Wadia 302 CD Player- Into power amp directly ?

I run my 861 direct when i got my first Wadia I was using a pre amp and after bypassing it I never went back.

It seems that you have a perfect opportunity to bypass your pre section very easily. Why dont you do that and let us know what you heard?

I would try it out. I have noticed that in some cases, when running through the preamp, it sounds better. In other cases, bypassing the preamp will sound best. I think the quality of the pot. (you know what I mean) has something to do with it.

Rob

It should sound better direct, but it won't be as loud as before. kIND OF A TRADE-OFF.

In my rig, inserting a Supratek Chenin preamp between my Wadia 861 and CAT amps. made a significant improvement.

it will be as loud, as the 302 like most (if not all) recent wadias, have little dip switches either on the back with the 301/302, or internally in the 861, to adjust the out level between 0.5v and 4v. you adjust these so that your normal listening level is as close to 99 as possible. it does sound better, with better bass, unless of course you have a really big buck pre, which might sound better... suck it and see.
incidentally there is no pot in the wadia, the volume is controlled in the digital domain. any difference in sound due to a pre is likely to be down to coloration. your decision whether or not you like that coloration.
i have a pre between my wadia and my power amp, but i manly use this for convenience, allowing me to run the tv / movies through the system (only way i can make the wife think it's all worth the money....) however i usually end up running it direct when i have a "serious" session.