Ever connect a CD player directly to an amp?

BobC · « **on:** 18 Aug 2005, 08:35 pm »

I've heard you can do this if the CD player has volume control.

Anyone tried to do this with mono extremes?

I'm thinking I may try to find a CDP with balanced out and run direct to the mono's and then just use the single end connections for HT.

Any reason I can't connect two sources to the mono's if only one runs at a time?

Any CDP suggestions? (Don't know of any with a volume knob) Or maybe a passive volume control?

Please tell me if this is a bad idea. I'd hate to damage my equipment!

rosconey · « **Reply #1 on:** 18 Aug 2005, 09:36 pm »

ive run my shengya cdp direct to my mono extremes- no problems

BobC · « **Reply #2 on:** 18 Aug 2005, 09:43 pm »

Do you know the required output level and impedance?

Also, how do you control the volume? Passive controller?

Thanks!

bunky · « **Reply #3 on:** 18 Aug 2005, 09:49 pm »

tweak audio . com sells what they call ultimate attenuators in pairs that attach to the rca inputs on your amplifier one for left channel the other for the right channel for 350.00. they have volume knobs and you attach the ic cable from your source to these small units i have not heard these but i saw them on the website. i think i will just stick to my tempest preamp. no gain no remote no thank you!

GHM · « **Reply #4 on:** 18 Aug 2005, 10:07 pm »

Depending on how much you want to spend on a CDP. The Quad 99 CDP is made for just what your asking for . Also there's the Endler Attenuators. You can get them for as cheap as $80 a pair. Here's a link http://mysite.verizon.net/vze4c5pt/id2.html. If they don't work for you just send them back.Nothing lost but a little shipping money.

I'm having a Raw version installed in my new battery powered amplifier.
So at the present ...I haven't heard them as yet. A positive feedback reveiwer gave the Endlers high marks. So I guess they can't be too bad.
Those guys at PF can be brutal if a product really sucks!
I like the sound of passive ..just more transparent to me.

Good luck!

Ferdi · « **Reply #5 on:** 20 Aug 2005, 08:36 am »

Hi, I've done this with my Stratos Plus. The CDP is a Sony CDP X77ES, which has a set of variable outputs and a volume control knob.

I don't quite remember the results so can't help you there.

There certainly is no reason not to try this. Go ahead and see how you like it.

For the record, I use a regular pre these days with the fixed outputs on my CDP.

Bemopti123 · « **Reply #6 on:** 20 Aug 2005, 11:09 am »

I have used a pair of EVS Ultimate Attenuators Naked between the DNA 225 and my 47 Labs Shigaraki transport and Bel Canto DAC 2.0. The difference between preamp and non preamp is a sense of transparency and yet, there is something that is missing which is body. Body is what some might refer to meat or the preamp gain. If one is to use a shitty preamp, then, you might hear an improvement, but if you had a reference preamp that gives you right amount of dynamics that is clear of glare and also grain, then, the method of going direct might not suit with your ears.

Mal P · « **Reply #7 on:** 22 Aug 2005, 01:52 am »

Just be very careful, make sure your CD player, if it's volume control is digital, doesn't reset to maximum when you turn it off (as some older Marantz players used to). You do not want 2.5v going into your amps!!!

TIC · « **Reply #8 on:** 23 Aug 2005, 02:45 am »

I have the Quad 99 CDP cd player memtioned earlier. It is an excellent CD player and it has a very good remote controlled variable voume. It also has 6 digital inputs, so you could hook a DVD player or other PCM digital source and use the excellent 24bit/192khz DAC built into the Quad. For $1500 new, or about $800 used, it is a killer deal.

BTW, I've owned about 7-8 different CD players or DACs with variable volume control. In a single source system, it is a great alternative to spending big bucks on a pre-amp and source.

Enjoy,

TIC

speedcenter · « **Reply #9 on:** 9 Sep 2005, 06:09 pm »

A friend brought over his Wadia 302 and we ran it directly over my extreme monos. The thing has digital volume control. Didn't sound very special, direct or via my tube pre, but it worked just fine.

PEter

klaus@odyssey · « **Reply #10 on:** 9 Sep 2005, 09:52 pm »

Ye3s, definitely make sure that there is a volume control, and that it resets at 0. Otherwise you can pop your speaker weasel.
Personally, I'm a big fan of preamps, but that's just me.

Late,

Klaus