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

You'd think after 50 years I would know this, but I don't. Aren't today's integrated enough?

OP ... yes!

Some integrated today are more than enough ,if that what you need. Many yrs ago Dan Modwright modified my Sony sacd player 9000 es with a very good volume control . I used it direct to amp.I like the sound better. Before I heard a Backert preamp ? I never care for preamp, Now I have 5 preamp 4 tubes , one solid state Krell Krc3.

My MSB Discrete DAC has a volume control and plenty of output. Almost 4v at 300 Ohms and close to 2v at 150 Ohms. I use predicted 150 Ohm 2v setting and without a preamp. I owned a Benchmark HP4 preamp and I found that the sound was better without it. So I sold it. The MSB has a high quality volume control and I only have a digital source. 

For me the pre amp is the hub of all the components.

Streamer & cd player to DAC. DAC to preamp, tt to preamp, one pre out to sub, 2nd pre out to main amp.

I use a old recapped Carver c4000. Attenuators for high & low HZ, balance, filters, an awesume sonic holograghy feature which enhances soundstage.

Even has a built in amp for time delay speakers. I dont use it anymore but it gave a nice concert hall effect or " opened up" a small room.

Added gain, drive, dynamics, energy and sound stage.