Is my preamp useless?


I enjoy my current system, which is built around a BAT VK-52SE preamp. I listen mostly to digital, via a Bryston BDP-2 player into a PS Audio DSD. I also enjoy vinyl on my VPI Classic/Dynavector/Sutherland 20-20 combo. Like most of us, I’m usually on the upgrade path. For me, the next component to upgrade would be the BAT preamp from a 52SE to a 53SE. But something occurred to me. I don’t listen loud. The gain on my PSA DSD is set to less than 100 and the BAT preamp is usually set between -20 and -10. So if my volume control is never set in the + range, is my preamp doing ANYTHING other than attenuating the volume and serving as a multi-input switch? Is all that Super Tube, single gain stage, zero feedback, high energy storage circuitry a waste of money?

Don’t get me wrong. I am very pleased with the sounds I hear. But if my pre isn’t doing anything, then I’d be better off to sell it and get a very simple passive attenuator, wouldn’t I? If that’s the case, what brands and models should I listen to?
Thanks for any advice.
slanski62
Get rid of your preamp and sell it to me for cheap and use passive volume control. It's more pure and transparent.
Another typical logical reply from Larry. Simply compare your system with the preamp and then running the direct stream into the amplifier and just listen and decide.you could try a relatively inexpensive passive like the Lightspeed and compare. Some audio systems will sound better with an active preamp and others will sound better without them.
Yes, your preamp is absolutely useless. Just send it to me and I will dispose of it properly for you, free of charge. ;^)

Cheers,
John
"For me, the next component to upgrade would be the BAT preamp from a 52SE to a 53SE. But something occurred to me. I don’t listen loud. The gain on my PSA DSD is set to less than 100 and the BAT preamp is usually set between -20 and -10. So if my volume control is never set in the + range, is my preamp doing ANYTHING other than attenuating the volume and serving as a multi-input switch? Is all that Super Tube, single gain stage, zero feedback, high energy storage circuitry a waste of money?"

A preamp does quite a bit more than just adjust volume. Reading your post, it sounds like you may have a technical background. Is that the case? That may have an effect on how you deal with this, that’s why I ask.
Thanks for the responses. Fwiw, the rest of my system consists of Cary Audio 500.1 monos and custom speakers from Selah Audio. Cabling is Transparent Musicwave Super XLRs. I don't have a technical background.

So if I try the passive route, what do I look for?

Thanks All!