suggestions for top quality CDP running direct

Hi, sorry for my poor english. I'm from Italy and have the Amati Homage and Capitole mk2 as cd player.
While I strongly recommend you to listen to the Cap., I'm not sure that running direct is the best for the Amati's. I have tried the Cap direct in my Gamut D200 mk3 and ARC D115, but , in my system, room and ears, always liked more through my pre ARC sp11 mk2 (real NOS Amperex 6922 outfitted),
provviding more air between performers and a bit more micro-dynamic.(things that Amati's appreciate).
I would suggest you to try some good tubes in your Ref II mk1 if you haven't already done.

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The only CDP that I have found that delivers the same magic as my reference separates is a Shanling T200 with the full Parts Connexion mods and the EA Turbomod. Really superb from both the SS and tubed outputs. Cost is really high at around $6500 though.

Try a Mark Levinson 390S. I just purchased one and am quite pleased. I also heard the Wadia 301 (now in its 302 version) and that is a great sounding player also. They both can run amps direct.

I think you would greatly enjoy replacing your Audio
Research CDT1/DAC3/Ref2 stack with a Wadia 861 in any of
the basic/standard/ES level. Wadia gear has always been
very synergistic with ARC gear to my ears. I have a Wadia
861es with ARC D400mkII amps and LS5mkII preamp. This combo
has been constant for nearly 7 years when I got the Wadia
(originally bought new as an 860 in 12/97 upgraded to 861es
in 9/03). I have run the 861es straight into my amps a
number of times, and it is the only configuration I have
ever heard that improved upon my LS5mkII preamp. If I didn't
have so many additional analog sources I'd go 861es straight
into the amps. I have yet to find an A/D converter that is
transparent as the LS5mkII so I keep the preamp in the
system. Maybe my all-time favorite piece of gear I've owned.
A true classic from ARC.