The best Cdp that have volume control

I've owned the Sony XA7ES, and the Wadia 830. In the system I had at the time, they were sonically equivalent. System was SFM-160 Tube amps and virgo speakers with $35 copper speaker cables. The wadia gets rave reviews but I kept the sony due to it's build quality, vastly superior ergo's, and digital output. The wadia made you put the cd on UPSIDE DOWN, and didn't have the way-precise in-track fast forward /reverse or one tough track selector. Wadia is in financial/bankrupt/being bought throes right now. Another CD player with a few rabid fans is the Resolution Audio 50/55. It heard it once, and thought it was detailed yet very natural sounding. Used prices are Sony($1100), Wadia $(2100ish), and RA ($1500ish). Using the variable outs, these CD players are all in the same general ballpark sonically. I did own a non-variable out adcom 750 for a time, and I thought it had about 80% of the sony's sound quality. Nice, but less transparent with a touch of metal. I've heard that Cal audio makes a good tube-based variable out player.

Theta Miles used from goodwinshighend.com Can't be beat for about $1300. Probably sound similar to the Wadia.

whatever cd-player ewe currently have, will sound better run thru a nice tubed preamp, if yer budget can go up to $2k, than whatever $2k cd player ewe can find that can be run straight-in to an amp. try used melos, cary, rogue, audio-research preamps - these are ones i'm familiar with, i'm sure there are many others.

doug

I own the Denon 1650 AR.It is a well built, very good player,with extraordinary,but not overemphasized bass.I have run it direct with great results.I saw one today on this site,1 years old for $650. Tracer

I have used variable out on CD since it came out. Originally the JVC 1010TN and now the Linn Genki which has not become the weak link as my system has grown. I am considering the First Sound Precsence line stage however. SYSTEM: Newform Research R645 Bel Canto EVo Linn Genki