Dull sound is not always the fault of the amplifier. I've been going CD direct and bypassing my preamps with great results. For example, I bypassed my 700C and went CD direct to my 700M amp and the sound was much clearer and more transparent. I did the same with my 3650 and 300DC and got even better results. This tells me a couple of things. First, the shorter signal path pays big dividends. Second, my old preamps need a recap.

Did you use any box with a potentiometer to level volume control? If not, be careful with the volume output...
Sometimes the KISS theory works. other times don't, it all depends imho of the cdp opamps quality outputs'.

Good question, which begs further questions. I am vaguely aware of ouput voltages and wonder why they are important.

I only go CD direct only if the amp has gain controls. I always power up at zero and adjust upwards. I also have variable output CD players and they work with amps that do not have gain controls.

I have tried this with a few amps and CD players and failed miserably.

I totally agree that it's possible that it could work fantastic- but it's truly system dependent.


I'm glad you're finding it working well! With my new amp, maybe I'll give it a try again.

Now you'd mention it, I remember tried "cd direct" – as you call it - many times before with my Musical Fidelity preamp which have two kinds of outputs: Passive or/and active outputs.
Many times I've use the passive outputs which bypassed the stage preamp to volume control potentiometer and then to the power in of my NAD integrated amp, at the time.
In those days I had a very good cdp from Myryad ( an under rated British brand ) – which some creep robbed me a few years ago…. – with great opamps low filters outputs, but I still remember that I have a very good sonics.
Nowadays I only use the MF preamp phono stage inputs with active outputs, because it still has in nowadays standards a great phono stage preamp.

Glad to hear you're happy with the direct CD to amp connection.

Personally I want the functionality of a preamp. Of course the preamp needs to be a superb piece of gear.