Ardri,
I've done a good bit of research on this topic lately, as I run a CDP directly to my amp. Here are the two key points I've gotten from the preamp advocate camp:
1. a preamp greatly increases the soundstage depth (though the advocates disagree as to why); and
2. the volume control components in CD players are much lower quality than the other parts in order to keep cost down.
The experience I have in this area is of such a nature that I'm not comfortable commenting either way, but the report of what I hear from manufacturers, dealers, and other users are what I've reported here.
I've done a good bit of research on this topic lately, as I run a CDP directly to my amp. Here are the two key points I've gotten from the preamp advocate camp:
1. a preamp greatly increases the soundstage depth (though the advocates disagree as to why); and
2. the volume control components in CD players are much lower quality than the other parts in order to keep cost down.
The experience I have in this area is of such a nature that I'm not comfortable commenting either way, but the report of what I hear from manufacturers, dealers, and other users are what I've reported here.