Wadia S7i direct to amp

I just bought a Great Northern Sound Statement Wadia S71 today. I plan to do a impartial test of the S7i direct into my Burmester 911 MK3, with my Concert Fidelity CF 080 LS/X preamp. Either way, as I look at it, I come out a winner.:)

I use S7i into a pre. My system is
Wadia S7i
ARC Ref 3
Lamm M1.1 Hybrid Monoblocks
Genesis G200
Using the pre is very worthwhile not least of all because it means running the Wadia at full 100% volume eg full 24bit. Of course it depends on the pre being used and the system itself. All I can say is that Wadia S7i plus pre works for me - very well indeed. The addition of S7i recently made as upgrade from 381i.
As a quick comment on the S7i - IT IS OUTSTANDING!
Jon

Talk2me, What's the verdict on direct vs. pre?

Also, the power cord will have a substantial impact on your sound? What are you using?

It is a variable question. Adding a pre, you are adding 3+ more variables(pre itself, interconnect, power cable and fuse). It is certainly more fun but it is going to cost you more. Would it sound better--> theoretically Yes but practically, it is going to depend on how u choose to put on your variables. Always remember this, never go lower level than your current status, otherwise it is like a sports car put a economy tires. Hopes that help.

If you will, check out the Wadia S9 review by Rtn1, I offered a Pre-light version, by using an Audio Consulting silver rock TVC, which is usually in one position allowing Wadia's volume setting between 92-100, the silver rocks control only changed if the input's volume is highly different.

I dare you all to hear the difference between 100, 99, 98, 97, 96, 95, 94 settings!!

all the best, e