Does the Transport make a significant difference

What are the thoughts on removing the preamp and connecting the DAC straight to the amp?

This is variable, some systems sound better with pre while others do better without. Only one way to find out.

I'm currently running DAC direct into amp.

Agree with Rja, active preamp vs direct DAC just try both methods in your system and compare. That topic has been discussed it seems a thousand times on audiogon. The answers never change.

wow some great replies above. my opinion...for what it's worth...is I'd step up the entire digital front end...maybe a used dCS Puccinni...has a pretty good volume control built in. Then down the road a preamp.

I do like a preamp vs digital volume control...but again...in a priority I'd do something like a used dCS Puccini first...get the source as best as you can first.

Since it apears you play CD's, I also would try the PS Audio transport and use the is2 connection, as Stevechamp suggested. I purchased one for under $1500, and am happy using it with a Yamamoto dac( thanks charles1dad)

I have not tried computer audio, but if it's something you are eager to get into, it seems now would be the time.