To Preamp Or Not To Preamp,That Is The Question

Seems as if only high end CDPs use vol control...and that adcom :)

Sorry if this has been hashed over and over...

I think we can finish with this thread...sorry for any time 'wasted'.

Hi Mikey,

I tend to agree with much of what Reubent advised: If it sounds good to you...; for classical music or hard driving...

The gain from a preamp can be a very desirable thing and help bring music too life, but it can't really make the signal better IMO.

There is no right.

In your case, a pre-amp is not needed since the volume can be adjusted at the source.

If you want to go for a different sound, there are many ways to go. You could run a music server and play via a network music player, like Squeezebox, Roku or similar. These have volume adjustments on board also so pre-amp is only needed if you have additional sources to switch between.

If you can get your hands on a McCormack Line Drive (should be cheap) it might be worthwhile. It gives you the option of going either passive or active.

Mikey,

The Quad 99 CDP or 99 CDP-2 is a very good sounding CD player when used direct to amp. It also has multiple digital inputs, so you can use it as the pre-amp (switcher) for multiple digital sources.

I had both a 99 CDP and a 99 CDP-2 a few years ago. I connected my DVD player and digital cable box through it with good results. If I still had it today, I would also be connecting my MAC Mini based music server through it.

I've seen them for as little as $600 and it is a very good unit. BTW, there is also a Quad 99 CD player (not CDP). Don't buy it. I think it is only for use connected directly via Quad-link to a Quad integrated amp.

Does the Cambridge Audio 840c have variable volume? If so, it might be a good choice. It gets nearly universal good reviews.

Another very good moderately priced player with variable volume is the Cary DC-308 that I once owned. Supposedly the CD-308T(tube) is even better, but I've never heard one.

Enjoy,

TIC