connectng CD player directly to amp, good or bad?

It simply comes down to preference. I use CD direct to amp for the simplicity, cost savings and great resolution. I may give up a bit of dynamic drive, but honestly I couldn't tell the difference when I stuck a pre-amp into the mix.

If you only need a single source system, try CD direct. It might save you a lot of money that you can save by not buying a pre-amp.

Enjoy,

TIC

In my experience,with my equipment there has always been a loss of fidelity or musicality,if you please,with a direct connection between the source and amp.

My preamp is the heart of my system. An active preamp has a tremendous effect on the sound, IME. Proponents of passive preamps would obviously disagree. In your situation, you could use a direct connection and then, if you can borrow an active preamp from a dealer or a friend, compare your system's sound while using the preamp. Just keep in mind that different preamps have different effects on the system's sound.

I have owned a Mark levinson # 39 CD Player and currently own an ML-390S, I have used both through the ML-326 pre-amp
and directly to the Amplifier. One reason both CD players sound better through the pre-amp is the ML-326S NOT THE SAME VOLUME CONTROL CIRCUIT. The 326S pre-amp has a higher quality volume control according to Levinson. Both the cd players and the pre-amp have "digitally controled Analog l-pad volume controls, however not the same one.

You can look at it this way. If the CDP with variable output sounded more or less the same with or without a preamp X, you wouldn't need that preamp unless you have extra sources. Preamp makes a difference in sound, and it's highly subjective to say which way sounds better. My Unidisk SC for example has variable outputs. Without preamp it sounds crystal clear and airy. With McCormack preamp in the chain the sound lost 2-3% of the transparency and 5% of midbass, but other than that it sounded pretty similar than without. With CJ tubed preamp the sound went on a huge transformation. It sounds richer, deeper, larger, and overall more pleasing. If your listening preference leans towards warmer sound, you would like it with a tubed preamp. If you like clear and transparent sound, you would not want a preamp. If you like the transparency and still need a preamp you would want McCormack. So, it boils down to your listening preference and need.