Cd player direct or through preamp?

My experience with my Sony 9000es Modwright cpd, with
built in volume control, it sounds best without using
preamp.

I had my Accuphase dp75v into a ML 32 pre into my Edge NL12 with my Kharma 3.2FEs. When I took out the preamp from the chain, I was shocked at how the sound improved. The flow of the music was much easier on the ears, with a more relaxed sound, but still full of deliniation of all the music's components. This was a big surprise for me because the ML32 had been a big step up from previous preamps (Threshold T3).

Thanks everyone! It seems the consenses is that with the right components, this can be an awsome improvement!! Its worth a try,, hey,, its what we freaks do right....lol! Guess I better start softening up the wife..lol

Ah yes, the wife factor, making a decision on CDP with pre or without pre is the easy decision...convincing the wife, well that's where the real work begins. Good Luck!