2. digital
  3. 1038145635

CD Player with volume or preamp

I am building a system for $10,000 for a friend. The only source will be a CD player. I was thinking of Wadia 830 or Cary 303/200 (not sure if it comes with a volume control) with remote volume control versus adding a preamp. He is not an audiophile and just wants a good sounding system. He is using a 25 year old Panasonic receiver today so that is where he is coming from now.

What do you suggest regrading CD with remote volume or adding a preamp. Also what other CD players should I consider.

Thanks

Peter
bigkidz
acuujim
207 posts
 
The Resolution Audio Opus 21 is the best I've heard
buckingham
333 posts
 
I have owned the Cary 303/200 and found it to benefit from a good tube pre amp. The volume control on CD Players in the 3K price range don't do justice to a good pre amp. You will have to get the Audio Aero Capitole MK I or MK II or a Wadia 301 to go direct and get the most out of your music. If I were you, I would get one of the Audio Aero MK IIs on Audiogon right now which is about $5000 USD and forget the pre amp altogether. I promise you you will yield more benefit by putting this 5K into this player than any other upgrade that you can do. If you have any more questions please feel free to email me.
bwyoung
143 posts
 
I have auditioned the Wadia 301, the Ayre cx7 and ended up buying the Resolution Audio Opus 21. It is the best in that price range IMHO. The Ayre does not have volume capability. I don't think the Opus 21 is a passive volume control and I can rarely drive mine over half its volume range. In addition, Jeff Kalt of Resolution Audio told me that you can drive both the balanced output and the unbalanced output at once with absolutely no problem (something the Ayre unit forbids in its manual). I use the balanced outs to run directly into my Krell amp, the unbalanced outs into my subwoofer, and I also use the digital input to input my front two channels of home theater to watch movies. I love it.
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