I think I see the confusion. The analog output of your player is two sections:
Volume control --> Analog output buffer --> Output connectors
We don't usually talk about this as a built in preamp, but it's similar. What most audiophiles are concerned with is the volume control, because many would loose resolution at anything less than full output. The solution is to leave the player at full output and rely on your preamp / integrated to handle it.
The only way to bypass the analog output section is, as you and Elizabeth point out, to use an external DAC.
Volume control --> Analog output buffer --> Output connectors
We don't usually talk about this as a built in preamp, but it's similar. What most audiophiles are concerned with is the volume control, because many would loose resolution at anything less than full output. The solution is to leave the player at full output and rely on your preamp / integrated to handle it.
The only way to bypass the analog output section is, as you and Elizabeth point out, to use an external DAC.