I have had beautiful results either way, with or without a preamp. However, lately the DACs are becoming SO good that putting a preamp in the chain is putting something in the road that doesn't need to be there.
I am a strong advocate of shorter signal path typically being superior. This has almost always been the case, especially in terms of cleanness, detail and microdynamics. The issue is whether one can get the desired macrodynamics, soundstage and tonality. If those can be obtained via a DAC to amp setup, the results are breathtaking!
The problem is, most DACs can't do it well enough. :(
I am a strong advocate of shorter signal path typically being superior. This has almost always been the case, especially in terms of cleanness, detail and microdynamics. The issue is whether one can get the desired macrodynamics, soundstage and tonality. If those can be obtained via a DAC to amp setup, the results are breathtaking!
The problem is, most DACs can't do it well enough. :(