Is Coincident Statement Phono pre-amp an overkill

Most CDPs without a volume control will need some form of external attenuation, be it the passive control on something like the Statement or a stand-alone passive attenuator, or an active control on a conventional linestage.
They typically output 2V of signal. 0.5 to 1V is enough to drive most amplifiers to full output.

I apologize for beating this topic to death, but yesterday I dealer demo-ed the CAT SL1 Renaissance with built-in Phono.

I was wondering how the Coincident Phono compares to this pre-amp.
The CAT was unbelievable. Blew my mind.

Would the Coincident Phono + Coincident Dragon
beat
CAT SL1 Preamp + Coincident Dragon.

If they are both close I would prefer the Coincident for sure.

Basically I am trying to understand if after buying the Coincident Phono, will i have to splurge on a World class pre-amp to get the best performance.

Those are two superb choices and it would simply be a matter of one's opinion. But it would be best to form an opinion after prolonged audition in one's own system. Nothing else counts.

Essrand- I have not compared the CAT to the Coincident, but you have introduced an active pre-amp into the equation. To my ears, the influence of a top notch active line stage on the overall sound of a system cannot be overstated. I believe that it is the "heart" of the system. Just my opinion. Which is not to say that I don't think that my LSA passive is not one of, if not the best bargain in audiol. Flame away everyone. I've got my asbestos tightie-whites on.

I kind of like an active linestage, myself.
I think the OP has one, but I am not sure it is up to the level of excellence of the Statement.