was made to drive a power amp directly..."
How do you do that?

The output stage of any audio equipment like a cd player is designed to drive some input impedance of the next equipment. If you check I think you will find that the input impedance of most power amps is about the same as most preamps when CD input is selected.
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almarg
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I suspect that Stan is referring to inclusion of a volume control in the player, not to the design of its output stage.

Regards,
-- Al
tdelahanty
12 posts
 
there is no black and white answer to this question. one of the functions of a preamp is to act as a buffer between source components and amp. in other words match impedence. the same issues will occur when you go direct and depends on how good the audio setion is in the CD player.
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