High end stereo preamps? Worth it?

@antigrunge2 

Given high output voltages of modern DACs, the Pre becomes a glorified attenuator.

This was a common viewpoint a few years ago and continues to work well for some, but others who have tried running their systems DAC-direct or through a passive preamp have perceived a loss of dynamics and tonal density and have since gone back to using preamps or buffers.  If you take a look at my post from noon yesterday, you can read about other factors that affect sonic performance with/without a preamp that go beyond simply having adequate voltage to drive the amplifier.  BTW, digital becomes analogue when it comes out of the DAC.

@mitch2,@emergingsoul

The only case where I could think of mismatch issues between DAC, attenuator and power amplifier are impedance related: low output impedance on the DAC, high impedance inputs on the power amp or very poor choice of interconnects. This is however an unusual constellation that one normally needn‘t be overly concerned about.
Where you do get a problem is when you rely on a DAC‘s digital attenuator; for the avoidance of doubt all digital output levels should be set to max. In other words: an analogue attenuator or volume control in the DAC is always needed

@mitch2 

I was obviously referring to analogue sources, not DAC outputs

You don't need analog volume control it can be done in the digital domain. You don't need a preamp in a totally digital system. 

I used passive preamps for many years. Then one day I decided to check out an active. I decided on an Audible Illusions. I was stunned and amazed! The music had structure and substance I never heard.
I now have upgraded to an Atma-Sphere MP-3. Pricey but well worth it.