Should I eliminate my preamp?

It really depends on how well the line out is on a unit. My Esoteric K-01 using the line out function is superb. It really shows how good the K01 is. But I need the preamp to power my sub which I cannot do without it. So a preamp gives you lots of flexibility, if I did not need that I could leave with the K-01 directly to my amp. In fact if I had full range speakers I would not need the sub and I would use the line out of the K-01. It's world  class. 

Your SP6 is not a very good preamp. My advice is to get a good more current preamp, something from at least the mid ninties as preamp quality took a giant leap at that time. As a general rule using a preamp is better than eliminating it even though this seems counterintuitive. If using a cheap preamp, eliminating one could produce better sound in some aspects but a good preamp will almost always be the route to better sound rather than eliminating one or for that matter using a passive one.

Its always best for sound to have a preamp keep it and enjoy.

Since I've gone from tube integrated, to direct-from-DAC to tube amp, to solid state linestage, to classis ARC tube pre-amp, to newer ARC tube linestage, I've decided that....it depends. I have some speculations and experiences but few technical chops.

I do think a lot of linestages are tone controls that shape the sound, which is fine.  In that vain, I think Mark Levinson had it right with the Cello Palette, which allowed the listener to shape for speakers, room, and personal preference.  Someone should make a great modern version of this where you can store a few profiles.  Sometimes you need more cowbell, and sometimes you need Big Bottom.

But I'm still haunted by how alive the tricked out SP3a sounds and plan to give it another go.  Once you hear it, others seem veiled and more "recorded."  Less involving. I also think tube pre's can add pleasing even harmonics that is just nice to listen to.

It also seems that some tubed units create faster swings from soft-to-loud and a sound stops faster, producing more nuanced, lifelike vocals.  My hunch is that this relates to very good power supplies and associated circuits.

I'm still not satisfied, and may try Backert or Sachs, since I want those lifelike vocals without softening the bass.

chuckjonez19 posts04-05-2018 10:55pmThe first truly high end piece of gear I bought was a pre-amp. I couldn’t believe that change it made in my system. Without changing my midfi CD player or power amp, I was hearing a 3 dimensional sound stage for the first time, and a less brittle, much warmer and rounder sound. It excited me so much I rushed to purchase a high end power amp. It added bass authority and an even rounder more musical sound, but the soundstage magic was still a product of the preamp. I’ve been a preamp believer ever since, and would not consider using only a DAC with a volume control. That’s my limited experience.

Direct vs. Preamp - the basic question.  Seems to me that checkjonez figured out what he prefers and that is all that matters.  No one person here can say for sure as each system has many variables.  You can change the sound of any piece of equipment CDP, pre, amp by simply changing resistors, caps, etc.  You don't always have to chase a higher priced component.

I prefer a preamp, some may not.  To me it does not depend on the quality of the source, direct has a different presentation than a tube preamp IMO and in my system.  Which is closer to being real - that depends on what you prefer with your own ears.  I understand what checkjonez is saying.  Soundstage magic with his tube preamp.

Happy Listening.