FYI, there is another method to use a DAC direct to amp which involves software attenuation. If you have a music service such as ROON, you can use the software volume control in the media controller to raise or lower the volume, allowing a similar setup, but with a dedicated DAC.
I have done this several times, and while one must exercise caution to always know precisely where the software volume control is (to not accidentally turn on/off the amp with it at a high level, etc.), it works very well. It was difficult to trust it initially, but now I am not worried to use it. In fact, I have a dedicated DAC on review that I plan on doing that very thing today.
Is that a superior method to build a system? Sometimes yes, sometimes no. It depends upon the preferences of the listener and the actual combination of gear. With the Pathi I had a slightly different setup in that I could run a CDP's analogue output directly into the integrated amps in mono. I advise that all possible permutations of systems be tried, as there is no telling, especially since cable differences have a strong influence, which will be superior. It is a mistake to presume the performance pecking order.