Which DAC as a preamp?

Class D really benefits from a Class A input stage....solid state or valve.

All amps I know ss or tube have Class-A input stages, I've yet to see one with class-A/B

Cheers George

Check out the PSAudio Directstream DAC like others have already recommended here. Very good...

You don't say what your price range is, but I got a MSB Analog DAC with volume control and eliminated my preamp and the MSB is excellent.

I once ran an Exogal Comet Plus DAC direct into my BAT VK600SE power amp and I thought it was an improvement on the previous Macintosh preamp I had been using.
Volume stayed near the top end 73 to 78 if I remember right and that was perfect for my listening level requirement.
Maybe I just got lucky on the synergy.

I’m running my exaSound e22 DAC straight into my BAT VK-600SE power amp and it sounds terrific! Nothing is missing! I have all the body, the slam, the resolution and the dynamics I could wish for... in 70k worth of gear, of course!