Best Preamp - NO preamp... (?)

@ alfa 100

Hi alfa, just letting others know that with the Wadia 521 you can change the gain setting ratio inside with switches or links, so then you can use it’s volume control above 65 with no "bit stripping". As "bit stripping" happens with any dacs digital domain volume control if their not used above 75% of full.
All sources with digital domain volume should have this feature, but sadly they don’t, that’s when a good passive pre is needed for the next possible best sound.

Quote from Wadia

We strongly recommend that you use your Wadia 521 Decoding Computer connected directly to your power amplifier. Even if you purchased your Wadia 521 Decoding Computer with the intention of connecting it to your preamplifier, we suggest that you try direct connection to your amplifier. Many listeners are surprised by the improvement in performance over even the most expensive preamplifiers.

Optimizing the Output Level Best performance is obtained when operating the Wadia Volume Control near the top of its range. If needed, the maximum output level of your Wadia 521 Decoding Computer can be adjusted to match the overall sensitivity of your system so that the critical listening will take place with the volume control operating in near the top of its range.
The maximum output level of the Wadia 521 Decoding Computer is adjustable by means of a set of internal switches. The Wadia 521 Decoding Computer is factory set to accommodate the most common range of system sensitivity. If you find that your typical volume level during critical listening is below 65 on the volume display, it will be advantageous to use a different setting. To change the output level, consult your dealer.

Wadia do know what their talking about, being the fathers of high end dacs and cdp's.
Cheers George

Wester17, I purchased the Benchmark DAC2 HGC because I wasn't sure if future plans would have it feeding an integrated (current), a preamp, or a power amp, and the HGC could be configured for either.  I had that audiophile yen for an exotic large box linestage, but could never quite understand what all that money was doing other than creating some preferred flavor, which is fine if it's preferred.  I think i always worried the direct-to-amp would be too raw and "un-prepped." But this discussion thread has given me the confidence to go balanced from the very clean Benchmark HGC, directly to the tube amp I want, knowing I can get a good impedance match.  Yes, the HGC has powered gain control, but I think that's all the "pre" I need.  I'm not contributing much, but showing gratitude for others.

I think i always worried the direct-to-amp would be too raw and "un-prepped."

Sorry electroslacker forgive me.

Raw?? Unprepped?? This is something the voodoo'ist have instilled into you.

The source, is the start in a system and it's signal should go via the purest path to the speakers, anything in-between that changes it, is not pure and just adding distortion and or colourations.
 
As for your impedance match, you couldn't ask for anything better, low impedance solid state output of the Benchmark, into the high input impedance of a tube amp, as perfect as an impedance match gets.

Cheers George

Thanks, George. You’re forgiven, and I think I’m healed for now.   What were those three temptations? Miracle, bread, and power….sounds like a devilish AR Ref 6 (lots of my bread.) Get thee behind me…but geez, it must be wonderful. One day at a time.

Yes... the AR Ref preamps look like they're among the very best available.  I've got the Ref 3 and Ref 5se... and... they are incredible - though, as I noted above, I am surprised at how good the Creek Passive Preamp sounds in comparison for a pittance in price.  

I did note in Collums ratings of preamps in HIFI Critic that he rated the AR Ref 5se at 225, compared to the highest rated Townshend Allegri at 230 (an autotransformer passive preamp).

Presumably, the AR Ref 6 and Ref 40, would be somewhat better - as most who have had both the 5se and either of the others report - though, at significant price premiums to the 5se, and of course, to the Allegri.  

At $2300 the Allegri looks like a "real bargain"... if... you can live without the conveniences of switching, balanced connections, and the remote.  Though, those conveniences come at very hefty premiums.  

And... I guess you could consider the AR Ref 3 as almost as grand a bargain at it's current price in the used market.  Most who have had both the Ref 3 and Ref 5 - 40 report that the Ref 3 is by far the "sweet spot" of the AR line.  So... perhaps... the price premium for those conveniences and great sound of the AR units is only about 2x the price of the Allegri.

Though you still have the cost of maintaining the AR tubed preamps - which the Allegri avoids.