pre-amp vs dac straight to amps

No experience—yet—in computer-based audio, but I prefer using a preamp.

First reason is a practical one: I have four source components, one each for CD, SACD, LP, and FM, so I need quick 'n' easy switching from one to the other.

Second reason is that, in my limited experience, it always sounds more "alive" through a preamp (and for me, that means an active preamp).

Now, with audioengr's explanation of the problem—shortage of DACs "with a decent volume control technology"—I understand why.

My expirence has been running my Benchmark HDR 1 feed directly to my Kharma MP150 amps for 6 months, then added a Modwright LS 36.5 Pre. The difference was astounding soundstage, warmth, voices came alive. The Benchmark was cold and thin in comparison not to knock the Benchmark but I'll keep mine as a Dac.

"for me, it's through the preamp that has lots of bass punch and impact!"

This is because your DAC has a high-impedance output stage. Going direct is superior only if the DAC has strong drive on the output stage. OP-amp outputs usually dont cut-it.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

I have a PerfectWave DAC and a VAC Renaissance 30/30 amp and much prefer it with my VAC Standard preamp in the middle. That being said, there is additional detail without the preamp that works for some music and recordings, but there is also added stridency and edginess that makes it much more unpleasant for others. All in all, I find it more musical with the preamp; also a little bit of forgiveness in a system makes for pleasant listening across a much wider variety of source material.

I have been going back and forth using a Jeff Rowland Capri PM in line with a Berkeley alpha 2 DAC feeding a Modwright KWA 150 SE and the Berkeley direct has greater transparency, detail, air and lower distortion BUT the center fill is oddly thin and the sound is slightly less meaty. To my ears the preamp contributes a subtle layer of fine grain and less clearly defined instrument outlines. It is odd but the straight up alpha 2 is objectively superior at revealing music information yet I still miss aspects of the added noise the Rowland contributes a warm, human character that is compelling. I am truly conflicted.