I have personally owned the following CD players and DAC with on-board volume control:
Theta Miles-balanced version(2X the DAC chips of non-bal.)
Cary CD-308
Resolution Audio Opus 21
Musical Fidelity CD/Pre-24
Quad 99 CD-P
Monarchy Model 33 DAC/Pre-amp
Birdland Odeon Lite DAC
All were at least very good. The Resolution Audio Opus 21 was easily the best!
I currently own the MF CD/pre-24 and Quad 99 CD-P.
I don't miss the hassle or cost of a pre-amp AT ALL!
Enjoy,
TIC
Theta Miles-balanced version(2X the DAC chips of non-bal.)
Cary CD-308
Resolution Audio Opus 21
Musical Fidelity CD/Pre-24
Quad 99 CD-P
Monarchy Model 33 DAC/Pre-amp
Birdland Odeon Lite DAC
All were at least very good. The Resolution Audio Opus 21 was easily the best!
I currently own the MF CD/pre-24 and Quad 99 CD-P.
I don't miss the hassle or cost of a pre-amp AT ALL!
Enjoy,
TIC