Eliminated my preamp with amazing results

Almost every major audio manufacturer designs and manufactures preamps, and PS Audio is no exception. Even a preamp only serves basic functions such as volume control and impedance matching and has no synergetic effect, it has historically been a main component in manufacturing. Criticizing Paul or Arnie for advocating the belief in the synergetic effect to boost sales is both illogical and unethical.  Keep that kind of unhealthy criticism yourself, please.

@lanx0003 

Keep that kind of unhealthy criticism yourself, please.

So what kind of criticism can we discuss here? Only the "healthy" kind?

I think @gdaddy1 was expressing his opinion regarding PS Audio, not fact. Is that not allowed now either?

Engaging in a discussion about the use of preamps in audio systems and sharing personal experiences to support differing opinions is a healthy and constructive approach to exploring this contentious topic. Drawing from individual experiences adds depth and insight to the conversation, fostering a more comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.

However, questioning a professional's motivations by attributing their opinions solely to business incentives can be seen as insulting and antagonistic, especially if there's no factual basis supporting such claims. It's important to engage in discussions or critiques while maintaining a respectful tone, acknowledging the possibility of differing perspectives or motivations. 

it is interesting to read opinions and experience of each others about such and such gear piece...Needed or not...

But there can be only  anecdotes here , because too many factors and specific needs and different gear levels experience are implied...

I dont need a preamplifier with my integrated TOP Sansui alpha for sure driving my headphones only now ...

But suppose i  want  to upgrade it with a TOP power amplifier because i had mew big speakers  , i will need one....Or suppose i decide to buy a TOP integrated superior to the Sansui alpha ? Now suppose i upgraded this integrated superior to my Sansui alpha with a power amplifier top in the world , i will need a TOP preamplifier  ( a tube Berning preamp ? )  ...

This had no ends, add each one of us system and needs and all acoustic, electrical and mechanical parameters at play...

 There is no rule here AT ALL ....

By the way as i said i bought a low cost tube preamplifier to add to my active speakers : total improvement and not small ...It is anecdotal as is anecdotal the possible improvement in some specific mechanical,electrical and acoustical embeddings workings system/house/room if we throw off the preamplifier ...some coupling are bad or useless  or simply not synergetical  etc ...

If I am not mistaken, the analogue section of a DAC amplifies the decoded signal to max preamp level so that there are only two aspects that would warrant a separate preamp: a better analogue design capable of improving on the necessarily compromised analogue section of the DAC or a superior attenuator (assuming the DAC has one). In the latter instance a passive should beat any active preamp on distortion, in the former the solution might be a better DAC. I have yet to hear a concise argument why a separate preamp with additional cables and innate additional distortion should beat a high quality DAC. For most modern designs arguments about impedance mismatches are irrelevant.