DAC DIRECT IN TO AMPLIFIER OR TO PREAMPLIFIER

I agree that blanket statements in high end audio can be problematic. But in this case, moderated by “in the majority of systems a high quality preamp” will improve the sound quality is fairly safe. Direct to amp typically produces a highly detailed but (typically described as) dead / lifeless sound. If you review the topic here on earlier posts you’ll see that 90+% have experienced this. Most folks that try it, go back to a preamp. I would recommend a high quality tube preamp. Some folks have done very careful component matching and been happy with the results. One has to wonder in those cases, did they value detail over musicality and natural sound, or was it a great match.

It will probably not always be like this, as the the shift to the digital world continues, DAC companies will apply more effort to analog outputs and they will likely get better.

I've always firmly believed a great preamp is key to a great sounding system...it is the heart and soul.  

I had a fantastic preamp, the Zesto Leto and that cemented my position on how important a great preamp is.   It elevated my system to a different level.  I have tried several DACs straight to the Amp and never liked it. . YMMV

Every situation is a bit unique, but preamp outputs tend to be better suited for driving the impedance of any given amp than a DAC output.  That's not saying that aren't acceptable matches between some DACs and some amps, but it's primarily would preamps are made to do.  Then there's convenience of input selection, phono stage, balance, tone controls, etc.  

This just seems to be one of those very important decisions in audio that needs to be made by trying both in your system as there are just too many variables to make a confident prediction one way or the other.  Best of luck in finding the right option for your tastes/system. 

This is a great, hotly contested question. I have no opinion really. I have a Bel Canto Black EX pre/DAC and a PS Audio DAC to amp. I have considered buying a PS Audio preamp multiple times but never pulled the trigger. Paul McGowan recommends a preamp in the system.