Will DAC always sound better going straight into a Power Amplifier?

I removed my Parasound Halo 5 from the system and preferred it gone. I'm running a SMSL SU-9 direct into a Van Alstine Vision Set 120 Power Amplifier.

The only thing I'm wondering about it bit stripping as I only run my volume from the DAC at around 50%. 

Anybody here have any thoughts about that? I will buy a good preamp if it means lifting my system to another level. I just found the Parasound to be too dark/muddy compared to going direct from the DAC to the amp.

I have a Lampizator Pacific that I tried three months ago to go direct to my 300B mono amps.  I was shocked at how good it sounded.  As a result, I sold my $20k tube preamp.  I am 100% digital so that made my decision easy.  So, I guess I am in the minority but for me the DAC direct was better.  

@willgolf

+1, I’d like @atmasphere‘s view on this as there seems no role for a pre if the dac has a decent analogue stage and attenuator other than to add distortion.

My Modwright LS36.5 and Sonic Frontiers Line 2SE preamps sit collecting dust. I keep them to spin vinyl; other than that I prefer my DAC direct. Depends on the DAC.