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CD player Vs Pre-amp

Does anybody knows a good CD player(variable output) that you can connect directly to a power amp around $1500? Or, should I just spend my hard earned money on a good pre-amp. I just got myself a good SS amp(Aleph 30), and dont't know what to do next. Listening to low/mid level jazz, vocals and acoustics in a 14X18 room, tend to be a minimalist/purist.

1. Will a direct connect CD player sound better than going thru a pre-amp?

2. If a pre-amp will sound better. Will the sound justify the cost(additional gear, inter-connect)?

3. How much cost of a pre-amp that will better a direct connect cd player?(No bells and whistle)

Help!!! going nuts.

Gary
garydelros
kevyo's avatar
kevyo
34 posts
 
I just bought a Cairn Fog 2 And It has made me happy. It has variable volume and RCA or Balanced inputs. Check out the review, http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/cairn/fog.html
The price is listed at $1695 but ask for a better price.

Kevyo
lafish
151 posts
 
Consonance CD Ref 2.2 (US version), Wadia 6 (or cheaper models 23) all has digital volume control.......that says you can ignore any preamp.
karls
332 posts
 
Wadia 830 run direct, a no-brainer. It's a little above $1500, but will give phenomenal sound without a preamp. You are going to have spend serious money to get a preamp that is good enough to compete with a Wadia run direct. Call Wadia and ask them this question, I can almost guarantee they will give you the same answer.
herve1
84 posts
 
I've been using the Shanling CD-T100 without any preamp (I sold it!)for about a year now, and I am extremely happy with the sound I get.
Good luck!
a_thomas
9 posts
 
You might want to look at the Benchmarkmedia DAC1 -http://www.benchmarkmedia.com/ - it's a very nice unit - the only thing it lacks is a remote control (which mean't I *had* to upgrade to a Levinson 390S :-)]

Andrew
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