Dumb question......why do you need a preamp?

if you have an integrated amp, you don’t “need“ a preamp, but most people would likely say that separates of comparable make or quality to the integrated app will be better.

Some say omitting the preamp and running the dac directly to your power amp is superior and a lot of others who say just the opposite. I’ve tried both in my system and definitely prefer the preamp, I think it adds a density and richness to the sound that is missing otherwise. There are, however, plenty of knowledgeable people who disagree. Like so many matters in this hobby, it’s  a matter of personal preference, not a hard and fast rule

I make the world best sound audio system with an integrated amp. My audio system will sound worse if I used a separate pre-amp and power-amp configuration system. Also, my system will sound worse if I used separate transport and DAC. Alex/Wavetouch audio

A good separate preamp will 95% ofthe time sound muchbetter 

most integrated amps have cheap little roundAlps volume attenuators which are not good and Rob detail ,you want a zr2R resistor ladder attenuator, then relay 

for top quality.

I think Luxman has a good volume attenuator if that is the issue

Separate preamps and power amps provide greater flexibility to customize SQ by mixing and matching brands and models at the additional expense of interconnects, power cords, racking area, and vibration isolation.  Some will say separate chassis provide better SQ because of better power regulation due to separate supplies and better isolation from interference.  However, I have found modern integrated amps produce near equivalent or better SQ than some separates at the same price point.  I went from separates to an integrated system.  I do believe a seperate DAC and server/streamer sounds better than most fully integrated systems and here, the additional flexibility is worth it.  I also find that running a DAC with preamp capabilities through an integrated amp or preamp sounds better than using the DAC as the preamp direct to a power amp. but it seems counterintuitive.  The shortest signal path should produce the best SQ.  I cannoli explain why other than my preamps or integrated amp is of better quality than the DAC preamp function.