Benchmark DAC 3B Vs. Schiit Gungnir Multibit and a question.

Yes. The HPA4 or LA4 is so much better than doing the DAC3 HGC directly into an amp. Look at the HPA4 thread I created for mine and other post about going direct to amp in comparison with the DAC3 HGC.

The HPA4 or LA4 are quieter than the DAC3 HGC so adding them into the chain does not degrade the sound. It actually improves the sound with a better volume control. The DAC3B( which I have) cannot go direct to amp since the volume control is removed.

How do yo like the tube preamp with the AHB2?

Thanks for the response.
The CJ with the AHB2  really sounds fine.
Excellent combination.

You need some kind of volume control with the DAC 3 B. 

Hey Richard, If you want, you can borrow my Ayre Codex.
I guarantee it will smoke the Gungnir. (And, yes, I owned the Gungy befor e trying a Codex). These two DAC's are very good. The Yggy would probably be more closer to the Codex, sound quality-wise.
I am moving on to the Ayre QB-9 Twenty. I have been waiting for upgraded cabling, as it seems only right to milk out every ounce of sound improvement, as possible.
As far as using a preamp with a DAC with volume control, I suggest you look at the PS Audio/Youtube video -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dh27E7YKN9s
Bob

Buy the Yggy.  It will save you a lot of grief and wasted money experimenting with other DACs.  Nothing under $8k even comes close to the purity, the soundstage or the bass control.