Running DCS Vivladi DIRECT?

The Vivaldi volume control is digital one, you cannot switch it off or bypass it. Therefore no matter you connect the line preamplifier or not - you would always use its analog output section. If you find that preamplifier makes the Vivaldi sound better, this is because it introduces its own sound to the system usually by limiting high frequency, rolling off the spectrum above hearing capabilities.

The analog output section of Vivaldi seems to be top quality, I can hardly imagine it could be any better.

Any preamplifier would introduce something of its own to the sound, some may like it more and some may like it less. I can understand that introducing the preamplifier can make the sound more "digestible" is some systems, my advice is however to use Vivaldi direct to gain unlimited transparency, unless my must use preamplifier because of turntable or other analog source. If your sound is too bright or not so musical, search a weak part in your system that is responsible for that but this is not Vivaldi DAC, but rather a source component feeding it with the data or some digital jitter.

Changing cables may help a lot. I have found that putting some vibration control device under Vivaldi makes the sound much, much better. I would also recommend switching the Vivaldi buffer off, turn to 6V and use higher filter. I like the MAP 1 or MAP 3 better than MAP2. Also using power conditioner can help reducing a lot of "digital-like artifacts" from the sound helping to get more analog sound - check Shunyata Denali or Triton 3.

Well put  jareko, enjoy your literary skills. Hope you hang around.  

Cheers George

@jareko if you look at my virtual system you will see the (somewhat extensive) steps I have gone to to optimize around the Vivaldi. As you note such details as footers, power cords, cabling, clocking, damping all matter and are very audible.

However even with all of the above I for one would never choose to listen to it direct when I have the option of a pre-amp like the Ref 40. 

This of course is in my system, built up to suit my preferences, silver cable and all. 

The continued observations of "experts" who based only on specs and their biases know what other users systems sound like and which is obviously "best" is one of the mysteries of on line forums such as AudioGon

My rule is to take note of input based on personal experience only and discount all others

@grannyring asking me for folk recommendations is opening rather a can of worms ...

Firstly I will note in passing that I am not much of a current US, so-called folk/Pickathon fan -- all rather arch and affected to my taste

My preferences are more towards the stalwarts of the 80s and 90s. It is great to see Cry, Cry, Cry back up and touring again and of course any of the work of their three members (Dar Williams, Richard Shindell and last but in my opinion best Lucy Kaplansky) is worth looking up

I’m also on a big Jonatha Brooke jag at present -- a very solid artist with a long history

Among new artists I’m really liking The Harmaleighs

My real passion however is for the folk tradition of the British Isles, which is where I am from. What makes this community distinct is how the historic tradition is constantly reinvented and revitalized by each generation. I love hearing the sons and daughters of the past generation taking the music and making it their own.

Great places to start are the artists on The Elizabethan Session album, or any of the work of Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman, or of course Kate Rusby -- I’m really into her 20th anniversary album where the cross over with guest artists (including many Americana names you will recognize) gives a different take on her songs

Finally the Scottish tradition is very much alive - check out Salt House and my current number one album and something you must listen to (it’s a concept piece so ideally you listen all the way through) -- A Pocket of Wind Resistance by Karine Polwart

@folkfreak 

Big thank you for your great response.  Listening today to your offerings and particularly like the Scottish tradition suggestions.  Salt House is right down my alley.