BAT VK50SE Preamp w/ DCS Purcell and Delius Match

I own a Wadia 861. For a while I ran the 861 direct to the
amps with very interesting results. The sound was clear and detailed without being too cold. Adding a King Cobra to the Wadia will smooth things out quite a bit. I eventually could not resist buying the vk50se. Overall I prefer the preamp in the chain. But it is sometimes still fun to run it direct for the best in separation and tranparency.

The vk50SE drove the vk150SE monoblocks and wilson watt/puppy (6's?). Overall the best sounding cd system I have ever heard. The 50SE is a very special piece. I heard one in my tube system and couldn't believe the improvement (using a vt100).

AVnut,

What are the differences between using the VK50SE and the 861 directly into the amps? I also have a Wadia cd plyer and I am considering the VK50SE next year.
Thank you.
Rich