CD direct to amp vs active preamp

In one of my systems, I'm running a Mark Levinson 390s CD player directly into a Pass Aleph 3. It sounds good. The 390s has an analog volume control. (Digital volume attenuation involves losing data.) Compatibility with the Aleph 3 is fine; I am able to drive it to loud volume levels. (My speakers are Red Rose R3s with a Sunfire True Sub Mark II. Before the R3s, I had good results with Proac 1 SCs.)

Sean, I've tried 2 different setups. 1st, a few years ago, was a Wadia 850 direct into a BAT vk60. Then I added a VK50Se preamp. In that scenario, the preamp's volume control was much better at lower volume levels-in all respects. At normal or high volume, the gap closed and I'd say the detail/intimacy was a little better direct, everything else better with preamp.

2nd, currently, is DCS Delius direct into VK60 with/without vk50SE preamp. Same conclusion. With a caveat, that I recently added 30 ft interconnect to the amp, now the preamp takes the edge in all areas.

For the money, direct is hard to beat, for the best, without regard to cost, I prefer the preamp in the chain.

I run my Resolution Audio direct to my Lamm's
I have yet to hear a better system
I use Valhalla balanced
Direct is the way to go

Another theorem: If you have all your sources with volume control all you will need is input selector that you can get from Bryston.

I ran my theta miles directly into my VT100MkII for almost 2 years first with balanced straightwire serenedes and now with purenote epsilon balanced cables. Speakers are Magnepan 2.5Rs I recently upgraded the speaker cable to purenote epsilon reference. Since I wanted to get back into vinyl (another story) I purchased an ARC LS16 and added it into the system. The sound is more dimensional with a more clearly defined soundstage using the pre-amp. Truthfully I had not expected to hear an improvement (fewer components in the chain the better), but that's what my ears tell me.